The Criterion Collection

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by joie

For everyone interested in Japanese film, there is a book, Censorship of Japanese Films During the U.S. Occupation of Japan: The Cases of Yasujiro Ozu and Akira Kurosawa. The occupation extended from 1945 to 1952.

If I recall correctly, filming could not begin until a script was approved by occupation authorities. Of course, some things that were censored may have been expressed more subtly during rewrite.

Akira Kurosawa talks about the postwar situation to an extent in Something Like An Autobiography.

For those who have never read this autobiography, I cannot recommend it enough.

[Member-167298]

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

Kind of on topic and related to the recent talk of The Third Man: tonight I watched Carol Reed's Odd Man Out.
A fantastic film starring James Mason as a man on the run from police. Shot by Robert Krasker (who also shot The Third Man), the film looks exceptional, particularly the nighttime sequences when it starts to snow.
Unfortunately, it is region-locked to region B, but if you are region-free or in that region you should be considering having a look at this film.

Thanks for mentioning this film. I have never heard of it before and will most likely import it.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

Kind of on topic and related to the recent talk of The Third Man: tonight I watched Carol Reed's Odd Man Out.
A fantastic film starring James Mason as a man on the run from police. Shot by Robert Krasker (who also shot The Third Man), the film looks exceptional, particularly the nighttime sequences when it starts to snow.
Unfortunately, it is region-locked to region B, but if you are region-free or in that region you should be considering having a look at this film.

I'll second that, Odd Man Out is indeed fantastic. I've been holding off on that Region B release in the hope that it's on Criterion's near-term schedule.

If you haven't seen it, Carol Reed's The Man Between, also with James Mason, is worth a look. It's set in bombed-out Berlin, in the same vein as The Third Man and has great B&W cinematography.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I am embarrassed to admit that I'm new to Buster Keaton movies, although I have been wanting to dive in for a couple of decades after reading glowing raves about these movies for so long.

One of these days, I'll take my wallet for a spin and shell out for The Ultimate Buster Keaton Collection on Kino Blu-ray. It'll be a while before that day arrives, but it will probably happen.

Buy it now! It's 46% off ($160 + shipping... $80 cheaper than Amazon) at importcds.com

http://www.importcds.com/movies/2504...ction-15-discs

And promptly watch The General, The Navigator, Steamboat Bill, Jr., and Sherlock Jr. Then come back and thank me.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by rkish

I have Hulu Plus and I think their streaming quality is at least DVD quality...maybe even a little bit better. I'm quite satisfied with it. Get yourself a free trial and see what you think.

This..I found the quality very satisfying for streaming.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by retablo

Buy it now! It's 46% off ($160 + shipping... $80 cheaper than Amazon) at importcds.com

http://www.importcds.com/movies/2504...ction-15-discs

And promptly watch The General, The Navigator, Steamboat Bill, Jr., and Sherlock Jr. Then come back and thank me.

This tempts me, but I'm not going to bite the hook just yet. I have a couple of other big ticket Blu-ray items that I want to buy first (Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection and The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series).

Someday, though. Someday.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

This tempts me, but I'm not going to bite the hook just yet. I have a couple of other big ticket Blu-ray items that I want to buy first (Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection and The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series).

Someday, though. Someday.

Well, if you would've jumped on the $99 Hitchcock set at Fingerhut like I was lucky enough to, then you'd be set! I have the complete Twilight Zone also (although I bought the singles as they were released), which is amazing, and probably overall one of the best sets I own.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by retablo

Well, if you would've jumped on the $99 Hitchcock set at Fingerhut like I was lucky enough to, then you'd be set! I have the complete Twilight Zone also (although I bought the singles as they were released), which is amazing, and probably overall one of the best sets I own.

I have The Twilight Zone: The Definitive Collection on DVD, but it's my all-time favorite television show, so it's a must to have on Blu-ray.

I'm usually bewildered at peeps who purchase a lot of television show seasons on Blu-ray, because I cannot imagine wanting to watch most of those more than once or twice. The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series is one that I'll watch repeatedly, just as I've watched the DVD set repeatedly, though. There are only a couple other shows that I would bother upgrading to Blu-ray if they are ever announced (all five seasons of Miami Vice and Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series), but I usually stay way away from the television stuff.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I have The Twilight Zone: The Definitive Collection on DVD, but it's my all-time favorite television show, so it's a must to have on Blu-ray.

