The Criterion Collection

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by EddieLarkin

I just don't get this point of view. I like to watch films a lot, it's my main hobby. I watch on average 8-10 films every week, and have done so since I was about 18 years old. Not surprisingly, watching films with that sort of regularity and thus buying Blu-ray/DVDs frequently enough to keep up with such habits, means I passed the "only buying films I've already seen" threshold many years ago.

Yes, I'm quite sure of it, barring some recent cinema releases, every (good) film I've ever seen I own on Blu-ray/DVD. So what now? Stop buying Blu-rays? Ha, not likely. I refuse to waste my time with inferior versions of films via Netflix or television. I'll happily buy a film I've never seen, based solely on its reputation, reviews or word of mouth. If that film happens to be in the Criterion Collection and is going to cost me $30, so be it. 99% of the time it's a fantastic cinematic experience, and thus a worthwhile purchase.

Right there with you. The last time I watched something on Netflix instant was the Fall in HD. Never again, I immediately bought the Blu afterwards.

I couldn't imagine seeing some of these mighty visual experiences in anything less than the highest quality. Dropping 17 bucks plus tax is cheaper than a trip to the theater.

[silentblu]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

What?!? Wages of Fear.... Bad?!?! It's definitely the end of the world

They said 'disappointed.' They never said bad.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Right there with you. The last time I watched something on Netflix instant was the Fall in HD. Never again, I immediately bought the Blu afterwards.

I couldn't imagine seeing some of these mighty visual experiences in anything less than the highest quality. Dropping 17 bucks plus tax is cheaper than a trip to the theater.

See, I like using Netflix and TV to determine if something is worth buying. I blind buy, yes, but there are just some titles I'm too wishy washy on.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

See, I like using Netflix and TV to determine if something is worth buying. I blind buy, yes, but there are just some titles I'm too wishy washy on.

This. It's also a good way of seeing things I've been curious about and getting it out of my system without making a purchase. Helps me prioritize my budget.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

See, I like using Netflix and TV to determine if something is worth buying. I blind buy, yes, but there are just some titles I'm too wishy washy on.

Hulu plus sounds pretty good.

I usually have a good idea of what I'll like: blind buying the recent Bergmans, samurai films and Leans were no brainers. I however do rent many beforehand (Von Trier, Solondz, Dunham, Wes Anderson & the documentaries) because they may not bee too rewatchable.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Hulu plus sounds pretty good.

I usually have a good idea of what I'll like: blind buying the recent Bergmans, samurai films and Leans were no brainers. I however do rent many beforehand (Von Trier, Solondz, Dunham, Wes Anderson & the documentaries) because they may not bee too rewatchable.

Hulu Plus isn't an option for me, just Netflix US via unblock-us. Hulu Plus is far too complicated to break into. I get regular Hulu, but the constant commercials and VHS quality drive me nuts.

[EddieLarkin]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Hulu plus sounds pretty good.

I usually have a good idea of what I'll like: blind buying the recent Bergmans, samurai films and Leans were no brainers. I however do rent many beforehand (Von Trier, Solondz, Dunham, Wes Anderson & the documentaries) because they may not bee too rewatchable.

Watching stuff via Netflix is too risky if you ask me. Yes, if the film I was going to buy turns out to be not to my taste, I save some money. But if the film turns out to be fantastic, I feel like I've wasted my time. I've spent two hours watching a brilliant film in comparatively poor quality, and because it's not in me to re-watch even a film I love until at least a year or so has passed, it goes on to a "meh, I'll pick it up eventually list".

So now my only experience of this brilliant film is via Netflix? Ugh. I'd rather take the risk and have my first experience with the film be via Blu-ray on my massive TV, thanks. Hell, even if it does turn out to be disappointing, I can always sell it. You can't do that with a cinema ticket, yet millions of people think of nothing of going to see the latest Pirates or Transformers dreck, despite not liking the previous entries.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by EddieLarkin

Watching stuff via Netflix is too risky if you ask me. Yes, if the film I was going to buy turns out to be not to my taste, I save some money. But if the film turns out to be fantastic, I feel like I've wasted my time. I've spent two hours watching a brilliant film in comparatively poor quality, and because it's not in me to re-watch even a film I love until at least a year or so has passed, it goes on to a "meh, I'll pick it up eventually list".

So now my only experience of this brilliant film is via Netflix? Ugh. I'd rather take the risk and have my first experience with the film be via Blu-ray on my massive TV, thanks. Hell, even if it does turn out to be disappointing, I can always sell it. You can't do that with a cinema ticket, yet millions of people think of nothing of going to see the latest Pirates or Transformers dreck, despite not liking the previous entries.

Good points. If I get to the point where I feel I want to own something I'm streaming I stop and order. Keep in mind that when that's happened it's been within just a few minutes,like sampling on iTunes. (Secret Sunshine and The Fall are two examples.)

Still, that's rare and can see how that'd offend others' sensibilities. I'm also lucky that my high speed connection and setup mean a generally DVD quality presentation. Much better than when I first watched Manhattan's glorious opening in a 3" b&w TV with a mono speaker in the '80s.

