The Criterion Collection

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I wouldn't count on seeing an upgrade for either film soon. That said, both films are worth picking up as is, even with the risk of an upgrade in the foreseeable future. I was very close to picking up Vampyr during the November Criterion/B&N sale, and only balked because I have a previous DVD from Image/Blackhawk, and decided to use the money for a BD of a film I didn't already have. The Criterion edition of Vampyr, however, is an outstanding package.

thanks jayembee... looks like i have my answer. :-)

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

Yeah, it seemed very cool even though it was still wrapped. Thinking I may have to break down and get it. :-\

I was on the fence for some months and finally got it last year. Like I said, the packaging is really outstanding. I'm having a hard time thinking of one that is better from the collection. After I bought it I was still expecting to hear them upgrade it but upon looking into it a bit more I really would be shocked if they did.

[ParticleDan]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

Anyone?

Totally normal, don't worry. I remember noticing this effect on my first PS3 game in 2006. If I remember correctly it has to do with the dual layering.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by ParticleDan

Totally normal, don't worry. I remember noticing this effect on my first PS3 game in 2006. If I remember correctly it has to do with the dual layering.

Thanks a lot for the response. I did put the disc in to see if it played and it did, I had just never seen this before. Figured I'd better swap for a new one if it would prove defective down the line. Thanks again!

[octagon]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I was on the fence for some months and finally got it last year. Like I said, the packaging is really outstanding. I'm having a hard time thinking of one that is better from the collection. After I bought it I was still expecting to hear them upgrade it but upon looking into it a bit more I really would be shocked if they did.

The Complete Mr. Arkadin is pretty impressive too. For some reason I've never actually read the included novelization but Arkadin was one of the titles that opened my eyes to just how exceptional Criterion can be.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by octagon

The Complete Mr. Arkadin is pretty impressive too. For some reason I've never actually read the included novelization but Arkadin was one of the titles that opened my eyes to just how exceptional Criterion can be.

Yeah the book with that release is awesome. Another great book from them is in Burden of Dreams. It's kind of a glossy looking "treasure map" layout, really nice.

[lordmorpheus72]

forgot to mention I did head to BN today to pick up Pale Flowers. They had 1 copy that had the blue sticker completely mauled, which isn't a big deal, but when i picked it up, the discs were rattling around inside the packaging. Ended up having them order a copy for me, but this isn't the first time I've bought there and found a shifty disc. Seems like they would notice this when they are stocking the shelves.... maybe someone dropped it.

Good news, is I'll have Pale Flowers in a few days taking advantage of the 40% sale.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

forgot to mention I did head to BN today to pick up Pale Flowers. They had 1 copy that had the blue sticker completely mauled, which isn't a big deal, but when i picked it up, the discs were rattling around inside the packaging. Ended up having them order a copy for me, but this isn't the first time I've bought there and found a shifty disc. Seems like they would notice this when they are stocking the shelves.... maybe someone dropped it.

Good news, is I'll have Pale Flowers in a few days taking advantage of the 40% sale.

For some reason pretty much every copy Ive ever seen in bn has a worn away blue sticker, including the copy I bought. A lot of copies of The Killing I see are like this as well. And I've bought titles in the teens from them with the discs sliding around, thankfully none were damaged. Hope you enjoy pale flower, it is a nihilistic gem.

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by smoss469

Does anyone know what the likely hood of some older films such as Vampyr or The Testament of Dr. Mabuse getting upgrades? I'm watching Vampyr as we speak and the lead in kind of implies that it might not ever happen. If they had to compile a DVD version from mixed language copies from different sources would the elements even be there for an HD upgrade?

We know that a HD transfer of Mabuse exists so it could be any time, or, possibly, never.

I know, just a little patience.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

We know that a HD transfer of Mabuse exists so it could be any time, or, possibly, never.

I know, just a little patience.

I just finished it, talk about a creepy atmospheric movie. It looks like it was shot at a different FPS, almost like a silent film. There's a lot of great shadow shots that just scream "Influenced by German expressionist films".

Other shots, look like they were filmed at normal speed and slightly sped up, or even filmed in reverse and played normally to give them an otherworldly feel. Watching the movie for the first time, was like watching a really well crafted dream sequence.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

We know that a HD transfer of Mabuse exists...

It's an awfully good one too. Which comes as no surprise. I've had relatively limited experience with Eureka/Masters of Cinema but those experiences have all been very positive.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

I like them both, edge to McCabe for color and longer length. (You can buy a Blu-Ray of Persona but not McCabe.)

