The Criterion Collection

[ccfixx]

Did everyone happen to see Criterion's "redecorating" photo from four days ago, as well? It looks nice!

CC

[Old Geezer]

Couple of quick questions I hope some of you will be kind enought to help me out on. I'm new to the Criterion collection thanks to blu-ray and this thread, but it's also given me new interest in older, "classic" films I've never seen before.

1. I'm looking at "Contempt" to purchase. Should I buy the Criterion DVD or the Blu-ray that is available. Price is almost the same, so that's not a concern.

2. "Breathless" is a no-brainer to own as far as I'm concerned. Should I buy the Criterion DVD now, or is there a blu-ray edition in sight in the near future? For that matter, is there a Criterion blu of "Contempt" in the foreseeable future?


Thanks for your time. This thread has opened my eyes to some fantastic films that I had never considered before. "Paris, Tx." is on the menu for tonight.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Couple of quick questions I hope some of you will be kind enought to help me out on. I'm new to the Criterion collection thanks to blu-ray and this thread, but it's also given me new interest in older, "classic" films I've never seen before.

1. I'm looking at "Contempt" to purchase. Should I buy the Criterion DVD or the Blu-ray that is available. Price is almost the same, so that's not a concern.

Well, if you're looking to be the completist for the film, you'd want both versions because the Criterion DVD has a bit of extras that aren't on the Studio Canal blu-ray. I have the Studio Canal blu-ray of "Contempt," buy I've yet to give it a spin to personally see how it compares to the Criterion DVD. I can only point you toward DVDBeaver's site for their review/comparison of the two releases.

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

2. "Breathless" is a no-brainer to own as far as I'm concerned. Should I buy the Criterion DVD now, or is there a blu-ray edition in sight in the near future?

Studio Canal has released "Breathless" on blu-ray in other countries (the UK release was delayed), but I think Criterion's license is from Rialto Pictures so it's a possibility that we may see it on blu-ray from Criterion somewhere down the road.

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

For that matter, is there a Criterion blu of "Contempt" in the foreseeable future?

The simple answer is 'no' because "Contempt" is one of the many titles that Studio Canal has not allowed Criterion to renew their license for so that Studio Canal can release their own blu-ray versions through Lionsgate in the USA as part of their Studio Canal Collection. "Contempt" was originally part of the first list of blu-rays in 2008 that Criterion planned on releasing. However, along with "Ran" Studio Canal took "Contempt" away.

CC

[Old Geezer]

Thanks for the quick response ccfixx.

Edit: I just visited DVDBeaver's website and saw a few screen captures from both versions of "Contempt" plus this bit of information:

ADDITION: Lionsgate - Studio Canal Collection - Region A + B Blu-ray - February 2010': unlike RAN, the Lionsgate/Maple Films - North American Studio Canal Collections edition is exactly the same with no omissions for supplements and, the exact same feature file size, bitrate and time (down to the 1/1000 of second).

The only digital difference would be the Lionsgate logo that runs for a few seconds prior to the Studio Canal Collections logo and the menu (hence the slight difference in disc file size - 19 bytes larger). Both start with the large list of countries to choose from and my Momitsu tells me they are both region A + B.

Extras are duplicated as is the enclosed liner notes booklet. It also differs in that the case is a standard one with a slip case as opposed to the custom one in Europe.

I think it looks and sounds great but some who are more discerning may, possibly, be expecting more. This is probably how good the best source can supply at the present time. Still recommended!

I believe I'll go with the Blu-ray on "Contempt" and Criterion DVD release of Breathless. (for now)

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

I thought you might like that, CG. It's an awesome poster for sure. My copy of the movie was delivered to my house today, so I can't wait to get home and watch it at my earliest convenience.

CC

I am about to order the poster. Prob will get the Tati one too.

[SpiderBaby]

Old Geezer, to add to CC, Breathless has a new print, so watch for a blu-ray release in 2011 (rumored for Criterion).

[rezpekt]

Antichrist is great news! I've been waiting for a proper release so long. Let's hope Criterion does/did their best. I haven't ordered any Criterions for a long time now but Antichrist would surely change that.

