The Criterion Collection

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by tenia

Same for me. I do find that most contemporary 2hr+ movies don't really hold up to it anymore (at least, most of entertaining / blockbuster-y movies).

I think some of this has to do with average shot length and shooting with 10 cameras. It's refreshing when a director can accomplish more with less. Speaking of which, I just blind bought Antonioni's Passenger. Soooo excited to finally see this thing

[Abdrewes]

Spalding Gray spotting. Straight Talk @52:30.

Edit: wow did they ever waste his presence.

[The Great Owl]

I just watched my Blu-ray of Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert. Between this and Ivan's Childhood earlier today, I've had a great afternoon immersing myself in Criterion titles.

Once again, Red Desert was a good choice for an upgrade. I've never found this film to be boring like many others do. I love the otherworldly atmosphere of the movie, with its eerie camera shots of ships that appear to be floating on land, fog-obscured characters, and strangely ethereal industrial landscapes that depict the plight of Monica Vitti's character feeling out of place. This film makes such unique use of color and framing.

[*PREACHER*]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just watched my Blu-ray of Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert. Between this and Ivan's Childhood earlier today, I've had a great afternoon immersing myself in Criterion titles.

Once again, Red Desert was a good choice for an upgrade. I've never found this film to be boring like many others do. I love the otherworldly atmosphere of the movie, with its eerie camera shots of ships that appear to be floating on land, fog-obscured characters, and strangely ethereal industrial landscapes that depict the plight of Monica Vitti's character feeling out of place. This film makes such unique use of color and framing.

Thank you for pushing me toward both these films even more...I'm a man whom is so deeply in love with cinematography and both of these films have been on my want list Ivan's Childhood and Red Desert even longer...so I thank you Great Owl for the push!

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by *PREACHER*

Thank you for pushing me toward both these films even more...I'm a man whom is so deeply in love with cinematography and both of these films have been on my want list Ivan's Childhood and Red Desert even longer...so I thank you Great Owl for the push!

Anytime! The B&N Buy Two Get One Free sale was good to me earlier this week. Those are both great films that really shine in the Blu-ray format.

Ivan's Childhood, in particular, is a great one to have for repeat viewing. Almost every still frame of that film could make a good wall poster. Red Desert is not as edge-of-your-seat as Ivan's Childhood, but it's also a visually innovative film for so many reasons.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just watched my Blu-ray of Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert. Between this and Ivan's Childhood earlier today, I've had a great afternoon immersing myself in Criterion titles.

Once again, Red Desert was a good choice for an upgrade. I've never found this film to be boring like many others do. I love the otherworldly atmosphere of the movie, with its eerie camera shots of ships that appear to be floating on land, fog-obscured characters, and strangely ethereal industrial landscapes that depict the plight of Monica Vitti's character feeling out of place. This film makes such unique use of color and framing.

After watching Red Desert and Eclipse last year, I am glad I did not blind buy Red Desert. The only two other Antonioni films I have watched are Blow up and L'Avventura before that. My belief was Antonioni was flawless especially with Monica Vitti (one of the most beautiful ladies in Italian cinema). I am hard press to call L'Avventura his ultimate masterpiece.

I thought seeing Monica Vitti in color would justify the buy (Red Desert), but the story was not good. I was hoping the cinematography would be better (it has a very gray pallete). The black and white cinematography on L'Avventura is close to perfection and, although it has a slow pace, the story is still very engaging.

I recommend anyone planning to buy Red Desert to watch it first, except if you are an ardent Antonioni and Vitti fan. I hope L'Avventura will be the next Antonioni film released by criterion.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just watched my Blu-ray of Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert. Between this and Ivan's Childhood earlier today, I've had a great afternoon immersing myself in Criterion titles.

Once again, Red Desert was a good choice for an upgrade. I've never found this film to be boring like many others do. I love the otherworldly atmosphere of the movie, with its eerie camera shots of ships that appear to be floating on land, fog-obscured characters, and strangely ethereal industrial landscapes that depict the plight of Monica Vitti's character feeling out of place. This film makes such unique use of color and framing.

Yesssss! Red Desert is among my favorite Criterions. I don't find it boring in the least. Antonioni tells his story simply through contrast. The "arc" or the "point" is in each and every shot. If the film was an hour longer it would still have the same mesmerizing effect.

It's a shame Region A only has 2 Antonioni Films on BD

[pagemaster]

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

I thought this would be a good way for Criterion Collection Fanatics, and the casual blu-ray fan alike, to track releases, specs, and rumors of Criterion Collection Blu-rays. Feel Free to post pictures of collections or voice concerns regarding special features, packaging, etc..... but let's not focus on just one aspect of these great releases.


