The Criterion Collection

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Pyoko

Assuming they filled it to the brim with no additional fluff, they could theoretically have hit an average video bitrate of around 18Mbps, which might prove acceptable, if perhaps slightly anemic if it's particularly grainy.

I may be off the mark here but if they can use almost every bit of data for the transfer (leaving say, 1GB for the menus and all other things) one could calculate the bit-rate as (49GB x 8192 Mb/GB) / (312 min x 60 sec) = 21.4 Mb/s.
Considering that the CC DVD release of F&A crammed the TV version on to 2 DVD9's (same as the theatrical version, yes?) and had average bitrates of less than 6Mb/s (as per DVD Beaver's comparison), I'm sure it's going to be a significant upgrade over that version.
Another thing is that F&A does not feature the sort of motion that Seven Samurai has (especially in its battle scenes), so is to my simple mind, not in need of as high a bitrate.

[Pyoko]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I may be off the mark here but if they can use almost every bit of data for the transfer (leaving say, 1GB for the menus and all other things) one could calculate the bit-rate as (49GB x 8192 Mb/GB) / (312 min x 60 sec) = 21.4 Mb/s.

It'll be somewhere around there but probably a bit lower. I was estimating around:

48500000000 bytes for the film itself x 8 bits / 18720 seconds / 1024 = 20240Kbps total bitrate

Close to 1200Kbps would be reserved for the LPCM mono audio and subtitles, leaving just above 19000Kbps or 18.60Mbps for the video.

I do hope it looks good as I have never seen the longer version, but it's not the whole world if it doesn't. The theatrical version is still an amazing film and doesn't feel like a hack job in the slightest, at least not without comparing.

[Rodyon Raskolnikov]

Originally Posted by Barrysupreme

Recieved today and I am so excited to watch it....

[Show spoiler]

Could you tell us whether it's a significant upgrade or not? I'm contemplating buying the Blu-ray, but I already have the DVD set.

[runnersdialzero]

Anybody have an extra Criterion clear case they could sell me? I just need one.

Thanks!

[Donat96]

Originally Posted by runnersdialzero

Anybody have an extra Criterion clear case they could sell me? I just need one.

Thanks!

You can buy them off Criterion's website.
http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...ay-amaray-case

[oildude]

I realize Criterion's Eclipse series is DVD only, but they do get discussed here from time to time. I have decided to pick up a few during the upcoming B&N sale.

Basically, I have decided it is foolish to keep waiting for BD versions of the Larisa Shepitko set and a few others. As someone who made the plunge into the Criterion Collection in the blu-ray era, I am reluctant to buy DVDs of the films I want if there is a chance of an upgrade coming within a year or two. To the extent I can be patient and wait, my preference will always be for a BD over a DVD, if there is a reaonable expectation of an upgrade. There was some discussion here a month or so ago that the Eclipse films may never see upgrades, or if they do it will be selective and a long time coming. Given the slow pace of Criterion upgrades of the mainline films, this makes sense.

So I am definitely in for:

• The Larisa Shepitko set. I have seen The Ascent, but am most excited to finally see Wings.
  
• The First Films of Samuel Fuller set, since I really want The Steel Helmet. The other two films in the set will be blind buys.

I will limit myself to one or two more Eclipse sets, since I will also be buying most of the October and November BD releases. I am leaning towards:

• Nikkatsu Noir set. I am just getting into Japanese cinema and really like what I have discovered through the Criterion Collection so far. I have youtubed this one and it looks to be something I will enjoy from the clips I have seen and what I have read.

Two others that intrigue me are the recent Eclipse releases of:

• Aki Kaurismäki’s Leningrad Cowboys (funny stuff from the clips I have seen)
• The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara

Browsing the Criterion website and looking at other Eclipse sets, I have come across others I might try in the future. I know some members here have their favorites. I see some people are really happy about the upcoming release of the Gorin set. I also find the Sabu set appealing, although I have never seen any of the films in it.

[SpiderBaby]

NEW YORKER FILMS LIVES!

"New Yorker Films will release Celine and Julie Go Boating on Blu-ray Spring 2012"

2 things:

1. Finally some Rivette.

2. Hope New Yorker keeps this up.

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

NEW YORKER FILMS LIVES!

2. Hope New Yorker keeps this up.

That's great. Regarding Thing #2, their 1st BluRay title, My Dog Tulip was announced with a September 1st release date, that date came and went with no release/no announcement, and just within the last week, retailers started showing a December 20th street date. Hopefully that's just a 1st release hiccup...

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by jacobb1313

Depends on what you mean by "Criterion Mission". This is my opinion: during the laserdisc days Criterion wrote the book on elite home video releases, basically inventing commentaries and special features. Studios defaulted some of their legacy titles to Criterion for that reason, see: King Kong, Citizen Kane, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Wizard of Oz, Evita, English Patient, the 3 James Bond films, Blade Runner, Swing Time. Then the studios, during the DVD age, took those titles and did it themselves using the Criterion model, and Criterion had to delve the depths of overlooked or obscure international and independent releases. It's a bit history revisionist, I know, but it seems to me that the focus on "Super Art House" came out of a necessity to stay in business, but was not The primary focus of the company.

