The Criterion Collection

[drawohua]

Autograph from Mr. Kiarostami. Got it from his last visit to Hong Kong.

[ThePhantom]

Night of the Hunter is still available for sale on Criterion.com (not redirecting to Amazon like Breathless) and Barnes&Noble.com (but for retail price, apparently not included in the 50% off sale?). This is weird. I'm hoping these are just hiccups as they move certain titles to new packaging.

And, yeah, what's the MMM list?

[The Great Owl]

Here's to an outstanding Criterion title...



Michelangelo Antonioni's 1961 film, La Notte, brings us along for a day in the life of a husband and wife who both quietly struggle with internal unrest as they visit various sites in the city of Milan. At the time of filming, Milan was a marvel of architectural contradictions, where stately pre-World War II settings were being phased out to make way for comparably austere modern skyscrapers, and this conflict between the past and the future is depicted by the director as an externalized representation of the married couple's subdued dissonance. Early in the film, the wife, played by Jeanne Moreau, takes a long walk though cityscapes to a neighborhood that holds fond memories associated with the relationship, only to find a broken clock on the ground and a wall that literally crumbles in her hands. When her husband, played by the forever calm Marcello Mastroianni, joins her and comments on how the site looks as though it has not changed at all, she replies that it will soon.

Jeanne Moreau is one of the most serenely expressive actresses in the history of film, and I can see the whole world in her eyes as she strolls nonchalantly during her scenes. I have enjoyed a number of films featuring Moreau, such as Touchez Pas Au Grisbi, Elevator to the Gallows, The Lovers, Jules and Jim, and even La Femme Nikita, and she never ceases to command the utmost attention with her gaze and mannerisms. She does not verbally betray her emotions during most of this film as she wanders at her husband's side, but her eyes and her physicality, combined with Antonioni's remarkable use of framing, tell us all that we need to know. Marcello Mastroianni, whom I will always associate with Fellini films, is uniquely charismatic even in this role of a burned-out writer who, by his own admission, now only possesses memories instead of ideas. At an overnight party that forms the crescendo of this story, Mastroianni's Giovanni sidesteps praise for his works and appears indifferent to gracious offers of opportunities. Even when he is drawn to the host's daughter, played by the beautiful Monica Vitti, his disconnect is ever-present. The moments when Moreau and Mastroianni are together onscreen are quiet tour-de-forces, especially with their interactions as they watch a visually striking lounge act, and these sequences continue to reverberate into their mannerisms when they are apart from each other.

La Notte is a film graced with spectacular cinematography and framing. When Jeanne Moreau's Lidia is dwarfed by rigid right-angle modern architecture during her wanderings, the visual adds to the perception of her character as a trapped soul. When Mastroianni is seen by window reflection as he observes Vitti, the transparency of his image speaks volumes. In a film that lacks any semblance of dramatic narrative or action, Antonioni's ability to entrance us by way of the images alone is a commendable feat. As Vitti's character expresses during one scene, it is enough simply to observe.

This Criterion Blu-ray of La Notte is a near-flawless transfer of a black-and-white film that makes the most of the important deep blacks in both the night settings and the dark clothing worn by almost everyone. The audio is spot-on, and I treasured the handful of scenes featuring jazz musicians. Since I loved the informative discussions of critic Adriano Apra that were included in the supplements of the Criterion box set, 3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman, I was immensely pleased to watch his take on La Notte on this Blu-ray, and Apra's reflections made me think of the many ways that this Antonioni films draws influence from Rossellini's Journey to Italy. A second supplement, featuring Professor Giuliana Bruno's comments about the importance of architecture in La Notte, is equally engaging.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by shortmartin

the original is the classic, the remake a major letdown imo. indeed you should watch the original right away, it's awesome. i'd love to get my hands on one of the original criterion laser disc copies

Thanks for the information. I'll definitely add it to my "watch sooner then later" list. I'm trying to bounce between Hulu, On Demand, DVR, Blu-ray, and Theater haha.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

The 1933 original version of King Kong is one of my all-time top ten films. It's still one of the best-paced films ever made, and it's one of the best, if not the best, depictions of unrequited love in movies. I've seen this film in every format imaginable, from late night television to VHS to DVD to a 2012 theater screening, and, finally, to Blu-ray. The current Blu-ray is outstanding in every way, and I never imagined to see this much detail in the film.

