The Criterion Collection

[ZooTv]

Originally Posted by spanky87

FWWM is one of the biggest disappointments in cinema history for me. Story was all over the place, and the tone was waaay off and not in line with the rest of the series. Sad to see so many characters missing, Kyle MacLachlan with nothing to do, and the terrible re-casting. Big time wasted potential.

Couldn't agree more, it's just a bad film that really does nothing for me each time I revisit it... MacLachlan essentially wanted nothing to do with the film from the get-go due to his fears of being typecasted.

[The Great Owl]

I watched my Criterion Blu-ray of The Man Who Knew Too Much earlier today. I love it!

The Man Who Knew Too Much was one four "blind buys" that I have made since buying my Blu-ray player, since the rest of my Blu-ray purchases have been upgrades of favorites from my old DVD collection. (The other three "blind buys" were Lawrence of Arabia, Le Silence De La Mer, and Purple Noon.) I ascertained that this movie would fit well into my collection, since I love The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and the rest of the Hitchcock films that I grew up watching.

Just as I expected, The Man Who Knew Too Much is a marvelous film. It marks one of many home runs for Peter Lorre, who was one of the coolest-looking actors in cinema history and who was capable of eliciting terror and laughter alike. Hitchcock was also at the top of his game here in his ability to depict the danger of heights onscreen.

Next up on my to-watch queue are my Blu-rays of The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, since I am looking forward to seeing how these releases hold up to the old DVD editions.

I had a hankering to check out my Hitchcock Criterions today after watching all four of the Bourne Blu-rays yesterday. After enjoying those four outstanding contemporary espionage movies in high definition, I wanted to go "straight to the source", so to speak, by watching the early Hitchcock films that were an influence on everything after.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I watched my Criterion Blu-ray of The Man Who Knew Too Much earlier today. I love it!

The Man Who Knew Too Much was one four "blind buys" that I have made since buying my Blu-ray player, since the rest of my Blu-ray purchases have been upgrades of favorites from my old DVD collection. (The other three "blind buys" were Lawrence of Arabia, Le Silence De La Mer, and Purple Noon.) I ascertained that this movie would fit well into my collection, since I love The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, and the rest of the Hitchcock films that I grew up watching.

Just as I expected, The Man Who Knew Too Much is a marvelous film. It marks one of many home runs for Peter Lorre, who was one of the coolest-looking actors in cinema history and who was capable of eliciting terror and laughter alike. Hitchcock was also at the top of his game here in his ability to depict the danger of heights onscreen.

Next up on my to-watch queue are my Blu-rays of The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes, since I am looking forward to seeing how these releases hold up to the old DVD editions.

I had a hankering to check out my Hitchcock Criterions today after watching all four of the Bourne Blu-rays yesterday. After enjoying those four outstanding contemporary espionage movies in high definition, I wanted to go "straight to the source", so to speak, by watching the early Hitchcock films that were an influence on everything after.

Have you read this?
http://www.criterion.com/current/pos...-knew-too-much

I can't wait for the next sale so I can blind buy this aswell

[Scottie]

I just watched 3 Women.

It's probably the least talked about Criterion film in the entire collection, but it's easily one of the most engrossing films from the entire line-up. I really wish that it would get more praise because Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall gave outstanding performances.

I honestly don't know what to make of the film, but there are times (like this), where it doesn't matter. From the beginning to the end I found it very mesmerizing - from the score, to the directing, etc.

[Show spoiler]Was the entire thing one big dream? There were a lot of elements to the story that made it feel like a dream to me - especially with Pinky's transformation.

I also cannot help but feel like the images that were drawn all over the place were hinting at some things in the film. The image of the pregnant woman kept drawing me to Willie's character (because she was also pregnant). I also noticed there were a couple other women in the drawings, as well as a man. I read a little bit on IMDB about how some interpret the drawings to represent each of the central characters - Millie, Pinky, Willie, and Edgar. These women all had some connection to Edgar, so I feel that's how they were all connected throughout.

The film was also made during the 1970s and I can't help but feel that some elements from the feminism movement were embodied in the film. Regardless, the fact that Robert Altman created this film from a dream he had is mind-blowing.

Edit: These Criterion films certainly have a way with the viewers. Every film that I've seen thus far has made me think in some way or the other. I need to take a break and watch something aimless and pointless lol.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Have you read this?
http://www.criterion.com/current/pos...-knew-too-much

I can't wait for the next sale so I can blind buy this aswell

Thanks! I had not seen that link before. I usually catch all the Criterion stuff on my Facebook wall, but that one must have slipped through the cracks.

