The Criterion Collection

[spanky87]

Criterion really delivered with the supplements on the Bergman/Rossellini set. I haven't gotten through them all yet, but the best for me is that interview with Isabella and Ingrid Rossellini. Such a great watch. And Martin Scorcese always has some informative stuff to say, so his interview was a nice addition.

[MitchA17]

Do you think that some otherworldly force was present in the woods of Eden, leading her to behave the way she does? The reason I'm saying this is because of not only The Three Beggars, but because she was talking to "Him" about the nature being "Satan's Playground" (I think it was a different form of terminology she used, though). I personally think it could be a combo of some otherworldly force and her own self-destructive psychosis brought on by her isolation from her husband and her grief from her son's death.

I believe that Von Trier said something about Antichrist being his exploration of the idea that Satan created Earth, not God, and that due to its lack of civilization, nature is where Satan is most present. So I think the presence of pure evil does motivate the actions of the film, as well as Her grief and psychosis over the death of her child and Him's psychological abuse.

Personally, I doubt Von Trier was implying that women are evil. His career is full of films about women in situations where they end up abused, particularly by men (Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves, Melancholia to a certain extent), and I think that Her's transformation over the course of Antichrist is brought about by the presence of Evil in nature, revenge for the emotional abuse Him put her through, and her grief over the death of the child.

I kind of think of it as Dancer in the Dark if Bjork had decided to fight back at some point.

[Scottie]

This seems like the appropriate place to ask it...does anyone know if footage exists of the short that George Méliès accidentally filmed with the horse "transforming" into the carriage?

Originally Posted by MitchA17

I believe that Von Trier said something about Antichrist being his exploration of the idea that Satan created Earth, not God, and that due to its lack of civilization, nature is where Satan is most present. So I think the presence of pure evil does motivate the actions of the film, as well as Her grief and psychosis over the death of her child and Him's psychological abuse.

Personally, I doubt Von Trier was implying that women are evil. His career is full of films about women in situations where they end up abused, particularly by men (Dancer in the Dark, Breaking the Waves, Melancholia to a certain extent), and I think that Her's transformation over the course of Antichrist is brought about by the presence of Evil in nature, revenge for the emotional abuse Him put her through, and her grief over the death of the child.

I kind of think of it as Dancer in the Dark if Bjork had decided to fight back at some point.

Thanks for sharing your take on the film. It was just one of my many takes on what the film could be.

I understand that Her retreated to the woods of Eden to write her thesis on gynocide. Instead of attacking the notion that all women are inherently evil, she decided to defend it. As the film progresses and she goes through the grieving process, I believe she actually starts believing this absurd notion, especially because she could have prevented her son's death.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

It's only a matter of time before I own the Blu-ray.

Of the currently available Criterion Blu-rays, there are quite a few that I owned on DVD before I streamlined my collection and would like to own on Blu-ray, but have still not got around to upgrading...

The Four Feathers
Anatomy of a Murder
Smiles of a Summer Night
Rashomon
High and Low
Robinson Crusoe on Mars
The Samourai Trilogy
The Rules of the Game
Au Revoir Les Enfants
Beauty and the Beast
Blow Out
Tokyo Drifter
Branded to Kill
A Night to Remember
...and, obviously, The Third Man

I may get around to upgrading all of these someday, or I may not get around to upgrading all of these someday. They're all great films, but I've just had bigger fish to fry so far.

It doesn't help that they keep releasing must own titles that push upgrade titles back down the priority list. What usually prompts me to upgrade is "what's been added?" Picture and audio quality are usually (but not always) a given but extras are what I'm looking at. If a title has the exact same extras as my dvd it goes on the back burner but anything new usually prompts me to move it ahead. Lack of new features is why I still have dvd titles like 8 1/2, Smiles of a Summer Night, etc.

