The Criterion Collection

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

Summer with Monika
This is my least favorite Bergman so far. I thoroughly enjoyed The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries. I wasn't expecting Summer with Monika to be like those films. I didn't like Monika's character and found myself feeling more sympathy for Harry.

Actually, that's sort of the idea. You realize that Monica's an immature and impulsive person, a hot summer of youth that dies away with the autumn of marriage and responsibility. The film is more heavy handed than Bergman's better known classics, some of his earlier movies even more laborious.

Sisters
Margot Kidder's "French" accent almost took me out of the film for a while, but I hung in there. I enjoyed seeing one of De Palma's early works and Margot Kidder before Superman. The influence of Hitchcock on De Palma was evident. I look forward to watching Blow Out and Body Double soon.

Love this movie. Even as early as this, De Palma was quite assured in the use of sophisticated camera moves, split-screens etc. I would have loved to experience this film in a theater. Looking forward to Arrow's proposed blu-ray release of it.

Carnival of Souls
This movie creeped me out. It is amazing how scary and chilling this movie is with a limited amount of gore. I don't normally like scary movies, but I can understand why this one is a classic.

One of my favorite horror movies too. Also check out Night Tide, which shares some of the mood of this film, but a different plot. The films of Val Lewton are also must-watches for people in interested in horror that comes from atmosphere and effective writing rather than special FX and make-up.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox (Upcoming Title?)
Interesting animation style. I enjoyed the dialogue more than the plot itself. Rushmore is still my favorite Wes Anderson film.

This one and Life Aquatic are my 2 fav Wes Anderson movies. While FMF already has a fantastic blu-ray from 20th Century Fox, I'm looking forward to the (inevitable, yes?) blu-ray release of Life Aquatic from Criterion.

[RojD]

Originally Posted by hustlermane

I kind of second the Brazil sentiment here. There's definitely some cool parts to it, but I thought it had some pacing issues over the second half for sure, and the Monty Python derived brand of humour isn't completely my thing.

Bingo....I think you pegged this. Gilliam (and Monty Python in general) have a sensibility for the absurd. You see it in the humor, but you also see it in the the general approach in all his films. And it's something you respond to or not. People seem to respond to irony and satire in humor now--like parodies of horror or zombie movies -- and I think absurdity is less popular now than it was, so people don't respond.

But if you do respond to that style, I think Brazil is a treat. I rewatched it recently and was surprised at how timely it was: Government uses the threat of terrorism to expand its authority. I don't know another film that shows the pervasiveness of that better than Brazil, which was made long before terrorism was on the map. And the social class commentary in the film is fun, too.

Of course, like you said, people's response to the movie will depend on how they respond to the sensibility.

[Egbert Souse]

Originally Posted by Hintermann

I am considering adding 2 old classics to my Criterion Blu-ray collection. I own neither as DVD.

Sweet Smell of Success

On The Waterfront

The latter is expensive and I plan to keep an eye for a good price on e-Bay or elsewhere.

But any opinions on the transfers and extras?

Both are 4K restorations from the original camera negative. I'm not terribly fond of On the Waterfront, but Sweet Smell of Success is fantastic

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Egbert Souse

Both are 4K restorations from the original camera negative. I'm not terribly fond of On the Waterfront, but Sweet Smell of Success is fantastic

Ironic that I watched both films in 2 nights (for the first time). First i watched On the Waterfront and then I watched Sweet Smell of Success. Both first timers for me and I love both films (with On the Waterfront just edging out for the win).

[Kevin Holly]

Is the BN sale starting on the 5th? I thought I read that somewhere, but I can't find the information anywhere. Thanks!

[*PREACHER*]

Originally Posted by Kevin Holly

Is the BN sale starting on the 5th? I thought I read that somewhere, but I can't find the information anywhere. Thanks!

Yep!

[hoytereden]

Watching The Last Picture Show the other night might have been the first time that I noticed that a movie poster outside the theater was Wagon Master which starred Ben Johnson. Can't tell you how many times I've seen this film and always find something or someone new to appreciate. For instance, other than the poster, I'm a big fan of Eileen Brennan and her performance in this is just perfection. In another film it might have gotten a AA nomination but this one had so many fine performances I guess it was hard to pick.

[Meek12345]

Hey ravenus! I love your avatar I own the Pale Flower Criterion Blu-ray and will be watching it again soon for the second time. It is the only Japanese New Wave film that I own right now. I hope to expand my collection soon.

Also, I understand the intent of Summer with Monika, but I was hoping for a different resolution to the main storyline. I liked Monika somewhat at the beginning and was hoping to feel the same way at the end. Even if I don't agree with all of the actions of a protagonist during the film, I want to be able to say that I don't hate them by the end of it.

The only Wes Anderson films that I haven't seen are The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and Moonrise Kingdom. I will be watching Moonrise next week, but have been unable to catch Life Aquatic on tv so far.

