The Criterion Collection

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I was, for a long while, considering a blind buy for Red River. I am, by no means, a fan of westerns, but 1) a good film is a good film regardless of it's genre or subject matter and 2 ) I am thinking about collecting all of the Montgomery Clift films on blu-ray.

I just watched my old DVD of Red River about 2 weeks ago. I like it more with each viewing. So much so, that I just ordered the Blu-ray from B&N. John Wayne's character goes through an interesting arc, and Clift is quite good. Their relationship is at the core of the story, but I think you will find it to be less of a "monotone" type of performance by Wayne. It's a western with quite a bit of emotion.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I was, for a long while, considering a blind buy for Red River. I am, by no means, a fan of westerns, but 1) a good film is a good film regardless of it's genre or subject matter and 2 ) I am thinking about collecting all of the Montgomery Clift films on blu-ray.

Red River is a great Criterion title. Be sure to read the Borden Chase novel before you watch the film. They're both superb, but in different ways, and I like how Howard Hawks brought the original story to screen.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by blu-bry

I just watched my old DVD of Red River about 2 weeks ago. I like it more with each viewing. So much so, that I just ordered the Blu-ray from B&N. John Wayne's character goes through an interesting arc, and Clift is quite good. Their relationship is at the core of the story, but I think you will find it to be less of a "monotone" type of performance by Wayne. It's a western with quite a bit of emotion.

Reportedly, when John Ford saw Wayne's performance in Red River, he said "I didn't know the big son of a ***** could act!" Ford and Wayne then collaborated on more complex movie roles, such as She Wore a Yellow Ribbon and The Searchers.

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

The topic of Bergman and my own fondness for Harriet Andersson makes me hope for an upgrade of Sawdust and Tinsel.

This obviously doesn't help if you aren't region free but I bought the Artificial Eye blu-ray release called 'Classic Bergman' about a month ago and the quality of S&T is amazing.

The Criterion dvd is fine but definitely room for improvement in an upgrade.

I have seriously curbed my Criterion (and blu-ray in general) buying and am still in the process of selling off some of them, but I will continue to buy every Bergman film that is released on blu (from Criterion or whomever).

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Tin Drum

I have seriously curbed my Criterion (and blu-ray in general) buying and am still in the process of selling off some of them, but I will continue to buy every Bergman film that is released on blu (from Criterion or whomever).

Are you only interested in the blu-rays of Bergman's films? If not (and I hope not), there were quite a few released over in the UK on DVD through Tartan UK, and they can usually be bought fairly cheap from Amazon UK. Some are on Criterion's Hulu channel now, too, so they may eventually make it on to some type of disc format in the future. Here's the list of Tartan UK DVDs that have yet to get a blu-ray release as far as I know...

• Eve (written by Bergman)
• Music In Darkness
• Prison
• Waiting Women (aka Secrets Of Women)
• A Lesson In Love
• The Devil's Eye
• All These Women
• The Rite
• From The Life Of The Marionettes
• After The Rehearsal
• Saraband (also available on DVD in the U.S. from Sony)

I think that's it, but as you can see there are quite a few of the films that, as far as I know, never got a DVD release in the U.S.

[bwdowiak]

I'm still waiting for a Bergman film to really resonate with me. The final act of Summer With Monika was the closest thing... I have enjoyed everything I've seen (Wild Strawberries, Persona, Smiles of a Summer Night being the others) but kind of figured that I would enjoy them more (the first two) - like I'd really be able to see the mastery that is so easily apparent in, for example, Kurosawa.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Andrew13

Just watched Harakiri for the first time last night. Phenomenal film, possibly the best samurai film I've seen outside of Seven Samurai. Looking over the rest of Kobayashi's filmography, is there a particular route anyone would recommend? I've currently eyeballing The Human Condition as a potential blind buy during the B&N sale, as a near future blu-ray upgrade seems unlikely, though I'd be lying if I said the 10 hour running time wasn't somewhat intimidating.

The Human Condition is terrific, and well worth a blind buy. Don't feel daunted by the running time. It's actually a trilogy of films: "No Greater Love", "Road to Eternity", and "A Soldier's Prayer", and I believe that Criterion's release has each film on a separate disc.

(I don't have the Criterion DVD, though I should pick it up, as I'm sure it would be an upgrade; I have the Image/Janus DVDs, which were released individually.)