[captveg]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

2. "Breathless" is a no-brainer to own as far as I'm concerned. Should I buy the Criterion DVD now, or is there a blu-ray edition in sight in the near future? For that matter, is there a Criterion blu of "Contempt" in the foreseeable future?

Someone in the thread stated that Criterion said Breathless is coming from them on Blu 2011-ish.

EDIT: And I see CassavetesGodard just said it again before me. Oops.

[Kevtronn]

Really wish we had Criterion Blu-rays released throughout the month instead of having to wait until the end of the month.

I could not wait any longer and just picked up Tokyo Olympiad & Dillinger is Dead (my first Marco Ferreri film) on DVD. Just finsihed Tokyo Olympiad and can not wait for Dillinger is Dead!

[Old Geezer]

Another question/problem of my own making. I tried to order some replacement cases on March 18 using Paypal. I'm not used to using Paypal so I messed up not once, but twice - sending Criterion my money (twice) but omitting my complete address both times (don't ask ). I immediately e-mailed Criterion at store@criterion.com and explained what I had done and giving them the correct information. After about a week without hearing anything from them, I e-mailed them again at orders@criterion.com. I sent an e-mail to mulvaney@criterion.com early this morning and still have not received a response from anyone. I don't see a phone number listed on their web site. Is there some way to reach them? It sure would be nice to talk to a human voice to find out what is going on. (Paypal showed the payments as being made - there is nothing on my account/order page to indicate Criterion even received it.

[Eny-]

They stopped shipping the replacement cases outside the US

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Kevtronn

Really wish we had Criterion Blu-rays released throughout the month instead of having to wait until the end of the month.

I could not wait any longer and just picked up Tokyo Olympiad & Dillinger is Dead (my first Marco Ferreri film) on DVD. Just finsihed Tokyo Olympiad and can not wait for Dillinger is Dead!

Wait....how much did you pay for "Tokyo Olympiad"?....that one is typically near a $100 (because it's oop, people are selling it expensive). I had to resort to getting the Criterion LD because I never find it cheap.

[Kevtronn]

Originally Posted by kndy

Wait....how much did you pay for "Tokyo Olympiad"?....that one is typically near a $100 (because it's oop, people are selling it expensive). I had to resort to getting the Criterion LD because I never find it cheap.

Your going to hate me kndy, but I received Tokyo Olympiad for basically free from a friend. It was Brand-New & Sealed & I opened it but its still minty fresh! It was a great film, but I do not think I will watch it again, so I will be selling it...

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by Eny-

They stopped shipping the replacement cases outside the US

Last I heard Missouri was still considered part of the US.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Kevtronn

Your going to hate me kndy, but I received Tokyo Olympiad for basically free from a friend. It was Brand-New & Sealed & I opened it but its still minty fresh! It was a great film, but I do not think I will watch it again, so I will be selling it...

Wow! He had it still sealed??? If you are selling it for cheap, I will buy...hehe... but seriously, that is one oop title that you can make some money on. That title alone goes for around $50-$110.

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Couple of quick questions I hope some of you will be kind enought to help me out on. I'm new to the Criterion collection thanks to blu-ray and this thread, but it's also given me new interest in older, "classic" films I've never seen before.

1. I'm looking at "Contempt" to purchase. Should I buy the Criterion DVD or the Blu-ray that is available. Price is almost the same, so that's not a concern.

Greetings Old Geezer,

It's easy to zero in on "Contempt" because of Bridgitte Bardot but since it's a Jean-Luc Godard film, its important to watch a few Godard films before jumping into "Contempt". There is a certain mindset when you watch his films as he becomes very political and disenchanted with his wife Anna Karina and eventually divorcing her.

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

2. "Breathless" is a no-brainer to own as far as I'm concerned. Should I buy the Criterion DVD now, or is there a blu-ray edition in sight in the near future? For that matter, is there a Criterion blu of "Contempt" in the foreseeable future?

My feeling is if you are going to buy the film, it depends on the type of viewer you are. If you are in it for Blu-ray and can't stand anything not 1080p or HD, then get the Blu-ray version. Otherwise, "Contempt" is a title on DVD that you see on sale quite a bit on Amazon, Deep Discount and Barnes & Noble Criterion sales for $13.99 or was it $17.99.

