The Criterion Collection

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

I'm sorry--maybe you could backtrack a bit and point out the part where I talked about having made this deduction from, err, "lurking through people's collections", on this particular forum or any other, as opposed to a natural byproduct of observed comments in many places both on interweb world and even world world--which happens to be the case. Forums. People make posts, often dedicated to one or a few topics of varying breadth. When one encounters multiple--numerous, even--comments about "really hoping I enjoy this latest stack of 14 Criterions I blind bought"--one can't help but form ideas about how sometimes things can get silly, to the point where they themselves feel compelled to in turn comment in forums about said silliness. Even if said comment regards nothing particularly new or groundbreaking. So, err, yeah. Admittedly I fail to see how you've brought a 'reality check' into my universe, but cool.

why do you care about their 'silliness'? You will never meet them, so why tell them that they are silly. It is pompous to believe that your comments are going to change their perspective on things. That your comment is going to teach them some sort of a lesson in being a movie lover. Why people feel compelled to comment on it in this thread is laughable and adds to the stigma that CC fans do not want others involved their collection. You should be happy that others are supporting the company, not chastising them for not being a 'true' collector. Other than that, you do have the best avatar I have seen in a while, coming from a Smiths fan too.

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by jcs913

why do you care about their 'silliness'? You will never meet them, so why tell them that they are silly. It is pompous to believe that your comments are going to change their perspective on things. That your comment is going to teach them some sort of a lesson in being a movie lover. Why people feel compelled to comment on it in this thread is laughable and adds to the stigma that CC fans do not want others involved their collection. You should be happy that others are supporting the company, not chastising them for not being a 'true' collector. Other than that, you do have the best avatar I have seen in a while, coming from a Smiths fan too.

Alright--I see where you’ve gone with this. The focal point of my comments was NOT so much a critique or indictment of “you’re just now into criterion--you’re not fit to lick the encrusted BubbleYum from the bottom of my suede hipster shoe, unwashed philistine!”--but rather speculation on a troubling notion that there seems to be a sizeable group of people out there that won't "show no love" to a decent, worthwhile film unless it’s made available in a pristine 1080P transfer. That's where the whole "dvd/vhs/laser" comments came into play. It's a notion that, well, bothers me. It’s one of a myriad of things in this kRazy world that I personally perceive to be a small injustice, and I needed a little piece of catharsis. It felt good, haha.

P.S. Yes I'd very much love to track down the creator of this image doctoring and shake his hand (Wish I could claim it)

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

Alright--I see where you’ve gone with this. The focal point of my comments was NOT so much a critique or indictment of “you’re just now into criterion--you’re not fit to lick the encrusted BubbleYum from the bottom of my suede hipster shoe, unwashed philistine!”--but rather speculation on a troubling notion that there seems to be a sizeable group of people out there that won't "show no love" to a decent, worthwhile film unless it’s made available in a pristine 1080P transfer. That's where the whole "dvd/vhs/laser" comments came into play. It's a notion that, well, bothers me. It’s one of a myriad of things in this kRazy world that I personally perceive to be a small injustice, and I needed a little piece of catharsis. It felt good, haha.

P.S. Yes I'd very much love to track down the creator of this image doctoring and shake his hand (Wish I could claim it)

You're posting on a Blu-Ray forum and wondering why so many people prefer 1080P to standard DVD or LaserDisc? Really? Not to mention the whole reason many people prefer Criterion releases (aside form the fact they release mostly very good films) is the fact that their picture and sound quality is top-notch even by Blu-Ray standards.

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

You're posting on a Blu-Ray forum and wondering why so many people prefer 1080P to standard DVD or LaserDisc? Really? Not to mention the whole reason many people prefer Criterion releases (aside form the fact they release mostly very good films) is the fact that their picture and sound quality is top-notch even by Blu-Ray standards.

Mm, no, not really. BD is obviously "preferable" to any other format. Dare I say that's obvious to the point of not warranting mention? What I was addressing was more along the lines of:

Todd: Hey, seen Eyes Without A Face? I tell you, you can really see its influence! There's a sweet Criterion dvd.
Eric: Oh, sweet. Is it on blu?
Todd: Nah man, no telling. Probably not one of Criterion's priority titles.
Eric: Oh. Well, **** it then.

Or--
Todd: Damn! That's an assload of Criterion blus! You must love those, huh?
Eric: Haven't seen any of them. There's a considerable chance that I'll hate them and will have wasted my money, bro!

I mean, obviously people can spend their dough any way they choose--it doesn't affect my right to find said spending habits more than a bit retarded, and express that view.

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

Mm, no, not really. BD is obviously "preferable" to any other format. Dare I say that's obvious to the point of not warranting mention? What I was addressing was more along the lines of:

Todd: Hey, seen Eyes Without A Face? I tell you, you can really see its influence! There's a sweet Criterion dvd.
Eric: Oh, sweet. Is it on blu?
Todd: Nah man, no telling. Probably not one of Criterion's priority titles.
Eric: Oh. Well, **** it then.

