The Criterion Collection

[starman15317]

This evening, I saw a 35mm print of City Lights at a local art house theater (the Harris for you Pittsburgh people). The print wasn't the best looking (I think from both being a little worn and from being poorly projected; the theater doesn't have the best quality in terms of presentation) but I noticed that the Janus Films logo (and the MK2 logo) appeared at the beginning. I'm sure this probably isn't of any significance, but could this mean that the Criterion version will be coming soon? I hope so; it's my favorite Chaplin film!

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by jw007

This was it! My 9th and final haul for this epic July sale.

Not only did I buy 3 Criterion titles at B&N, but I managed to buy the Blu-ray of The Man Who Fell to Earth for $60 + tax at a local record shop just a bit later! I now officially own every OOP Criterion Blu-ray! A month ago I bought The Third Man on Ebay for $125 but I feel I got a great deal today for a used copy of the famous David Bowie film with a mint condition Blu-ray disc.

Here is today's tally.

La Haine ($13.80 + tax) (15% off coupon + $5/50 coupon + 10% member discount)
Blow Out ($16.24 + tax) ($5/50 coupon + 10% member discount)
The Kid With a Bike ($16.23 + tax) ($5/50 coupon + 10% member discount)
The Man Who Fell to Earth ($60 + tax) (purchased at a record store)

I think this is it for me for this summer's sale. The next time I buy Criterion titles will be in November for the next 50% sale.

I'm glad I was able to use all the coupons I wanted today. It's a great way to end it all.

(ps. unfortunately Blow Out didn't have the Brian DePalma blue sticker I wanted, but no big deal... I tried other stores and even special ordered it to 2 other stores, but none came with the blue sticker).

COMING SOON: I will be posting my full haul from all 9 trips with a picture of all the titles I bought.

pic:

Someone went to The Exchange. You know, I think I saw a copy of The Man Who Fell to Earth at the Squirrel Hill Exchange recently but I think it was $100. I could be wrong though.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

This evening, I saw a 35mm print of City Lights at a local art house theater (the Harris for you Pittsburgh people). The print wasn't the best looking (I think from both being a little worn and from being poorly projected; the theater doesn't have the best quality in terms of presentation) but I noticed that the Janus Films logo (and the MK2 logo) appeared at the beginning. I'm sure this probably isn't of any significance, but could this mean that the Criterion version will be coming soon? I hope so; it's my favorite Chaplin film!

Nice to see you finally checked out the Harris. It's an old theater and is in need of a major upgrade in their projection system and sound system. Congratulations for finally going to your very first art house theater! I hope this is just the beginning of more viewings to come, young man.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Someone went to The Exchange. You know, I think I saw a copy of The Man Who Fell to Earth at the Squirrel Hill Exchange recently but I think it was $100. I could be wrong though.

Yes, they do have a copy for $100, but I managed to order another copy for only $60 that was in another store (Illinois!). I didn't even realize their franchise extends all the way over to that state. When I found out they had one for that price, I couldn't say no. Sure feels good saving $40.

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by jw007

Yes, they do have a copy for $100, but I managed to order another copy for only $60 that was in another store (Illinois!). I didn't even realize their franchise extends all the way over to that state. When I found out they had one for that price, I couldn't say no. Sure feels good saving $40.

Wow, I didn't realize that either. How did you find out that they had a cheaper copy? I didn't even realize they could send things from other stores.

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by jw007

Nice to see you finally checked out the Harris. It's an old theater and is in need of a major upgrade in their projection system and sound system. Congratulations for finally going to your very first art house theater! I hope this is just the beginning of more viewings to come, young man.

If the Manor counts as an art house (not sure if it does) then that would be my first, but art houses are exciting places. I plan on going back there at some point and I need to check out the Regent Square and the Melwood.

To keep this Criterion related, the Melwood is actually showing Diabolique at the end of the month as part of their Essential Art House series (tickets just $2!). Since I've been wanting to go there and have never seen the film (it has a long wait on Netflix), I'm hoping to go see it. I do have marching band practice that night, but....

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Wow, I didn't realize that either. How did you find out that they had a cheaper copy? I didn't even realize they could send things from other stores.

I asked them to look it up in their computer system. I've done this many times before with other titles. They can just ship from another store and email or call you when its in. This is one of the best purchases I've made with them yet.

[Lewisdavies]

I wanted to ask if you can order usa editions of blurays from the uk I see alot of uk youtubers getting all these worldwide editions of blurays,steelbooks and digibooks and I've never knew which site to order them,do I go to amazon then switch to the usa site then it will convert my pounds to dollars if anyone knows and could let me know,that would be great!.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

If the Manor counts as an art house (not sure if it does) then that would be my first, but art houses are exciting places. I plan on going back there at some point and I need to check out the Regent Square and the Melwood.

