The Criterion Collection

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

here is the artist's web site:
work.iamalwayshungry.com

I don't know this artist, but based on a quick look at his (her?) web site, it seems extremely doubtful that he had anything to do with the making of the film being that it is nearly a 15 year old film. and if I'm wrong (maybe he's Cuarón's buddy. ?!,) then I'll admit as much, but the artist does stuff for EA and Adidas and I guess now s**tty covers for Criterion.

my problem with it, outside of it being ugly, is that it demands subjective artistic interpretation itself. like I said in response to shade4pain - if Cuarón feels that it melds with his vision of the film, then I guess it is fine.

I'm just not impressed.

I think he is responsible for the opening credits of True Detective. He would get a pass from me just for that if I didn't like the artwork, but I don't see what you're fussing over to be honest. I'd like to know your thoughts on the other artworks used for the previous home media releases of the film, because I like this new one better. It's not something I'd hang on my wall but its not like it has a tiger on it or something completely out of place. If I had to guess, I would also say that Criterion showed Cuaron the blu ray materials prior to announcing them to us. They are well known for going out of their way to cater to directors if they are alive and willing to work with them.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I think he is responsible for the opening credits of True Detective. He would get a pass from me just for that if I didn't like the artwork, but I don't see what you're fussing over to be honest. I'd like to know your thoughts on the other artworks used for the previous home media releases of the film, because I like this new one better. It's not something I'd hang on my wall but its not like it has a tiger on it or something completely out of place. If I had to guess, I would also say that Criterion showed Cuaron the blu ray materials prior to announcing them to us. They are well known for going out of their way to cater to directors if they are alive and willing to work with them.

It is just very amateurish and doesn't appear refined. They ruined the typography on the latest design.

The original artworks for film fit it much better, the colour, the relationships etc etc The double exposure is really badly used on this cover, when used right its amazing, but they haven't used it to its full potential and the looks bad and out of place.

Remove the double exposure and revert the typography to the original one I posted and it would look a lot better.

Dunno why people can't accept that some of us don't like the design ?? :/

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I think he is responsible for the opening credits of True Detective. He would get a pass from me just for that if I didn't like the artwork, but I don't see what you're fussing over to be honest. I'd like to know your thoughts on the other artworks used for the previous home media releases of the film, because I like this new one better. It's not something I'd hang on my wall but its not like it has a tiger on it or something completely out of place. If I had to guess, I would also say that Criterion showed Cuaron the blu ray materials prior to announcing them to us. They are well known for going out of their way to cater to directors if they are alive and willing to work with them.

it isn't ruining my day or anything.. a few people chose to engage me in a convo about it and I am just defending my opinion.

the artwork on the dvd is fine, but to be honest I never gave it any thought. it was the same image that was on early posters of the film.

[Show spoiler]

like I said, maybe this happens all the time - especially with Criterion titles, but when a somewhat modern song was used as part of the score for Hitchcock's The Lodger people went ape s**t about that. it's the marriage of one piece of art with another. and to me, this is worse because at least silent cinema, by its inherent nature, has always required a score to be provided for it

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

it isn't ruining my day or anything.. a few people chose to engage me in a convo about it and I am just defending my opinion.

the artwork on the dvd is fine, but to be honest I never gave it any thought. it was the same image that was on early posters of the film.

[Show spoiler]

like I said, maybe this happens all the time - especially with Criterion titles, but when a somewhat modern song was used as part of the score for Hitchcock's The Lodger people went ape s**t about that. it's the marriage of one piece of art with another. and to me, this is worse because at least silent cinema, by its inherent nature, has always required a score to be provided for it

I respect your opinion and more power to you. To me, the one you posted is just as ugly and has the same amount of relation to the films messages as this new one. Also, Criterion collection has released movies from as far back as the 30s with new artwork done entirely on computers that didn't exsit at the time the film was made so I don't get your point there. I don't see the fuss. You don't like it, even I think it's pretty bland, but it really isn't some travesty to the integrity of the film. You aren't crazy or out of line, but if it was the sole thing that kept you from picking this release up you're getting there!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I respect your opinion and more power to you. To me, the one you posted is just as ugly and has the same amount of relation to the films messages as this new one.

but the original one does not lend itself to subjective interpretation. THAT is my point.

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

Also, Criterion collection has released movies from as far back as the 30s with new artwork done entirely on computers that didn't exsit at the time the film was made so I don't get your point there.

the City Lights cover, for example... (again) does not lend itself to subjective interpretation. I have no problem with computers, iPhones, etch-a-sketch, whatever creating images for old films.

regarding The Lodger... I don't know what to say other than to re-type what I said about it in my previous post. seems to me, to be a comparable matter.

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I don't see the fuss. You don't like it, even I think it's pretty bland, but it really isn't some travesty to the integrity of the film.

you're right. it is not.

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

You aren't crazy or out of line, but if it was the sole thing that kept you from picking this release up you're getting there!

that wasn't me who said that I wouldn't pick it up based on the art work. this film happens to be in my top 10 all-time favorites and that is why I have a strong opinion in the first place.

[Polaroid]

As much as I adore the Zatoichi box set - think it would be awesome if they had a replacement case for each film.