By the way, Burt Lancaster is one of my top 5 favorite actors of all time. I learned recently that he was an acrobat in the circus before an injury ended his career and he moved on to acting. I think that his career as an acrobat helped him move around on screen better than any other actor. He was such a magnetic/dynamic actor. Also, the transfer for Sweet Smell of Success is outstanding. It is deservedly one of the top Criterion titles. I would take it over On the Waterfront, if I had to by a slight margin.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

I hope everyone is having a great day. Just want to share my thoughts on some Criterion titles that I recently watched:

Summer with Monika
This is my least favorite Bergman so far. I thoroughly enjoyed The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries. I wasn't expecting Summer with Monika to be like those films. I didn't like Monika's character and found myself feeling more sympathy for Harry.

Like someone else said Monika from the start is very immature and looking for a good time and Harry, at the time, fits the bill. Harry wants to please her and, honestly, he's almost as immature and hot-headed as her. The difference is that after the things that transpire he grows up-in a hurry! He's more that willing to accept the responsibility of their actions of the Summer. She is not! Monika wants to go back to being who she was before their "great escape from reality."

[14728]

Oh man, 3 days till the sale! So hyped

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

geez.. just when I was getting excited to explore Melville! I've got Le Deuxieme Souffle at my desk here... going to start watching it on my lunch hour.

certainly not an earth shattering observation, but I guess not everybody agrees on their favorites - especially, when 3 people say they don't like The Third Man!

very surprised though that not a single person said anything negative about Heaven's Gate after I asked about it a few days ago. can't wait to see it!

I'll say something negative about Heaven's Gate. It's boring. The Deer Hunter is FAR better. I like slow films, but my god this thing would never end, and it's not nearly as well shot or beautiful as some here have claimed.

[Kevin Holly]

Originally Posted by *PREACHER*

Yep!

Cool thanks man!

[RojD]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

I hope everyone is having a great day. Just want to share my thoughts on some Criterion titles that I recently watched:

Le Havre
This is the first film that I have seen by Aki Kaurismaki. It is a quirky film that becomes increasingly bizzare towards the end. It's a good type of bizzare. Also, I noticed that Kaurismaki or maybe the cinematographer carried over the colors of the port into the buildings. The walls in the hospital are an aquamarine color, which is unusual.

It's my new favorite Kaurismaki. I like 30s French film, especially Poetic Realism, and Le Havre is a very sharp homage to those films. I like how acute Kaurismaki is in updating PR, using contemporary issues to replace the ones from the 30s; and he even goes beyond that by sometimes introducing elements like wardrobe and cars from the 30s into the 2010s setting. I've watched teh film three times now, and it's gotten better each time

[shortmartin]

quick question . . . will the b and n sale be going on long enough to purchase Eclipse: Late Ray? Where is the cut off, in terms of the schedule of new releases becoming available for the sale, if you know what I mean?

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by RojD

Bingo....I think you pegged this. Gilliam (and Monty Python in general) have a sensibility for the absurd. You see it in the humor, but you also see it in the the general approach in all his films.
Of course, like you said, people's response to the movie will depend on how they respond to the sensibility.

And Gilliam's "Python sensibilities" as a writer and director were much like his acting in the Python movies and TV sketches--
Mugging shamelessly and playing it way over the top just in case you didn't get that this was Absurdist Satire.

There was a difference between the "Python sensibilities" of, say, Terry Jones, and of the Bridgekeeper from Scene 24.

[smoss469]

Just finished Rififi, first time I'd ever seen the movie. I've had it in my Netflix queue for a while now and got it last week, just had time today to watch it. I was always intrigued by the description and it really seemed like something I'd love. The B&W Noir Caper/Heist movies are almost always fantastic and this did not disappoint. I loved it, it really just made me want to pre-order the January BD release even more so I can rewatch it in HD!

[Show spoiler]The heist scene, often talked about, is a thing of beauty. Such detail, and from what I've read, accuracy! The movie keeps in line with other tragic heist movies such as The Killing and Asphalt Jungle. IE something occurs to ruin the get away, no one gets to enjoy the spoils. While the endings are very poetic, just once I'd like to see them get away with it!

[SilentDawn]

Originally Posted by 14728

Oh man, 3 days till the sale! So hyped

+1, still not sure which Criterions I will be picking up but I have some ideas:

Heaven's Gate (this one is definite)
Night and Fog
Red Desert
Seconds
Three Colors Trilogy
In The Mood For Love
Tokyo Drifter

[ccfore]

Originally Posted by SilentxStatik24

+1, still not sure which Criterions I will be picking up but I have some ideas:

Heaven's Gate (this one is definite)
Night and Fog
Red Desert
Seconds
Three Colors Trilogy
In The Mood For Love
Tokyo Drifter

I would move Three Colors Trilogy up to the top of your list.

[SilentDawn]

Originally Posted by ccfore

I would move Three Colors Trilogy up to the top of your list.

I have never seen them, I've heard they're amazing!

[jw007]

I am about to finally watch the 216 minute long Heaven's Gate!

FINALLY!

For the FIRST TIME EVER!

It shall be accomplished....in just a few minutes!

My thoughts about this film will be posted soon!

I just HAD to take advantage of this Saturday night with the clocks turning back an hour. This is the night to watch a long epic.