The Criterion Collection

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

The correct WHITE disc says "Second Pressing".

My disc doesn't say "Second Pressing". Can someone with the 2nd pressing disc for White please take a picture or a scan to see what it looks like?

[LegacyCosts]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Elio Petri's 1970 Cannes Grand Prize winner, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, uses the premise of a highly-respected police official who leaves overt clues for his colleagues after murdering his mistress as a dark allegory about the authoritarian practices of the Italian government during the Cold War. I am fond of arguing that we can learn more about history by enjoying the fictional works from a given era than we can by studying dry textbooks or documentaries, and this particular film is a case in point. Like Haskell Wexler's 1969 film, Medium Cool, which is also available as a Criterion title, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion places us in the front row to experience the volatile climate of its era in a way that goes above and beyond the capabilities of nonfiction accounts. If the idea of watching a 1970 Italian political satire with a noticeably left-wing slant does not quicken your pulse, however, then rest assured that this Petri film is equally effective in general terms as an intense thriller that addresses the ability of power to corrupt the individual and the futility of overstepping our place in society according to common socioeconomic perceptions. In fact, I thought of an unlikely association as I watched this film last night, because I was reminded of a scene in the 1986 Rob Reiner film, Stand By Me, where a poor student from a bad family reveals that he returned stolen milk money to a school teacher and was subsequently framed by the teacher herself, who used the returned money to buy a new dress with the assurance that nobody would trust the student's word over hers. For every citizen who is above suspicion, like Gian Maria Volonte's unnamed police official, there are those who, regardless of their choices, will always be under suspicion. During my college years, I took a Sociology class which presented me with a case study about a 1980s American high school where wealthy students were rarely, if ever, disciplined for disruptive activities, such as vandalism, theft, or assault, while the underprivileged students from the same school constantly persecuted for any tiny infraction. I'd like to think that my Sociology professor with have a field day with this Petri film.

Gian Maria Volonte, whom I have always enjoyed watching in films like A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and Le Cercle Rouge, is a joy to watch in Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion. The film hits the ground running with Volonté's character entering the home of Augusta Terzi, played by the smolderingly sensual Florinda Bolkan. Terzi asks the inspector how he is going to kill her, and he replies that he is going to slash her throat. From there, the story follows Volonte through a maze of sadistic role-playing, smug self-absorption, complex interactions, espionage, and paranoia. The cityscapes of Rome are depicted in a low-key manner, so that the setting might represent any location in the world, and the imposing vision of suited officials surrounding us in obtrusively-lighted austere rooms could be taking place anywhere at any time. The distinctly Kafka-esque aesthetic of this film is no accident, as we are reminded during the story's uneasy conclusion.

This brave Criterion title looks incredible on Blu-ray, with a 4K restoration that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with my favorite high-definition presentations of 1970s cinema. Ennio Morricone's maniacally skewed music comes across beautifully on the audio front. I would love to have listened to a commentary track for this film, but I am pleased with the generous extras that are offered instead, namely an impressive full-length documentary of Elio Petri's career, an hour-length film about Gian Maria Volonte, and a short take on Ennio Morricone's work for the movie. A 25-minute English-language analysis of the film by Camilla Zamboni is also a welcome addition.

Never heard of the movie but after reading your review, sounds like a must watch for me.

[StLouisRibs]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

Oh. That's still bound to be like 75% of all Dual Format releases though. I mean, DVDs hardly have enough space.

I thought Criterion had 3-disc Scanavo cases? I know the release for Brazil had two discs on the right side- so you'd think there would be a case that would have an extra slot on the left side for a third disc.

Most likely it costs significantly extra per unit (possibly almost twice as much) as it's an additional mold on the lefthand side that is required. As such the other solution is more economically practical in most cases.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

probably you shouldnt leave out seven samurai , on the waterfront, M, 12 angry men
but blow out? yeah it was a good movie but essential ? 0_o

Yes! Essential! Each time I see it, I find something new to latch on to.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by StLouisRibs

Over at DVDTalk there's confirmation of a Criterion B1G1 starting on Tuesday at BN and lasting a week (and immediately following that, the 40% off sale)

Similarly mentioning coupons for 25%/30% will be sent that weekend

Seems pretty legit, i found the link:

http://cart2.barnesandnoble.com/shop...&promoid=11525

Hopefully they will not change all their titles to MSRP price when the sale begins.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Yes! Essential! Each time I see it, I find something new to latch on to.