We're in a golden age for cineasts.

[Freeza]

Originally Posted by thompsonjohn

I'd like to find out who the people are that are wasting money on every single release Criterion put or actually buy films they've seen before and dearly love and got lucky that they are part of the Criterion collection. I have no plans on collecting every single Criterion title, I only buy the ones I like. I own exactly 25 titles, 23 on blu-ray, 2 on DVD which are blu-ray released yet.

Sorry to look down on the smug Criterion collector's but, I think it's an incredibly stupid waste of money try to get all these films which, please don't tell me they're all incredible. If you do you might end up saying some crappy movies are good.

Good thing I have a lot more money than you then.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by EddieLarkin

Watching stuff via Netflix is too risky if you ask me. Yes, if the film I was going to buy turns out to be not to my taste, I save some money. But if the film turns out to be fantastic, I feel like I've wasted my time. I've spent two hours watching a brilliant film in comparatively poor quality, and because it's not in me to re-watch even a film I love until at least a year or so has passed, it goes on to a "meh, I'll pick it up eventually list".

So now my only experience of this brilliant film is via Netflix? Ugh. I'd rather take the risk and have my first experience with the film be via Blu-ray on my massive TV, thanks. Hell, even if it does turn out to be disappointing, I can always sell it. You can't do that with a cinema ticket, yet millions of people think of nothing of going to see the latest Pirates or Transformers dreck, despite not liking the previous entries.

I totally agree. I hate knowing what I'm watching is sub par. Kinda takes me out of it a bit. (it sounds as if I spoil myself too much: a glutinous HD consumer)

[tenia]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

What?!? Wages of Fear.... Bad?!?! It's definitely the end of the world

I had huge trouble with the 1st part of movie, finding also Montand and Vanel not to act pretty well, while the 2nd half is truly wonderful.
But overall, with this overlong 1st hour, Wages of Fear is only 6.5 out of 10 for me.

[ParticleDan]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Hulu Plus is far too complicated to break into.

It's really, really not. Dead simple actually. Just use your postal code as the Zip and you're golden.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by tenia

I had huge trouble with the 1st part of movie, finding also Montand and Vanel not to act pretty well, while the 2nd half is truly wonderful.
But overall, with this overlong 1st hour, Wages of Fear is only 6.5 out of 10 for me.

I actually really liked the first hour, getting to know the characters, the look of the isolated town, a beautiful Mrs. Clouzot looking good while scrubbing floors.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

We're in a golden age for cineasts.

For the home viewing experience...we so are!

[ZooTv]

Thinking about blind-buying Repulsion and Cul-de-sac

[retablo]

Originally Posted by ZooTv

Thinking about blind-buying Repulsion and Cul-de-sac

Repulsion is one of the greatest films ever made. IMO, of course. Cul-de-Sac, not so much so, even for Polanski, but it's interesting.

[ZooTv]

Originally Posted by retablo

Repulsion is one of the greatest films ever made. IMO, of course. Cul-de-Sac, not so much so, even for Polanski, but it's interesting.

Thanks for the input, that seems to be the consensus among critics as well. How is Knife In The Water? I'm a relatively new Polanski-enthusiast and am looking to dig heavily into his catalog.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by retablo

Repulsion is one of the greatest films ever made. IMO, of course. Cul-de-Sac, not so much so, even for Polanski, but it's interesting.

See now I love Cul-de-Sac, even more than Repulsion...not saying anything against the greatest that is Repulsion but I really really enjoy Cul-de-Sac...just preference.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by EddieLarkin

Watching stuff via Netflix is too risky if you ask me. Yes, if the film I was going to buy turns out to be not to my taste, I save some money. But if the film turns out to be fantastic, I feel like I've wasted my time. I've spent two hours watching a brilliant film in comparatively poor quality, and because it's not in me to re-watch even a film I love until at least a year or so has passed, it goes on to a "meh, I'll pick it up eventually list".

So now my only experience of this brilliant film is via Netflix? Ugh. I'd rather take the risk and have my first experience with the film be via Blu-ray on my massive TV, thanks. <snip>.......

I can relate. I've seen a few favorite films (or future films I might be interested in) recently enough on TV, that I don't feel an urgency to revisit them or to add them to my collection ... at least not right away.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by ZooTv

Thanks for the input, that seems to be the consensus among critics as well. How is Knife In The Water? I'm a relatively new Polanski-enthusiast and am looking to dig heavily into his catalog.

If you are looking to dig heavily into his catalog I would definitely recommend picking Cul-de-Sac up, it really is a great film even if it is not everyone's favorite. But apparently it is Jack Nicholson's favorite film of ALL TIME so that interesting. It was also said to be a more personal project for Polanski and that he made Repulsion so he could get the money to make Cul-de-Sac.

Edit* Haven't seen Knife in the Water yet myself so I can't say about that film other than I have been wanting to check it out myself.