The Criterion Collection

[Stinky-Dinkins]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

I think the majority of people on here just cares about collecting and don't even watch the movies. I don't get it. You buy a movie to watch it, not to be cool and say you got all of the Criterion blu's. I am not buying all of the Criterion blu's, I buy the movies (dvds or blus) that I like.

Criterion has always had that collector-y angle.... there's just no getting around it.

It doesn't make much sense but there's always something that seems "cooler" about a Criterion release.

The Cult of Criterion.

[KubrickFan]

I know it's sort of addictive to collect them, but I really wouldn't try to get them all if I didn't think the movies they release were any good. As of now I haven't been disappointed, but I haven't seen Howard's End yet .

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Belloche

I think your film collection tells a story about what kind of person you are. Buying movies you don't care about so you can have a pretty shelf is against everything I believe as a film fan and collector.

Hehe...please don't generalize with this observation because even we reviewers have crappy films like "Without a Paddle 2" and "Strange Wilderness" in our collections. Those films are definitely not indicative of how we are in real life.

For me, I am more excited when people learn about International cinema through Criterion and enjoy seeing these same people also checking out other companies ala Eureka!/MoC, BFI, KINO, Sony Classics, etc. and being inspired or enjoy film by the directors or similar directors that they enjoyed via Criterion. If anything, broadening their horizon towards cinema.

But I will say that it is distressing to me (and this is just for me) if one likes a director or talent but yet not wanting to check out their other films because it is not out on Blu-ray.

Originally Posted by JediFonger

lulz... i fall into the collecting and havne't had time to watch it category .

though i am still selective somewhat >P

I'm not going to be a hypocrite on this one because although I watch a lot of movies per day, video games I buy end up in my "play it when you have the time category" and I am bad when it comes to purchasing and forgetting about video games.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by kndy

But I will say that it is distressing to me (and this is just for me) if one likes a director or talent but yet not wanting to check out their other films because it is not out on Blu-ray.

BINGO. What I was getting at. Also, the people buying Criterion's just because there on blu-ray or going OOP and trying to re-sell it. I hate the fact people are buying up Pierrot le fou to re-sell it later. It's funny that the movie happens to be a Godard film, because of the whole consumer angle he has is some of his films. But these people don't know that because they don't care if it's Godard, because they just bought it to sell it later. Those same people ignore releases that doesn't have Kurosawa, Bergman, Malick or Anderson under the title (not that there is anything wrong with those directors, it's just that I think there are way better choices out there).

[wilky61]

I used to be a moderate collector of Criterions. At my peak, I had about 40 of them on DVD. I bought most of those DVDs after downloading and watching the films first. But then I realized that I hadn't watched most of them since I had bought them on DVD. Recently I have re-sold almost all of them through Amazon Marketplace for $20+ a pop. I've spent my undergraduate career minoring in film and writing term papers about Godard, Chris Marker's LA JETEE, the influence of international auteurs on Tarantino, etc. so I am appreciative of auteur cinema. But IMO, very few of them have rewatchability that justifies the hefty pricetag (and certainly none of my friends/the lady friend are interested in them, either):

Rushmore - the only movie I took with me when I went to Singapore/China for 3 months
Sullivan's Travels
Jules and Jim
Pierrot Le Fou
Le Samourai
And I'm quite fond of Rebecca/Notorious/Spellbound, but that's about it.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

BINGO. What I was getting at. Also, the people buying Criterion's just because there on blu-ray or going OOP and trying to re-sell it. I hate the fact people are buying up Pierrot le fou to re-sell it later. It's funny that the movie happens to be a Godard film, because of the whole consumer angle he has is some of his films. But these people don't know that because they don't care if it's Godard, because they just bought it to sell it later. Those same people ignore releases that doesn't have Kurosawa, Bergman, Malick or Anderson under the title (not that there is anything wrong with those directors, it's just that I think there are way better choices out there).

It could be worse. There are people that won't watch a pre-1980 film or a foreign language file.

[eatbear]

Originally Posted by kndy

I'm not going to be a hypocrite on this one because although I watch a lot of movies per day, video games I buy end up in my "play it when you have the time category" and I am bad when it comes to purchasing and forgetting about video games.

I do this too -- and just recently with the new Final Fantasy game. I used to love these games growing up so I thought I'd give the new one a spin. It's not that really what I expected, and even when I do play, it sucks up the hours pretty quickly.

If a game can really capture my attention, I may shift my focus a little more. The last game to do this for me was Fallout 3; I lost a few months to that game

[MONTEL]

Man I love Criterions Blu-ray cases, so much nicer looking than the regular blue cases everyone else uses.

[reallyagi]

People here need to stop stressing over what other people buy or watch.

I have all of Criterion's blu-rays. I've watched about 90% of them, enjoyed all of them, loved a few. Regardless, I think they all belong in my collection.

Kndy made a point about not buying good movies because they are in DVD, but frankly I have enough to watch with blu-ray movies, I just don't have the time for DVDs as well. I can barely keep up with what I have.

I'm glad some of you guys have the time to watch and enjoy blu-rays, dvds, and even video games.