To keep this Criterion related, the Melwood is actually showing Diabolique at the end of the month as part of their Essential Art House series (tickets just $2!). Since I've been wanting to go there and have never seen the film (it has a long wait on Netflix), I'm hoping to go see it. I do have marching band practice that night, but....

The Manor is simply the finest theater in this city, hands down. When they upgraded their entire theater last year coinciding with their 90th anniversary (YES, 90 years they've been there!), it just kicked ass. They replaced all the seats with new leather recliners, installed a new digital projection system and better sound system, tore out the ceiling to expose art deco and an amazing chandelier, tore out the old carpet and restored the original marble flooring, created a new bar and food items, put up historical posters of the theater and added new cozy seats in the lobby. It's totally great. The best part is, a lot of famous Hollywood actors/actresses actually had stopped in there to see films while they were in town shooting a film (there were reports that actresses Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson stopped there to see a film one night a couple of years ago). Tom Cruise might have stopped there also while he was shooting here in the city.

Might be great to check out the original Diabolique also. Did you know that in the remake, they shot here in Pittsburgh, I got caught trespassing on the set multiple times? I was 17 years old that summer (1996) and they were shooting the film only a dozen blocks from my house. I always was hanging out near the set trying to sneak in. Eventually the assistant director caught me and escorted me out. The worst though was the last time there, I got caught with 3 other teenagers and the police showed up and put us in the paddy wagon but then dropped us off around the corner and let us go home. The Hollywood security guys thought I was stalking Sharon Stone (who was in that remake of Diabolique)!

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by COLD_COBRA_

I'm convinced nothing is worse than

[Show spoiler]worrying if you've gotten a girl pregnant that you didn't want to. For the past 8 days I haven't been able to enjoy anything. let alone give my attention to a criterion. I must have put 400 miles on my car just driving around thinking, and wondering what mistake I just made in the "moment." I even looked up how much child support would be based off my salary, my heart sank.

[Show spoiler]Point is, 3,000 pampers I won't have to buy buys a lot of Criterion's
I might even buy one of those paper things in the front of the store tomorrow. Hell I might even buy a $9 coffee and leave them a tip, and then smile like I think their profit margin is <15%

Anyhow, what's the consensus on

Summer with Monika
3 Women
Two lane Blacktop

Sorry for off topic.

Summer With Monika-Excellent early Bergman; very accessible.
3 Women-Haven't seen it in years but I remember it being dreamlike and excellent performances by, who else, the three women!
Two-Lane Blacktop-Great film, especially if you like films like Easy Rider, Five Easy Pieces, etc.

I would recommend all three. (I have 2 out of 3 with the Altman film always on my wish list but never seem to get it.)

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by jw007

The Manor is simply the finest theater in this city, hands down. When they upgraded their entire theater last year coinciding with their 90th anniversary (YES, 90 years they've been there!), it just kicked ass. They replaced all the seats with new leather recliners, installed a new digital projection system and better sound system, tore out the ceiling to expose art deco and an amazing chandelier, tore out the old carpet and restored the original marble flooring, created a new bar and food items, put up historical posters of the theater and added new cozy seats in the lobby. It's totally great. The best part is, a lot of famous Hollywood actors/actresses actually had stopped in there to see films while they were in town shooting a film (there were reports that actresses Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson stopped there to see a film one night a couple of years ago). Tom Cruise might have stopped there also while he was shooting here in the city.

Might be great to check out the original Diabolique also. Did you know that in the remake, they shot here in Pittsburgh, I got caught trespassing on the set multiple times? I was 17 years old that summer (1996) and they were shooting the film only a dozen blocks from my house. I always was hanging out near the set trying to sneak in. Eventually the assistant director caught me and escorted me out. The worst though was the last time there, I got caught with 3 other teenagers and the police showed up and put us in the paddy wagon but then dropped us off around the corner and let us go home. They thought I was stalking Sharon Stone (who was in that remake of Diabolique)!

Wow, I didn't realize that Hollywood people have been there! I know that Emma Watson and Logan Lerman were at the Hollywood for a Rocky Horror screening (they also shot a scene there). I've never seen what the theater looked like before, but their renovation looks wonderful. The fact that they have a bar is crazy for PA!

Haha, that's funny about Diabolique. I keep forgetting that it was remade and I didn't know the remake was filmed here (of course, I haven't seen it).

Next time I go to The Exchange, I'll have to ask them to look up an item for a cheaper price. The only downside there is that you can't check the quality of the product.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Wow, I didn't realize that Hollywood people have been there! I know that Emma Watson and Logan Lerman were at the Hollywood for a Rocky Horror screening (they also shot a scene there). I've never seen what the theater looked like before, but their renovation looks wonderful. The fact that they have a bar is crazy for PA!

