The Criterion Collection

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I know right? It's such an essential film.

I love that film. My second favorite of theirs. I can't complain, though. They need to spread out that technicolor Powell/Pressburger eye-candy.

[shortmartin]

a question to throw out there . . . whose top 10 list on the Criterion site do you most like, contest, relate to, and so on?

For me, the recent post of Nicholas Stoller's top 10 was interesting, and way off of what I would put in my top 10, were I to have a stable and coherent one. Anyways, there's lots of diversity in the lists, and I'm wondering if anyone has a personal favorite or foe and perhaps why?

I like Del Torro's list, and I also like Friedkin, and Haigh.

[shortmartin]

^^^ the top 10 list that I've had the most fun reading is by Oren Moverman (http://www.criterion.com/explore/173...erman-s-top-10)

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

about Liza I have the same Italian DVD; like you, the excellent Minerva DVD release.
transfer is excellent and bonus are very interesting.
But the French cut is different. 1) this is Catherine Deneuve "real" voice; she's not dubbed; and 2) the editing is different. (they don't really give that much details about how much the editing was different in the bonus of the Minerva release)
in a nutshell, some scenes are new in the French cut, the end is somehow different, and some scenes are in different orders.
So, this is beyond the completist syndrome.
That said, the French DVD is not as good as the Italian DVD for the picture quality (different cut implies 2 different transfer); but I would be satisfied with only 1 blu-ray transfer !!!!

Yes, I know that there are two cuts. The second one you refer to was done for the European/International markets. The Italian version, which Raro released, was only for Italy. Many European productions were done this way. La Piscine, for example, also has two versions, French and English, though there are no differences in the editing.

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

yes, the NoShame edition of La Ragazza con la valigia was a double-movie features with the excellent first movie with J-L Trintignant, "un été violent" (aka Violent Summer)
I have both the Mk2 version and the NoShame edition for La Ragazza con la valigia* (as far as I can remember the NoShame movie use the same restoration transfer than the mk2 version but it is NTSC whereas the mk2 is PAL). As far as I can tell "Violent Summer" hasn't been released in France with such quality.

Violent Summer looks very good. No doubt there is a solid HD master. Hopefully now that Raro are back and announcing releases, we will see some of these films that were channeled through Minerva.

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

And you're right about the quality; both transfer are gorgeous.
* you're right : in France the movie was back in theatre with the restored copy; the DVD came out a few months later

Yes, definitely, MK2 were involved there.

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

Even if this is difficult for me to "think" - trying to forget Claudia Cardinale; I tend to prefer La Ragazza...
the light is stunning, all photography at night, we can see that Zurlini was an architect (it's even better than in 8 1/2) - the end at the beach, you can feel the heat (no no it's not a song) and well, chapeau bas to Jacques Perrin he is excellent in this movie.
I also like the social/class and church perspective in this movie- this reminds me Bolognini Il Bell'Antonio) (another blu-ray with by the way...)

I think that Eleonora Rossi Drago is so beautiful in this film, words simply cannot describe it. The entire film, Violent Summer, is pure perfection. La Ragazza... is also wonderful, but I just think that the chemistry between Eleonora and Jean-Louis is so much better

Bolognini's films are virtually off-limits in the U.S. Extremely sad. Same is the situation with Dino Risi's films. I've imported as many as possible from Italy and France, but the best films were never released in the U.S. on proper DVDs.

On the other hand, I've managed to get most of Lattuada's films. I am still missing a few, but if all goes well this year I will complete his filmography.

And let's hope that some of Salvatore Samperi's films will come to Blu-ray. This is very much Raro territory. I would love to get anything on Blu-ray with Lisa Gastoni. Grazie Zia would be superb



And anything anyone wishes to release with young Virna Lisi (La Reine Margot does not count), it will make me very happy.



I have to go now Thank you for the wonderful "conversation" Mr. Pupkin

Pro-B

[RupertPupkin]

you seem really aware of the Italian blu-ray market...

did I miss some Italian movie which would have been released only in Italy ?