Criterion Blu-ray Reviews

I always like Criterion, be it on laserdisc, dvd or br. But I am sad to say that I am not impressed that Criterion has iTunes releases.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

After watching Red Desert and Eclipse last year, I am glad I did not blind buy Red Desert. The only two other Antonioni films I have watched are Blow up and L'Avventura before that. My belief was Antonioni was flawless especially with Monica Vitti (one of the most beautiful ladies in Italian cinema). I am hard press to call L'Avventura his ultimate masterpiece.

I thought seeing Monica Vitti in color would justify the buy (Red Desert), but the story was not good. I was hoping the cinematography would be better (it has a very gray pallete). The black and white cinematography on L'Avventura is close to perfection and, although it has a slow pace, the story is still very engaging.

I recommend anyone planning to buy Red Desert to watch it first, except if you are an ardent Antonioni and Vitti fan. I hope L'Avventura will be the next Antonioni film released by criterion.

Wow, Red Desert is certainly not about narrative nor should it be. We are plunged headfirst into images of loneliness, isolation, confusion and despair. The interaction and contrast between Vitti and the industrial environs say so much. Maybe the I'm just hardwired to love the film as I share it's world view, but I would put it on my Sight and Sound list.

I would strongly recommend Zabriskie Point if a more psychedelic Antonioni seems up your alley. It's pretty damn near close to being the best late 60's counterculture film.

[deepbreathsanddeath]

Originally Posted by greekak229

Glad you enjoyed it. Anatomy of a Murder is a true masterpiece. The run time for the film doesn't even feel like 2 hours and 40 minutes because you're just so engaged in what's going on.

Originally Posted by KrugerIndustrial

I'm happy you enjoyed it. It has been on my wish list for quite some time now as I've been hesitating should I finally pull the trigger on it and thanks to your post I decided to give it a try. Do you think it's a film you'd revisit often?

To be honest, it DID feel long but it didn't feel 2 hours and 40 minutes. I don't know, I can usually physically tell when a movie has passed it's two hour point as someone else mentioned also. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing. That 2 hours and 40 minutes flew by though. It was really enjoyable from beginning to end.
Yes, it's a film I'll revisit many times in the future

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Are we talking about Audrey Hepburn?

Can never have enough Audrey Hepburn (or Taylor Swift)

I don't know if I've recommended this before but if anyone loves Hepburn I cannot recommend this book any more. It is OOP so if you see it for a decent price then grab it. It's great:

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I don't know if I've recommended this before but if anyone loves Hepburn I cannot recommend this book any more. It is OOP so if you see it for a decent price then grab it.

I will add to this recommendation. They're treasures indeed.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

After watching Red Desert and Eclipse last year, I am glad I did not blind buy Red Desert. The only two other Antonioni films I have watched are Blow up and L'Avventura before that. My belief was Antonioni was flawless especially with Monica Vitti (one of the most beautiful ladies in Italian cinema). I am hard press to call L'Avventura his ultimate masterpiece.

I thought seeing Monica Vitti in color would justify the buy (Red Desert), but the story was not good. I was hoping the cinematography would be better (it has a very gray pallete). The black and white cinematography on L'Avventura is close to perfection and, although it has a slow pace, the story is still very engaging.

I recommend anyone planning to buy Red Desert to watch it first, except if you are an ardent Antonioni and Vitti fan. I hope L'Avventura will be the next Antonioni film released by criterion.

I'm drawn to Red Desert because I gravitate to strange images and interesting cinematography, but it took me a couple of viewings to get the feel of the movie. The gray palette is deliberate, because Antonioni had many of the landscapes spray-painted to a uniform gray color. It was a strange technique, but it made certain oddities stand out more on the screen.

I think that it's a great film for those of us who sometimes feel alienated by the changes and advances in technology and industrialization. The isolating effects of increased industrialization are certainly sensed during this film, and there is no clear resolution.

I want more Monica Vitti films on Blu-ray, because I have enjoyed every film I've seen that she stars in. Hoping that the other Criterions will be upgraded to Blu-ray in due time.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Wow, Red Desert is certainly not about narrative nor should it be. We are plunged headfirst into images of loneliness, isolation, confusion and despair. The interaction and contrast between Vitti and the industrial environs say so much. Maybe the I'm just hardwired to love the film as I share it's world view, but I would put it on my Sight and Sound list.

I would strongly recommend Zabriskie Point if a more psychedelic Antonioni seems up your alley. It's pretty damn near close to being the best late 60's counterculture film.

Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely watch it (with The Passenger) in the future.

I enjoyed Blow Up, but L'Avventura is my favorite Antonioni film. It lead me to view Red Desert and Eclipse. They are good films, but not on par with L'Avventura. L'Avventura is more subtle and poetic dealing with the same concepts as Red Desert. I cared more about the characters than Red Desert characters.