Or--
Todd: Damn! That's an assload of Criterion blus! You must love those, huh?
Eric: Haven't seen any of them. There's a considerable chance that I'll hate them and will have wasted my money, bro!

I mean, obviously people can spend their dough any way they choose--it doesn't affect my right to find said spending habits more than a bit retarded, and express that view.

Your view is understandable, as many people act in that manner. I guess a product of our society. My point is that we need to keep this thread on the topic of movies and what we get out of them. I love to hear others views on what they think a film is about and I think we are consistently getting off that topic. Like I said earlier, if it wasn't the same question about cases, its now becoming this topic. Anyways, I am now inspired to search for a better looking Smiths avatar. You have inspired me...

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by jcs913

Your view is understandable, as many people act in that manner. I guess a product of our society. My point is that we need to keep this thread on the topic of movies and what we get out of them. I love to hear others views on what they think a film is about and I think we are consistently getting off that topic. Like I said earlier, if it wasn't the same question about cases, its now becoming this topic. Anyways, I am now inspired to search for a better looking Smiths avatar. You have inspired me...

Agreed - apologies for the derailing. To add a more positive spin to what I was trying to convey - I hope anyone out there who's been recently introduced to the awesomeness that is Criterion through blu-ray has enjoyed what they've found, and will consider seeking out more from their vast library of titles which havent (and may never) make the transition to blu-ray. There's a lot of great stuff in there.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

Agreed - apologies for the derailing. To add a more positive spin to what I was trying to convey - I hope anyone out there who's been recently introduced to the awesomeness that is Criterion through blu-ray has enjoyed what they've found, and will consider seeking out more from their vast library of titles which havent (and may never) make the transition to blu-ray. There's a lot of great stuff in there.

For me there are more than enough great Criterion on Blu given the existing library and 3-4 new films each month. If I ever expanded to regular DVD I'm afraid I'd just spend even more money every month.

[fdm]

Originally Posted by Yankees0222

I don't understand why people care so much about how others choose to spend their money. Who cares if people are buying criterion titles just because of the criterion label? Isn't it better for the criterion brand as a whole if people are actually buying their films? Regardless of their reasons? More sales = more criterion output in the months to come..... I dont see a problem with that. But thats just me

+1. Said something similar a few days ago here. Another type of post that's getting boring to run across every other day (although I'm still reading them ).

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

Agreed - apologies for the derailing. To add a more positive spin to what I was trying to convey - I hope anyone out there who's been recently introduced to the awesomeness that is Criterion through blu-ray has enjoyed what they've found, and will consider seeking out more from their vast library of titles which havent (and may never) make the transition to blu-ray. There's a lot of great stuff in there.

You make a great point Alkaline. I find myself in the category of having not been introduced to the Collection until Blu-ray. Actually, I can say I wasn't properly introduced to many good films until now. I would say a large part of that has to do with my age (20), as I didn't have the means to seek out many great titles. I blind bought The 400 Blows when Amazon had it for $13 on Black Friday and enjoyed it immensely, rewatching it with the commentary immediately afterward.

My school's library has a large collection of Criterion (as well as other foreign and domestic) titles available for students to rent and I've been picking through those for a few months now. CassavetesGodard will get a kick out of this, but I rented Seven Samurai and greatly enjoyed it. So much that I blind bought Yojimbo/Sanjuro on Blu, which were both very good IMO.

My point is that while I may only own Criterion Blu-rays, I am exploring their other offerings. If Seven Samurai weren't being released on Blu soon I would have purchased a copy for myself on DVD. I have yet to find a title in the Collection that I don't like (though I've seen less than 15). Until I do, I have no problem blind buying a Blu if I can't rent the DVD first, especially if I like some of the director's other works.

Justin

[jacobsever]

I will go ahead and admit I am one of the people Alkaline is complaining about. I own all Criterion blu ray titles to date, and have only watched a handful of them. Do I collect them just to collect? Possibly. But I actually do have an interest in watching all these films. I discovered the Criterion Collection last fall after taking a film class at my school. My teacher talked about a lot of foreign films from the 60's, showing us partial clips from movies. etc. I was very interested in the titles, and went to Barnes N Noble to pick one up. I just happened to stumble upon the time they were having a Criterion 50% off sale, and after looking through the movies (all dvd) I picked a few out. I was initially brought to Criterion through the films itself, but after seeing the beautiful packaging, and uniformity of the art work/booklets/etc, I was drawn to buy more and more, making many blind buys based off what my teacher suggested.

Then around Christmas I bought myself a blu ray player, and so the Criterion blu ray began. I figured why not collect them all? When I get the time (between full time school, full time job, and a long distance relationship), I know I will eventually watch, and enjoy, most of these films. But until I get the chance, I'd prefer to keep up with each months releases.

So hate on me all you want guys!