I bought my Blu-rays of The Man Who Knew Too Much, The 39 Steps, and The Lady Vanishes all at once from Best Buy with some Upgrade & Save coupons last month when I had some cash from selling a bunch of DVDs. This was back when The Man Who Knew Too Much was still on sale there at a lower price. At any rate, though, it's a clear winner as far as value, in terms of the movie itself, the picture, and the supplements (although I have not had time to hit the commentary yet).

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I just watched 3 Women.

[Show spoiler]It's probably the least talked about Criterion film in the entire collection, but it's easily one of the most engrossing films from the entire line-up. I really wish that it would get more praise because Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall gave outstanding performances.

I honestly don't know what to make of the film, but there are times (like this), where it doesn't matter. From the beginning to the end I found it very mesmerizing - from the score, to the directing, etc.

[Show spoiler]Was the entire thing one big dream? There were a lot of elements to the story that made it feel like a dream to me - especially with Pinky's transformation.

I also cannot help but feel like the images that were drawn all over the place were hinting at some things in the film. The image of the pregnant woman kept drawing me to Willie's character (because she was also pregnant). I also noticed there were a couple other women in the drawings, as well as a man. I read a little bit on IMDB about how some interpret the drawings to represent each of the central characters - Millie, Pinky, Willie, and Edgar. These women all had some connection to Edgar, so I feel that's how they were all connected throughout.

The film was also made during the 1970s and I can't help but feel that some elements from the feminism movement were embodied in the film. Regardless, the fact that Robert Altman created this film from a dream he had is mind-blowing.

Edit: These Criterion films certainly have a way with the viewers. Every film that I've seen thus far has made me think in some way or the other. I need to take a break and watch something aimless and pointless lol.

I enjoy reading your reviews, and this is another one well-done.

I have never seen this particular Criterion, but I've never been the obsessive type when it comes to avoiding spoilers in reviews. I guess that this comes from my childhood, when I was fond of reading paperback novelizations of movies before seeing the movies themselves.

I've never seen any Robert Altman films, in fact, although I heard so many great things about his works back in the 1990s. His Criterions are "in the rear with the gear" on my priority list of Criterions to watch, but I hope to see them someday.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I just watched 3 Women.

It's probably the least talked about Criterion film in the entire collection, but it's easily one of the most engrossing films from the entire line-up. I really wish that it would get more praise because Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall gave outstanding performances.

I honestly don't know what to make of the film, but there are times (like this), where it doesn't matter. From the beginning to the end I found it very mesmerizing - from the score, to the directing, etc.

[Show spoiler]Was the entire thing one big dream? There were a lot of elements to the story that made it feel like a dream to me - especially with Pinky's transformation.

I also cannot help but feel like the images that were drawn all over the place were hinting at some things in the film. The image of the pregnant woman kept drawing me to Willie's character (because she was also pregnant). I also noticed there were a couple other women in the drawings, as well as a man. I read a little bit on IMDB about how some interpret the drawings to represent each of the central characters - Millie, Pinky, Willie, and Edgar. These women all had some connection to Edgar, so I feel that's how they were all connected throughout.

The film was also made during the 1970s and I can't help but feel that some elements from the feminism movement were embodied in the film. Regardless, the fact that Robert Altman created this film from a dream he had is mind-blowing.

I really want to revisit this film. It blew me away! I just really wished I could have jotted some notes, because I had a bunch of half formed thoughts on the film that evade me. I remember nearly all the locations: Bars, the ranch, the apartment, the pools; the performances; the compositions; but not exactly how the puzzle all fit. I also remember loving the role reversals. It's undeniably a work of art and among Altman's finest work..

[Show spoiler] Do you think Lynch saw this film? the way Altman plays with dream imagery and identity shifts seems like it could have influenced him.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I enjoy reading your reviews, and this is another one well-done.

I have never seen this particular Criterion, but I've never been the obsessive type when it comes to avoiding spoilers in reviews. I guess that this comes from my childhood, when I was fond of reading paperback novelizations of movies before seeing the movies themselves.

I've never seen any Robert Altman films, in fact, although I heard so many great things about his works back in the 1990s. His Criterions are "in the rear with the gear" on my priority list of Criterions to watch, but I hope to see them someday.

Aaaahhh!!! Fix this now! I'm sure you'll love The Long Goodbye, Nashville, MASH, The Player, Gosford Park (the list goes on and on)....some of his other films are very idiosyncratic, but I'd still recommend watching those too.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I just watched 3 Women.

