The Criterion Collection

[Freeza]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Never, but TCM had it on back in 2006. You can import an Optimum aka Studio Canal DVD from the UK though. I watched it online with subs. It's the only one that hadn't been released over here, with no plans to release it either apparently. I highly recommend seeking it out.

Whoops, didn't see that you'd already answered.
Another with English subs is the Japanese 2 disc Ghibli Collection release. It won't have PAL speedup (if that bothers you). Also, I don't believe Ocean Waves (1993 tele-film) has been released to the North American market.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by bdmartin134

Any thoughts on Che? I couldn't pass on the price at $22 shipped brand new ($11/film), but I haven't seen it yet. Reading reviews on imdb and amazon, seems that people are split citing that it's long and boring, like watching paint dry. Just curious on other's take on the set.. Thanks

I really liked Che, its a very intelligent biopic much like Oliver Stones Nixon. Part 1 and 2 are almost polar opposite in style. I especially liked part 1, very informative and thrilling. It goes without saying that Benicio delivered a great performance, I really believed he was of the time and held said beliefs. Personally I loved the style of Part 1: Widescreen, mixed film stocks, and nicely paced. History did really come alive for me, it's One of Soderberghs best films.

Che Part 2 is vastly different, but its style is Germaine to it's content. It chronicles Che's failed attempt at revolution in South America. It is much quieter and restrained but effectively manages to tell a narrative much different than part 1. It isn't as rip roaring as Part 1 because, well that's history. I find this film will only get better with each viewing: not exactly 100% satisfying when compared with Part 1, but its just as well considering his life.

[Ctzalman]

Originally Posted by bdmartin134

Any thoughts on Che? I couldn't pass on the price at $22 shipped brand new ($11/film), but I haven't seen it yet. Reading reviews on imdb and amazon, seems that people are split citing that it's long and boring, like watching paint dry. Just curious on other's take on the set.. Thanks

i think che will be most appealing to those who have read a biography or have some form of knowledge about the man's life. the film is episodic in nature (often leaving out events that some would consider to be important/formative in guevara's life), so without an idea of the 'bigger picture,' it might be a little frustrating.

i found part 1 to be much more entertaining than part 2, as it has more battle sequences, shows the nascent stages of the cuban revolution, and, of course, they emerge victorious. lets face it, the bolivian expedition was a failure from the beginning; if you can't win over the hearts of the peasantry, you lack the necessary base of the people for which you are fighting. the whole idea of land reform which worked so well in cuba had already been enacted by the bolivian government, despite the influence of 'yankee imperialism' within its upper ranks.

all in all, criterion offers a great package, and if you have any interest in revolutionary history, i'm sure you'll find a wealth of information on the two discs. the jon anderson commentary is outstanding (he is the preeminent biography on guevara), as he offers fascinating insight as to how well the film follows the actual history, and he plugs in some of holes regarding key events in guevara's life that were not portrayed on the screen.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Disney does hold the rights though for distribution, from what I read, they're just sitting on it like several other titles. And it is because of the mensturation thing, and GhIbli, rightfully so, won't let them edit it. You'd think they'd let touchstone or someone release it.

Originally Posted by Freeza

Whoops, didn't see that you'd already answered.
Another with English subs is the Japanese 2 disc Ghibli Collection release. It won't have PAL speedup (if that bothers you). Also, I don't believe Ocean Waves (1993 tele-film) has been released to the North American market.

I didn't count that because it was a telefilm. can't say I enjoyed it much anyways.

[bdmartin134]

Thanks a lot abdrewes and ctzalman for the feedback.. I am in avid history fan, so can't wait for a rainy day to throw these on.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Never, but TCM had it on back in 2006. You can import an Optimum aka Studio Canal DVD from the UK though. I watched it online with subs. It's the only one that hadn't been released over here, with no plans to release it either apparently. I highly recommend seeking it out.

Here's another Ghibli that didn't make the cut in the US as well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ocean-Waves-.../dp/B002BC9YHA

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by rkish

Here's another Ghibli that didn't make the cut in the US as well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ocean-Waves-.../dp/B002BC9YHA

As I said, I blOcled that one because I didn't like it and found it to be a bit dull.

[stobbart]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

A good film but not a Japanese film.

Taiwanese film.

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by bdmartin134

Any thoughts on Che? I couldn't pass on the price at $22 shipped brand new ($11/film), but I haven't seen it yet. Reading reviews on imdb and amazon, seems that people are split citing that it's long and boring, like watching paint dry. Just curious on other's take on the set.. Thanks

I think it is a really great title. The films are slow but never boring and the sheer beauty of the cinematography helps it. I agree that you must know Guevara's life (At least the basics) to truly enjoy both films but even if you don't, I still think you will get an interest for it after viewing. It is a really singular biopic because it carefully takes some time to show you Guevara as a person not just a revolutionary. Also, I think the film succeded at being a fair representation of his. It doesn't favor him or makes him look like a criminal so you can get your own conclusions.

[kndy]

Not Criterion related but for those who are passionate about cinema.. Thank you Mr. Sarris! RIP Andrew Sarris (1928-2012)

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by kndy

Not Criterion related but for those who are passionate about cinema.. Thank you Mr. Sarris! RIP Andrew Sarris (1928-2012)

RIP. Didn't he call Lola Montes the greatest film of all time? Great Man!