[reallyagi]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Those same people ignore releases that doesn't have Kurosawa, Bergman, Malick or Anderson under the title (not that there is anything wrong with those directors, it's just that I think there are way better choices out there).

An seriously, this statement is as repetitive as the replacement case questions.

[eatbear]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

I hate the fact people are buying up Pierrot le fou to re-sell it later.

Oh. Well, I did this.

However, I did come into Blu-ray a bit late, and had to purchase The Third Man for $47. So in a way I feel the ends will justify the means.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by reallyagi

People here need to stop stressing over what other people buy or watch.

I have all of Criterion's blu-rays. I've watched about 90% of them, enjoyed all of them, loved a few. Regardless, I think they all belong in my collection.

Kndy made a point about not buying good movies because they are in DVD, but frankly I have enough to watch with blu-ray movies, I just don't have the time for DVDs as well. I can barely keep up with what I have.

I'm glad some of you guys have the time to watch and enjoy blu-rays, dvds, and even video games.

+1

Same here. I'm to the point where I buy only Blu-ray. There are multiple reasons for this. The higher quality is the key reason but I also like the fact that Blu's take up less space - something I'm running short on. Yet I so like the unique Criterion Blu cases, even if they are a bit wider than ordinary Blu cases.

I don't collect Criterion Blu's just to collect them either. I buy them because nearly every film they put out is very good. Most Criterion films I've blind bought and I've not regretted a single one.

[Blu Titan]

Watched Yojimbo today, and I had an awesome time. The BD presentation scores high points in all marks. That's the thing about Criterion, you are never disappointed with their releases. I was surprised at some of the language used in the movie considering the year it was made. I'll watch Sanjuro next week to really appreciate it. Usually when I watch a sequel right after watching the first installment the movie watching experience is somewhat lessened.

[Kevtronn]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

Watched Yojimbo today, and I had an awesome time. The BD presentation scores high points in all marks. That's the thing about Criterion, you are never disappointed with their releases. I was surprised at some of the language used in the movie considering the year it was made. I'll watch Sanjuro next week to really appreciate it. Usually when I watch a sequel right after watching the first installment the movie watching experience is somewhat lessened.

Not with Sanjuro do you have to wait, it is a solid film that stands on its own. Not really sequel, just another film with the lead character Sanjuro.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by jacobsever

There are people who are nitpicking about the C on the spine being different heights.
I think the majority of Criterion collectors are way too OCD to want different packaging. UNIFORMITY!

CC collectors are pretty OCD and honestly, pompous about 'their' collection. I do no consider my self a CC collector by any means, but have several titles that I enjoy on dvd and now BD. Unfortunately, like everything else in life, quality has its price. So a vast collection cannot be had. The bandwagon bashing is funny though, sort of along the lines of Star Wars collectors, only 'civilized' Point for me is that, owning any film should be a joy, not a privilege. Digging into that story should be one that involves the viewer, regardless of the director. I have always looked at film, as a visual version of a novel. It's either a classic, has potential, or a once view, regardless of the spine.

Thankfully, I have been able to view almost all of the new BD releases and refuse to own several, just not my cup of tea. But what bothers me is when some members try to force their 'knowledge' that if its on CC, you must own it, because its good. That is where another problem lies to.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by jcs913

CC collectors are pretty OCD and honestly, pompous about 'their' collection. I do no consider my self a CC collector by any means, but have several titles that I enjoy on dvd and now BD. Unfortunately, like everything else in life, quality has its price. So a vast collection cannot be had. The bandwagon bashing is funny though, sort of along the lines of Star Wars collectors, only 'civilized' Point for me is that, owning any film should be a joy, not a privilege. Digging into that story should be one that involves the viewer, regardless of the director. I have always looked at film, as a visual version of a novel. It's either a classic, has potential, or a once view, regardless of the spine.

Thankfully, I have been able to view almost all of the new BD releases and refuse to own several, just not my cup of tea. But what bothers me is when some members try to force their 'knowledge' that if its on CC, you must own it, because its good. That is where another problem lies to.

If you think Criterion collectors are OCD check out the Steelbook forum. At least almost all of us Criterion collectors open and watch our films. The Steelbook forums are loaded with people who horde large numbers of un-opened steelbooks. I love steelbooks but only buy them if I like the films and I always open and watch mine.

[Stinky-Dinkins]

I think the whole cult of Criterion is different though... that steelbook nonsense is more about loyalty to the periodic table more than loyalty towards a brand name whose existence is to license and release a catalog of obscure, culturally valuable titles in the best quality they're able...

...then again, I just payed about 30 bucks to replace my old cardboard cases....

[jacobsever]

Do you guys usually read the booklets before or after watching the films?

[Stinky-Dinkins]

You have to scratch 'n sniff them while you're watching the film then throw them up in the air like they're hundred dollar bills and you're wallowing in 'em right after it finishes.

[reallyagi]

Originally Posted by Stinky-Dinkins

You have to scratch 'n sniff them while you're watching the film then throw them up in the air like they're hundred dollar bills and you're wallowing in 'em right after it finishes.

WTF