Blu-Ray being a kind of specialty format that places supreme importance on A/V quality has turned the tides back to laserdisc days, and Criterion has been given access to films that are "important" but don't fit the "super art house" mold: like Something Wild, Ride with the Devil and the Wes Andersons. And studios are giving them access to legacy films again: Stagecoach, Night of the Hunter, BBS Series, and the Kubricks.

Personally, I'm thrilled, even if I don't think Broadcast News or Nolan films are worthy of a "super art house" moniker or should be on my shelf. At least it opens the door for a different kind of appreciation.

I remember Criterion's catalogue during those Laserdisc days jacobb1313, and couldn't agree more with your perspective on the turns this label took as a result of American Studios repatriating most of their commercial titles under the house DVD brands. As you say, there is a lot of "revisionist" thinking on this point; Criterion's "super art house" moniker is really a DVD-era aberration, borne strictly out of necessity...they simply lost the rights to so many domestic classics.

Also, as you rightly note, we are in a different game now with Blu-ray. Each passing week, month, and year that classic catalogue titles do not get rescanned/remastered/rereleased in high-def because that market, although passionate about quality, is too small to satisfy studio bean counters who only want to think in terms of millions...makes the Blu-ray format more and more analgous to the Laserdisc model. Which explains the funkiness of Criterion's recent additions to the collection, mixing it up like crazy, especially for Blu-ray. Once again, Criteron is able to take advantage of a market gap...modest collector-focused opportunities that are still too niche to interest the majors.

So I anticipate many other previously 'unthinkable' filmmakers and titles getting the Criterion treatment, simply because their works have been orphaned by indifferent house labels.

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by oildude

I realize Criterion's Eclipse series is DVD only, but they do get discussed here from time to time. I have decided to pick up a few during the upcoming B&N sale.

Basically, I have decided it is foolish to keep waiting for BD versions of the Larisa Shepitko set and a few others. As someone who made the plunge into the Criterion Collection in the blu-ray era, I am reluctant to buy DVDs of the films I want if there is a chance of an upgrade coming within a year or two. To the extent I can be patient and wait, my preference will always be for a BD over a DVD, if there is a reaonable expectation of an upgrade. There was some discussion here a month or so ago that the Eclipse films may never see upgrades, or if they do it will be selective and a long time coming. Given the slow pace of Criterion upgrades of the mainline films, this makes sense.

So I am definitely in for:

• The Larisa Shepitko set. I have seen The Ascent, but am most excited to finally see Wings.
  
• The First Films of Samuel Fuller set, since I really want The Steel Helmet. The other two films in the set will be blind buys.

I will limit myself to one or two more Eclipse sets, since I will also be buying most of the October and November BD releases. I am leaning towards:

• Nikkatsu Noir set. I am just getting into Japanese cinema and really like what I have discovered through the Criterion Collection so far. I have youtubed this one and it looks to be something I will enjoy from the clips I have seen and what I have read.

Two others that intrigue me are the recent Eclipse releases of:

• Aki Kaurismäki’s Leningrad Cowboys (funny stuff from the clips I have seen)
• The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara

Browsing the Criterion website and looking at other Eclipse sets, I have come across others I might try in the future. I know some members here have their favorites. I see some people are really happy about the upcoming release of the Gorin set. I also find the Sabu set appealing, although I have never seen any of the films in it.

If you carefully read the "goal" of the Eclipse Series is easy to understand why they may never get a BD release from Criterion. All of these are "obscure" titles (At least according to them ) in which Criterion can't really put much money on for restoration. I really like the idea of the Eclipse Series. In fact, I too will get my first batch of sets in the upcoming sale . Mine will be...

- Aki's Kaurismaki Leningrad Cowboys
- Dusan Makavejev Free Radical
- Late Ozu

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

NEW YORKER FILMS LIVES!

"New Yorker Films will release Celine and Julie Go Boating on Blu-ray Spring 2012"

2 things:

1. Finally some Rivette.

2. Hope New Yorker keeps this up.

This are fantastic news! I am surprise really, I would have thought that Criterion would have pulled this trigger already. Great news Rivette is finally coming to the format .

[italy12]

Does Criterion list the 3 spine numbers that go along with the Fanny & Alexander set on the one spine for the digi (262, 263, 264), or does it just use the spine # that goes with the entire set (261)?

Curious...

[WileyWyler]

I'm looking forward to Criterion's upcoming BD's of Bob Raefelson's "Mountains of the Moon" and Carroll Ballard's "Never Cry Wolf!"

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by WileyWyler

I'm looking forward to Criterion's upcoming BD's of Bob Raefelson's "Mountains of the Moon" and Carroll Ballard's "Never Cry Wolf!"

Can you expand on this? Are there solid rumors or hints towards these titles or just wishes ?

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

NEW YORKER FILMS LIVES!

