The Criterion Collection

[SpiderBaby]

Question, and not to start a Malick war, but why has Badlands become this Citizen Kane of "please release!"?

[AgentOrange]

Originally Posted by 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

After checking out a few youtube clips. I think it's something I wont' be playing on blu-ray period.

Of course I'm not one that complains about the films that Criterion DOES release. Variety, and pushing boundaries for what can be made commercially available is always a good thing.

However I'm still disappointed in no Chaplin, and still waiting on quite a few "upgrades" that are years overdo. A month with no upgrades at all doesn't help get us caught up to the back catalogue....

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by AgentOrange

A month with no upgrades at all doesn't help get us caught up to the back catalogue....

There was an upgrade.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

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.

CG, I am going to step back in and ask what you are adding to CC's comment? Criterion has the license for the Chaplin films and have released 2 of them so far. That is the same output as Suzuki on BD, that is my disappointment. Even Wes has 3 releases on BD. Are his films 'more worthy' of a blu release than Chaplin? I am at the front of the line for 'obscure' titles like you are, as that is what I believe has always been the backbone of what criterion is about, but I think some regular posters complaining about the lack of a Chaplin release is justified. Remember, a Chaplin release is a 'new' spine number with potential extras that have never been seen. This is my interest in Criterion putting out some Chaplin. I know the films have been out on dvd for years, but with Criterion, the supplements and the overall picture quality is unmatched from anything out worldwide. I believe this is why some are disappointed, but this is just my opinion...

[retablo]

Originally Posted by AgentOrange

After checking out a few youtube clips. I think it's something I wont' be playing on blu-ray period.

Of course I'm not one that complains about the films that Criterion DOES release. Variety, and pushing boundaries for what can be made commercially available is always a good thing.

However I'm still disappointed in no Chaplin, and still waiting on quite a few "upgrades" that are years overdo. A month with no upgrades at all doesn't help get us caught up to the back catalogue....

Late Spring is an upgrade.

But yeah while I applaud releases like Brakhage and Frampton, I don't need to own them because I'd never watch them. It's frustrating in a way because Criterion needs to put titles like these out, I just have no desire in them and wish they'd fill their monthly slate with a more consistent combination of obscure and known films. This months seems pretty much all obscure, except for Harold & Maude, and even that is a cult classic ay best. That's just me being selfish, though Maybe May will be 5 Chaplins.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by jcs913

CG, I am going to step back in and ask what you are adding to CC's comment? Criterion has the license for the Chaplin films and have released 2 of them so far. That is the same output as Suzuki on BD, that is my disappointment. Even Wes has 3 releases on BD. Are his films 'more worthy' of a blu release than Chaplin? I am at the front of the line for 'obscure' titles like you are, as that is what I believe has always been the backbone of what criterion is about, but I think some regular posters complaining about the lack of a Chaplin release is justified. Remember, a Chaplin release is a 'new' spine number with potential extras that have never been seen. This is my interest in Criterion putting out some Chaplin. I know the films have been out on dvd for years, but with Criterion, the supplements and the overall picture quality is unmatched from anything out worldwide. I believe this is why some are disappointed, but this is just my opinion...

I personally think they dropped the ball by not releasing the Chaplins as a box set with uniform packaging. Yes, it would take time, and yes it would be pricy, but it'd be cool to have something like the mk2/WB sets that I already own, instead of Criterion taking 2 years to put out 10 or so films. And what about all the shorts? Will they do like the KINO Keaton set and have 1 disc of all the shorts?

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by jcs913

CG, I am going to step back in and ask what you are adding to CC's comment? Criterion has the license for the Chaplin films and have released 2 of them so far. That is the same output as Suzuki on BD, that is my disappointment. Even Wes has 3 releases on BD. Are his films 'more worthy' of a blu release than Chaplin?

When they get the rights to films they don't release them out the gate. Some films they have had for years still have not seen releases. The only difference between the unreleased Chaplin films and something they have had for half a decade that still hasn't been released, is that the public knows about the Chaplin films. They are spreading them out. When the public knows about it, more crying will come the longer they have to wait.

I agree with retablo that they should of just put them in a huge boxset. They wouldn't of been released any faster though, so the public would of been more upset that they knew about the Chaplins' and haven't seen 1 for years.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by retablo

Maybe May will be 5 Chaplins.

Meh

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

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?".

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?

Here we go!

I like to think that I'm a super-huge Ingmar Bergman fan, but I'm not complaining with each month of new releases that all of Criterion's DVD-only releases aren't being upgraded to blu-ray. These people that have decided to leave the DVD format behind are missing out on a crap-ton of great releases. Of course, I want all of Bergman's films upgraded to blu-ray, but I'd much rather Criterion release some of the Bergman films that I've yet to obtain from foreign options... like the four Australian releases for which I can't seem to warrant the price. There are 13 films of Bergman not release on DVD in the USA but released on DVD by Tartan UK that I own. So, what I'm trying to say is that there are options, people, and not everything has to be on a freakin' blu-ray disc to enjoy it.

John Waters is my favorite director, but just because Pink Flamingos was once released by Criterion on laserdisc doesn't mean that I'm moaning all the time about Criterion not re-obtaining the licensing rights for release on blu-ray. I'm perfectly content with my New Line DVDs. Warner Brothers takes care of the New Line Cinema stuff these days so I can't imagine Criterion getting another shot at some of those films, but I would love to have Criterion release Waters' Mondo Trasho and Multiple Maniacs so that I can finally retire my VHS copies. If it doesn't happen, though, OH WELL.

