The Criterion Collection

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Banned User

I understand where you are coming from, but for me "What's in the Box?" never gets old.

It's a pretty shocking ending even if I actually figure out what was happening before hand. I also have that very bad habit of getting "the surprise" long before it's revealed I still remember figuring out what "rosebud" was right at the start.

[captveg]

Being surprised the first time is nice, but if its a good movie I can enjoy it on subsequent viewings, whether it be Citizen Kane, Psycho, Planet of the Apes or any classic film with generally unexpected conclusions.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by captveg

Being surprised the first time is nice, but if its a good movie I can enjoy it on subsequent viewings, whether it be Citizen Kane, Psycho, Planet of the Apes or any classic film with generally unexpected conclusions.

I am just weird

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Whenever you get the Fassbinder, hope you enjoy it. His first English language film, and most say very odd film. One of my favorite Fassbinder films (also get The Third Generation dvd if you haven't), Dirk Bogarde is awesome.

I agree 100% with CG, Despair is another great example of Fassbinder's themes and undertones. I did not think it was odd at all, just consistent with some of his other films. Dirk Bogarde has been in many films, but is fantastic in this. Klaus Lowitsch, who you will remember from World on a Wire is also in it and plays his part perfectly. His English is surprisingly very good in it. I was curious if he was fluent before he was in the film, or just 'winged' it?

[Fallglimmer]

Originally Posted by paul000

I've been on the fence about that DVD for a few months. I've only seen a really bad quality stream, but I really liked the film and want it in my collection. I'd hate to buy it for $20 only to have an upgrade come out. Then I'd have to think about spending another $30 on the HD version. So, I think I'll wait until at least the end of the year. There are a lot of other films to get to in the meantime. What are the chances it would even get upgraded to Blu soon though?

I'm not sure, I think that DVD is from 2003ish so I'm not sure if the current transfer is "acceptable" for release now. I've heard no rubbings of a European release either, which would probably be the best sign that something was coming this way.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by jcs913

I agree 100% with CG, Despair is another great example of Fassbinder's themes and undertones. I did not think it was odd at all, just consistent with some of his other films. Dirk Bogarde has been in many films, but is fantastic in this. Klaus Lowitsch, who you will remember from World on a Wire is also in it and plays his part perfectly. His English is surprisingly very good in it. I was curious if he was fluent before he was in the film, or just 'winged' it?

Alot of "critics" pretty much put Despair, Whity, and Querelle (which is funny, being 3 that I love) down, I don't get it. I can't find one Fassbinder film I dislike (as I can with Godard). All of them flow one to the other, feeling connected.

[starman15317]

If Criterion releases The Blob on Blu I'll probably scream like a little girl. I'll be all over Rosemary's Baby (not like that, ya pervs!) too.

[ianungstad]

I'm hoping that they include the sequel as an extra on the new release. I haven't seen it and the reviews aren't great but it would make a great extra. I love it when they include short films or a bonus feature as part of the supplements. I don't see why Beware! The Blob! couldn't be on the release, it's also owned by Jack Harris and the Image disc is long out of print and is fetching over $100 bucks on amazon.

[Darkcritic]

I would like to know what happened to the Overlord upgrade. I remember a quote from Cooper saying a Criterion upgrade was on the way and coming very soon.

[Sinthetic]

Originally Posted by chrisron

Just watched Zazie dans la Metro for the first time today and I absolutely loved it. Are there many fans of the movie here? I never see it mentioned when people recommend Criterion titles. Also watched Belle de Jour which I also liked a lot.

One of the funniest films I've seen in ages. It really is fantastic (if you are in the right mood).

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Is there a reason why The Blob has been a popular prediction lately? Was it hinted somewhere?

I don't remember who, but someone posted on their blog or facebook that they were working on a new essay about the Blob for Criterion. Someone posted it here, but it might have been lost in the crash.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Thanks -- I know you are a fan but I've been surprised at the love for Despair, frankly. It's not bad or anything, but there are easily at least a dozen other Fassbinder films better than it (maybe two dozen!) IMHO. And ironically, Querelle is the next one due out on Blu (haven't seen it yet, so no opinion).

This really isn't something I should worry about, but for all of the folks discovering Fassbinder through World On A Wire I think it's kind of a shame they are gravitating towards Despair just because it's one of the few RWF films on Blu-ray. It kind of confounds me why you would be excited about a new filmmaker discovery and then sit on your hands until perfectly good DVDs get upgraded to Blu-ray, especially when there is such a big, rich filmography waiting such as RWF's (Yes, I know, "it's BLU-RAY.COM"). Hopefully there will be lots more RWF in HD soon so I can get back to worrying about real problems.

Despair was a good film...but not my cup of tea. My wife LOVED it! Just a matter of opinion I guess. I'm considering making the plunge and getting Berlin Alexanderplatz during the sale.

[Hendershot737]

Originally Posted by rkish

Despair was a good film...but not my cup of tea. My wife LOVED it! Just a matter of opinion I guess. I'm considering making the plunge and getting Berlin Alexanderplatz during the sale.

Have there been any hints of a blu-upgrade?...I've been holding out for it because I badly want this one. But if it looks like it won't...I may do the same...

[Jr7936]

I saw shallow grave for the 1st time last night and I have to say, it's my 2nd favorite boyle film behind trainspotting. some of the scenes I can see the inspiration for some of the things that happened in trainspotting

[Gardenofstone10]

Originally Posted by Jr7936

I saw shallow grave for the 1st time last night and I have to say, it's my 2nd favorite boyle film behind trainspotting. some of the scenes I can see the inspiration for some of the things that happened in trainspotting

Oh, Trainspotting, awesome memories watching that for the first time not knowing what to expect

[Jr7936]

I have probably seen trainspotting 10 to 12 times, also shown it my high school class back when, the scene where the baby was crawling on the wall, It was for a english class but i forget what for. I was shocked the teacher back then actually let me show it

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Is there a reason why The Blob has been a popular prediction lately? Was it hinted somewhere?

I've wanted this movie on Blu for a long time. The DVD is way overpriced and I'd rather spend $30 on a brand new Blu Ray release so I've been holding off on buying this movie.

[ShellOilJunior]

Kim Newman on Facebook
I've just written an essay for the Criterion Collection's BluRay release of The Blob

[joebloggs13]

Man oh Man The Third Man is expensive on Amazon! The one Criterion I really want. Dang...

[Henge86]

Originally Posted by joebloggs13

Man oh Man The Third Man is expensive on Amazon! The one Criterion I really want. Dang...

I just recently sold my copy on ebay for £100 am regreting it now but had a large debt to pay . Hopefuly i can get it again at somepoint