The Criterion Collection

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I do love the scene where

[Show spoiler]Scarlett Johansson is staring in the mirror after her interaction with the disfigured man. She conveys so much internal turmoil through her eyes.

Under the Skin has a few such moments, where characters are shown simply thinking things through. For this reason, it would make a good double feature with Melville's Le Samouraï, because

[Show spoiler]both movies deal with characters who transition from a state of icy and calculated confidence to a state of shaky self-examination.

For some reason, Blu-ray.com is moving like molasses today, so it took me a while to reply to these posts.

Yes (on your spoiler). The movie is very understated. I think its effective. A kind of movie you have to sit with...I wasn't really sure how I felt as I left the theater, but I feel more positive after letting in simmer on my brain. Probably why the user reviews are mixed. I'd like to see it again on BD...the showing I saw was very dim and I probably need a new pair of glasses.

[Oblivion138]

Originally Posted by I KEEL YOU

What is everyone's favorite Criterion menu? Sometimes they just have a picture in the background without any audio, but in some cases they have some amazing menus, like the one for Thief. I also love the ones for Videodrome and Carlos.

Hmmmmmmm...favorite Criterion BD menu? I'd really have to give that some thought.

My all-time favorite Criterion menu wasn't a BD menu, though. It was the DVD menu for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with video footage of Ralph Steadman splashing out the logo in his inimitable style. I still miss that menu every time I pop the Fear and Loathing BD in.

[JJJ225]

Just rewatched The Last Temptation of Christ (does it count as an Easter movie?!?!). It is probably my favorite Scorsese film, definitely top three.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

Hmmmmmmm...favorite Criterion BD menu? I'd really have to give that some thought.

My all-time favorite Criterion menu wasn't a BD menu, though. It was the DVD menu for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with video footage of Ralph Steadman splashing out the logo in his inimitable style. I still miss that menu every time I pop the Fear and Loathing BD in.

You took the words right out of my mouth! That is still my all time favorite menu from any film, period. I wonder why Criterion didn't use that same menu for the blu-ray version? Maybe the original menu wasn't designed in HD? In any case, the Steadman menu sure beats the blu-ray version of the line art.

[Oblivion138]

Originally Posted by jw007

You took the words right out of my mouth! That is still my all time favorite menu from any film, period. I wonder why Criterion didn't use that same menu for the blu-ray version? Maybe the original menu wasn't designed in HD? In any case, the Steadman menu sure beats the blu-ray version of the line art.

I wondered that, as well...and yeah, the only likely scenario I can muster is that they shot the Steadman footage in SD. Still, such a great menu. I used to just let it play over and over. haha

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Just rewatched The Last Temptation of Christ (does it count as an Easter movie?!?!). It is probably my favorite Scorsese film, definitely top three.

Watching it right now. Forgot how great it is.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Just rewatched The Last Temptation of Christ (does it count as an Easter movie?!?!). It is probably my favorite Scorsese film, definitely top three.

Very good movie.

I find it really interesting how the light towards the very, very end was not planned.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

I wondered that, as well...and yeah, the only likely scenario I can muster is that they shot the Steadman footage in SD. Still, such a great menu. I used to just let it play over and over. haha

It's an addictive menu for sure. It's also inspiring for those who wish to improve their penmanship which is becoming a lost art (or skill) these days with more people typing/texting than writing.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Very good movie.

I find it really interesting how the light towards the very, very end was not planned.

[Show spoiler]Yes, the burn mark that melts the celluloid at the end is totally mesmerizing. Amazing film that transcends a decade.

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Very good movie.

I find it really interesting how the light towards the very, very end was not planned.

Divine intervention!

[demonknight]

Was it ever confirmed that Criterion/Janus had Midnight Cowboy?

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by jw007

Owl, good to see you enjoyed Under the Skin. I feel that I'll need to watch this film again under different conditions to really appreciate it. I wasn't blown away like many others but the film definitely was disturbing and still hasn't left my mind. I need more meaning but maybe the meaning is there, somewhere.

I suggest you read the novel as it will give you a better understanding of the story. I think you'll appreciate the film more by doing this.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Tin Drum

I suggest you read the novel as it will give you a better understanding of the story. I think you'll appreciate the film more by doing this.

I've been so close to buying it on Amazon now that I have a little down time, but I'm going to wait until after I see the movie before I make a definitive edition.

Link for those interested:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/015...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[jlk155]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I think there's a good chance Criterion.com has another flash sale to coincide with their 30th anniversary. I'm not sure of their exact founding date.

Originally Posted by jayembee

No one seems to. Their first two laserdiscs were released at the tail end of 1984 (though I don't know the exact street date), but it's unknown when the company actually formed.

I happened upon the answer during a search for some Criterion-related artwork. The first Criterion Collection releases were CAV laserdiscs of Citizen Kane and King Kong, both issued on December 1, 1984. I would expect that date to be celebrated by Criterion as its 30th anniversary rather than the company's founding date (a somewhat academic matter).

Take a look at Criterion's 1984 ad for its first releases on the "ultimate medium" (and consider what those prices would be in 2014 dollars!):

Criterion ad for CK & King Kong.jpg

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by jlk155

I happened upon the answer during a search for some Criterion-related artwork. The first Criterion Collection releases were CAV laserdiscs of Citizen Kane and King Kong, both issued on December 1, 1984. I would expect that date to be celebrated by Criterion as its 30th anniversary rather than the company's founding date (a somewhat academic matter).

Take a look at Criterion's 1984 ad for its first releases on the "ultimate medium" (and consider what those prices would be in 2014 dollars!):
[snip]

Thanks for that. It's rather extraordinary thinking back to how state-of-the-art those LDs looked at the time, and how far home video has come in the time since.

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I've been so close to buying it on Amazon now that I have a little down time, but I'm going to wait until after I see the movie before I make a definitive edition.

Definitely worth it. Aside from the main character driving around picking up men on the side of the road and starting to feel a human connection, the novel is completely different. But the point behind her thoughts and actions in the novel are definitely there in the film.

I saw the movie yesterday in a really cool theater that I've never been to with sofas and ottomans. Nice experience.

After viewing the film, I will say I'm sure 99% of those that go into it blindly will not enjoy it. It absolutely does not spell one thing out for the viewer.

I loved it.

[Norbie]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

With respect to Brazil:... found the characters just so unlike able...

I always find it weird when people find a character/s in the film unlike able, therefore the movie is bad.

I don't understand it.

Peace.

[SammyJankis]

Under the Skin just won't leave my mind. This film is something special. Think I may just take the plunge and see it again. I haven't done that for a theatrical release in a long time.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Under the Skin just won't leave my mind. This film is something special. Think I may just take the plunge and see it again. I haven't done that for a theatrical release in a long time.

STOP! I can't get to any cinemas near me that show it - just wish they would go VOD... then ate last I can see it ....

boo hiss.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Hey guys, this isn't Criterion related but I figured I'd ask you guys: How is The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)? I've been thinkin about buying the blu, but wasn't sure. Any input would be appreciated.