The Criterion Collection

[ianungstad]

Originally Posted by Darkcritic

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

Considering Mountains on the Moon is owned by Studio Canal, I would say this "rumor" is anything but solid.

Carol Ballard really should be in the collection. I hope they grab the rights to The Black Stallion from MGM at some point.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by octagon

Yeah, their menus are very well done. I love the clean, elegant, consistent look and the fact that you can get a little description of a supplement without starting it.

That last one is an admittedly minor point but sometimes it really is the little touches...

Not "minor" at all octagon; in fact, that was my first big "Hurrah!" when originally introduced to this menuing system. Typically, I watch all the features anyway, but not necessarily in the order listed, especially if time is a constraint. And these little introductions are usually written in a very informative style - particularly useful in understanding the context for what we are about to see.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by ianungstad

Considering Mountains on the Moon is owned by Studio Canal, I would say this "rumor" is anything but solid.

Does ownership by Studio Canal - plus the reference back there somewhere in this thread about Criterion's strained relationship with David Lynch (what's that all about anyway?) - mean that we are unlikely to see a Criterion Blu-ray of Mulholland Drive or Inland Empire? Since Criterion already lost RAN, Contempt, and The Third Man to Studio Canal, it doesn't look like these labels will be collaborating any time soon ianungstad.

Mullholland Drive is of particular interest to me, not only because I still consider it the best post-millennium American film, but because I would love to see Lynch's original 'straight' unsold/unaired ABC TV pilot before he deconstructed it non-linearly into the film we eventually saw. If ever a cinematic backstory warranted in depth analysis and presentation...

A bit sidebar: I have the French Studio Canal HD-DVD of Mulholland Drive, and although overall a good looker, what impressed me most was the AQ...it sounded like an uncompressed track. Amazing soundscape in that film, spectacularly transferred in that edition.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Does ownership by Studio Canal - plus the reference back there somewhere in this thread about Criterion's strained relationship with David Lynch (what's that all about anyway? - mean that we are unlikely to see a Criterion Blu-ray of Mulholland Drive or Inland Empire?

Studio Canal does not control the rights for Mulholland Drive in the U.S. Universal Studios does.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Since Criterion already lost RAN, Contempt, and The Third Man to Studio Canal, it doesn't look like these labels will be collaborating any time soon.

They could not have lost them because they never owned them. They had licensed these films for release in the U.S.

This maybe obvious to a lot of people, but I don't think it is quite clear to all of the people who visit the forum, so: Not all American films are owned by American companies. Warner, for example, had to license Chaplin's films before they released them in the U.S., because the rights are controlled by MK2 in France.

Similar is the situation with many, many British classic films the rights for which are not controlled by UK companies but by large French companies, such as Canal


Pro-B

p.s.

If you want Lynch's films, why don't you consider the Region-Free German boxset. I doubt that IF these films ever arrive to the U.S. they would look any better.

David Lynch Box Blu-ray REVIEW

[drbikeshorts]

Originally Posted by octagon

Yeah, their menus are very well done. I love the clean, elegant, consistent look and the fact that you can get a little description of a supplement without starting it.

That last one is an admittedly minor point but sometimes it really is the little touches...

I don't think that's a minor point; I think it's a great feature. In some of the descriptions they mention the running time and I wish they'd do that for all docos and interviews. I'd like to know before I start if I'm in for 10, 30 or 60 minutes before I start.
I also like the simplicity and elegance; I hate those cumbersome menu systems that try to pretend they're the command centre of a spaceship.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Studio Canal does not control the rights for Mulholland Drive in the U.S. Universal Studios does.

I always thought so Pro-B. But at least one of the DVD editions I owned had the Columbia/TriStar/Sony logo on it! Then the French HD-DVDs showed up under Studio Canal, and the UK version under Optimum. Since we're talking about video licensing here, not ownership of the actual film, I just assumed Universal had totally farmed out those disc rights.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Similar is the situation with many, many British classic films the rights for which are not controlled by UK companies but by large French companies, such as Canal

Interesting. Although I've suspected as much because of all the Studio Canal logos I've seen on films and videos in recent years.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

If you want Lynch's films, why don't you consider the Region-Free German boxset. I doubt that IF these films ever arrive to the U.S. they would look any better.

Until you provided that link, I wasn't even aware that German Blu-ray set existed, so I guess I should check Amazon.DE more often. You're probably right though; the likelihood of these films receiving a similar box in North America, seems increasingly remote. However, the only thing that holds me back from springing for that German set is that I was never a big fan of Lost Highway, and already have a very nice HD-DVD of Mulholland Drive - the big carrot for a double-dip with that title would have to be inclusion of the unaired pilot. As for Inland Empire, the DVD I own is the "More..." version, which has crappy AQ and PQ, but is loaded with deleted/alternate scenes, including David Lynch's endearingly daffy 'cooking show' for quinoa. Thanks for the tip though...I guess I should take any further questions about the features on the German set to another board.

