The Criterion Collection

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by UNCMT9

I had Days of Heaven on the DVR for a few months now. Cracked it on last night and couldn't get through the first 30 minutes. Gorgeous cinematography but I couldn't get into it.

I love it but then I've been a fan of Malick's since I first saw Badlands back in '74. Countin' the days now till that comes out.

All I can say is give it another chance.

[ZooTv]

Originally Posted by UNCMT9

I had Days of Heaven on the DVR for a few months now. Cracked it on last night and couldn't get through the first 30 minutes. Gorgeous cinematography but I couldn't get into it.

At a very breezy 90 minutes, I'd definitely try and find time to reevaluate the entire film as a whole. Much like yourself, I was immediately floored by the beautiful visuals, but didn't really feel connected to the story until repeat viewings.

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by Page14

Well, I was able to watch 3 more Criterions within the past week or so ... The Red Shoes, Head and Stagecoach.

[Show spoiler]Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch or listen to any of the supplements yet. To me, that's a vital part of the bluray experience ... like I haven't really explored the entire film until I go through all the supplements. That being said ...

Very briefly (due to current lack of time to sit at the keyboard):

The Red Shoes: I liked it very much, but might have been expecting more, after reading so many glowing comments about it. I'm anxious to give it another watch.

[Show spoiler]Head: This is a film that I was very anxious to see because I grew up watching the Monkees TV show ... bought most of their albums. I thought I must have seen it before a long long time ago, but if I did, I sure don't remember any of it. Then again, after seeing the film, it might be easy to not remember, since it jumps all over the place. It was an effort for me to watch it all, but at the same time, I'm anxious to watch it again while listening to the Monkee's commentary.

Stagecoach: I found this one to be surprisingly fun! Beautiful scenery!!! (even in B&W). I have a hard time believing I never saw this before. Now I'm anxious to stock up on more John Ford/John Wayne collaborations.

(Looking back at my comments, I sure seem like an "anxious" kind of guy).

Don't think you'll be disappointed. This is one of the many Criterions that pays dividends with repeated viewings. The viewing experience just becomes richer and more fulfulling if for no other reason (and there are a number of others) than increasing familiarity with the characters and with the wonderful score and orchestral selections. The infectious enthusiasm and vitality of the cast alone makes this a fun re-visit.

[RandomThought31]

So now the question is...godzilla. is it a good conversion to blu or will I be met with disapointment?

[Monty70]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Pretty much. It's made with such style that makes a simple film something more special. It's very, very 'cool' indeed. That's what gave me my own 'best ever' reaction. Plus,

[Show spoiler]I love the fact that you never get the full story

.

The film has a certain nihilism at its core that I identify with very strongly.

Guess its films like this that are the reason I love cinema so, they speak to us subconsciously in manner that defies the need to be explained.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Monty70

The film has a strong nihilism at its core that I identify with very strongly.

Guess its films like this that are the reason I love cinema so, they speak to us subconsciously in manner that defies the need to be explained.

That's an interesting take. I definitely see that. It's not directly stated in any way, but the attitude that comes with it strongly implies this different kind of lifestyle where careless living is the only real living.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by randomthought31

So now the question is...godzilla. is it a good conversion to blu or will I be met with disapointment?

Worth the upgrade

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Page14

Well, I was able to watch 3 more Criterions within the past week or so ... The Red Shoes, Head and Stagecoach. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch or listen to any of the supplements yet. To me, that's a vital part of the bluray experience ... like I haven't really explored the entire film until I go through all the supplements. That being said ...

Very briefly (due to current lack of time to sit at the keyboard):

The Red Shoes: I liked it very much, but might have been expecting more, after reading so many glowing comments about it. I'm anxious to give it another watch.

Head: This is a film that I was very anxious to see because I grew up watching the Monkees TV show ... bought most of their albums. I thought I must have seen it before a long long time ago, but if I did, I sure don't remember any of it. Then again, after seeing the film, it might be easy to not remember, since it jumps all over the place. It was an effort for me to watch it all, but at the same time, I'm anxious to watch it again while listening to the Monkee's commentary.