The Criterion DVD of The Most Dangerous Game is a good presentation of a brilliant film, and I have been meaning to buy the Flicker Alley Blu-ray. The price for the Blu-ray never drops, but I'll probably pull the trigger soon anyway.

Oh, I didn't even know it was available via Flicker Alley! I don't think I'm in any rush to see it again, so I'll just hold off.

Glad to see the love on King Kong, it makes me even more excited to see it.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by iamnoone

Is Criterion's Blu of NIGHT OF THE HUNTER discontinued already? It's listed in this week's MMM list. Must be a mistake?

No, it's not discontinued. It's not listed on Criterion's site as OOP, and it's still available from the Criterion Store.

What is "this week's MMM list"?

[jw007]

Originally Posted by The Keeper

Well, JW, in my experience, they're pretty strict about the $5 of $50, meaning you need...$50 after all other discounts. Plus, the discounts work this way:

$124.99 = MSRP
$62.49 = 50% OFF
$56.24 = AFTER 10% MEMBER DISCOUNT
$45.00 = AFTER 20% COUPON

$5 OFF $50 COUPON applied at this point if you have $50 or more in purchases. And that's provided they don't follow coupon restrictions to the letter (no other coupons can be used in conjunction unless from the welcome packet).

That being said, it never hurts to dump the coupons on the counter and see what happens. After all, stevenelliott got it to work in Texas.

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Yes, this is correct. Just buy another Criterion and then you can use the $5 off $50!

Thanks for the advice... stevenelliott in Texas is pretty darn lucky he got to use the $5/50 coupon on top of the 20% coupon on that set. I might just dump the coupons on the counter, but it all depends on the CSR working there that day.

I also posted this in the Barnes and Noble Criterion Sale thread as well and a few people responded.

[mlcgs]

Is there reason why Night of the Hunter is not affected by the B&N sale? This and Tokyo Story are the ones I wanted to get the most!

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by mlcgs

Is there reason why Night of the Hunter is not affected by the B&N sale? This and Tokyo Story are the ones I wanted to get the most!

There's no reason why it should be affected. Barnes & Noble has never said that there are any exceptions to the sale. If they are out of stock, that's something else.

[bditman]

Originally Posted by mlcgs

Is there reason why Night of the Hunter is not affected by the B&N sale? This and Tokyo Story are the ones I wanted to get the most!

I purchased Night of the Hunter today in store and the 50% off was applied with no problems.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by drawohua

[Show spoiler]

Autograph from Mr. Kiarostami. Got it from his last visit to Hong Kong.

Classy!

[The Bronx Bull]

After seeing 12 Years a Slave last night and being extremely impressed with Steve McQueen's work (even with the four obnoxious patrons sitting behind me going "Mmmm Mmm Mmm" every few seconds and making off-beat comments during quiet, dramatic scenes), I decided to pick up Hunger. I walked out of B&N this morning with the film for $10.59 - can't beat that!

Additionally, I just finished Eyes Without A Face a little while ago, and was extremely impressed with the film. It's shocking to me that while EWOAF was released in 1960, the same year as Hitchcock's Psycho, the latter pales in comparison when it comes to disturbing content and gore. Psycho is known for pioneering the horror film and floating within the gray area as to what's allowed on film, but I found EWOAF to be much more gory, and straight up creepy!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by The Bronx Bull

After seeing 12 Years a Slave last night and being extremely impressed with Steve McQueen's work (even with the four obnoxious patrons sitting behind me going "Mmmm Mmm Mmm" every few seconds and making off-beat comments during quiet, dramatic scenes), I decided to pick up Hunger. I walked out of B&N this morning with the film for $10.59 - can't beat that!