It's probably the least talked about Criterion film in the entire collection, but it's easily one of the most engrossing films from the entire line-up. I really wish that it would get more praise because Sissy Spacek and Shelley Duvall gave outstanding performances.

I honestly don't know what to make of the film, but there are times (like this), where it doesn't matter. From the beginning to the end I found it very mesmerizing - from the score, to the directing, etc.

[Show spoiler]Was the entire thing one big dream? There were a lot of elements to the story that made it feel like a dream to me - especially with Pinky's transformation.

I also cannot help but feel like the images that were drawn all over the place were hinting at some things in the film. The image of the pregnant woman kept drawing me to Willie's character (because she was also pregnant). I also noticed there were a couple other women in the drawings, as well as a man. I read a little bit on IMDB about how some interpret the drawings to represent each of the central characters - Millie, Pinky, Willie, and Edgar. These women all had some connection to Edgar, so I feel that's how they were all connected throughout.

The film was also made during the 1970s and I can't help but feel that some elements from the feminism movement were embodied in the film. Regardless, the fact that Robert Altman created this film from a dream he had is mind-blowing.

Edit: These Criterion films certainly have a way with the viewers. Every film that I've seen thus far has made me think in some way or the other. I need to take a break and watch something aimless and pointless lol.

There's plenty of other excellent Criterion blu-rays that rarely get talked about, this is certainly one of them.

It's very dream-like, but as with Marienbad (which you also just talked about), I don't really like to take it that way. I prefer films to have a surreal element, and never consider them to be actual dreams, just sometimes twisted representations of reality. As with this film, I like to think of it as an ambiguous, somewhat exaggerated portrayal of something that may actually take place. As I mentioned earlier, I really love films that display this theme of shifting identities and roles when unlikely characters are seen. It both connects them and draws them apart in interesting ways, and I feel 3 Women handles it perfectly.

Aimless and pointless? Uhh...must...resist..making joke about Tiny Furniture ...

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I enjoy reading your reviews, and this is another one well-done.

I have never seen this particular Criterion, but I've never been the obsessive type when it comes to avoiding spoilers in reviews. I guess that this comes from my childhood, when I was fond of reading paperback novelizations of movies before seeing the movies themselves.

I've never seen any Robert Altman films, in fact, although I heard so many great things about his works back in the 1990s. His Criterions are "in the rear with the gear" on my priority list of Criterions to watch, but I hope to see them someday.

Thank you for the kind words. I really advise you to check it out. This is honestly one of the better films that I've seen but it's probably the least talked about next to ¡Alambrista!

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I really want to revisit this film. It blew me away! I just really wished I could have jotted some notes, because I had a bunch of half formed thoughts on the film that evade me. I remember nearly all the locations: Bars, the ranch, the apartment, the pools; the performances; the compositions; but not exactly how the puzzle all fit. I also remember loving the role reversals. It's undeniably a work of art and among Altman's finest work..

[Show spoiler] Do you think Lynch saw this film? the way Altman plays with dream imagery and identity shifts seems like it could have influenced him.

Yes! That was another point I missed in my original post.

[Show spoiler]I was actually chuckling quite a bit with the role reversals. Millie started off as the dominating and sarcastic one of the two, and then Pinky fulfilled that role post-coma. I'm still having a hard time figuring out why Pinky denied those being her parents. Were they not her parents? Was the entire film just a dream / nightmare?

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

There's plenty of other excellent Criterion blu-rays that rarely get talked about, this is certainly one of them.

It's very dream-like, but as with Marienbad (which you also just talked about), I don't really like to take it that way. I prefer films to have a surreal element, and never consider them to be actual dreams, just sometimes twisted representations of reality. As with this film, I like to think of it as an ambiguous, somewhat exaggerated portrayal of something that may actually take place. As I mentioned earlier, I really love films that display this theme of shifting identities and roles when unlikely characters are seen. It both connects them and draws them apart in interesting ways, and I feel 3 Women handles it perfectly.

Aimless and pointless? Uhh...must...resist..making joke about Tiny Furniture ...

So you do not feel that Marienbad was an actual dream or not? I know what you are saying.

Haha, I don't have Tiny Furniture yet. My big Criterion haul should be here tomorrow, though

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Aaaahhh!!! Fix this now! I'm sure you'll love The Long Goodbye, Nashville, MASH, The Player, Gosford Park (the list goes on and on)....some of his other films are very idiosyncratic, but I'd still recommend watching those too.