From what you've said though Pro-B, it seems that the likelihood of a Criterion edition of Mulholland Drive (including TV pilot backstory) lies somewhere between "remote"...and "dream on".

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

I always thought so Pro-B. But at least one of the DVD editions I owned had the Columbia/TriStar/Sony logo on it! Then the French HD-DVDs showed up under Studio Canal, and the UK version under Optimum. Since we're talking about video licensing here, not ownership of the actual film, I just assumed Universal had totally farmed out those disc rights.

I see

However, the one R1 DVD that you have seen with the Columbia Tristar logo is the Canadian release by TVA International, which was distributed by Columbia. The R1 U.S. DVD release is most definitely Universal property. You can trust me, because I know exactly how the U.S. and Canadian releases were done (as far as the rights are concerned).

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Interesting. Although I've suspected as much because of all the Studio Canal logos I've seen on films and videos in recent years.

They bought Optimum in the UK quite some time ago (and Kinowelt in Germany) and they are their branch there. More importantly they have invested into large projects (archiving, restoration, etc). But even before 2006, Canal controlled the rights for many, many UK films. I believe that at the moment they have the second biggest film library in the world, after Warner (with branches, sublabels, etc).

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

Until you provided that link, I wasn't even aware that German Blu-ray set existed, so I guess I should check Amazon.DE more often. You're probably right though; the likelihood of these films receiving a similar box in North America, seems increasingly remote. However, the only thing that holds me back from springing for that German set is that I was never a big fan of Lost Highway, and already have a very nice HD-DVD of Mulholland Drive - the big carrot for a double-dip with that title would have to be inclusion of the unaired pilot. As for Inland Empire, the DVD I own is the "More..." version, which has crappy AQ and PQ, but is loaded with deleted/alternate scenes, including David Lynch's endearingly daffy 'cooking show' for quinoa. Thanks for the tip though...I guess I should take any further questions about the features on the German set to another board.

Yes. In fact, at the moment such a boxset of Lynch films isn't even possible in the U.S. because different parties own the rights for the films. Also, for Inland Empire a potential distributor would have to deal directly with Mr. Lynch.

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

From what you've said though Pro-B, it seems that the likelihood of a Criterion edition of Mulholland Drive (including TV pilot backstory) lies somewhere between "remote"...and "dream on".

Let's put it this way: With enough money and desire anything is possible. But if I had to bet on a certain thing, at this point I would put my money on a Apu Trilogy (Satyajit Ray) Blu-ray boxset from Criterion in 2012 rather than a David Lynch booxset.

Have a wonderful week, ROclockCK

Pro-B

[Hawkguy]

After reading the review for Kuroneko, it is definitely one I want to buy during the sale (I'm also now wanting to see Red Angel, of course)

[oildude]

I spent a few hours today on the web, the Criterion website, and youtube searching out information and clips for varous Eclipse sets.

Beased on that effort and recommendations here, I am defintely going to add Nikkatsu Noir to my buy list along with the Larisa Shepitko set and the First Films of Samuel Fuller set.

I may add a couple of more Eclipse sets than what I planned. Once this sale ends, it will be over seven months to the next one. I always buy more than I intend in these Criterion sales anyway, so why pretend I have restraint

Please keep the recommendations coming for those of you who have Eclipse sets. I know I really appreciate them, and I think others do also. I will be looking further into the ones recommended by drbikeshorts and jcs913.

Has anyone viewed the Lenningrad Cowboys set yet? I watched a bunch of clips today online. I loved the Jim Jarmusch car salesman bit. It wasn't clear if all the clips I saw were from films in the set, but they were all pretty hilarious.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

She actually did more than that (for the interested).

A short film Homeland of Electricity and V trinadtsatom chasu nochi (a weird, late 60's New Year's Eve Soviet TV special). Here is part of it to give you a taste:

[Show spoiler]V trinadtsatom chasu nochi (1969, USSR) - YouTube

Would of been great if Criterion released more than 2 films, because I don't think they will go back and release anymore.

I would think this is her final filmography:

Znoy
The Blind Cook (short)
Living Water (short)
Wings
Homeland of Electricity (short)
V trinadtsatom chasu nochi (T.V. special)
Ty i ya
The Ascent

sad we prob won't see the rest on any type of release (only rare screenings and the internet).