Additionally, I just finished Eyes Without A Face a little while ago, and was extremely impressed with the film. It's shocking to me that while EWOAF was released in 1960, the same year as Hitchcock's Psycho, the latter pales in comparison when it comes to disturbing content and gore. Psycho is known for pioneering the horror film and floating within the gray area as to what's allowed on film, but I found EWOAF to be much more gory, and straight up creepy!

Have you seen Shame? It's my favorite by McQueen.

[SammyJankis]

What'd you think of 12 Years, Scottie?

[The Bronx Bull]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Have you seen Shame? It's my favorite by McQueen.

No, not yet. It's on my "To Watch" list, now, though. Amazon has it for $24.99... is there a better place to watch the film?

[smoss469]

Finished In the Realm of the Senses, talk about a movie without much direction (IMO). It felt like a late night Cinemax softcore porn movie with a few X rated scenes. Not much of a plot, not a lot of character development. Meh... thankfully it was a Netflix rental! (Actually amazed that Netflix has it in their library)

[Judex]

Originally Posted by drawohua

[Show spoiler]

Autograph from Mr. Kiarostami. Got it from his last visit to Hong Kong.

*Jealous*
Such a great film. I really enjoyed it.


I'm also jealous of you guys going to B&N for your stuff. I'm still waiting for them to ship my order. *sigh*

[SilentDawn]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I looove your avatar

Thank you, as soon as I saw that scene it instantly became my favorite moment in all of cinema. No film has ever had the effect that Paris, Texas had on me!

Anyways, I went back to B&N to pick up my copy of Hoop Dreams to replace my broken copy. Of course, while I was there; I had to pick up something else.

And that was.....

Three Colors Trilogy

Now I have never seen these films or Double Life but I can't wait to dive into this set. The packaging is exceptional with beautiful colors and cover art.

It will probably be my last pick up in the Criterion sale, (Tokyo Story beckons to me though) and here is my (hopefully) final haul:

Paris, Texas (Never had a blind buy go so well with me, my favorite film of all time now)
Heaven's Gate (haven't gotten the chance to watch this yet but I do love the film and the Criterion Packaging)
Hoop Dreams (Also a blind-buy that sounds fascinating to watch)
Three Colors Trilogy

I love reading all these posts as well about different people discovering different films, it's so fun to read!

[Gusto-Guus]

So Paris, Texas is that good? Might have to pick that up next.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by SilentxStatik24

Thank you, as soon as I saw that scene it instantly became my favorite moment in all of cinema. No film has ever had the effect that Paris, Texas had on me!

I can agree, it's the most emotionally affecting film I've ever seen, and it's got some of my favorite cinematography as well

[the sordid sentinel]

Originally Posted by SilentxStatik24

Thank you, as soon as I saw that scene it instantly became my favorite moment in all of cinema. No film has ever had the effect that Paris, Texas had on me!

Anyways, I went back to B&N to pick up my copy of Hoop Dreams to replace my broken copy. Of course, while I was there; I had to pick up something else.

And that was.....

Three Colors Trilogy

Now I have never seen these films or Double Life but I can't wait to dive into this set. The packaging is exceptional with beautiful colors and cover art.

It will probably be my last pick up in the Criterion sale, (Tokyo Story beckons to me though) and here is my (hopefully) final haul:

Paris, Texas (Never had a blind buy go so well with me, my favorite film of all time now)
Heaven's Gate (haven't gotten the chance to watch this yet but I do love the film and the Criterion Packaging)
Hoop Dreams (Also a blind-buy that sounds fascinating to watch)
Three Colors Trilogy

I love reading all these posts as well about different people discovering different films, it's so fun to read!

Three Colors trilogy is going to blow you away. I'll second the love for that avatar.