[brandon_260]

What's the deal with Criterion taking their time with upgrading some titles that have gotten a blu-ray release abroad? Tokyo Story took three years after the UK release, while Bicycle Thieves has been out a year and a half with no sign from Criterion. (To as less extent, there is the Passion of Joan of Arc, which was released a year ago this November). These are all some of the most acclaimed titles in Criterion's repertoire, so it seems strange to hold back. I'm region free, so I have no problem with getting the films (I broke down and imported Joan of Arc this month), but Criterion's releases are always a notch above on the supplements.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

What's the deal with Criterion taking their time with upgrading some titles that have gotten a blu-ray release abroad? Tokyo Story took three years after the UK release, while Bicycle Thieves has been out a year and a half with no sign from Criterion. (To as less extent, there is the Passion of Joan of Arc, which was released a year ago this November). These are all some of the most acclaimed titles in Criterion's repertoire, so it seems strange to hold back. I'm region free, so I have no problem with getting the films (I broke down and imported Joan of Arc this month), but Criterion's releases are always a notch above on the supplements.

The deal is they are a small company that deals with a niche market - as passionate as you or I might be about their output, we are in the minority.

They can't possibly afford to just put everything onto Blu Ray at once.

I suspect they also aim to add something to a Blu Ray release to make it worthwhile for those who already bought the DVD from them.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by brandon_260

What's the deal with Criterion taking their time with upgrading some titles that have gotten a blu-ray release abroad? Tokyo Story took three years after the UK release, while Bicycle Thieves has been out a year and a half with no sign from Criterion. (To as less extent, there is the Passion of Joan of Arc, which was released a year ago this November). These are all some of the most acclaimed titles in Criterion's repertoire, so it seems strange to hold back. I'm region free, so I have no problem with getting the films (I broke down and imported Joan of Arc this month), but Criterion's releases are always a notch above on the supplements.

Quite often better upcoming restorations

For example, BFI's release of Tokyo Story comes from an older master. The upcoming Criterion release will use Shochiku's new 4K resto:

『æ�±äº¬ç‰©èªž ニューデジタルリマスターã€�　修復before&after比較æ˜*åƒ� - YouTube

Bicycle Thieves also comes from a rather problematic master.

Joan of Arc is a resto done by MOC, and while it is very good, there is definitely room for improvement. A new one is also upcoming.

The new 4K resto for Hiroshima Mon Amour that was screened at Cannes Classics is coming up in France, so I would expect Criterion to make an announcement soon as well:

Hiroshima mon amour (version restaurée) bande annonce - YouTube

The new 2K resto for Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is also coming up in France, so perhaps a U.S. release is also on the horizon (and not necessarily from Criterion).

Restauration des parapluies de Cherbourg - YouTube

Another big 4K resto that is heading to Blu-ray in France is Chereau's La Reine Margot, but there is no U.S. announcement yet. With a little bit of luck, this could end up at Criterion:

La Reine Margot - Bande annonce - YouTube

A few of the new RDB Entertainments restos for Satyajit Ray's films are already out via Criterion. A few more are out in the UK via Artificial Eye.



The new 2K resto for Billy Wilder's Fedora is heading to Blu-ray in France. In the U.S., Olive Films already hinted that they are prepping it for Blu-ray.

Fedora de Billy Wilder : Bande-annonce 2013 - YouTube

Sony's 4K resto of Hal Ashby's The Last Detail is missing.

The one very, very big resto I have been looking forward to but there has not been a preliminary announcement for a Blu-ray release yet is Digimage Classics' 4K resto of Valerio Zurlini's The Desert of the Tartars. Legendary film from a legendary director. Hopefully, Criterion will step up as they are the label that will do the film justice.



(French trailer. The film, of course, is in Italian).

LE DÉSERT DES TARTARES Bande Annonce - YouTube

So, the big restos are coming to Blu-ray, and Criterion are definitely bringing some of them. For the rest, you just have to be patient

Pro-B

[CriterionJunkie]

Originally Posted by jw007

Well, my reason for not using streaming video is that I still only watch films on my HDTV and never on my computer. I just cannot mix the two together. I am still a purist and must watch films on my HDTV with my surround sound system while sitting on my couch, not on my old MacbookPro with 2 powered speakers on my computer chair. My reasons are justified and fair!