I've got to say that I have a whole new respect for Blow Out now that I've upgraded it to Blu-ray. It's a massive step up from my old Criterion DVD with respect to the colors. The fireworks scene is spectacular.

This one does not fit into my top 10 Criterions list, but it is my favorite Brian De Palma film, and I'm really glad that I finally got around to upgrading.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've got to say that I have a whole new respect for Blow Out now that I've upgraded it to Blu-ray. It's a massive step up from my old Criterion DVD with respect to the colors. The fireworks scene is spectacular.

This one does not fit into my top 10 Criterions list, but it is my favorite Brian De Palma film, and I'm really glad that I finally got around to upgrading.

I still can't believe that the opening tracking shot began as sort of a joke.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've got to say that I have a whole new respect for Blow Out now that I've upgraded it to Blu-ray. It's a massive step up from my old Criterion DVD with respect to the colors. The fireworks scene is spectacular.

This one does not fit into my top 10 Criterions list, but it is my favorite Brian De Palma film, and I'm really glad that I finally got around to upgrading.

I don't think that Criterion released Blow Out on DVD? Perhaps you're thinking of a non-Criterion DVD?

[Kevin Holly]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

I don't think that Criterion released Blow Out on DVD? Perhaps you're thinking of a non-Criterion DVD?

https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/1402/
https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/9955/

I don't know that there are any Blu-exclusive Criterion titles.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

I don't think that Criterion released Blow Out on DVD? Perhaps you're thinking of a non-Criterion DVD?

Are you maybe thinking of Antonioni's Blow Up?



As for the sale. Any word if the World Cinema set will be eligible?

[thomasomalley]

Originally Posted by Kevin Holly

https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/1402/
https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/9955/

I don't know that there are any Blu-exclusive Criterion titles.

For the time being, Blue is the Warmest Color will only be available on Blu until further notice.

[Clerks X]

Since they released Harold and Maude by Hal Asyby and TCC is now getting released through Sony can we get a new transfer of Shampoo I love that movie please release it on Blu

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

My disc doesn't say "Second Pressing". Can someone with the 2nd pressing disc for White please take a picture or a scan to see what it looks like?

It looks exactly the same other than the fact that it now says "2nd Pressing." I know someone posted a photo of it a long time ago. The photo is either in this thread or it's over in the Colors Trilogy thread.

[Scottie]

Nothing I say or do will give Chungking Express the justice it deserves. It really needs to be experienced.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

I don't think that Criterion released Blow Out on DVD? Perhaps you're thinking of a non-Criterion DVD?

Originally Posted by Kevin Holly

https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/1402/
https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Blow-Out-DVD/9955/

I don't know that there are any Blu-exclusive Criterion titles.

Well, yes, Criterion released Blow Out on both DVD and Blu-ray at the same time about 2.5 years ago. However, TGO said "my old Criterion DVD", which suggests an earlier DVD release. But there was no earlier DVD release. I'm guessing that's the reason for SlickDamian's puzzlement.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iscottie

nothing i say or do will give chungking express the justice it deserves. It really needs to be experienced.

+100

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Clerks X

Since they released Harold and Maude by Hal Asyby and TCC is now getting released through Sony can we get a new transfer of Shampoo I love that movie please release it on Blu

Well, Criterion released an edition of Shampoo back in the laserdisc days, so it's not completely out of the question.

[The Great Owl]

This afternoon, I watched the 1949 film, Champion, starring Kirk Douglas, and was blown away.

Needless to say, this got me thinking again that Criterion really needs to upgrade Ace in the Hole as soon as humanly possible.

[jayembee]

I just saw on the bottom-of-the-screen news crawl on BBC World News that Edouard Molinaro, director of the recent Criterion release La Cage aux Folles has died. No details were given.

[RojD]

Originally Posted by fdm

They're all region free.

dvdbeaver has reviews of Street Angel, Lucky Star, and 7th Heaven.

(I wasn't region free when I tried to get them a couple years ago. Think I'll have to try and order them again early next year.)

Thanks for the reference. Checked out dvdbeaver, and they say the films are region free. When I use their link, Amazon.fr says region 2. Think I'm gonna pick up Street Angel and try it anyway. Worst case scenario: A hundred bucks for an all-region player and I finally get to see more of Murnau in blu.