Thanks for the link and info, SpiderBaby. Actually, what you describe as weird is pretty standard goofiness for Russian TV, from what I have seen. I have a few Russian friends who subscribe to channels in the US that transmit programs from their homeland (these channels all seem to originate from NYC) and I get a fairly heavy dose of it when I visit.

I have spent many an hour at their homes either watching Russian TV or having it on in the background. It is like a throw back to 1970s TV. Lots of game shows, discussion shows, comedy and variety shows, music talent shows, soap operas, and a mix of older Soviet movies and more recent Russian ones. It is actually great entertainment, although despite two years of college Russian, I understand very little. My first exposure to The Ascent was this way, in Russian with no subtitles. The Ascent was so moving a film I only had to ask for translations from my friends a few times. We were all spellbound by it.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by oildude

I have a few Russian friends who subscribe to channels in the US that transmit programs from their homeland (these channels all seem to originate from NYC) and I get a fairly heavy dose of it when I visit.

That would be cool to get if it came with English Subs or Closed Captioning. Well, it would still be cool just to get to look at. It wouldn't be the first time I would enjoy something without subtitles.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

That would be cool to get if it came with English Subs or Closed Captioning. Well, it would still be cool just to get to look at. It wouldn't be the first time I would enjoy something without subtitles.

If you are serious, I can PM you information on how to subscribe. Let me know and I will make the inquiries. I have actually thought about the same thing, thinking it might improve my Russian. I have met Russians who speak perfect English who claim they learned a lot from watching American TV, but when I watch Russian TV I just don't see how that is possible. I guess it depends on the individual.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by oildude

If you are serious, I can PM you information on how to subscribe. Let me know and I will make the inquiries. I have actually thought about the same thing, thinking it might improve my Russian. I have met Russians who speak perfect English who claim they learned a lot from watching American TV, but when I watch Russian TV I just don't see how that is possible. I guess it depends on the individual.

I'll get back with you on it later if you don't mind.

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

...the one R1 DVD that you have seen with the Columbia Tristar logo is the Canadian release by TVA International, which was distributed by Columbia. The R1 U.S. DVD release is most definitely Universal property. You can trust me, because I know exactly how the U.S. and Canadian releases were done (as far as the rights are concerned).

Good enough for me Pro-B. Thanks for clearing that up.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

...at the moment such a boxset of Lynch films isn't even possible in the U.S. because different parties own the rights for the films. Also, for Inland Empire a potential distributor would have to deal directly with Mr. Lynch.

I'm getting the distinct impression that prospect isn't 'fun'.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

With enough money and desire anything is possible. But if I had to bet on a certain thing, at this point I would put my money on a Apu Trilogy (Satyajit Ray) Blu-ray boxset from Criterion in 2012 rather than a David Lynch booxset.

[fists clenched] Love. Hate. Love. Hate. Love...*shrug*. Just the nature of this biz. Given the choice, Apu deserves the showcase after so many of years out of print on DVD.

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Have a wonderful week, ROclockCK

Ditto Pro-B*!

BTW, good reviews! I think I'm going to spring for Sands of the Kalahari, another title that I didn't realize had been released on Blu. Big Cy Endfield fan here from way back: Just a no nonsense craftsman. Get the job done. Stay out of the way of the talent. And make it all look like it cost 10 times as much.

* BTW, after awhile, most folks seem to settle on ROCK as my nick. As a newbie poster, I just didn't want to seem overly familiar. But it's all good.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by ROclockCK

I used to have that experience on *.COM BohemianGraham. But somehow it changed since my last order about 2 months ago, and yes, I did everything you noted above, especially concerning shipping options. Possibly Amazon.COM has recently adjusted policy because our par or higher Canadian dollar was attracting too many buyers to *.COM instead of *.CA, or have just added some conditional background algorithm to sale products that instructs the system charge International customers full shipping per item regardless of quantity so as not to gut sales on the domestic *.CA site.

As previously noted, all things being equal, I typically order from Amazon.CA anyway because I'm a collector first and bargain hunter second. *.CA tends to pack better and there's defacto less risk of damage in transit due to Customs mishandling. But I have been registered on *.COM for almost 5 years, and still make at least half a dozen combined purchases from the parent site annually. But this was by far the worst checkout hit yet, and I'll certainly be on the phone with them Monday morning for an explanation how $95.95 in product now suddenly becomes $140.65 going north of the border to a longstanding registered customer.

