The Criterion Collection

[ROclockCK]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Question, is all the "mehs" because you have seen all of these and don't like them, or you don't care about them and will never experience them because you want something more in your comfort zone?

Don't we all SpiderBaby? And I don't mean that snarkily either. Recent Criterion announcements seem to have included at least one or two eagerly anticipated treasures - either new to the collection or spectacularly reborn. However, this month...not so much. These are all good to very good films and BDs I'll no doubt buy and enjoy, but nothing here had me involuntarily blurting "Huzzzahhh!!!"

[Presence]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Ask Phaidon. jk.

Masters of Cinema (UK)

Thank you.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by oildude

SpiderBaby, I see you are a big fan of Hollis Frampton.

I wouldn't say "big fan" (I leave that for my "favs"). Just a big fan in experimental filmmakers in general. I believe some of his films are on UBU.com and Youtube, if you are ever curious.

I appreciate your recommendations when it comes to films or directors I have never heard of before

Believe me, I won't recommend something if I think it's a waste of money or time (obviously, because I'm recommending it). I believe the Czech New Wave set trumps everything else announced so far this year. Film for film (and the fact that I gave up on Criterion releasing more Czech New Wave last year), I am shocked that they had these.

[jacobsever]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Question, is all the "mehs" because you have seen all of these and don't like them, or you don't care about them and will never experience them because you want something more in your comfort zone?

I'd say 75% of what Criterion releases I've never heard of before, and I blind buy almost all of them. (and end up enjoying almost all as well). However, I have actually heard of AND seen one of April's releases...and I hated it. That's why you'll hear a "meh" from me this month.

[jacobsever]

Just watched "Lemon" by Hollis Frampton on youtube. Maybe I just don't "get it", but watching different lighting angles on a still object for 5 minutes just is, well, boring.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by oildude

Aren't you whining about whining?

I'm not whining, I'm just stating an observation.

It just seems like it's the same people whining each month though. I can understand being disappointed, but the constant, "Criterion's not really the stuff I want, they never release the stuff I want, last year was so much better, Criterion now sucks, I won't have to worry about coupon stacking for July because there's nothing here even worth 10 dollars, and blah, blah, blah."

[oildude]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I'm not whining, I'm just stating an observation.

It just seems like it's the same people whining each month though. I can understand being disappointed, but the constant, "Criterion's not really the stuff I want, they never release the stuff I want, last year was so much better, Criterion now sucks, I won't have to worry about coupon stacking for July because there's nothing here even worth 10 dollars, and blah, blah, blah."

Honestly, I think you are exaggerating quite a bit here if you are reading that into it. Just an observation.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by oildude

Honestly, I think you are exaggerating quite a bit here if you are reading that into it. Just an observation.

I was being snarky.

[jcs913]

What NO Wes!!!

Had to throw that in. Rich, you finally get some OZU blu on Criterion!! The better question is what are you going to do with your BFI release.
This is the first month in a very long time that I am looking forward to only the dvd set... And to no surprise the man in the black hat makes no appearance.... They're not all golden...

[greekak229]

Annnnddddd no Chaplin. Hm.

[ccfixx]

I take one 50-minute drive home from work since the announcements and I see that, like clockwork, all of the Criterion pu$$ies come out of the woodwork to complain about no "mainstream" movies like Badlands, The Game, Chaplin films.

[Narcissus]

Thank You Criterion for making it easier to get caught up on the wish list.
or
Boring.

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

I take one 50-minute drive home from work since the announcements and I see that, like clockwork, all of the Criterion pu$$ies come out of the woodwork to complain about no "mainstream" movies like Badlands, The Game, Chaplin films.

If complaining about no Chaplin announcements on Blu-ray makes me a pu$$y, as you so eloquently put it, then whatever. I'm cool with that.

[Yami]

Frampton is something I'd play as an art display. It's certainly not something I could sit down and enjoy as a piece of entertainment

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by greekak229

If complaining about no Chaplin announcements on Blu-ray makes me a pu$$y, as you so eloquently put it, then whatever. I'm cool with that.

But, I like you, greekak. You don't come out of the woodwork to express your disappointment; you're a regular around here.

[Cat III]

Harold and Maude is good. Unlike some people here I saw it when I was around seventeen and liked it just fine. Not a first day-er though. I'll pick it up during the B&N sale, along with Godzilla and maybe Three Outlaw Samurai.

I agree the complaining can be a nuisance. Criterion releases a lot of interesting stuff and can't please all the people all of the time. Plus there are other quality companies out there. You can buy from them sometimes.

[monque]

Maybe Harold and Maude for me from this batch. May look into Alambrista.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

I take one 50-minute drive home from work since the announcements and I see that, like clockwork, all of the Criterion pu$$ies come out of the woodwork to complain about no "mainstream" movies like Badlands, The Game, Chaplin films.

And to add to it, I believe Chaplin is one of 4 filmmakers (Melville, Bergman, and Malle) that has had the most releases by 1 filmmaker since Modern Times has came out. So I don't get this "When is the next Chaplin coming?".

Godzilla is the most popular film Criterion has released on dvd or blu-ray, and that came out this year. Just because they are FINALLY releasing more "obscure" (or should I say "new to dvd") titles (haven't seen this much since 09' btw), doesn't mean they are not going to release those good ol' movies that has had releases already.

If people are really complaining about experimental films, or some of the best films from a country like those Czech films, maybe Criterion is only for you when you want something re-released with "cool" cover art?

[octagon]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Question, is all the "mehs" because you have seen all of these and don't like them, or you don't care about them and will never experience them because you want something more in your comfort zone?

Interest zone is probably more like it. The Ozu is obviously worth a look and given the raves I'll likely rent the Eclipse set but to be honest there haven't been a lot of 'omg' announcements lately.

Which is fine, btw. Pale Flower, Kes, People on Sunday and Naked were all pretty 'meh' when I first heard of them and those worked out pretty okay.

Expanding my interest zone is a big part of what keeps me coming back.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

rkish must have passed out upon hearing about Late Spring...he's been really quiet...

Nope...just too busy with car, job, and family and I missed you guys breaking the news to me...I found out "by accident" from the announcement on the blu-ray.com news on the homepage.

I'm obviously thrilled about "Late Spring" and will likely buy that day one. I know little to nothing about the Czech New Wave films, but these films seem very intriguing and if I can't afford to buy them at their release...I will most certainly buy this Eclipse set during some sale in the near future.

Joe...I think Late Spring Spring would be a good introduction into the films of Ozu...if just for the Wim Wenders documentary, that is a great tribute to Ozu and would likely teach you more about him...he was a big influence on Wenders. I don't know if you have a region free player, but if you do, there are some good early films of Ozu (not his silents...though those are good as well) that BFI has already released, that I can suggest. They are much grittier than his later films and even surprised me. "A Hen In The Wind" is one title that comes to mind...