The Criterion Collection

[Abdrewes]

Reccomendations:
Solaris
Red Desert

[jw007]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I went to college in Atlanta during the early 1990s, and remember seeing ads for the Three Colors movies in the newspaper back then. Before I even saw the movies, I associated them with art house cinema, because of the ads and the off-the-beaten-path theaters where the movies were featured.

That was actually my first time seeing Julie Delpy, because her image in this ad was featured prominently at the time...

[Show spoiler]

Like most dudes in the early 1990s who stumbled across this poster ad, I was immediately intrigued. Delpy's character is not even the main character, but it's a wonderful ad nonetheless, and it captures the focus and intent of the plot. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to see the movie until many years later.

I get to revisit it tonight, in fact, barring any unforeseen plans.


I did take a look at my Blu-ray disc of White, and I do not see anything on the disc indicating that it is a second printing. I'm going to watch it in sequence with the other movies this weekend anyway, since I likely won't notice any audio shortcomings on my current setup, but I'm planning to mail my disc back to get a "future proof" copy for when I do upgrade my audio gear.

I went to college in the early 2000s, so I sort of missed the boat with the early 90's indie cinema. In regard to White, I ended up sending in my first printing disc and received the second printing disc from Criterion (along with the 2nd disc of Carlos too which was also a first print).

[jw007]

I posted this in the Barnes & Noble Criterion 50% off thread but it was suggested I post here too.

I am seeking the collectible blue and grey stickers from the BDs and DVDs.

Basically, I didn't realize just how cool it might be to save the blue stickers from Criterion Blu-rays up until now. I need about 85 stickers from BD releases I tossed in the trash. I think cutting the shrinkwrap around the sticker is better than peeling them off.

So, I am going to create a new thread entitled "Criterion blue & grey collectible stickers thread", BUT, I am posting here now to let you know about this. I am seeking blue stickers with signatures (as well as grey stickers with signatures from the DVDs if possible)....

Thanks!

[Thebunk]

Originally Posted by jw007

very cool... i think irene jacob stole the show in terms of that trilogy...binoche was good too but it was jacob's defining role...the movies in that trilogy are so sublime that its hard to put into words the feelings a person can experience from watching it all... i think that trilogy defines what "Arthouse cinema" truly is.

See for me, if anything, I think this is a HORRIBLE thing to associate with the Three colors trilogy or Veronique for that matter. Also for the record, I am not trying to single you out as many have already stated, these films were slapped with the "art house" label for years. I have a few issues with this actually. The first is that it throws up a false barrier in my opinion about the films; that they are pretentious, inpenetrateable films with subtitles. For the Three Colors, I think this is false. Ok, this is not a paint by numbers Hollywood affair, it is still unlike many others in the Collection that I would potentially put such a label on (Goddard's "Weekend" as an example which I cannot stand).

Another thing that this label (IMO) often alludes to is that a film is more about style then substance. With all of KK's films, I think substance and style are in complete harmony. While I think all of these films follow a narrative, there are shots, colors, music, symbolism and a myriad of other aspects that reward the viewer of multiple viewings. I eel I can sit down and watch these films and get as much enjoyment out of them as I can some of my more traditionally held favorites (Jaws, Halloween, Goodfellas as examples).

As an aside, I really do wish there was a commentary for the films, even though the extras on the discs are enough to help bring things to light a little bit more. The commentary on "The Double Life of Veronique" was really great though in my opinion and helped me garner additional insight on key scenes that I had missed before (I made me want to rewatch even that much more).

Anyway, love the recent discussion on the Three Colors films and the set was easily the best Criterion blind buy for me hands down (Veronique likely my second). Now bring on the Dekalog please (which I have still not seen)!

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

See for me, if anything, I think this is a HORRIBLE thing to associate with the Three colors trilogy or Veronique for that matter. Also for the record, I am not trying to single you out as many have already stated, these films were slapped with the "art house" label for years. I have a few issues with this actually. The first is that it throws up a false barrier in my opinion about the films; that they are pretentious, inpenetrateable films with subtitles. For the Three Colors, I think this is false. Ok, this is not a paint by numbers Hollywood affair, it is still unlike many others in the Collection that I would potentially put such a label on (Goddard's "Weekend" as an example which I cannot stand).

Another thing that this label (IMO) often alludes to is that a film is more about style then substance. With all of KK's films, I think substance and style are in complete harmony. While I think all of these films follow a narrative, there are shots, colors, music, symbolism and a myriad of other aspects that reward the viewer of multiple viewings. I eel I can sit down and watch these films and get as much enjoyment out of them as I can some of my more traditionally held favorites (Jaws, Halloween, Goodfellas as examples).

As an aside, I really do wish there was a commentary for the films, even though the extras on the discs are enough to help bring things to light a little bit more. The commentary on "The Double Life of Veronique" was really great though in my opinion and helped me garner additional insight on key scenes that I had missed before (I made me want to rewatch even that much more).

Anyway, love the recent discussion on the Three Colors films and the set was easily the best Criterion blind buy for me hands down (Veronique likely my second). Now bring on the Dekalog please (which I have still not seen)!

I agree with everything you said in bold.