I know it would take up so much shelf space haha but there is some stunning artwork in that book and would be nice to see each one have a dedicated case ^^

But then again thats $125 to get the cases haha - but seriously some amazing illustrations in the book.

I want the AK 100 box set so bad now haha - these sir tot releases are incredible. Would be awesome to have more like 'Complete Bergman' or 'All Godzilla films'... or complete Lynch

Oh I can dream haha

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

but the original one does not lend itself to subjective interpretation. THAT is my point.



the City Lights cover, for example... (again) does not lend itself to subjective interpretation. I have no problem with computers, iPhones, etch-a-sketch, whatever creating images for old films

Ah, okay. I understand what you were saying now. I should've grabbed a cup of coffee before I came into this conversation! I agree that the new cover is more "involved" in that way, and it sure is ugly. Let's hope the rest of the release doesn't disappoint.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

it isn't ruining my day or anything.. a few people chose to engage me in a convo about it and I am just defending my opinion.

the artwork on the dvd is fine, but to be honest I never gave it any thought. it was the same image that was on early posters of the film.

[Show spoiler]

like I said, maybe this happens all the time - especially with Criterion titles, but when a somewhat modern song was used as part of the score for Hitchcock's The Lodger people went ape s**t about that. it's the marriage of one piece of art with another. and to me, this is worse because at least silent cinema, by its inherent nature, has always required a score to be provided for it

They could have down what they did with Rosemary's Baby or The Man That Fell To Earth - taken the original artwork and clean it up, improve it and make it better and more desirable.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I respect your opinion and more power to you. To me, the one you posted is just as ugly and has the same amount of relation to the films messages as this new one. Also, Criterion collection has released movies from as far back as the 30s with new artwork done entirely on computers that didn't exsit at the time the film was made so I don't get your point there. I don't see the fuss. You don't like it, even I think it's pretty bland, but it really isn't some travesty to the integrity of the film. You aren't crazy or out of line, but if it was the sole thing that kept you from picking this release up you're getting there!

That was me

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

That was me

Ahhhh so much drama haha good one Clare :P

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

Ah, okay. I understand what you were saying now. I should've grabbed a cup of coffee before I came into this conversation! I agree that the new cover is more "involved" in that way, and it sure is ugly. Let's hope the rest of the release doesn't disappoint.

no worries.. you gave me a chance to beat my dead horse a bit longer.

if we get that Ikiru release, kuro sawa, I'm just hoping that CC doesn't try to make some statement about the meaning of life that isn't already in the images for that amazing film.

[Polaroid]

Love how Armageddon is 9p on Amazon haha XD

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Ahhhh so much drama haha good one Clare :P

Nothing like firing up a bit of debate

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Love how Armageddon is 9p on Amazon haha XD

That expensive

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

That expensive

It really deserves a Bluray upgrade - alongside The Rock .

Might buy it out and see if they think it popular XD

[CobraVerde]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

your response for why you like it is fair enough, but I would love to hear what the artist says about why and how the image is tied to the movie. maybe many other Criterion titles have the same situation, but the two characters being out of focus and not facing forward is an attempt at some kind of artistic statement. being that everyone gets up in arms about correct aspect ratios, director approved transfers, etc, then it would seem to me that this cover art should make many people feel disappointed - regardless of the artists's interpretation, it is a subjective one that would be provided for an aesthetically unpleasing piece of art that was not provided by anyone tied to the making of the film. it sucks.. immensely. I like the original poster much better.

The two characters are out of focus and not exactly facing the camera on the original theatrical art, too.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

That was me

Okay, you asked for it, you're nuts!

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

your response for why you like it is fair enough, but I would love to hear what the artist says about why and how the image is tied to the movie. maybe many other Criterion titles have the same situation, but the two characters being out of focus and not facing forward is an attempt at some kind of artistic statement. being that everyone gets up in arms about correct aspect ratios, director approved transfers, etc, then it would seem to me that this cover art should make many people feel disappointed - regardless of the artists's interpretation, it is a subjective one that would be provided for an aesthetically unpleasing piece of art that was not provided by anyone tied to the making of the film. it sucks.. immensely. I like the original poster much better.

and the horse was beat to death over the weekend, but since I just read it now... Clare - most definitely on your side in the matter. classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Octagon (again, that Octagon! ) supported your side with some articulate words.

It's a lot more likely that Criterion ran the art by the director than the studio did that poster.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Boyhood is an IFC film. Criterion has a great relationship with both Linklater and the studio. It's such a huge project that I don't see why any other studio should be trusted with the home video release. Hence, why I added it.

Hard Eight has been a long rumored title by Criterion, so I added it to the database.

Criterion has first dibs on IFC titles. I don't see them passing on a film as unique as Boyhood.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

L'Eclisse Blu-ray REVIEW



Pro-B

I have to agree about the opportunity missed on this regarding updated extras. (I was going to type "extra extras" but that sounded like I was hawking newspapers in a scene out of an old WB film). I'm sure Criterion has a good reason for this such as cost or the one you suggested. It won't stop me from upgrading eventually but it does push these titles down the list as they look to be nearly identical twins of the dvd editions in the extras category.

Since I'm in a fussy mood about extras-the upcoming release of Red River has a ton of extras but no commentary. This title seems like a prime candidate for one and it seems to me like there would be no shortage of experts out there. Once again, cost maybe?