I've browsed my favorite Italian directors (Zurlini, Bolognini, Ferreri...) via amazon.it and didn't find a Blu-Ray title which was exclusive to Italy. No Ferreri at all, no Bolognini...etc...
I was expecting for instance to find on Blu-Ray "Sandra" by Visconti, which is a superb b&w movie, underrated and overlooked; I think that it came out just after the Leopard and Sony put out a DVD version remastered but with a wrong ratio.
they seem even more reluctant to release their own movies than in France...

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I really like Powaqqatsi aswell, but I really have nondesire to see Naqoyqatsi any time soon.

Powaqqatsi has some good isolated moments (the "Video dream" is particularly memorable, even though they kept going to that well in the other movies)--
But Naqoyqatsi came back twenty years later like an aging 60's hippie at an anti-Bush rally and embarrassed fans of the first movie.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

you seem really aware of the Italian blu-ray market...

did I miss some Italian movie which would have been released only in Italy ?

I've browsed my favorite Italian directors (Zurlini, Bolognini, Ferreri...) via amazon.it and didn't find a Blu-Ray title which was exclusive to Italy. No Ferreri at all, no Bolognini...etc...
I was expecting for instance to find on Blu-Ray "Sandra" by Visconti, which is a superb b&w movie, underrated and overlooked; I think that it came out just after the Leopard and Sony put out a DVD version remastered but with a wrong ratio.
they seem even more reluctant to release their own movies than in France...

Only one more reply because it is getting very late here.

I like Italian Cinema a lot and have been collecting classic films for many years (before DVD). I buy what I like, and can , on DVD and upgrade everything that becomes available on Blu-ray. But I keep my discs because many times there are interesting supplemental features.

Classic titles are somewhat limited on Blu-ray in Italy at the moment, but things are getting better. I don't know if there are any releases that you might be interested in, but these films for example are worth picking up if you do not need English subtitles (or in your case French):



Also, this one (subtitled), but it isn't a very big upgrade over the DVD. However, it is good for me



Also, Elio Petri's Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion is coming out in a few days. But you will be getting it from Carlotta Films in France:



But I will try to do a review for our members here on the site if the Italian release is English-friendly because the Carlotta release won't be appropriate (French subs only).

And, of course, I have Visconti's Sandra (see photo below). Sony released it in Italy. The transfer, however, isn't very good - the framing, in particular, is problematic. But, again, it is good for my library. I have to have Visconti's complete filmography.

Also, I would love to upgrade Vanina Vanini with Sandra Milo, but Sony only released it on MOD DVD here recently. Very, very disappointing. I have the Italian release, but am hoping for a Blu-ray. Hopefully Sony's Italian branch will upgrade it at some point. Will also be very happy to upgrade La Visita.



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By the way, I was watching the supplemental features on one of Canal's recent releases (I cannot recall at the moment which one it was, perhaps one of Romy's films) and someone mentioned Claude Sautet. Have you seen any of his films on French TV in HD? I keep hoping that Criterion will release some of his films for us in the United States. I much rather have Criterion release them, not StudioCanal, because they are likely to compile some great extras. But maybe Canal can surprise us

OK, have a wonderful day, Mr. Pupkin

Pro-B

[FaceInTheLeaves]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I know right? It's such an essential film.

A restored version of Colonel Blimp was released in 2011 so they had a pristine print that justified a blu-ray release.

I'd love a blu-ray of A Canterbury Tale but I'm not sure it would add much (anything) besides being able to put it on the shelf alongside the other P&P Criterion's. Ditto Gone To Earth and I Know Where I'm Going.

[amoergosum]

Originally Posted by Fellini912

I glad there is someone else on this thread that appreciates Martinez's film score. I believe he will be the next Vangelis.

Cliff Martinez is talking about Solaris in this clip...very interesting >>>

Artist Profile: Cliff Martinez - YouTube

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by FaceInTheLeaves

A restored version of Colonel Blimp was released in 2011 so they had a pristine print that justified a blu-ray release.

I'd love a blu-ray of A Canterbury Tale but I'm not sure it would add much (anything) besides being able to put it on the shelf alongside the other P&P Criterion's. Ditto Gone To Earth and I Know Where I'm Going.