Stagecoach: I found this one to be surprisingly fun! Beautiful scenery!!! (even in B&W). I have a hard time believing I never saw this before. Now I'm anxious to stock up on more John Ford/John Wayne collaborations.

(Looking back at my comments, I sure seem like an "anxious" kind of guy).

It took three viewings of "The Red Shoes" before I really appreciated it. I fell for "Black Narcissus" after only seeing it for the first time.

Having been a big Monkees fan (and a Zappa fan as well), "Head" was interesting enough to hold my interest. The music alone was worth the price of admission.

"Stage Coach" is just out and out a classic! A wonderful oddball of a film that set the tone for all Westerns to follow.

I hope you enjoyed them!

[ElasticJimbo]

Rewatching The Pianist on Netflix. I hope this comes out on Blu-ray here in the US this year; it would be great if it was a Criterion release.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

Don't think you'll be disappointed. This is one of the many Criterions that pays dividends with repeated viewings. The viewing experience just becomes richer and more fulfulling if for no other reason (and there are a number of others) than increasing familiarity with the characters and with the wonderful score and orchestral selections. The infectious enthusiasm and vitality of the cast alone makes this a fun re-visit.

Originally Posted by rkish

It took three viewings of "The Red Shoes" before I really appreciated it. I fell for "Black Narcissus" after only seeing it for the first time.

Having been a big Monkees fan (and a Zappa fan as well), "Head" was interesting enough to hold my interest. The music alone was worth the price of admission.

"Stage Coach" is just out and out a classic! A wonderful oddball of a film that set the tone for all Westerns to follow.

I hope you enjoyed them!

Thanks for the replies and thoughts.

I can see where a film like The Red Shoes can grow on a person. I'll be sure to watch it again ... I'm not sure when, but eventually.

I find Head to be worthwhile if for nothing more than the history/nostalgia factor (and of course the Monkees).

[Show spoiler]And all the cameos! ... from such a variety of people. Many of them are listed in the credits, but I could have sworn I saw one person who wasn't listed (unless I missed it). I'm talking about Dennis Hopper in his Easy Rider costume. Did I get that right or is my imagination getting the better of me?

I really loved Stagecoach more than I thought I would. The settings, lighting, background shots ... eye-popping ... breathtaking ... the right word to describe it all isn't coming to me. And the characters were all great (... that's an understatement). EDIT: And the stunts! ... and the camera shots! and . and . and ... Wow!

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by randomthought31

So now the question is...godzilla. is it a good conversion to blu or will I be met with disappointment?

Godzilla a disappointment?

Does not compute, Will Robinson. Does... Not... Compute...

Godzilla is one of the most worthwhile Blu-rays that you can own. The limitations of the source material are inherent in the presentation, of course, but the high definition transfer really shines during some key moments. The commentaries for both versions of the film are superb. This Criterion really goes the extra mile.

I posted a review a few pages back, because I revisited this fine film the other night.

[mrjohnnyb]

Tonight, I went to Barnes and Noble - equipped with my 15%-off discount coupon - with the intention of gleaning the best discounted blu-ray. I was able to procure A Cat in Paris, completely on a whim of blind-buy fancy. The film received a great review from the New York Times and was nominated for an Academy Award, so those two combined issues satisfied my "taste" issues (sorry, I know, pretentious.) With my B & N membership, aforementioned coupon, and 50% B & N in-store markdown, I paid $14.53. The disc is primarily for my 6-year old but also for me as we enjoy watching fine films together.

I decided to check the blu-ray.com review and took a look at the screenshots.

The link below will connect you with some of the most glorious animated screenshots that I have seen. (Be sure to view the screenshots close up. It is filled with great shadowing, color palettes, parity, etc.)

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/A-Cat...6/#Screenshots

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by rkish

It took three viewings of "The Red Shoes" before I really appreciated it. I fell for "Black Narcissus" after only seeing it for the first time.

Having been a big Monkees fan (and a Zappa fan as well), "Head" was interesting enough to hold my interest. The music alone was worth the price of admission.

"Stage Coach" is just out and out a classic! A wonderful oddball of a film that set the tone for all Westerns to follow.

I hope you enjoyed them!

