The Criterion Collection

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

The Last Picture Show and Head are the ones I liked most, but even then..they're not films I cared much for enough to want to visit again. Basically, had I seen all the films ahead of time, I don't think I would have bought the set.

Easy Rider was the one I disliked the most. It was the only film I really didn't 'get', I suppose. It might be necessary to have more of an appreciation for the time period, but I had the hardest time finding any substance in Easy Rider that gave it a reason for being celebrated.

Reading the essay included with Two-Lane Blacktop last night, however, I do realize that that film couldn't have exited without Easy Rider, so I do understand it has its place in history for its impact alone...but it just wasn't my kind of film. We were discussing that late 60s/early 70s period in Hollywood just this week in a class...and I came to the conclusion that as a whole I'm not a fan of that period of American film (with a few exceptions here and there).

I'd pay big bucks for a pristine Criterion restoration of The Last Picture Show. It's a wonderful black-and-white slice of 1950's Americana, with great directing and a great cast (with a career-high performance by Cybill Shepherd) and could look terrific. It's very much an in-time-and-place type of film and it would be delightful to revisit the simpler ambiance of small town Texas life even for a couple of hours.

I actually ordered Two Lane Blacktop in from Amazon this morning (along with Léon Morin, Priest). Started to watch a bit of it on you-tube last week and ended up watching the whole thing on the computer. Very much enjoyed it (

[Show spoiler]despite the cruddy, sell-out ending~ can't help thinking that this type of ending is just lazy film-making and somewhat disrespectful of the viewer)

and can't wait to revisit it on my system~ particularly to hear the throaty roar of the '55 Chevy through 160 watt per channel speakers. As someone said a hundred pages back or so, I knew some of those folks! Was actually comparing it to Easy Rider before reading that the latter had some influence on it. Much preferred Two Lane Blacktop~ the characters are far more expressive, and believable, in their brooding silence, than those in Easy Rider, which were limited by all the theatrical psychedelic contortions and nonsense that the era generally demanded (actually find it remarkable that both Last Picture Show and Blacktop were in fact released in 1971). That and the fact that Easy Rider just self-destructed in the second-half...

As far as Five Easy Pieces is concerned, a lot in it was good, but if basically watching Jack Nicholson be petulant, irritable, and self-absorbed, for no particularly good reason, for two hours is your schtick then by all means, enjoy!

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by ElliesDad

I'd pay big bucks for a pristine Criterion restoration of The Last Picture Show. It's a wonderful black-and-white slice of 1950's Americana, with great directing and a great cast (with a career-high performance by Cybill Shepherd) and could look terrific. It's very much an in-time-and-place type of film and it would be delightful to revisit the simpler ambiance of small town Texas life even for a couple of hours.

I actually ordered Two Lane Blacktop in from Amazon this morning (along with Léon Morin, Priest). Started to watch a bit of it on you-tube last week and ended up watching the whole thing on the computer. Very much enjoyed it (

[Show spoiler]despite the cruddy, sell-out ending~ can't help thinking that this type of ending is just lazy film-making and somewhat disrespectful of the viewer)

and can't wait to revisit it on my system~ particularly to hear the throaty roar of the '55 Chevy through 160 watt per channel speakers. As someone said a hundred pages back or so, I knew some of those folks! Was actually comparing it to Easy Rider before reading that the latter had some influence on it. Much preferred Two Lane Blacktop~ the characters are far more expressive, and believable, in their brooding silence, than those in Easy Rider, which were limited by all the theatrical psychedelic contortions and nonsense that the era generally demanded (actually find it remarkable that both Last Picture Show and Blacktop were in fact released in 1971). That and the fact that Easy Rider just self-destructed in the second-half...

As far as Five Easy Pieces is concerned, a lot in it was good, but if basically watching Jack Nicholson be petulant, irritable, and self-absorbed, for no particularly good reason, for two hours is your schtick then by all means, enjoy!

