The Criterion Collection

[smoss469]

USPS updated their tracking info on my order.. and now it went through WV to Ohio. I don't think I'm ever getting my order.

[SammyJankis]

No one rips a film apart like Kael. No one.

I've disagreed with her on occasion, but it didn't matter much because the reviews themselves are such a pleasure to read.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I kept thinking about Last Year at Marienbad while I was revisiting The Rules of the Game this weekend. The films are both labyrinthine, but in different ways. The chateau setting itself inspires comparisons, of course. I should not have waited so long to upgrade The Rules of the Game from DVD to Blu-ray, but better late than never.

To come to think of it, I wonder to what degree all three of the above films (La Dolce Vita, La Notte, Last Year at Marienbad) were influenced by The Rules of the Game.

It's funny that, when I first saw The Rules of the Game several years ago, it made me think of the 1999 movie, Cruel Intentions. Upon subsequent viewings, I decided that I was somewhat off base.

I was watching Manhattan Murder Mystery yesterday that had an amusing exchange between Woody and Diane concerning Last Year at Marienbad. Anyone else remember it?

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Ausjdm

Just saw Gravity. Wow what an amazing visual feast! Some of the best sfx I've seen in a movie. You feel like they're in space. The lead actors were solid also. One of the best of the year everyone should see it. Hope it's a future CC title just for the behind the scenes.

Unlikely, since it's from Warner Bros.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

No one rips a film apart like Kael. No one.

I've disagreed with her on occasion, but it didn't matter much because the reviews themselves are such a pleasure to read.

Without a doubt. And it's not like they are pure snark either. Even the most contentious ones are well articulated (Shoah). Not to sound disrespectful, but I read them to be entertained, not exactly to learn anything.

Someone needs to PM me her full Sound of Music review. I don't have the book that contains it (yet).

(Gravity starts in 5. Yay!)

[TheHighRoller]

Today I went into F.Y.E., and I saw a sign that said that if you purchase 2 or more used items, they each get a 30% off discount.

So naturally I went to the used Blu-ray bin, and I was SO surprised to find a mint copy of Chungking Express in a Digipack with a slipcover for $19.99! This thing has been on my list since last November, and I never ended up getting it during my first Criterion sale then. I thought I could save it for the next. So a few months after that, Criterion announces that it is one of the titles that will go out of print next (funny enough, this is their first Blu-ray release). I was kind of sad that it was going OOP since that meant B&N wouldn't be getting any more copies of it if they sold out. Fast forward to the sale a while ago, and no B&N stores within a 50 mile radius had this in stock anymore.


So I was definitely excited that I was able to get it for $13.99 today. I don't think it's been watched either since it has that brand new Criterion smell, and the disc doesn't have any finger prints on it. I also got the 3-Disc Panic Room special edition DVD for $2.70 (I already own the SuperBit DVD, so these two releases can hold me over until a Blu-ray is announced).



Does anyone know if The Criterion Collection still offers a replacement case for this? I've been meaning to get one for The Last Emperor as well, but now I actually plan on getting it now that I have another reason to get a replacement case (Chungking - plus the single disc cases for two of the Dual Format Criterions I plan on getting).

[Abdrewes]

You are in luck, High Roller:

http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...ngking-express

[madmojo]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

No one rips a film apart like Kael. No one.

I've disagreed with her on occasion, but it didn't matter much because the reviews themselves are such a pleasure to read.

That's exactly the way to explain her and her writing. I love Pauline Kael. She tore apart some of my favorite movies, yet some of her favorites were ones that didn't get the good reviews they deserved (or that I wanted at least) from everyone else. I thought it was great that she stood up for De Palma's early work when no one else would, and that she was gleeful about Temple of Doom, which I find the most re-watchable of the Indiana Jones films. (I know, I'm in a minority there.) You just can't pin down her tastes.

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

You are in luck, High Roller:

http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...ngking-express

Thanks!