As for "Breathless", as I caution you again, to love Jean-Luc Godard films is to watch many Godard films. I am not too familiar with Lionsgate Blu-rays but I know the Criterion release comes with a good amount of special features and the booklet.

Here is a comment by Roger Ebert when he recommended Godard's "Pierrot le fou" and received angry comments from viewers. This can apply to many of Godard's Nouvelle Vague films:

So let this be a warning: You probably won't like "Pierrot le Fou." One of Godard's films, seen by itself, can be a frustrating and puzzling experience. But when you begin to get into his universe, when you've seen a lot of Godard, you find yourself liking him more and more. One day something clicks, and Godard comes together. And then, perhaps, you decide that if he is not the greatest living director he is certainly the most audacious, the most experimental, the one who understands best how movies work.

Nevertheless, although I have both "Breathless" and "Contempt" on DVD, I will more than likely purchase the Lionsgate Blu-ray releases as well.

[Kevtronn]

Pierrot le Fou was my first Godard Film & I loved it! Made me go out & buy more I felt that the Contempt Blu-ray was solid.

kndy ~ Thanks for the info! I just want to get enough out of Tokyo Olympiad to pickup Human Condition.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by kndy

Greetings Old Geezer,

It's easy to zero in on "Contempt" because of Bridgitte Bardot but since it's a Jean-Luc Godard film, its important to watch a few Godard films before jumping into "Contempt". There is a certain mindset when you watch his films as he becomes very political and disenchanted with his wife Anna Karina and eventually divorcing her.



My feeling is if you are going to buy the film, it depends on the type of viewer you are. If you are in it for Blu-ray and can't stand anything not 1080p or HD, then get the Blu-ray version. Otherwise, "Contempt" is a title on DVD that you see on sale quite a bit on Amazon, Deep Discount and Barnes & Noble Criterion sales for $13.99 or was it $17.99.

As for "Breathless", as I caution you again, to love Jean-Luc Godard films is to watch many Godard films. I am not too familiar with Lionsgate Blu-rays but I know the Criterion release comes with a good amount of special features and the booklet.

Here is a comment by Roger Ebert when he recommended Godard's "Pierrot le fou" and received angry comments from viewers. This can apply to many of Godard's Nouvelle Vague films:

[I]So let this be a warning: You probably won't like "Pierrot le Fou."

Nevertheless, although I have both "Breathless" and "Contempt" on DVD, I will more than likely purchase the Lionsgate Blu-ray releases as well.

Thank you for your reply to my questions. First of all, I do own "Pierrot le Fou" and I absolutely loved it. Second, I prefer Blu and or Blu/Criterion releases, but most of all I love good movies. After reading several reviews I am convinced that I will indeed enjoy both of these movies. I have already ordered "Contempt" in blu-ray after reading the reviews/comparison on this site and DVDBeaver. Next week I will purchase "Breathless" (if I manage to wait that long ). I also purchased "Belle de Jour" on DVD this afternoon, so I pretty much go for the movie, not the format.

[SpiderBaby]

Le Petit Soldat and Les Carabiniers are 2 of my fav Godards' and they don't get no attention at all. Criterion has been rumored for a while about having these, but if you don't mind buying FOX LORBER dvds, I recommend them.

[Jwilly019]

I rented Salo from my school's library yesterday and watched it this afternoon and while I knew going in that it was a disturbing film, I had no idea exactly what I was in for. Easily the most disturbing film I've ever seen. Will not be watching it again.

That being said, I was wondering what some of you guys would recommend as far as quality titles from Criterion for someone just getting into the Collection. Blu-ray or DVD and I'll see what I can get from the library here. Thanks.

Justin

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Jwilly019

I rented Salo from my school's library yesterday and watched it this afternoon and while I knew going in that it was a disturbing film, I had no idea exactly what I was in for. Easily the most disturbing film I've ever seen. Will not be watching it again.

That being said, I was wondering what some of you guys would recommend as far as quality titles from Criterion for someone just getting into the Collection. Blu-ray or DVD and I'll see what I can get from the library here. Thanks.

Justin

Army Of Shadows is what I would start with. Heck any Melville to me is a easy transition into the collection. And I am not saying that because I like him, or I would be telling you a Godard film. Melville is a good director to start with.