The transfer I saw of McCabe years ago was terrible, but even then I could tell the visuals were stunning. So I feel like I should choose that one.

But the opportunity to see my favorite Bergman. Ahh, I just can't decide.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by octagon

It's an awfully good one too. Which comes as no surprise. I've had relatively limited experience with Eureka/Masters of Cinema but those experiences have all been very positive.

I've got an Amazon.uk wishlist full of BD's that aren't on US shores. Problem is... no region free BD player. I've looked at a few online but I've never purchased one.

Watch what'll happen, I'll eventually buy one and get some great UK BD's for it and BOOM! We'll get US upgrades.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by smoss469

I've got an Amazon.uk wishlist full of BD's that aren't on US shores. Problem is... no region free BD player. I've looked at a few online but I've never purchased one.

Watch what'll happen, I'll eventually buy one and get some great UK BD's for it and BOOM! We'll get US upgrades.

Yeah, that anvil is always hanging over your head and it can be really hard to pull the trigger on overseas orders because of that.

Of course, on the plus side, I can now A/B the Concorde and Criterion Cassavettes sets anytime I want

[jw007]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

For some reason pretty much every copy Ive ever seen in bn has a worn away blue sticker, including the copy I bought. A lot of copies of The Killing I see are like this as well. And I've bought titles in the teens from them with the discs sliding around, thankfully none were damaged. Hope you enjoy pale flower, it is a nihilistic gem.

I can attest to this as well. I picked up a copy of Pale Flower at one of the local B&Ns and the blue sticker had faded off and it looked like it had been sitting there on the shelf for decades. I put the item back on the shelf in hopes of finding another one of these in better condition. It seems like not many people are buying this film as I can see its been tossed around one too many times. Too bad.

[Oblivion138]

Originally Posted by octagon

The Complete Mr. Arkadin is pretty impressive too. For some reason I've never actually read the included novelization but Arkadin was one of the titles that opened my eyes to just how exceptional Criterion can be.

Yes and YES. Arkadin is one of the few Criterion DVD editions left in my collection.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by smoss469

I've got an Amazon.uk wishlist full of BD's that aren't on US shores. Problem is... no region free BD player. I've looked at a few online but I've never purchased one.

Watch what'll happen, I'll eventually buy one and get some great UK BD's for it and BOOM! We'll get US upgrades.

I'm not region free, but I import all the time. Sometimes Amazon UK has some sweet deals on region free blurays. I recently bought the UK release of Armageddon for $10, but I doubt CC will ever upgrade it, so I'm very happy.

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I guess that permanently cements me in the minority. I ranted the other day, so no need to repeat, but seeing High and Low after Yojimbo - the lead role being one in which Toshiro Mifune seemed born to play, made Mifune in H & L look like Ben Affleck. For the suspense part (the 1st half of the film,) give me Hitch any day. For the 2nd half - the police procedural, I'm more of a fan of how Melville depicts the police.

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I'm not region free, but I import all the time. Sometimes Amazon UK has some sweet deals on region free blurays. I recently bought the UK release of Armageddon for $10, but I doubt CC will ever upgrade it, so I'm very happy.

Why?

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I guess that permanently cements me in the minority. I ranted the other day, so no need to repeat, but seeing High and Low after Yojimbo - the lead role being one in which Toshiro Mifune seemed born to play, made Mifune in H & L look like Ben Affleck. For the suspense part (the 1st half of the film,) give me Hitch any day. For the 2nd half - the police procedural, I'm more of a fan of how Melville depicts the police.

lolwut

Originally Posted by EPlay

Kore-eda has a knack for casting wonderful child actors, including Yagira Yuya from "Nobody Knows", who won the Best Actor award at Cannes. The young cast of "I Wish" are so natural and charming.

Oh, I didn't know he won Best Actor! That's so cool, considering how young he was. And you're absolutely right about the child casts of those two films. It's probably a harder thing to pull off successfully than most people realize.

And Clare2904, if you gravitate toward movies that present the world through the eyes of children, I'd imagine you'll love Nobody Knows and I Wish.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I'm not region free, but I import all the time. Sometimes Amazon UK has some sweet deals on region free blurays. I recently bought the UK release of Armageddon for $10, but I doubt CC will ever upgrade it, so I'm very happy.

Aren't they always in PAL format though?