I think their system is just buggy. I mean, they charge an import fee only to refund it entirely 3 months later, which works in our favour I guess. I still get my stuff packed decently, and it arrives quicker than if it were to come from the Canadian site. My last order has the correct shipping price, but it had almost 8 dollars in import fees, which will be returned in 3 months. I'm not entirely sure how they figure out the fees, as I've spent more, and had a smaller fee. B&N is much slower, but their shipping fee and tax is much, much cheaper. They're normally higher in price than Amazon though.

Originally Posted by Rodyon Raskolnikov

Barnes take like 5 weeks to deliver to Canada, even though they state 7 to 12 days on their website. You better not be in a hurry.

I'm well aware of the wait. Patience is a virtue. I think the issue is Canada Post, not them, because they are under the impression that it does take 1-2 weeks, and if you call them after 5-6 weeks (when you know it's more like 3-4, and this is the first one that has taken so freaking long), they will tell you that the parcel is lost, and therefore you get a refund.

They also aren't ballsy enought to stand up to Chapters-Indigo and Heather Reisman, unlike Amazon who make it a habbit to annoy them constantly. Why do you think the Nook/Nook Color can't be shipped to Canada?

[rocks off]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I think their system is just buggy.

Indeed that is the problem. In fact, yesterday someone here made a thread complaining about what he thought may be a new policy regarding shipping charges to non-US customers on .com. He eventually contacted amazon and they confirmed that it is not intentional and they're working on a fix.

Anyway, I'm loving this amazon.com sale, because I've been able to pricematch about 5 titles so far at Futureshop. Some representatives will shoot you down immediately once you mention .com and not .ca, but some will gladly ring you up on sale price. Cheaper than ordering from .com directly, and probably about the same price as the B&N sale without the long wait.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by rocks off

Indeed that is the problem. In fact, yesterday someone here made a thread complaining about what he thought may be a new policy regarding shipping charges to non-US customers on .com. He eventually contacted amazon and they confirmed that it is not intentional and they're working on a fix.

Anyway, I'm loving this amazon.com sale, because I've been able to pricematch about 5 titles so far at Futureshop. Some representatives will shoot you down immediately once you mention .com and not .ca, but some will gladly ring you up on sale price. Cheaper than ordering from .com directly, and probably about the same price as the B&N sale without the long wait.

There's no way in hell I will be able to price match amazon.COM at Future shop or Best Buy here. I'm jealous.

Even though B&N takes longer, as I said, they're cheaper than Amazon sometimes even if the item is 2-3 bucks more, because their shipping and taxes are much, much cheaper than Amazon:

Amazon has 4.99 per order, plus 2.99 for each individual item, and an import fee which is approximately 13-15% of your order total before shipping. It takes 3 months to be refunded (not always a guaranteee, but so far I've received all of mine back)

B&N, in comparison, charges 3.99 per order, and 1.99 per item, and only charges GST on your purchase total, which is 5%.

Edit: Actually, there's no way in hell they'll price match Amazon period. They had an argument and a half over price matching Walmart.ca's advertisement of Robin Hood, for 15. They have no problems PMing The Source or Best Buy though for electronics, but BDs and DVDs are a whole other kettle of fish.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Let's put it this way: With enough money and desire anything is possible. But if I had to bet on a certain thing, at this point I would put my money on a Apu Trilogy (Satyajit Ray) Blu-ray boxset from Criterion in 2012 rather than a David Lynch booxset.
Pro-B

I think the main thing is there is no working relationship with Lynch and Criterion. There's an interview with Becker from 11 or 12 years ago where he says Lynch is very difficult to work with-------- and we haven't had any valid rumors since then.

I'd be thrilled to see Mulholland Drive get a spine but it doesn't seem likely any time soon.

[jcs913]

I finished Carlos part 3 last night on Netflix and have to say it is a timely film now. With all that has been going on in the Middle East, especially Libya and Syria, the film really casts a light on those situations and explains, to a point, how they got started. Overall, it tells a very interesting story and admittedly, the music was fantastic. The Wire tracks really brought me back, especially with the choice of "Ahead" in the film. Overall, I definitely recommend it, but it's not a purchase for me, as rarely do I revisit 3 day films. Anyone with Netflix, take advantage of the streaming, as they always seem to drop titles after a while.

[JHas]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I think the main thing is their is no working relationship with Lynch and Criterion. There's an interview with Becker from 11 or 12 years ago where he says Lynch is very difficult to work with-------- and we haven't had any valid rumors since then.

I'd be thrilled to see Mulholland Drive get a spine but it doesn't seem likely any time soon.

I read somewhere a while back that Lynch gets into a tizzy about having chapter breaks on his movies for DVD/blu-ray, he said that movies should be watched from start to finish with no exception.