While you're at it, pick up the Criterion DVD of Kobayashi's Kwaidan. It's the shorter version of the film, but it's not likely that we'll be seeing the full-length version in the foreseeable future (I suspect that Criterion won't upgrade it to Blu-ray until they can find a copy of the complete film in acceptable condition).

There's also an Eclipse set: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System. I haven't seen any of the films in it (The Thick-Walled Room / I Will Buy You / Black River / The Inheritance) though.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

The Human Condition is terrific, and well worth a blind buy. Don't feel daunted by the running time. It's actually a trilogy of films: "No Greater Love", "Road to Eternity", and "A Soldier's Prayer", and I believe that Criterion's release has each film on a separate disc.

(I don't have the Criterion DVD, though I should pick it up, as I'm sure it would be an upgrade; I have the Image/Janus DVDs, which were released individually.)

While you're at it, pick up the Criterion DVD of Kobayashi's Kwaidan. It's the shorter version of the film, but it's not likely that we'll be seeing the full-length version in the foreseeable future (I suspect that Criterion won't upgrade it to Blu-ray until they can find a copy of the complete film in acceptable condition).

There's also an Eclipse set: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System. I haven't seen any of the films in it (The Thick-Walled Room / I Will Buy You / Black River / The Inheritance) though.

I want The Human Condition on Criterion Bluray I find DVD's so hard to buy and enjoy ever since I upgrade to Blurays lol >.<

[CobraVerde]

Originally Posted by Andrew13

Just watched Harakiri for the first time last night. Phenomenal film, possibly the best samurai film I've seen outside of Seven Samurai. Looking over the rest of Kobayashi's filmography, is there a particular route anyone would recommend? I've currently eyeballing The Human Condition as a potential blind buy during the B&N sale, as a near future blu-ray upgrade seems unlikely, though I'd be lying if I said the 10 hour running time wasn't somewhat intimidating.

Agreed! The Human Condition is phenomenal, but an investment at 9 hours. With is was on blu and not just DVD.

Never been a fan of Kwaidan though. A complete bore to me and chore to even sit through.

[Andrew13]

Originally Posted by jayembee

The Human Condition is terrific, and well worth a blind buy. Don't feel daunted by the running time. It's actually a trilogy of films: "No Greater Love", "Road to Eternity", and "A Soldier's Prayer", and I believe that Criterion's release has each film on a separate disc.

(I don't have the Criterion DVD, though I should pick it up, as I'm sure it would be an upgrade; I have the Image/Janus DVDs, which were released individually.)

While you're at it, pick up the Criterion DVD of Kobayashi's Kwaidan. It's the shorter version of the film, but it's not likely that we'll be seeing the full-length version in the foreseeable future (I suspect that Criterion won't upgrade it to Blu-ray until they can find a copy of the complete film in acceptable condition).

There's also an Eclipse set: Masaki Kobayashi Against the System. I haven't seen any of the films in it (The Thick-Walled Room / I Will Buy You / Black River / The Inheritance) though.

Thanks for the recommendations, I'll be sure to check those out. Just when I think I'm running out of Criterions to purchase... it's what I love and hate about the collection.

[bstv69]

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

[Andrew13]

Originally Posted by bstv69

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

I've seen all of these other than Revanche. All solid picks, and truthfully all very rewatchable, though unless you're a diehard Hitchcock fan I wouldn't deem 39 Steps an essential film to own. Of these, the must own blu-rays, in my opinion, are the following:

1. Three Colors Trilogy (possibly Criterion's best release)
2. The Thin Red Line (Malick's finest, imo)
3. The Wages of Fear*
4. John Cassavetes Box Set
5. Sweet Smell Of Success (very Wilder-esque)
6. The 400 Blows (especially if you're a fan of French New Wave)

* I would also strongly recommend picking up Diabolique, a fantastic murder mystery that makes for a great double feature with Wages of Fear (both directed by Clouzet).