Every new release (new film to the collection, new director, etc.) from Criterion is a welcomed release and experience to possibly find something new to enjoy. By the way, I'm 34-years old these days and if anyone wants to meet me on Chat Roulette let me know.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by octagon

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

Is your 'interest zone' close to one of your erogenous zones, octagon?

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Is your 'interest zone' close to one of your erogenous zones, octagon?

Picture a Venn's Diagram with a circle labeled E and a slightly larger overlapping circle labeled I.

[toddly6666]

I love it when Criterion releases highly rewatchable movies for a change - Harold and Maude day one!

[P@t_Mtl]

Frankly I am surprise, yes no Chaplin but we have Ozu on Blu-ray! That's got to mean something

Or maybe it's just me

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Here we go!

Every new release (new film to the collection, new director, etc.) from Criterion is a welcomed release and experience to possibly find something new to enjoy. By the way, I'm 34-years old these days and if anyone wants to meet me on Chat Roulette let me know.

CC, just when I thought your wisdom was at its all time high point, you thankfully brought me back to reality....... Thanks and Godspeed...

[AgentOrange]

Originally Posted by octagon

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.

What defines an OMG announcement?

The David Lean set certainly qualifies for me. As did Anatomy for a Murder and Godzilla (although Godizlla was already announced, that's a pretty major film for them to get hold of). Others would define it with the Czech New Wave, and a set of experimental short films. However even looking at things that weren't "OMG" shocking, I'm quite happy with getting upgrade for A Night to Remember, Last Temptation, and just based on the synopsis and short previews I will almost certainly be blind buying Moment of Truth, Three Outlaw Samurai, and Letter Never Sent, etc. I love me some blind buys.

Basically it seems like Criterion has been going strong so far this year, BOTH for people that want completely off the wall obscure titles and that want major/mainstream titles. You can't please EVERYBODY. It seems like April is a weak month for people wanting something major, but at least they have a couple of titles that push the boundaries far outside the box...

[rkish]

Originally Posted by 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...

Well John...I had a much longer and incisive post...but my friggin iPad decided to reload in the middle of my post and blow away everything that I wrote.

In a nutshell...HURRAY...very pleased about Ozu getting his due on blu. I plan to continue buying the BFI Ozu blu/DVD titles, as they plan to release all 33 of his existing films and it would be nice to have his entire collection together. I just don't think that Criterion will release the majority of his films. The Criterions will still be worth purchasing for the supplements and commentaries alone. The Wenders doc is GREAT and I've wanted to have a copy of it for quite a while (came close to buying this on DVD for that purpose alone). Though I could have sworn that Donald Ritchie did the commentary on Late Spring.

EDIT: And I agree with you on the DVD front...the Czech Eclipse looks very interesting and I hope to buy it at or shortly after it's release.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by jcs913

CC, just when I thought your wisdom was at its all time high point, you thankfully brought me back to reality....... Thanks and Godspeed...

Just glad to know that I've touched someone... on some kind of level.

I just cleaned the webcam on my laptop, too, so the picture will be crystal clear on the other person's end.

Godspeed, you black emperor. "I wanna be black." - Lou Reed

On a side note, it's amazing that I have enough sense that I never wound up on Dateline's To Catch A Predator.

[AgentOrange]

Originally Posted by retablo

I personally think they dropped the ball by not releasing the Chaplins as a box set with uniform packaging. Yes, it would take time, and yes it would be pricy, but it'd be cool to have something like the mk2/WB sets that I already own, instead of Criterion taking 2 years to put out 10 or so films. And what about all the shorts? Will they do like the KINO Keaton set and have 1 disc of all the shorts?

Who's to say there won't be a box? There's multiple ways they can still logically release a box set, and actually they can release MULTIPLE sets. If they released a comprehensive box of everything, both shorts and all feature films it would probably be 25+ discs!!! So it makes sense to break it up, release some feature films individually, etc...

[greekak229]

Originally Posted by jcs913

CG, I am going to step back in and ask what you are adding to CC's comment? Criterion has the license for the Chaplin films and have released 2 of them so far. That is the same output as Suzuki on BD, that is my disappointment. Even Wes has 3 releases on BD. Are his films 'more worthy' of a blu release than Chaplin? I am at the front of the line for 'obscure' titles like you are, as that is what I believe has always been the backbone of what criterion is about, but I think some regular posters complaining about the lack of a Chaplin release is justified. Remember, a Chaplin release is a 'new' spine number with potential extras that have never been seen. This is my interest in Criterion putting out some Chaplin. I know the films have been out on dvd for years, but with Criterion, the supplements and the overall picture quality is unmatched from anything out worldwide. I believe this is why some are disappointed, but this is just my opinion...

Yayyy, someone gets it!

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Just glad to know that I've touched someone... on some kind of level.

I just cleaned the webcam on my laptop, too, so the picture will be crystal clear on the other person's end.

Godspeed, you black emperor. "I wanna be black." - Lou Reed

On a side note, it's amazing that I have enough sense that I never wound up on Dateline's To Catch A Predator.

Now that is classic...