I'm usually bewildered at peeps who purchase a lot of television show seasons on Blu-ray, because I cannot imagine wanting to watch most of those more than once or twice. The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series is one that I'll watch repeatedly, just as I've watched the DVD set repeatedly, though. There are only a couple other shows that I would bother upgrading to Blu-ray if they are ever announced (all five seasons of Miami Vice and Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series), but I usually stay way away from the television stuff.

Love Miami Vice (as well as the film). I watch TV shows maybe more than films these days, because TV is simply better. TV, which was once considered the death knoll, has not surpassed films in regards to quality and original content, not to mention risk. Films have become so expensive (especially in regards to P&R), and worldwide B.O. now dominates even North American grosses so much so that fewer and fewer niche films are even getting considered, let alone made. Which is why so many filmmakers — Scorsese, Michael Mann, (even though he started in TV), Darabont, now Ang Lee — are turning to TV to direct pilots and become involved with shows... because that's where the artistic freedom is these days. I've watched the entire series of LOST 3 times, BSG, The Wire, Deadwood, 24 all twice... and am looking forward to revisiting The Shield.

...which has nothing to do with Criterion Collection, lol. Sorry. Well, except for the fact that releases like Scenes From a Marriage, Fanny & Alexander, World on a Wire and Berlin Alexanderplatz were originally TV mini-series in their respective countries. There, I tied it all together!

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by retablo

Love Miami Vice (as well as the film). I watch TV shows maybe more than films these days, because TV is simply better. TV, which was once considered the death knoll, has not surpassed films in regards to quality and original content, not to mention risk. Films have become so expensive (especially in regards to P&R), and worldwide B.O. now dominates even North American grosses so much so that fewer and fewer niche films are even getting considered, let alone made. Which is why so many filmmakers — Scorsese, Michael Mann, (even though he started in TV), Darabont, now Ang Lee — are turning to TV to direct pilots and become involved with shows... because that's where the artistic freedom is these days. I've watched the entire series of LOST 3 times, BSG, The Wire, Deadwood, 24 all twice... and am looking forward to revisiting The Shield.

...which has nothing to do with Criterion Collection, lol. Sorry. Well, except for the fact that releases like Scenes From a Marriage, Fanny & Alexander, World on a Wire and Berlin Alexanderplatz were originally TV mini-series in their respective countries. There, I tied it all together!

Ever so often, I'll rent a season or two of a television show that I've heard great things about. The first season of The Walking Dead was quite phenomenal (especially since my neighborhood running route goes right by the Centers for Disease Control location on the show). BSG was solid great fun. I never purchase them, though, because I can't see myself finding time to watch most full seasons more than once when there are so many new movies out there. Miraculously, I've never seen Lost.

Back on subject as well... Fanny and Alexander television version for the win.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

but I usually stay way away from the television stuff.

Even newer ones that that doesn't apply to? (Not ones that were older and out on DVD years ago that you'd have to upgrade)

Originally Posted by retablo

Well, except for the fact that releases like Scenes From a Marriage, Fanny & Alexander, World on a Wire and Berlin Alexanderplatz were originally TV mini-series in their respective countries. There, I tied it all together!

Interesting how today we don't really consider them that way---we most often think of them/refer to them as films in their entirety.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Ever so often, I'll rent a season or two of a television show that I've heard great things about. The first season of The Walking Dead was quite phenomenal (especially since my neighborhood running route goes right by the Centers for Disease Control location on the show). BSG was solid great fun. I never purchase them, though, because I can't see myself finding time to watch most full seasons more than once when there are so many new movies out there. Miraculously, I've never seen Lost.

Back on subject as well... Fanny and Alexander television version for the win.

Well I guess you just answered my above question

Personally, I like purchasing them... as I do re-watch very often, it allows for something to watch here and there when you don't have that much time, and there's more quantity and often quality than many films..

[octagon]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I never purchase them, though, because I can't see myself finding time to watch most full seasons more than once when there are so many new movies out there. Miraculously, I've never seen Lost.

I've actually taken a liking to blind buying TV seasons on BD. If you're willing to wait for a great sale and/or buy used then BDs can be a very affordable way to watch a series for the first time.

In fact, I'm in the process of watching Lost for the first time and as of the middle of season five it's been money very well spent.

And, ummm, let's see...I need a Lost/Criterion hook...right, got it...does anybody think Criterion will get Star Wars: Episode VII?

That would be awesome.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by octagon

And, ummm, let's see...I need a Lost/Criterion hook...right, got it...does anybody think Criterion will get Star Wars: Episode VII?