There was a "reason." He was an upper middle class, spoiled brat, who decided to play poor, like a lot of youth at the time. It's not a good reason, but it's not an uncommon one. It's a good examination of the spoiled boomer culture of the time. Mind you, not all boomers were spoiled, but a lot were.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

I entirely agree with you.

It is a lack of maturity and respect to bring up negative comments about an individual on the day of their death.

Some people do not realize, there might be a relative or a friend surfing these sites. Not only do they have to deal with the death of their loved one, but also to read these ridiculous comments.

I am glad that this thread had entirely positive posts about Mr. Ebert. There are many posters that know about criterion because of him.

Most of the time, the level of maturity of some posters is obvious.

Agreed Fellini...and for someone who openly admitted that he didn't know a lot about Ozu and less about Floating Weeds, he did quite an informative and interesting commentary about it.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by rkish

Agreed Fellini...and for someone who openly admitted that he didn't know a lot about Ozu and less about Floating Weeds, he did quite an informative and interesting commentary about it.

I totally forgot about his commentary on Floating Weeds (another film that I watched because of his book). Thanks for bringing it up, rkish.

He also made a wonderful DVD commentary on Citizen Kane (I still need to pick up the blu ray). The way he talked about these films made me notice that he really enjoyed revisiting these classic films.

Before there were forums like blu ray.com., it was great to know there was someone like Mr. Ebert giving guidance to the uninitiated film lover.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Anyone here besode me got Monsieur Verdoux? I was really please by the quality of the video.

First of all Pat...my condolences about your Dad...I lost my father more than 30 years ago and at the age of almost 55, I've outlived him by almost 3 years now. I feel your pain and know where your head is now. No matter how old you are, the pain is there and the healing takes time.

Being a huge Chaplin fan, I bought Verdoux on release day. Quite impressed with the quality of the transfer. Waiting for The Kid and City Lights. I hope both follow quickly.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by retablo

Love Harold Lloyd. I'd say he's a cross between the pathos of Chaplin and the shenanigans of Keaton... he kind of falls in the middle. That said, Chaplin is my least favorite of the big 3, so if you prefer Keaton over Chaplin, you'll most likely dig Lloyd.

Same feelings here Retablo...Chaplin was my first love...I bought all of his features (MK2) that WB released on DVD and I bought the first Mutual/Essanay releases that Image put out. I just recently bought his Keystone shorts from BFI and plan to rebuy his Mutual/Essanay shorts, as David Shepard is supposedly working on yet another restoration that is due out later this year or early 2014.

Those that don't already own them...I implore you to buy his Keystone shorts, whether by Flicker Alley or BFI (disc content is identical). What a great restoration and the scores are such a nice touch.

Keaton was a recent epiphany for me and I have enjoyed collecting ALL of his releases on Kino...he is such a comparable genius with Chaplin.

Harold Lloyd is new territory for me, but I haven't met a silent that I didn't like yet. . I've seen clips of Lloyd and am looking forward to Safety First.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by ZooTv

The first seller offering Le Doulos for a shade over $30 new apparently has 7 copies still available.

Someone (whether US or UK) will release this on blu eventually. I'm patient and am willing to wait.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by jcs913

I have been reading most of the nice things said about Roger Ebert today and figured I would throw my thoughts in also. I have met him numerous times here in Chicago over the years at various functions and film fests. At first, I thought he was going to be another pretentious ass, like most people in the media in this town are. Thankfully and refreshingly, I will say with a smile on my face, that he was nothing but friendly to all that he seemed to be around him. I was even able to chat with him for a few minutes at a film function many years ago about film, as one of my friends is employed by Fox here in Chicago and I was piggybacking. Anyways, I have not been able to get out to many film fests or screening like I did many years ago, as that's what kids do to you, but I hope that my words make many remember Ebert as possibly one of the greatest minds of film ever, but also one of the nicest guys ever. I hope his wife is doing well, as she has gone through a lot with his condition for many years now and I feel for her. I don't know if Octagon, or the others from the area here ever had the pleasure to interact with Ebert, but if you did, please share it if you can.