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by rkish

You were able to stream it on NetFlix at one point in the past...but not now. That is how I first saw Tokyo Story and Late Spring...

That's too bad...I remember seeing it on there not too long ago. If anyone has Hulu, it's still on there, along with a bunch of other Ozu's.

[RojD]

Originally Posted by bdmartin134

Any thoughts on Che? I couldn't pass on the price at $22 shipped brand new ($11/film), but I haven't seen it yet. Reading reviews on imdb and amazon, seems that people are split citing that it's long and boring, like watching paint dry. Just curious on other's take on the set.. Thanks

If watching paint dry were this interesting, I'd never buy another blu-ray. Like the others pointed out, there's a big difference between parts 1 and 2, but victory can lend itself to more emotional rush than defeat. Both parts are technically wonderful, though.

The movie begs you to compare the two parts--in terms of idea, technique, situation, plot and character--but it still develops a clear, linear story. I was impressed at how polished it all was.

Just watched Carlos a month ago and caught myself thinking back to Che. Both films deal with the ideology of revolution, and both show the area where ideology and individual personality overlap. And both are long and rich.

[bdmartin134]

Originally Posted by RojD

If watching paint dry were this interesting, I'd never buy another blu-ray. Like the others pointed out, there's a big difference between parts 1 and 2, but victory can lend itself to more emotional rush than defeat. Both parts are technically wonderful, though.

The movie begs you to compare the two parts--in terms of idea, technique, situation, plot and character--but it still develops a clear, linear story. I was impressed at how polished it all was.

Just watched Carlos a month ago and caught myself thinking back to Che. Both films deal with the ideology of revolution, and both show the area where ideology and individual personality overlap. And both are long and rich.

Haha, nice.. Much appreciated. I don't have a problem with methodical films that might seem slow-moving to others. Thanks for your input. I am anxiously awaiting my viewing of this set. Thanks to others on this board with their opinions as well.

[Simple Lines]

Originally Posted by DarkRyder

Holy hell, I did not expect so many responses, but thanks to all of you who did respond! Looks like I have a lot of work to do

Since you're interested in directors...

Here's how I view Brian De Palma's filmography (any exclusions are garbage, IMO):

Most Well-Known
Underappreciated

(1973) Sisters
(1976) Carrie
(1980) Dressed to Kill
(1981) Blow Out
(1983) Scarface
(1984) Body Double
(1987) The Untouchables
(1993) Carlito's Way
(1996) Mission: Impossible
(2002) Femme Fatale


I believe his best streak was:

(1980) Dressed to Kill
(1981) Blow Out
(1983) Scarface
(1984) Body Double

All 4 of those films were created in that order with nothing between them. Body Double and Dressed to Kill sometimes feel like upper-tier b-movies, but I enjoy them immensely. Body Double in particular is better than it's rating on IMDB suggests. Though it's not a part of that streak, Femme Fatale is also better than its' IMDB rating suggests. A lot of people have a hard time understanding what's going on throughout the movie, so they rate it low, but I didn't have trouble keeping up.

NOTE: You can get De Palma's 1968 schlock film Murder a la Mod as a bonus on the CC of Blow Out.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Simple Lines

Since you're interested in directors...

Here's how I view Brian De Palma's filmography (any exclusions are garbage, IMO):

Most Well-Known
Underappreciated

(1973) Sisters
(1976) Carrie
(1980) Dressed to Kill
(1981) Blow Out
(1983) Scarface
(1984) Body Double
(1987) The Untouchables
(1993) Carlito's Way
(1996) Mission: Impossible
(2002) Femme Fatale


I believe his best streak was:

(1980) Dressed to Kill
(1981) Blow Out
(1983) Scarface
(1984) Body Double

All 4 of those films were created in that order with nothing between them. Body Double and Dressed to Kill sometimes feel like upper-tier b-movies, but I enjoy them immensely. Body Double in particular is better than it's rating on IMDB suggests. Though it's not a part of that streak, Femme Fatale is also better than its' IMDB rating suggests. A lot of people have a hard time understanding what's going on throughout the movie, so they rate it low, but I didn't have trouble keeping up.

NOTE: You can get De Palma's 1968 schlock film Murder a la Mod as a bonus on the CC of Blow Out.

Argh, I havent seen Body Double. I Love that streak of three though.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

RIP. Didn't he call Lola Montes the greatest film of all time? Great Man!

yes.

[Lutz]

Casualties of War is also good second tier De Palma.

If you're starting out I'd do a triple feature of Dressed to Kill, Blow Out, Body Double (in that order).

But once you get a passion for his best movies even his awful ones are pretty good. Black Dahlia has that great dinner scene and Hillary Swank turns in a highlight performance!

[bugsy_pal]

Originally Posted by kndy

Not Criterion related but for those who are passionate about cinema.. Thank you Mr. Sarris! RIP Andrew Sarris (1928-2012)

RIP Mr Sarris. For me, the greatest critic of all, and the best writer. Some of his writings are works of art, poetry. He could be pretty scathing, but he felt something was good, you know it would be worth your time because he was so passionate and discerning.

[ParticleDan]

Re: the replacement of heat damaged Criterion cases: does anyone know if Criterion is offering a $10 GC per affected title, or $10 regardless of whether you have one or (in my case) seven affected titles?

Apparently customers can just email a photo of damaged cases to get a replacement, but no GC will be sent if you go this route.