Criterion already has The Hidden Fortress, and that's practically the same thing.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Well I guess you just answered my above question

Personally, I like purchasing them... as I do re-watch very often, it allows for something to watch here and there when you don't have that much time, and there's more quantity and often quality than many films..

Yeah, I love being able to pop in a Buster Keaton short or an episode of The Twilight Zone or Bored to Death if I want to kill twenty minutes or so. Even most hour-long episodes are only about 45-50 minutes.

It's a very nice option.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by octagon

Yeah, I love being able to pop in a Buster Keaton short or an episode of The Twilight Zone or Bored to Death if I want to kill twenty minutes or so. Even most hour-long episodes are only about 45-50 minutes.

It's a very nice option.

The Twilight Zone works great for that, as does my DVD box set of Looney Tunes: The Golden Collection Volumes 1-6. Nothing quite like a Bugs Bunny episode or two to crack me up when I've got a few minutes of spare time.

I guess that I'll eventually upgrade the Looney Tunes stuff one day, although I'm not as hard-pressed to have these Blu-rays as I am with the live-action stuff. The colors will probably be more prominent on a Looney Tunes Blu-ray, but not enough for me to shell out a large amount of money for the sets (not yet, anyway). I do not think that there are any existing Blu-ray sets of the Looney Tunes cartoons that are nearly as thorough as my huge DVD set right now, although they're probably working their way to that point.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by octagon

Yeah, I love being able to pop in a Buster Keaton short or an episode of The Twilight Zone or Bored to Death if I want to kill twenty minutes or so. Even most hour-long episodes are only about 45-50 minutes.

It's a very nice option.

It's only in the past few months that I've been enjoying blind-buying series as well. Usually when it's late at night and I'm not in the mood for a film, I'll go for a tv series. I've also lately been re-watching some past ones a lot, which is great because I could have them on while I'm doing something else as well---and that way I just zip through them rather quickly...like right now over-100-episodes-in-a-month kind of quickly for one of my favorites. Unfortunately my film watching has taken a hit in the past month as well

Although today I just had to see Badlands. I just finished watching it and am going to look back on the discussion in here that I purposely ignored reading a few days ago. I haven't read any reactions from others yet, but I'm not completely sure how I felt about the film---there was much of it that I liked, particularly the first half hour, but for a long stretch in the middle I was a bit lost on the purpose of most of what happened was. Not sure if I'm going to end up agreeing with the many other people that consider it his best film. I still need to watch my copy of The Tree of Life that I bought a month ago and, at the time, was excited to finally see it .

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

Although today I just had to see Badlands. I just finished watching it and am going to look back on the discussion in here that I purposely ignored reading a few days ago. I haven't read any reactions from others yet, but I'm not completely sure how I felt about the film---there was much of it that I liked, particularly the first half hour, but for a long stretch in the middle I was a bit lost on the purpose of most of what happened was. Not sure if I'm going to end up agreeing with the many other people that consider it his best film. I still need to watch my copy of The Tree of Life that I bought a month ago and, at the time, was excited to finally see it .

I meant to start watching my Badlands Blu-ray as soon as I came home from errands this afternoon, but I discovered that the upcoming Depeche Mode album is streaming in its entirety on YouTube. I'm listening, and I'm hooked. I'm about to turn the computer off (and the iPhone, and everything else) and revisit Badlands, though.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I have The Twilight Zone: The Definitive Collection on DVD, but it's my all-time favorite television show, so it's a must to have on Blu-ray.

I'm usually bewildered at peeps who purchase a lot of television show seasons on Blu-ray, because I cannot imagine wanting to watch most of those more than once or twice. The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series is one that I'll watch repeatedly, just as I've watched the DVD set repeatedly, though. There are only a couple other shows that I would bother upgrading to Blu-ray if they are ever announced (all five seasons of Miami Vice and Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series), but I usually stay way away from the television stuff.

I own the complete Twilight Zone blu set as well. I had also bought the DVD set, when it was released as well. The only other TV series that I could justify owning on disc is the Alfred Hichcock Presents DVD set...I own the currently released five seasons and highly recommend it to anyone...in the same league as The Twilight Zone, as far as I'm concerned. I wish they had opted for blu, as they quality of the source material is pretty good.

[hoytereden]

I've bought The Twilight Zone season by season up to 3 and will fill in the other two when the prices go lower but for now I'm extremely happy with the all the obvious care they put into the restoration and the extras. I wish someone would do the same for the original The Outer Limits.