I think the label "arthouse cinema" is a bit annoying. I've always been irked by that label because it does conjure up pretentious, stylized, stuffy films with little substance. The Three Colors Trilogy is anything but that. It's an amazing human achievement and should be ranked with the greatest films of all time. Yet, rarely do people ever mention this trilogy or these films in pop culture. These films belong in the upper echelon of greatest films ever made. Ok, I mentioned "greatest" a few too many times here, but I mean it. "Arthouse" is the kind of label that Guy Maddin films deserve to have. I am not a fan of Maddin's films whatsoever and if anything, that is what a true arthouse film really looks and sounds like.

Also Lars Von Trier totally makes arthouse films which I cannot stand.

Here is an interesting Wikipedia article on "art films". The Three Colors trilogy is mentioned too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film

[KRW1]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I own every release except for Fat Girl and Tiny Furniture now

Fat Girl is amazing. It will knock your socks off. Don't read anymore about it, go in blind, the less you know about this one, the better.

[14728]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I own every release except for Fat Girl and Tiny Furniture now

[14728]

Originally Posted by jw007

I agree with everything you said in bold.

I think the label "arthouse cinema" is a bit annoying. I've always been irked by that label because it does conjure up pretentious, stylized, stuffy films with little substance. The Three Colors Trilogy is anything but that. It's an amazing human achievement and should be ranked with the greatest films of all time. Yet, rarely do people ever mention this trilogy or these films in pop culture. These films belong in the upper echelon of greatest films ever made. Ok, I mentioned "greatest" a few too many times here, but I mean it. "Arthouse" is the kind of label that Guy Maddin films deserve to have. I am not a fan of Maddin's films whatsoever and if anything, that is what a true arthouse film really looks and sounds like.

Also Lars Von Trier totally makes arthouse films which I cannot stand.

Here is an interesting Wikipedia article on "art films". The Three Colors trilogy is mentioned too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_film

I've never seen these films, but they look amazing. I might give em a watch

[cferreiro]

Please help me decide what would be the best film to fill in some gaps in my collection:

Following
Insignificance
Broadcast News
The Four Feathers
Things to come
People on Sunday
The Times of Harvey Milk
In The Realm of the Senses
Chronicle of a Summer

Any of these most essential?

[johndoyle123]

hey guys and gals

i have a sealed THIRD MAN (plastic case) for trade for other criterion titles

anyone intrested drop me a pm

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by KRW1

Fat Girl is amazing. It will knock your socks off. Don't read anymore about it, go in blind, the less you know about this one, the better.

I kind of liked it when I saw it two years ago...I wanted to grab it today, but alas, they didn't have it

(Most of my purchases are not blind buys)

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Dressed to kill is an awesomely sleazy treat. There are some sweet nods to Hitchcock too.

Sounds perfect, because I've also been making my way through Htichcock's Hollywood works right now too.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by cferreiro

Please help me decide what would be the best film to fill in some gaps in my collection:

Following
Insignificance
Broadcast News
The Four Feathers
Things to come
People on Sunday
The Times of Harvey Milk
In The Realm of the Senses
Chronicle of a Summer

Any of these most essential?

They are all so Different.

If you are not opposed to graphic nudity and unsimulated sex: In the Realm of the Senses.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

Sounds perfect, because I've also been making my way through Htichcock's Hollywood works right now too.

For sure pair Body Double with Rear Window, and maybe Dressed to Kill with Vertigo. It would be awesome to read a compilation of every Hitchcock nod in DePalma's filmography.

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

For sure pair Body Double with Rear Window, and maybe Dressed to Kill with Vertigo. It would be awesome to read a compilation of every Hitchcock nod in DePalma's filmography.

I'm five away from Vertigo (I've been going chronologically), so I'll definitely save Dressed to Kill for when I come to it.

[Yami]

Obsession is De Palma's Vertigo. In fact, I've heard that Hitchcock was displeased by it as he thought it was basically a remake

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Yami

Obsession is De Palma's Vertigo. In fact, I've heard that Hitchcock was displeased by it as he thought it was basically a remake

I'm still kicking myself for not grabbing that when it was like ten bucks (not counting shipping) at Amazon UK.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Yami

Obsession is De Palma's Vertigo. In fact, I've heard that Hitchcock was displeased by it as he thought it was basically a remake

Good call! There are shades of Vertigo in Dressed to Kill, but yeah, Obsession draws ALOT more from the film.

I stand corrected, Brandon (the UK release is a great, great set by the way).

[*DrStrangelove*]

Originally Posted by jw007

I posted this in the Barnes & Noble Criterion 50% off thread but it was suggested I post here too.

I am seeking the collectible blue and grey stickers from the BDs and DVDs.

Basically, I didn't realize just how cool it might be to save the blue stickers from Criterion Blu-rays up until now. I need about 85 stickers from BD releases I tossed in the trash. I think cutting the shrinkwrap around the sticker is better than peeling them off.

So, I am going to create a new thread entitled "Criterion blue & grey collectible stickers thread", BUT, I am posting here now to let you know about this. I am seeking blue stickers with signatures (as well as grey stickers with signatures from the DVDs if possible)....

Thanks!

Is this a joke?

[*DrStrangelove*]

How come no one ever recommends World on a Wire? Where are all the Fassbinder fans at? Where have they gone? You got like 5 pages on Brian De palma!