[Ctzalman]

Originally Posted by bstv69

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

i would whole-heartedly recommend all of those titles with the exception of revanche. not to say it's a bad film, but it is slowly paced and not for everybody. it kinda sticks out from the rest of of your picks in that is a more modern film and not recognized like the others as being a classic or historically significant. if i had to pick the absolute essentials, it would be the following (in no specific order):

cassavetes set
kieslowski set
thin red line
400 blows

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by Andrew13

I've seen all of these other than Revanche. All solid picks, and truthfully all very rewatchable, though unless you're a diehard Hitchcock fan I wouldn't deem 39 Steps an essential film to own. Of these, the must own blu-rays, in my opinion, are the following:

1. Three Colors Trilogy (possibly Criterion's best release)
2. The Thin Red Line (Malick's finest, imo)
3. The Wages of Fear*
4. John Cassavetes Box Set
5. Sweet Smell Of Success (very Wilder-esque)
6. The 400 Blows (especially if you're a fan of French New Wave)

* I would also strongly recommend picking up Diabolique, a fantastic murder mystery that makes for a great double feature with Wages of Fear (both directed by Clouzet).

Awesome thank you, your comment could not have been more helpful

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by bstv69

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

What $50 coupon? The one direct from Criterion? Their next flash sale won't be until the first Tuesday of October.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by Ctzalman

i would whole-heartedly recommend all of those titles with the exception of revanche. not to say it's a bad film, but it is slowly paced and not for everybody. it kinda sticks out from the rest of of your picks in that is a more modern film and not recognized like the others as being a classic or historically significant. if i had to pick the absolute essentials, it would be the following (in no specific order):

cassavetes set
kieslowski set
thin red line
400 blows

Thank you for the recommendations. And revanche seemed like a dark urban film, which I am a fan of as well though my criterion collection may not show (can't tell you how many times I've watched Taxi Driver [not saying they're the same but guess it was my way of justifying possibly getting it ha])

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

What $50 coupon? The one direct from Criterion? Their next flash sale won't be until the first Tuesday of October.

Yea that one. I am in no rush, I have plenty of movies I have to watch so it will give me time to catch up

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by bstv69

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

1. Three Colors trilogy
2. The Thin Red Line
3. Revanche
4. The Killing
5. Sweet Smell of Success
6. Night of the Hunter

Three Colors is a must. It's an incredibly audacious piece that should resonate with anyone - and it's pretty accessible. Thin Red Line is a must, but I'd recommend seeing Malick's first two films in order to get on his wavelength and notice his progression in style. Revanche is a slow burn, but it will stick with you for days to come.

Honestly, the first four are musts. Night is the only one that doesn't do that much for me. I love Mitchum and the cinematography is wonderful, but.. man oh man, does that kid's performance ruin it for me.

[bstv69]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

1. Three Colors trilogy
2. The Thin Red Line
3. Revanche
4. The Killing
5. Sweet Smell of Success
6. Night of the Hunter

Three Colors is a must. It's an incredibly audacious piece that should resonate with anyone - and it's pretty accessible. Thin Red Line is a must, but I'd recommend seeing Malick's first two films in order to get on his wavelength and notice his progression in style. Revanche is a slow burn, but it will stick with you for days to come.

Honestly, the first four are musts. Night is the only one that doesn't do that much for me. I love Mitchum and the cinematography is wonderful, but.. man oh man, does that kid's performance ruin it for me.

Awesome thank you, Yea I have Bad Lands and Days of Heaven, both of which I am still unsure of what I think, I liked the former more than the latter but I don't know what to think of the completely detached female narrators in them, it kind of bothers me. But there is no denying they are both visually stunning. And I love war films, so i figured his cinematography in a war film will be great even if there is a detached female narrating. And that is what I seemed to get from revanche, which is what drew me to it, I love dark films that stick with you and make you think about the dark world out there

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by bstv69

So I am already trying to make my list for the flash sale, I have to spend $140 to get the $50 voucher. I am hoping to get these titles below, any comment on them would be great. i.e. are any not that rewatchable or do they look mediocre and I can get away with just watching them on hulu plus:
Note: I bought a few of these with the $8 off B&N Code but realized I would be saving more this route..
-Revanche
-Sweet Smell of Success
-Night of the Hunter
-The Killing
-Thin Red Line
-Three Colors Trilogy
------------------------
-The 400 Blows
-39 Steps
-John Cassavetes Box
-Wages of Fear

I think the top portion would be good to get me to the Coupon, and then the bottom part is just some that I am thinking about using it on. (3 films or Cassavetes)
My Favorite Criterion I have watched so far is Vivre sa Vie
and here is my current collection: http://www.criterion.com/my_criterio...386/collection

Top 5:
-Three Colors Trilogy
-Revanche
-The 400 Blows
-John Cassavetes: Five Films
-The Night Of The Hunter

You can't go wrong with any of them, to be honest,, but these have the highest replay value, in my opinion.