Don't forget Short Cuts (which has a CC DVD).

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Aaaahhh!!! Fix this now! I'm sure you'll love The Long Goodbye, Nashville, MASH, The Player, Gosford Park (the list goes on and on)....some of his other films are very idiosyncratic, but I'd still recommend watching those too.

Wait, I take that back... I have seen one Robert Altman film.

I saw Popeye (1980) many years ago.

I have a feeling that Criterion is not exactly jumping over fences and busting through doors in a rush to release this particular title. I could be wrong, though (...and it would be great if I am.).

Incidentally, I just noticed that I am listed as a "special" member now. I figure this either happened when I posted the other day that I wouldn't mind having the double-set of Tommy Boy and Black Sheep on Blu-ray or when I just posted that Criterion should pick up Popeye as a title.

[soarinsteven]

More people should definitely check out Ghost World. Such a great film, and features one of Steve Buscemi's best performances. Tho it will make you say "whatever happened to Thora Birch?" So wonderful in the film, and had this and American Beauty as a one-two punch, and then sort of just disappeared. Kind of a shame. Her costar Scarlett Johansson, however, has fared a tad better.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

Don't forget Short Cuts (which has a CC DVD).

+ McCabe and Mrs. Miller and Prairie Home Companion.

I caved in and bought the Short Cuts DVD over the Fall. if CC doesn't announce it for June next month, then I'll probably have to cave in and watch in lower quality

[RandyK]

Watched Rosemary's Baby today after watching Repulsion a few weeks ago. Both films were really good and featured two beautiful women (Mia Farrow especially).

After listening to Roman Polanski in some interviews, I've realized that if I were a director, I would be asking myself "how would Roman Polanski shoot this?" all the time. He is very smart in the way he selects shots and how he has the actors portray the characters he wants.

If Criterion were to release The Tenant, I would be all over it.

[IronWaffle]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

+ McCabe and Mrs. Miller and Prairie Home Companion.

I caved in and bought the Short Cuts DVD. if CC doesn't announce it for June next month, then I'll probably have to cave in and watch in lower quality

I'd likely double dip, but really hope any reissue would include the Kael commentary (and the soft cover book of Carver stories from which the film was derived).

Also, for fans of the movie or Raymond Carver, check out the film Jindabyne which is also based on the story about the fishermen that is in Short Cuts.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Wait, I take that back... I have seen one Robert Altman film.

I saw Popeye (1980) many years ago.

I have a feeling that Criterion is not exactly jumping over fences and busting through doors in a rush to release this particular title. I could be wrong, though (...and it would be great if I am.).

Incidentally, I just noticed that I am listed as a "special" member now. I figure this either happened when I posted the other day that I wouldn't mind having the double-set of Tommy Boy and Black Sheep on Blu-ray or when I just posted that Criterion should pick up Popeye as a title.

They'll probably demote you once they notice that

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by soarinsteven

More people should definitely check out Ghost World. Such a great film, and features one of Steve Buscemi's best performances. Tho it will make you say "whatever happened to Thora Birch?" So wonderful in the film, and had this and American Beauty as a one-two punch, and then sort of just disappeared. Kind of a shame. Her costar Scarlett Johansson, however, has fared a tad better.

I used to watch Ghost World all the time when it aired repeatedly on a couple of cable channels over a decade ago when I shared a house with some friends. This was around the time that Lost in Translation was released, and I predicted that Scarlett Johansson was going to become quite famous.

I think that it's the voice, in all seriousness. There are a lot of beautiful actresses in the world, but Scarlett Johansson has a uniquely husky voice that sort of contradicts her appearance and makes her more memorable.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by IronWaffle

I'd likely double dip, but really hope any reissue would include the Kael commentary (and the soft cover book of Carver stories from which the film was derived).

Also, for fans of the movie or Raymond Carver, check out the film Jindabyne which is also based on the story about the fishermen that is in Short Cuts.

Those would be fantastic extras.
Googling Jindabyne...now...
Edit: Laura Linney Is in it, must see

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by iScottie

So you do not feel that Marienbad was an actual dream or not? I know what you are saying.

Not really. I just think of it as a surreal, nightmarish expression on the nature of memory. Like, the last film project I worked on I had a character that felt emotional pain, and I expressed it through various physical pains that didn't necessarily make sense in terms of a coherent narrative, but it wasn't a dream... it just served as that kind of 'twisted representation of reality' I was talking about earlier. That to me (maybe it's just me) is much more interesting than just taking something as being a dream (which is pretty simple to do). Know what I mean?