"New Yorker Films will release Celine and Julie Go Boating on Blu-ray Spring 2012"

2 things:

1. Finally some Rivette.

2. Hope New Yorker keeps this up.

[Darkcritic]

New Yorker Films are new to the BD market, aren't they? Can't find anything else released or announced other than My Dog Tulip and Celine and Julie Go Boating. When one of your first BD titles is a Rivette it means you are doing something right .

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by oildude

I realize Criterion's Eclipse series is DVD only, but they do get discussed here from time to time. I have decided to pick up a few during the upcoming B&N sale.

Basically, I have decided it is foolish to keep waiting for BD versions of the Larisa Shepitko set and a few others. As someone who made the plunge into the Criterion Collection in the blu-ray era, I am reluctant to buy DVDs of the films I want if there is a chance of an upgrade coming within a year or two. To the extent I can be patient and wait, my preference will always be for a BD over a DVD, if there is a reaonable expectation of an upgrade. There was some discussion here a month or so ago that the Eclipse films may never see upgrades, or if they do it will be selective and a long time coming. Given the slow pace of Criterion upgrades of the mainline films, this makes sense.

So I am definitely in for:

• The Larisa Shepitko set. I have seen The Ascent, but am most excited to finally see Wings.
  
• The First Films of Samuel Fuller set, since I really want The Steel Helmet. The other two films in the set will be blind buys.

I will limit myself to one or two more Eclipse sets, since I will also be buying most of the October and November BD releases. I am leaning towards:

• Nikkatsu Noir set. I am just getting into Japanese cinema and really like what I have discovered through the Criterion Collection so far. I have youtubed this one and it looks to be something I will enjoy from the clips I have seen and what I have read.

Two others that intrigue me are the recent Eclipse releases of:

• Aki Kaurismäki’s Leningrad Cowboys (funny stuff from the clips I have seen)
• The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara

Browsing the Criterion website and looking at other Eclipse sets, I have come across others I might try in the future. I know some members here have their favorites. I see some people are really happy about the upcoming release of the Gorin set. I also find the Sabu set appealing, although I have never seen any of the films in it.

I can swear by the Nikkatsu Noir set - I've watched and loved them all.
I've also watched 3 of the 5 films in the Kurahara set and love them as well. His films feature some of the craziest and most amazing camera work I've seen.
I can also highly recommend the Hiroshi Teshigahara box-set, which is Criterion, but not Eclipse. These films are more political and allegorical than the films in the other sets.
I've also been working my way through Eclipse collections of Oshima, Shimizu and the silent Ozu's. I've been happy with the quality and I don't expect to see any of these get upgraded any time soon.
The B&N sale is great way to get these sets for a really cheap price.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by WileyWyler

I'm looking forward to Criterion's upcoming BD's of Bob Raefelson's "Mountains of the Moon" and Carroll Ballard's "Never Cry Wolf!"

Whoa!! Where did this come from? Mountains of the Moon is one of my favorite movies and in my top 5 most wanted blu-rays. In fact, whenever we play the "wish list game" on this thread of movies we want Criterion to get the rights, this is always one of mine. The fact that it is a Rafelson movie, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for the director to finally film, make it seem like a natural fit in the collection.

Is this speculation or have you read something about this?

Mountains of the Moon, Gallipoli, and a few others released by Criterion would be to me what Last Movie and Gorin are to SpiderBaby!

[harry lime]

They probably use seamless branching for the Fanny & Alexander release over two discs. the third is for special features. No point in doing the whole one disc for one version and another disc for the other version thing anymore.

Berrysupreme wanna answer some of these concerns with the copy he has??

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by Darkcritic

New Yorker Films are new to the BD market, aren't they? Can't find anything else released or announced other than My Dog Tulip and Celine and Julie Go Boating. When one of your first BD titles is a Rivette it means you are doing something right .

When New Yorker manages to deliver a good looking Blu, then we can say they are doing something right. Their DVD efforts were less than optimal. Hopefully, New Yorker's taste in titles will be equaled by their ability to deliver a superior product.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

I can swear by the Nikkatsu Noir set - I've watched and loved them all.
I've also watched 3 of the 5 films in the Kurahara set and love them as well. His films feature some of the craziest and most amazing camera work I've seen.
I can also highly recommend the Hiroshi Teshigahara box-set, which is Criterion, but not Eclipse. These films are more political and allegorical than the films in the other sets.
I've also been working my way through Eclipse collections of Oshima, Shimizu and the silent Ozu's. I've been happy with the quality and I don't expect to see any of these get upgraded any time soon.
The B&N sale is great way to get these sets for a really cheap price.

Thanks, drbikeshorts. Your recommendation for the Nikkatsu Noir set is appreciated and I am fairly certain it will be on my buy list. I am also looking into some of these other Eclipse sets you mentioned. I figure to get maybe four sets this time around. I read somewhere that something like 40% of the Eclipse movies are Japanese cinema, so there is a lot to chose from. All of these - Oshima, Kurahara, Ozu, Shimizu, etc are new to me.