I think I should wait to get The 400 Blows since that is on my shortlist for what to get later this month.

[jw007]

I was going to see Gravity in the big Loews movie theater tonight but instead of spending $15.75 on a movie ticket to the IMAX 3D showing, I might just go this week (on a weekday) to a late afternoon screening for $10.50 (and yes, its also in IMAX 3D). Saving $5 isn't bad in my opinion.

I simply cannot wait to see this film. I expect it to be life-changing like the first Alien film or 2001: A Space Odyssey, and how they both changed sci-fi cinema forever.

[BLOFELD]

don't get your hopes up.

Originally Posted by jw007

I was going to see Gravity in the big Loews movie theater tonight but instead of spending $15.75 on a movie ticket to the IMAX 3D showing, I might just go this week (on a weekday) to a late afternoon screening for $10.50 (and yes, its also in IMAX 3D). Saving $5 isn't bad in my opinion.

I simply cannot wait to see this film. I expect it to be life-changing like the first Alien film or 2001: A Space Odyssey, and how they both changed sci-fi cinema forever.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by BLOFELD

don't get your hopes up.

Yeah, it's certainly an excellent thriller, but not in the class of those two films.

[Carletty]

Originally Posted by jw007

I was going to see Gravity in the big Loews movie theater tonight but instead of spending $15.75 on a movie ticket to the IMAX 3D showing, I might just go this week (on a weekday) to a late afternoon screening for $10.50 (and yes, its also in IMAX 3D). Saving $5 isn't bad in my opinion.

I simply cannot wait to see this film. I expect it to be life-changing like the first Alien film or 2001: A Space Odyssey, and how they both changed sci-fi cinema forever.

The philosophical value of Gravity is 0.

[ravenus]

^True, but Gravity didn't have any snooze-inducing segments like 2001. I also like Soderbergh's Solaris more than Tarkovsky's so feel free to consider me a Neanderthal

[jw007]

Originally Posted by ravenus

^True, but Gravity didn't have any snooze-inducing segments like 2001. I also like Soderbergh's Solaris more than Tarkovsky's so feel free to consider me a Neanderthal

And George Clooney was so good in Solaris too. He does sci fi well. (and so does Ed Harris from The Abyss)

Okay, I'll keep my expectations in check.

- A fellow Neanderthal

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I also like Soderbergh's Solaris more than Tarkovsky's so feel free to consider me a Neanderthal

Well, a Cro-Magnon, maybe.

Actually, as much a fan as I am of Tarkovsky, Solaris is one of my least favorites of his, and I prefer Soderbergh's version, too.

- A fellow Cro-Magnon

[14728]

Since everyone's talking about it on this thread, I guess I'll say something about Gravity. While it doesn't look like it's up there with 2001, I will say it looks like an amazing film, which makes me dying to see it. I wouldn't be surprised if it got a Best Picture Nod.

[GentleGiant]

Originally Posted by 14728

Since everyone's talking about it on this thread, I guess I'll say something about Gravity. While it doesn't look like it's up there with 2001, I will say it looks like an amazing film, which makes me dying to see it. I wouldn't be surprised if it got a Best Picture Nod.

I rewatched 2001: A Space Odyssey on bluray yesterday and was blown away again. It was perfect from beginning to end, just staggering considering it was made in 1968. I thought this must be the greatest film ever made.
Looking forward to Gravity too but I doubt it will even come close.

[JJJ225]

Comparing Gravity to 2001 is ludicrous. Gravity is a well-made thriller, but very little more. Entertaining and tense. Go see it for sure! My biggest complaint, however, is that some of the dialogue is awful. I was cringing during one or two scenes because it was so bad. It's unfortunate because there are so many amazing silent moments, and then they felt to the need to fill similar moments with that awful dialogue. Made no sense.

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by andyk69

one can only dream , I will love a Peter Weir set that include: Picnic at hanging rock, Witness and yes ... Green Card!

Don't forget his best film (IMO) - The Year of Living Dangerously!