The gray pallete of the industrial environment and colorful dresses does bring out her emotional isolation. In comparison, the black and white cinematography of the island with the missing woman in L'Avventura (wide angle shots are gorgeous) pull the same emotional weight but more effectively. The story reminded me of a Chekhov short story.

It is unfair I guess to judge Red Desert with L'Avventura. (It's like judging The Magician with The Seventh Seal)

Abdrewes, what are your thoughts about L'Avventura?

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely watch it (with The Passenger) in the future.

I enjoyed Blow Up, but L'Avventura is my favorite Antonioni film. It lead me to view Red Desert and Eclipse. They are good films, but not on par with L'Avventura. L'Avventura is more subtle and poetic dealing with the same concepts as Red Desert. I cared more about the characters than Red Desert characters.

The gray pallete of the industrial environment and colorful dresses does bring out her emotional isolation. In comparison, the black and white cinematography of the island with the missing woman in L'Avventura (wide angle shots are gorgeous) pull the same emotional weight but more effectively. The story reminded me of a Chekhov short story.

It is unfair I guess to judge Red Desert with L'Avventura. (It's like judging The Magician with The Seventh Seal)

Abdrewes, what are your thoughts about L'Avventura?

I think Zabeiskie Ponint may be his most "commercial" work and also his most colorful. He fills the widescreen canvas with such lush, dazzling sights. It's slightly heavy handed, but, a crucial Late 60's film.

If your asking for my thoughts on L'Avventura, expect all objectivity to be thrown out the window. He's pretty much my favorite director and I worship every frame of film I've seen from him.....but yes, L'Avventura may be his masterpiece, sure it's one of the most revolutionary films, but it does intrigue you with that central mystery of the disappearance and follows it up with themes you'll see throughout his work.

I only hope we get this on Blu ray soon. It's a shame I've only seen it on DVD. Could you imagine the opening passages of the trip to the island and the happenings on said island in HD, it will be overwhelming!

[RiFiFi1955]

While speaking of Antonioni, has anyone watched the interview with De Palma on Criterion's Blow Out release. The interviewer asks De Palma like three times if he thinks Antonioni's Blow Up is a great movie and De Palma never answers the question but insteads dodges around the question with responses like I think there is great concepts in the film. But when talking about The Red Shoes De Palma explains his immense love for the film. I always assumed De Palma probably loved Blow Up as well but from this interview it did not seem that way but more that he just really liked the aspect of the whole photo/Blow Up scenario.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I think Zabeiskie Ponint may be his most "commercial" work and also his most colorful. He fills the widescreen canvas with such lush, dazzling sights. It's slightly heavy handed, but, a crucial Late 60's film.

If your asking for my thoughts on L'Avventura, expect all objectivity to be thrown out the window. He's pretty much my favorite director and I worship every frame of film I've seen from him.....but yes, L'Avventura may be his masterpiece, sure it's one of the most revolutionary films, but it does intrigue you with that central mystery of the disappearance and follows it up with themes you'll see throughout his work.

I only hope we get this on Blu ray soon. It's a shame I've only seen it on DVD. Could you imagine the opening passages of the trip to the island and the happenings on said island in HD, it will be overwhelming!

Same here, I saw the DVD about 8 years ago; I still remember how beautiful and isolated that island appeared to me. It would be glorious to watch it in HD on a big screen. That one film made me an Antonioni fan for life. I hope to visit that island someday, just to see what magic Antonioni did to make it seem so isolated.

I agree that Red Desert has an interesting cinematography, Great Owl. I guess I was expecting the same experience I had with L'Avventura, which in retrospect, is unfair. I still recommend viewing the film before buying it.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

Same here, I saw the DVD about 8 years ago; I still remember how beautiful and isolated that island appeared to me. It would be glorious to watch it in HD on a big screen. That one film made me an Antonioni fan for life. I hope to visit that island someday, just to see what magic Antonioni did to make it seem so isolated.

I agree that Red Desert has an interesting cinematography, Great Owl. I guess I was expecting the same experience I had with L'Avventura, which in retrospect, is unfair. I still recommend viewing the film before buying it.

Sorry to be so brief, but I started watching something right after my last post. .... Let Starman resume

[Fellini912]

Just finished watching La Belle et la Bête with Philip Glass' soundtrack, and now I am watching 8 1/2. "ASA NISI MASA"

[paul000]

While we're on the subject of Antonioni, does anyone else here love Identification of a Woman? For some reason this is the one I always go back to with him. Almost everyone tells me it's not his best or it's just okay but I find it filled to the brim with ideas and it leaves more of an impression on me than his other work. I love the bleak imagery and feeling of isolated dread in Red Desert, think Zabriskie Point is incredible etc and I'll stop there because I could go on complimenting the rest of his output but Identification of a Woman sticks out to me. Maybe I'm alone but it leaves my mind reeling, possibly from experiences of my own but I can't pinpoint it. Great film.