I'd kill for more P&P, just not right now, as I need to straighten out more essential things, such as buying those closet poles to hang clothes on, pay the baby brother for his labour costs, and finish cleaning out the dining area so I have a place to put the new to me tables and chairs I'm getting today.

Yes, I'm still alive, and in the new apartment with the lovely new car. I'm still unpacking, but all my Criterions are put away, and my mother wants me to bring home The Seventh Seal this weekend. She recorded it off on TCM the other day, but didn't feel like watching the subs, so she wants to watch the horrid dub. It's a start, even though I told her it's far better in Swedish.

Originally Posted by gates70

Help! I'm ordering "12 Angry Men", "Paths of Glory" and one of these two; "The Night of the Hunter" or "Badlands", but which one of the last two is the question!

Probably too late to add my two cents, but I'd forgo Badlands, and get 12 Angry Men, Paths of Glory, and Night of the Hunter. I'm not a Malick fan, unfortunately, but Badlands was the one I did enjoy most out of all of his offerings. I just like the other three a lot more, especially NoTH and 12AM.

[Cinemach]

Originally Posted by lim.davidd

waiting for Marketa Lazarova and The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp!

How come, they ignored A Matter of Life and Death/Stairway to Heaven?

I don't think they 'ignored' it: they don't have the rights plus they have other Archers titles that they've already released or look to be upcoming (I imagine The Thief of Bagdad might have designs for release, given the recent German blu announcement).

Sony has the rights in the US, so it's feasible that Criterion could get their hands on it. But the film definitely needs a restoration first. Given that it's an Archers title I'm sure Scorsese has it in his sights, if it's not on the ledger already.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

The Classics selection this year is extraordinary. These films, in particular, should look incredible on Blu-ray. I cannot wait to see which cut of La Reine Margot we will get. The biggest treat, however, will likely be The Desert of the Tartars. Absolutely superb Zurlini

I would take a GIANT no thank you on La Reine Margot. However if you are talking about the 1954 version then yes I am with you on that one

EDIT : Just notice the image it is the 1954 version

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I hope you do soon... it took me about a year to actually watch all the films, but it's a very worthwhile collection.



Absolutely.... hopefully I'm receiving the latter in the next few days

Mine shipped two days ago so it should be soon!

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

By the way, I was watching the supplemental features on one of Canal's recent releases (I cannot recall at the moment which one it was, perhaps one of Romy's films) and someone mentioned Claude Sautet. Have you seen any of his films on French TV in HD? I keep hoping that Criterion will release some of his films for us in the United States. I much rather have Criterion release them, not StudioCanal, because they are likely to compile some great extras. But maybe Canal can surprise us



Pro-B

That would be Heaven on Earth. I especially would love the films he did with Michel Piccoli (who I am basically in love with) - Les choses de la vie, Max et les ferrailleurs, Vincent, François, Paul... et les autres and Mado.

[Louisville Slugger]

I watched Five Easy Pieces a few nights ago. Love that movie.

[gates70]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Probably too late to add my two cents, but I'd forgo Badlands, and get 12 Angry Men, Paths of Glory, and Night of the Hunter. I'm not a Malick fan, unfortunately, but Badlands was the one I did enjoy most out of all of his offerings. I just like the other three a lot more, especially NoTH and 12AM.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated...I ended up ordering Paths of Glory, The Battle of Algiers, The Night of the Hunter and 12 Angry Men before I read this. I must of read your mind

[Abdrewes]

Just a reminder:
Next week's Criterion Film of the week will be Wings of Desire.

[SolidBlu]

when is the next B&N sale? thanks

[jrmac2000]

Originally Posted by SolidBlu

when is the next B&N sale? thanks

Probably July


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[Fellini912]

Originally Posted by amoergosum

Cliff Martinez is talking about Solaris in this clip...very interesting >>>

Artist Profile: Cliff Martinez - YouTube

Thanks for sharing. He is a very talented film composer, I really enjoy his film scores.