Haha, that's funny about Diabolique. I keep forgetting that it was remade and I didn't know the remake was filmed here (of course, I haven't seen it).

Next time I go to The Exchange, I'll have to ask them to look up an item for a cheaper price. The only downside there is that you can't check the quality of the product.

True, but even if you order something through their system, you don't have to buy it even if it comes into the store. I'd say half the time I order something, I don't even up buying it anyway cause maybe there was a scratch on the disc that I didn't like or the artwork was creased or damaged.

Oh, here's a really cool page and article on the 2011 movie scene here:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/...t-star-215635/
http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/pdf/2...charticle1.pdf

Anne Hathaway at the Manor is mentioned in that first link...its just a few paragraphs but there is proof right there! The second link is just a cool article about all the movies that were being shot here in 2011/2012.

I may have seen the remake of Diabolique once, but it wasn't very good. It's funny how I never even knew about the original film at the time. I probably didn't even realize it until I was in my late 20s.

[Joe Dalek]

Originally Posted by starman15317

So here's a little question for everyone: when were you introduced to the Criterion Collection? Was it in the Laserdisc days? DVD era? Or were you introduced with Blu-Ray? And what was the first Criterion you saw or bought?

I never owned a laserdisc player and I didn't have a DVD player until 2000 or so. I don't remember the first one I saw, but I was given The 400 Blows as a gift (the '98 edition) and I think the first one I bought myself was Do The Right Thing (which was released circa 2001). First Blu-ray was Pierrot Le Fou, even though I didn't own a Blu-ray player at the time, because it was going out-of-print and I didn't know when I'd have a Blu-ray player but I knew I wanted the disc.

[starman15317]

Pittsburgh's film output really is amazing. My sister was an extra in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I barely found her in the movie.

Yep, it's decided: next time I go to The Exchange, I'm going to have them look something up for a cheaper price. But what? Maybe that Twin Peaks Season 1 DVD set that I want just for the extras?

I imagine that the remake of Diabolique must be bad. The idea of a remake is bad in itself.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Pittsburgh's film output really is amazing. My sister was an extra in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I barely found her in the movie.

Yep, it's decided: next time I go to The Exchange, I'm going to have them look something up for a cheaper price. But what? Maybe that Twin Peaks Season 1 DVD set that I want just for the extras?

I imagine that the remake of Diabolique must be bad. The idea of a remake is bad in itself.

I just looked up Rotten Tomatoes and that remake scored a 12%. Pretty bad reviews. Not worth watching (unless you see me sneaking around in the background foliage popping my head through a window trying to get in the movie. ha).

I'm going to PM you about some more stuff regarding film in this town. I have worked with this local film organization that has helped bring in Hollywood films into the city over the years. Did the website/s for them. Since the PA Tax Credits program started in this state, a lot of productions have come to shoot here cause it saves them a lot of money. Pittsburgh has become the new Hollywood of the East.

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by starman15317

Pittsburgh's film output really is amazing. My sister was an extra in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I barely found her in the movie.

Yep, it's decided: next time I go to The Exchange, I'm going to have them look something up for a cheaper price. But what? Maybe that Twin Peaks Season 1 DVD set that I want just for the extras?

I imagine that the remake of Diabolique must be bad. The idea of a remake is bad in itself.

If you're speaking in general, that is not always the case.

[Visco.]

I finished Videodrome a little over an hour ago. It was definitely one of the strangest films I've ever watched. Great PQ by Criterion. It almost looked like it was shot this year.

I don't have much to say about it really. It wasn't mind-blowing or anything. I enjoyed the direction and the script kept me interested.

I'm giving it an 8/10

[starman15317]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

If you're speaking in general, that is not always the case.

Oh no, I meant a remake of Diabolique.

And thanks for the info, jw!

[octagon]

Originally Posted by starman15317

I imagine that the remake of Diabolique must be bad. The idea of a remake is bad in itself.

It's actually halfway decent.

[Sherlock_Jr]

Originally Posted by starman15317

This evening, I saw a 35mm print of City Lights at a local art house theater (the Harris for you Pittsburgh people). The print wasn't the best looking (I think from both being a little worn and from being poorly projected; the theater doesn't have the best quality in terms of presentation) but I noticed that the Janus Films logo (and the MK2 logo) appeared at the beginning. I'm sure this probably isn't of any significance, but could this mean that the Criterion version will be coming soon? I hope so; it's my favorite Chaplin film!

Dunno about coming soon, but it's old news that Janus and Criterion got the rights to the entire Chaplin catalogue. So yes, it will be coming eventually... when is another matter altogether — although with the 4 out now, it's the next big "classic" they haven't released yet.