You have become my favorite poster on this forum, rkish. It is the first time someone mentioned Frank Zappa since I joined. He is an eclectic musical genius. From his Mother of Invention albums to his orchestral pieces, pure genius. The only other musician with that spectrum of genius is Miles Davis.

Ha, let me be the first one to recommend 200 Motels and Baby Snakes for a criterion treatment. Now that would be something.

[*DrStrangelove*]

Originally Posted by Monty70

Pale Flower is one of my favorite Criterion BD released in the past year or two. I hope you enjoy it. (be sure to let us know what you thought)

I liked it. I didnt think it was great like some people here do thou. Idk I think I missed something. I think I was expecting more of a yakuza film. I also wish I knew what that game they were playing was or how to play it. I feel I would appreciate the film more if I did. I think I need to give it another watch. I have so many Criterion blus I want to rewatch, I just don't have the time. I still have some unopened copies I need to watch. I have: Last Metro, Week end, Harakiri, The Game, and Fanny & Alexander. I think I will watch Harakiri next.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

You have become my favorite poster on this forum, rkish. It is the first time someone mentioned Frank Zappa since I joined. He is an eclectic musical genius. From his Mother of Invention albums to his orchestral pieces, pure genius. The only other musician with that spectrum of genius is Miles Davis.

Ha, let me be the first one to recommend 200 Motels and Baby Snakes for a criterion treatment. Now that would be something.

I miss Frank. He died way too young. I became a fan with the We're Only In It For The Money album. From it's cover, to it's tracks a perfect anti-concept album. Frank liked thumbing his nose at things. Ah, memories.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by randomthought31

So now the question is...godzilla. is it a good conversion to blu or will I be met with disapointment?

I agree with the others. Now if you had seen the first (non-Criterion) Blu-ray, that was a different story.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I miss Frank. He died way too young. I became a fan with the We're Only In It For The Money album. From it's cover, to it's tracks a perfect anti-concept album. Frank liked thumbing his nose at things. Ah, memories.

He died considerably young. We are lucky that he was a prolific musician, but I would of love to hear more of his orchestral pieces; The Yellow Shark is awesome (you can hear his Varese influence).

Hot Rats, The Grand Wazoo, Apostrophe, Lather are some of my favorites.

I feel that he does not get enough credit for his work, and not a lot of young people know his music. He truly pushed the boundaries of music. Dweezil Zappa still promotes his father's music.

All I have to say is Baby Snakes blu ray on criterion.

[Hypnosifl]

Originally Posted by ElasticJimbo

Rewatching The Pianist on Netflix. I hope this comes out on Blu-ray here in the US this year; it would be great if it was a Criterion release.

Won't be part of Criterion, it's currently part of the Studio Canal Collection.

[dirtylemons]

Originally Posted by jrsl76

(I)t's ridiculous that people are already pissing themselves because Eraserhead hasn't been announced yet. It's taking months not years (although since they were going to originally release it on DVD years ago, I guess it really has taken years). People need to learn at least a little patience. It will be here soon enough.

For me, it has more to do with the fact that in almost seven years, only two David Lynch films have been released in the States. Personally, I think the German and Australian 'Eraserhead' releases are great (though I'd still love to see the film receive the Criterion treatment), but every other Lynch film could do with considerable improvement, in my opinion (I've yet to get the Japanese release of 'The Straight Story', however).

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

You have become my favorite poster on this forum, rkish. It is the first time someone mentioned Frank Zappa since I joined. He is an eclectic musical genius. From his Mother of Invention albums to his orchestral pieces, pure genius. The only other musician with that spectrum of genius is Miles Davis.

Ha, let me be the first one to recommend 200 Motels and Baby Snakes for a criterion treatment. Now that would be something.

Thanks Fellini! Frank Zappa was a big piece of my life and musical education. I am old enough to have been lucky enough to see him live at least 3 or 4 times before he died. I remember listening to Chunga's Revenge in the Junior High School Library as a youth and buying Joe's Garage while in college. Ah...the memories! He is sorely missed. I'll be 55 this year and I lost my Dad at the same age of 52...what a loss his death was to the world of music.