Back to Criterion and lighten the mood: I wonder what all the blind-buyers of Marienbad will think after they finally open the case and watch it??? I wonder if even though they dislike it, will they sell it.....
Personally, I think it is one of the most hypnotic and thought provoking films you will ever see, that requires several viewings to really see more of it. Don't give up after the first viewing, as it frustrates at time, and I know Ebert would agree, it's truly one of the best and most rewarding films ever made...

My first reaction wasn't favorable John, in fact, I didn't watch it until the end. But it took multiple viewings of The Red Shoes and The Seventh Seal to win me over on those films, so with its importance in film history, I figured I owed it a second chance. . I hope the supplements will help with the education.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

I agree with you about Chaplin. I think City Lights is the only movie that reaches the heights of Buster Keaton movies, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I believe The Gold Rush and Modern Times are great films. I just think that Keaton is more "humane", funnier and approachable.

Harold Lloyd's Safety Last is my personal favorite silent comedy. I could not stop laughing when I first saw this film. It is a very ingenious film. Day one purchase for me.

This and the Vlacil are both day one for me as well. Spidey sold me on the latter.

[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by rkish

This and the Vlacil are both day one for me as well. Spidey sold me on the latter.

I recently saw Primer due to a recommendation on this thread.

Now I have to check out a film by Vlacil.

[hoytereden]

Is Criterion releasing any Ozu upgrades soon? Only one title so far. I would love to see Tokyo Story.

[SammyJankis]

I know it's not Criterion related, but it's on subject with what was being discussed last night: Evil Dead wasn't good.

That is all.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I know it's not Criterion related, but it's on subject with what was being discussed last night: Evil Dead wasn't good.

That is all.

Too bad. The original was so good, and so different in tone to the two sequels. Genuinely creepy in it's day.

[Fallglimmer]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I know it's not Criterion related, but it's on subject with what was being discussed last night: Evil Dead wasn't good.

That is all.

I don't worship at the alter of the original three, but I thought it was fine. The first 20 minutes or so were kind of grueling, but after that it was pretty fun.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I know it's not Criterion related, but it's on subject with what was being discussed last night: Evil Dead wasn't good.

That is all.

I was mixed on it too. Not to cause a hullabaloo, but where's the Link to your review?

[vader4]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

I totally forgot about his commentary on Floating Weeds (another film that I watched because of his book). Thanks for bringing it up, rkish.

He also made a wonderful DVD commentary on Citizen Kane (I still need to pick up the blu ray). The way he talked about these films made me notice that he really enjoyed revisiting these classic films.

Before there were forums like blu ray.com., it was great to know there was someone like Mr. Ebert giving guidance to the uninitiated film lover.

His commentary on Citizen Kane is THE quintessential commentary. It's one of my favorite movies (#7 to be exact) and his thoughts on it are very informative. You have to check it out. The blu-ray is pretty good too.

[metaridley]

I listened to Ebert's Citizen Kane commentary back in the day on DVD and it was really, really, good. He talked the entire time and was obviously well-prepared. Everything an audio commentary should be.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

Is Criterion releasing any Ozu upgrades soon? Only one title so far. I would love to see Tokyo Story.

If I was a betting man, I'd wager the next Ozu to be Tokyo Story. This year is the 50th anniversary of his death, so I predict seeing it by the years end. If you're region free...you might you to consider BFI's Ozu releases...I own all of them so far.

[rkish]

EDIT: Sorry about the double post...stupid iPhone...

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by rkish

EDIT: Sorry about the double post...stupid iPhone...

That's why I switched to an S3, although my typing still leaves a lot to be desired for, as Go Keyboard has a mind of its own when it comes to spelling.