The Criterion Collection

[RiFiFi1955]

Just watched A Matter of Life and Death last night and was beyond impressed. Anyone hear of any possible blu-ray releases for this yet?

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by rkish

Oh God...you too? I bought the last DVD release of it, when it was first released. I gushed...the soon to come blu-ray was the last thing I ordered during a one month trial of Prime. Can't wait to see it again in 1080P. A wonderful and intensely sad film.

I haven't seen it in years. It is one of the last movies I lent out before I realized its less expensive to hoard

I'm dying to see it again. It's one of these sort'a "films of great conscience" that I think everyone should see. Even if it's difficult, it tells a WW II story that is woefully under-discussed (at least on outlets like the History of UFO Hoarders Channel). The pacing and attention to detail are also well-observed, really drawing me into the minutiae in a way that rounds out the world to be more than the more intimate tragedy that unfolds.

Some may argue its a strange story to be animated but I think that animation may be the only way to distance the audience enough so that they can better accept the horrors -- especially for people who would be more worried about how psychologically damaging the filming could be to such young actors.

It's one of those animated movies I hoped might someday get the CC treatment (along with oddities like Plimpton's Angels & Demons or the Tati'esque Illusionist -- which I just lucked into used )

[Lutz]

World on a Wire is much better for repeat viewing.

After you have the story out of the way from your first viewing it then morphs into a movie where you can really wallow in the staging and stilted characterisation which is greatly heightened by the glacial pacing.

[exolstice]

Originally Posted by RiFiFi1955

Just watched A Matter of Life and Death last night and was beyond impressed. Anyone hear of any possible blu-ray releases for this yet?

I wish! My favorite Powell and Pressburger, by far. I'd also like Criterion to reclaim the Peeping Tom rights since whoever has it isn't doing squat with it.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

I haven't seen it in years. It is one of the last movies I lent out before I realized its less expensive to hoard

I'm dying to see it again. It's one of these sort'a "films of great conscience" that I think everyone should see. Even if it's difficult, it tells a WW II story that is woefully under-discussed (at least on outlets like the History of UFO Hoarders Channel). The pacing and attention to detail are also well-observed, really drawing me into the minutiae in a way that rounds out the world to be more than the more intimate tragedy that unfolds.

Some may argue its a strange story to be animated but I think that animation may be the only way to distance the audience enough so that they can better accept the horrors -- especially for people who would be more worried about how psychologically damaging the filming could be to such young actors.

It's one of those animated movies I hoped might someday get the CC treatment (along with oddities like Plimpton's Angels & Demons or the Tati'esque Illusionist -- which I just lucked into used )

Beautifully put...everyone forgets that Japanese citizens suffered a great deal during the war and I'm sure stories like this were quite common. It was not directed by Miyazaki, but by Takahata, for those who weren't aware.

I've been tempted by The Illusionist, as I saw it at B&N for 50% off at around $15.xx I already have the Triplets of Belville on DVD and wouldn't mind seeing that get released on blu as well.

[tkdkid717]

Originally Posted by tkdkid717

I just bought bottle rocket, and the cover art is much shorter than my other criterions, and it leaves a decent size gap between the artwork and the top of the case. Anyone else have this?

Anyone?

[moviebuffed]

Originally Posted by tkdkid717

Anyone?

Wow, after reading your post I went and checked mine too and you have a valid comment as mine is maybe 1/4 " shorter than all the others. It seems to be the only one though so maybe it's just a fluke for this title? Grrr now every time I view my collection to watch a film I'm going to notice it.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by exolstice

I'd also like Criterion to reclaim the Peeping Tom rights since whoever has it isn't doing squat with it.

Be easier for you to get a region B compatible player and the excellent Optimum blu-ray.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by rkish

Cool! Enjoy it Shell! Wish I could afford the cost and time to come out from NYS to see it.

I'm a much closer drive to Cleveland so I'll have to keep a better eye on what they're showing there.

That being said it would be fun to live in Dutchess. The Eveready Diner calls to me frequently...

[Scottie]

Uhh...why is Criterion re-releasing The Spirit Of The Beehive in a remastered DVD version? Why not just release a Blu-Ray?

http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Beehive...ion+collection

[vertigo12314]

Woo hoo! On the waterfront!

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Uhh...why is Criterion re-releasing The Spirit Of The Beehive in a remastered DVD version? Why not just release a Blu-Ray?

http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Beehive...ion+collection

They are most likely dropping the slipcase and setting down with a plastic case instead. Sad news, I wish Criterion didn't figure out those two-discs cases for their BDs as there was greater hope for digipacks with smaller-sized boxes. Can't think of a reason to drop the slipcase for this release, though. Wish an upgrade is on its way and maybe, you know, throw us El Sur just for good measure .

[Page14]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

<snip>

I go by director, country, sometimes actors, and plot summary. Plot summary is key in most of my decisions. Some are just no brainers, as in I've seen them before and enjoy them, so I buy them.