Movies are like books to me. Rather than showing off books, I show off films. And I can back it all up by saying I've watched/seen most of the films I own, rather than some of those people who buy a whole bunch of "essential" books to display in their home (but never read any of them).



Yes, its true Criterion is a great label/company but there are some others who do good work in releasing films (Kino Video, Artificial Eye or Masters of Cinema come to mind). I think, in terms of major labels, Sony and Warner Bros. offer the best Blu-ray releases in terms of quality and consistency.

Tell me about it! It drives me crazy when I see people watch movies on their laptops or phones! ESPECIALLY when it is a movie like, The Master for example! Cinematography on that movie is just gorgeous and to watch that on a small to tiny screen does not do that any justice!

It's either an HDTV or a high definition projection!

[EPlay]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Liz, you just revealed a big secret - and instantly made a lot of new friends on the site

Pro-B

Just amongst my Criterion friends.

Yay, B&N got their act together and apparently shipped all 3 Criterions of my B2G1. It's almost like they're so anxious to cancel your items if they don't have it on schedule.

[brandon_260]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

[Show spoiler]Quite often better upcoming restorations

For example, BFI's release of Tokyo Story comes from an older master. The upcoming Criterion release will use Shochiku's new 4K resto:

『æ�±äº¬ç‰©èªž ニューデジタルリマスターã€�　修復be fore&after比較æ˜*åƒ� - YouTube

Bicycle Thieves also comes from a rather problematic master.

Joan of Arc is a resto done by MOC, and while it is very good, there is definitely room for improvement. A new one is also upcoming.

The new 4K resto for Hiroshima Mon Amour that was screened at Cannes Classics is coming up in France, so I would expect Criterion to make an announcement soon as well:

Hiroshima mon amour (version restaurée) bande annonce - YouTube

The new 2K resto for Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is also coming up in France, so perhaps a U.S. release is also on the horizon (and not necessarily from Criterion).

Restauration des parapluies de Cherbourg - YouTube

Another big 4K resto that is heading to Blu-ray in France is Chereau's La Reine Margot, but there is no U.S. announcement yet. With a little bit of luck, this could end up at Criterion:

La Reine Margot - Bande annonce - YouTube

A few of the new RDB Entertainments restos for Satyajit Ray's films are already out via Criterion. A few more are out in the UK via Artificial Eye.



The new 2K resto for Billy Wilder's Fedora is heading to Blu-ray in France. In the U.S., Olive Films already hinted that they are prepping it for Blu-ray.



Fedora de Billy Wilder : Bande-annonce 2013 - YouTube

Sony's 4K resto of Hal Ashby's The Last Detail is missing.

The one very, very big resto I have been looking forward to but there has not been a preliminary announcement for a Blu-ray release yet is Digimage Classics' 4K resto of Valerio Zurlini's The Desert of the Tartars. Legendary film from a legendary director. Hopefully, Criterion will step up as they are the label that will do the film justice.



(French trailer. The film, of course, is in Italian).

LE DÉSERT DES TARTARES Bande Annonce - YouTube

So, the big restos are coming to Blu-ray, and Criterion are definitely bringing some of them. For the rest, you just have to be patient

Pro-B

I appreciate the very detailed post. I figured the one reason they would be holding off was for fresher, better restoration jobs, I guess I was just looking for some sort of confirmation on that point. The Hiroshima Mon Amour restoration is absolutely my most anticipated. I find it funny you bring up The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, as I just decided to import the DVD release. Assuming I enjoy the film as much as I am expecting, it looks like something that would be brilliant in HD.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by EPlay

Just amongst my Criterion friends.

Originally Posted by brandon_260

I appreciate the very detailed post. I figured the one reason they would be holding off was for fresher, better restoration jobs, I guess I was just looking for some sort of confirmation on that point. The Hiroshima Mon Amour restoration is absolutely my most anticipated. I find it funny you bring up The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, as I just decided to import the DVD release. Assuming I enjoy the film as much as I am expecting, it looks like something that would be brilliant in HD.