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by jacobsever

I will go ahead and admit I am one of the people Alkaline is complaining about. I own all Criterion blu ray titles to date, and have only watched a handful of them. Do I collect them just to collect? Possibly. But I actually do have an interest in watching all these films. I discovered the Criterion Collection last fall after taking a film class at my school. My teacher talked about a lot of foreign films from the 60's, showing us partial clips from movies. etc. I was very interested in the titles, and went to Barnes N Noble to pick one up. I just happened to stumble upon the time they were having a Criterion 50% off sale, and after looking through the movies (all dvd) I picked a few out. I was initially brought to Criterion through the films itself, but after seeing the beautiful packaging, and uniformity of the art work/booklets/etc, I was drawn to buy more and more, making many blind buys based off what my teacher suggested.

Then around Christmas I bought myself a blu ray player, and so the Criterion blu ray began. I figured why not collect them all? When I get the time (between full time school, full time job, and a long distance relationship), I know I will eventually watch, and enjoy, most of these films. But until I get the chance, I'd prefer to keep up with each months releases.

So hate on me all you want guys!

Jacob, no one should care how you got interested in CC, but rather what are your thoughts about the movies you have seen so far. Everyone has to get started somehow and I am happy that you have found interest in something that we all should be interested in. You spend your money the way you want to, and if the CC is what you want to spend it on, then so be it. Like I said before, I want to stay on topic and hear what you guys get out of each different release, how you guys see certain characters and scenes and what you think about it. That is what films, regardless of collections are all about to me. I applaud your interest and care less how you got there, let's hear what you have gained.

[Alkaline]

Let me be up front - I'm no stranger to the blind buy. I've been around the blind buy block, baby. I still have the track marks. And I know how 50% off sales etc. add to that incentive. Anyway I'm sure if you delved into my mind far enough you'd quickly see the reason I tend to get antsy when I hear of exorbitant blind purchases is largely due to me having "been there, done that" and felt the sting of a film experience gone sour. Ex. - Cries and Whispers? Hey, I appreciate the hell out of Bergman. But I still feel I probably would've been satisfied just netflixing that one instead of paying full sticker price at Barnes and Noble. So it goes...

Let me also add I'm insanely jealous of anyone whom already has Days of Heaven on blu - blind buy or not. In fact, I'm probably more jealous if it was a blind buy, since you obviously loved the hell out of it

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

Let me be up front - I'm no stranger to the blind buy. I've been around the blind buy block, baby. I still have the track marks. Anyway I'm sure if you delved into my mind far enough you'd quickly see the reason I tend to get antsy when I hear of exorbitant blind purchases is largely due to me having "been there, done that" and felt the sting of a film experience gone sour. Ex. - Cries and Whispers? Hey, I appreciate the hell out of Bergman. But I still feel I probably would've been satisfied just netflixing that one instead of paying full sticker price at Barnes and Noble. So it goes...

Let me also add I'm insanely jealous of anyone whom already has Days of Heaven on blu - blind buy or not. In fact, I'm probably more jealous if it was a blind buy, since you obviously loved the hell out of it

If only I could get it to finish playing, the 50 minutes that I did see were just beautiful.

Justin

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

For me there are more than enough great Criterion on Blu given the existing library and 3-4 new films each month. If I ever expanded to regular DVD I'm afraid I'd just spend even more money every month.

Understandable view. And yes, you definitely would, haha. Though I'm also speaking of just rental, not necessarily purchase. I.e. You could rent a batch of their titles on standard dvd that peaks your interest, and then make note of the ones you dig and hold out for a future (even non-criterion) blu release for purchase down the line, etc.

[Romulus]

I'm interested in some of the Criterion's coming up for release. How is Summer Hours and Close Up?

[i JACK o]

am i the only person who finds it hilarious that if someone dops 5 grand on b&w's no one looks twice but if someone purchase's 20 criterions for 850$ there an ignorant completionest

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by Romulus

I'm interested in some of the Criterion's coming up for release. How is Summer Hours and Close Up?

I saw Summer Hours on IFC awhile back. I didn't think very much of it at all. I own and have watched about 3/4 of all the Criterion Blu releases to date and I'd probably rank Summer Hours as the worst film today. But that's just me. Plenty of other people seem to like the film from what I've read.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by i JACK o

am i the only person who finds it hilarious that if someone dops 5 grand on b&w's no one looks twice but if someone purchase's 20 criterions for 850$ there an ignorant completionest

That's my feeling. With all the money thrown around on constant home theatre upgrades I'd say dropp-ing $75-100 per month on Criterion Blu's is a small OCD at worst.

[Alkaline]

Originally Posted by i JACK o

am i the only person who finds it hilarious that if someone dops 5 grand on b&w's no one looks twice but if someone purchase's 20 criterions for 850$ there an ignorant completionest

*Considers pointing out how 'completionist' is not a word and thus the comment's ironic nature; decides against it

[i JACK o]

Originally Posted by Alkaline

*Considers pointing out how 'completionist' is not a word and thus the comment's ironic nature; decides against it

yet arrogantly does so anyway, im 16 i havnt even completed english 2 would you mind giving me a break