Also, buy the BBS set if you don't own it already. A Safe Place sucks, but Head, Five Easy Pieces, and the King of Marvin Gardens more than compensate for it. The Last Picture Show, Easy Rider, and Drive He Said are good too. The latter has begun to grow on me.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't have any set formula I go by (obviously, or I wouldn't have asked ... haha). I try to make a note/list of films that appeal to me ... then I keep revisiting the list trying to narrow the choices down. Some fall off the list and some stick and a few more might get added. Then I guess it's whatever hits me at the time I go to the store to make a purchase.

Stuff you might find boring about which Criterions I picked up today and why:

[Show spoiler]You must be psychic! ... as I picked up The BBS Story set just today. I was really torn on whether to buy it or not. I've seen 4 of the films before and while I liked them back then, I can't say I'm in love with any of them. But I did like them well enough. They were made during my later grade school years and throughout my high school years (yeah, ouch), so I think they'll be fun to watch again. I've read this forum long enough to know how you feel about the Monkees, so you'll be happy to know Head is one of the reasons I wanted this. That's one bizarro movie ... Monkees, Frank Zappa, Sonny Liston, Teri Garr, Annette, one of my all-time favorite Green Bay Packers Ray Nitschke (which is reason enough for me to want this), etc., etc. ... all in the same movie. Wow ... so weird! (One final Monkee note: Back when the Monkees were on TV, I even had a Monkee-mobile plastic model kit). I liked Easy Rider and The Last Picture Show very much. I barely remember Five Easy Pieces, but I do remember that Jack Nicholson's diner scene created a stir back when the movie first came out. The 3 films I haven't seen are King of Marvin Gardens, Drive, He Said and A Safe Place.

FWIW, the other film I picked up today was Everlasting Moments. It wasn't even on my radar until a few days ago. I read a few reviews and watched the trailer (thanks for the suggestion Sinthetic) and was sold. Plus, it hits close to home as a good friend has a similar story (minus the tragic part) in that she picked up photography as a hobby at the age of 56 and is excelling at it. I want to sort of screen the film and if it seems okay, I might buy it for her as a Christmas gift.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

To be honest, I found it pretty darn masterful. It didn't feel at all like a 3.5 hr film to me (or two long TV episodes, as it were). Can't say that about all of Fassbinder's films.

Which Fassbinder films do you not like?

[Page14]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

Well, it still comes down to a question of personal tastes and interests. Not all Criterions are going to appeal to all people~ there's no infallibility implied with the label, in fact there are often some real splits of honest opinion here between well-meaning people as to what comprises a good Criterion choice and one that isn't as exciting. It's the quality of the product and the packaging that's not in dispute.

The reviews here and the postings that eventually accumulate over the weeks and months are invaluable, in conjunction with some of the other web sites available. It's amazing how much you can pick up in terms of the production values and the aesthetics involved from a two-or-three minute youtube clip. Be careful of the Amazon.com reviews~ they're just folks with an opinion, some of it is informed, some isn't. There's no rush to pick up everything that comes down the chute, patience is still a virtue and anticipation really is half the fun.

Remarkably, I've yet to be disappointed in a Criterion purchase~ perhaps I'm playing it too safe...ok there was one that I was underwhelmed by, which will remain nameless lest someone god forbid be offended, but generally I've been delighted with my choices. Which is not to say, going back to the original point, that you would be.

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

I agree with or can relate to pretty much everything you wrote.

"So far", the only times I buy Criterion titles is during the B&N sales. So I try to push myself a little bit to buy titles that I find interesting while they're still on sale. The challenge is that there are so many interesting films to sift through and consider. Judging by the number of movies I bought that I haven't even opened yet, I probably overdo it (... an understatement? ).

By the way, I took a look at your movie list. Nice.

[octagon]

Everlasting Moments is really good. You should probably budget for that second copy now.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Which Fassbinder films do you not like?

Remind me: were you one of the people happy about the Trilogy of Life announcement? I want to say you were but I can't say for sure. I'm on the fence and you've been a pretty good tie-breaker in the past.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by octagon

Everlasting Moments is really good. You should probably budget for that second copy now.

Sweeeet! ... great to hear. ...... and you're right about the budgeting! (where's the little emoticon with the empty pockets?)

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by octagon

Remind me: were you one of the people happy about the Trilogy of Life announcement? I want to say you were but I can't say for sure. I'm on the fence and you've been a pretty good tie-breaker in the past.

Yeah I was, $40 or whatever it is on B&N is good enough to blind buy IMO. It's Pasolini, can't go wrong.

[Lutz]

Originally Posted by SpiderBaby

Which Fassbinder films do you not like?

Between about thirty of his movies that I've seen I think the only one I didn't like was Effi Briest. Fear of Fear I'm not sure how to interpret because obviously Fassbinder knew better about prescription drugs than the pointedly hysterical way he portrays them in the movie? But that one is probably a low point for me as well.