Hopefully, you will enjoy the film, Brandon

This is the upcoming Arte release:



Also, there is a very nice Blu-ray release with the new resto of Demy's The Young Girls of Rochefort



Pro-B

[spanky87]

TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto screened the new print of Umbrellas of Cherbourg during the Jacques Demy program they had this Summer, and it looked great. Glad to have been able to see this on the big screen. Been anticipating to see it again ever since so I'm hoping for any BD release with english subtitles.

I also saw Young Girls of Rochefort, but couldn't make it to see Lola so I'm trying to track down a good copy of it on any format.

[EPlay]

"Umbrellas of Cherbourg" will be playing at HIFF next month. I've never seen the film but likely won't be going to that one.

The 2 I'm really interested in are Koreeda Hirokazu's "Like Father, Like Son" and the Korean remake of the Hong Kong "Eye in the Sky" called "Cold Eyes". Koreeda's "Nobody Knows" and "Kiseki" are wonderful and would make fine Criterions. He really has a knack for finding and working with natural child actors.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by spanky87

I also saw Young Girls of Rochefort, but couldn't make it to see Lola so I'm trying to track down a good copy of it on any format.

Lola is out in France (see below), but the release isn't as convincing as The Young Girls of Rochefort. Worth getting only if you don't yet have the film in your library. (The actual package is beautiful).



Pro-B

[jw007]

Originally Posted by CriterionJunkie

Tell me about it! It drives me crazy when I see people watch movies on their laptops or phones! ESPECIALLY when it is a movie like, The Master for example! Cinematography on that movie is just gorgeous and to watch that on a small to tiny screen does not do that any justice!

It's either an HDTV or a high definition projection!

Amen brotha'. I too cannot fathom watching The Master on my 15 inch laptop! That is just crossing the line. And if people tell me I should be watching streaming video, well, as "the dude" from The Big Lebowski once said: "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."!

It's HDTV or bust!

[CriterionJunkie]

Originally Posted by jw007

Amen brotha'. I too cannot fathom watching The Master on my 15 inch laptop! That is just crossing the line. And if people tell me I should be watching streaming video, well, as "the dude" from The Big Lebowski once said: "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."!

It's HDTV or bust!

"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."! That line had me on the floor!!! Hahahaha!

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Hopefully, you will enjoy the film, Brandon

This is the upcoming Arte release:



Also, there is a very nice Blu-ray release with the new resto of Demy's The Young Girls of Rochefort



Pro-B

OMG, thanks for this. I NEED to get Umbrellas. I just love that film. I should also grab Young Girls and Lola. I like those 2 as well, particularly Lola.

Also, your earlier post mentions a 4K of The Last Detail, an essential title that finally needs some love with a nice edition.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by CriterionJunkie

"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."! That line had me on the floor!!! Hahahaha!

You best believe it!

I be laughin' my assssss alllll night with that line. Ho ho ho ho. ha ha hah. hehehe he he.

We need more quotes like that in this world.

[orbital]

Originally Posted by jw007

Amen brotha'. I too cannot fathom watching The Master on my 15 inch laptop! That is just crossing the line. And if people tell me I should be watching streaming video, well, as "the dude" from The Big Lebowski once said: "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man."!

It's HDTV or bust!

Made this some time ago:

Those looks are priceless.

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I just rewatched Antichrist for the second time. It still lives up to being as great, if not better, on this watch. I can't even fathom what was going through Lars' mind when he was writing this.

My question to you folks is, do you think he wrote this film as a criticism of how women are "evil"? Everything in the film seems to be centered around that bizarre notion. I understand this is his first entry in the "Depression" trilogy, which is closely related to his own dealings with it, so it's possible that maybe he had a significant other that caused him great emotional harm, leading him to right this.

I think the film is more a response to accusations that his films are misogynist. In the film, Her's belief system is based largely on misreading other texts.