The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

I've been trying out NetFlix's two week trial and decided to check out "Bigger than Life", which I've been considering buying.

A great movie with a very interesting ending...I usually don't buy films, unless it strikes a cord in me. Anyone growing up in a dysfunctional family (unfortunately...that is most of us ), will be able to relate in some way, with this film. At times, it became uncomfortable to watch...which is a good thing.

I'll definitely be purchasing this one, at some point in the very near future.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by rkish

I've been trying out NetFlix's two week trial and decided to check out "Bigger than Life", which I've been considering buying.

A great movie with a very interesting ending...I usually don't buy films, unless it strikes a cord in me. Anyone growing up in a dysfunctional family (unfortunately...that is most of us ), will be able to relate in some way, with this film. At times, it became uncomfortable to watch...which is a good thing.

I'll definitely be purchasing this one, at some point in the very near future.

That was a blind buy for me...I absolutely loved it!

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Kevtronn

Yes. The packaging is constructed very well, feels solid. Also, when lined up with other Criterion Blu-ray Boxsets (Che & Yojimbo/Sanjuro) you can not even tell it has a different package. Hope this helps!

My By Brakhage has some slight creasing on the wide spine that shows the collection number...it looks ok next to the plastic cases, a teeny bit taller than the cases, but am looking forward to adding Monterey Pop Complete Collection and Che real soon...

-Dave

[italy12]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

pro-b,
Just wanted to thank you for the recent review of the exhaustive "By Brahkage" blu-ray release. Personally, I'm waiting until next week when my girlfriend goes out of town to even begin to dive into this set because I know it's going to be quite the endeavor. Thanks, again.

CC

I started watching this set already and I am quite pleased with the PQ, in addition to the content of his films. This is my first introduction to Brakhage and I am now wishing I could view more than just what is given to us in this amazing box set!

-Dave

[italy12]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

Anyone have By Brakhage yet? If so please let me know your thoughts on the packaging. I'm curious since they went with a new paper packaging. I was a little disappointed about that, but at least the pachaging looks much sturdier than the original paper packaging Criterion used for Blu-Rays.

While the packaging looks great, I got a copy from a local Barnes & Noble that had apparantly been squeezed down in the Blu ray section and the bottom corner is slightly misshapen. The spine is also creased a little bit, and it looks a little weird next to all the plastic cases...the size is off by a hair as it is slightly bigger.

I asked and they had no other copies. The Best Buy where I work received no copies of this particular title. Oh well...no big deal.

-Dave

[stobbart]

Has anyone heard if Tokyo Olympiad is going to be re-released? Im guessing not be Criterion but another company perhaps. It does not even need to be blu. I cant really afford to spend $100 for this on amazon right now. I tried a quick look online but could not find anything.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by italy12

This is my first introduction to Brakhage and I am now wishing I could view more than just what is given to us in this amazing box set!

-Dave

Hello,

You should definitely take a look at GAZWRX: The Films of Jeff Keen

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/GAZWR...y/3238/#Review

Pro-B

[Brent L.]

I'm gonna toss this one out there.

I discovered The Passenger when it hit DVD a while back. I saw it at Walmart of all places and totally blind bought it brand new. I ended up watching it a number of times, and then watched it over again to listen to both of the commentary tracks.

It ended up one of my favorite pictures of all time.

I have never watched another Michelangelo Antonioni film.

Now, with that said, is it a no brainer that I will more than likely love Red Desert as well once I get a chance to pick up that CC release?

[stobbart]

Originally Posted by Brent L.

I'm gonna toss this one out there.

I discovered The Passenger when it hit DVD a while back. I saw it at Walmart of all places and totally blind bought it brand new. I ended up watching it a number of times, and then watched it over again to listen to both of the commentary tracks.

It ended up one of my favorite pictures of all time.

I have never watched another Michelangelo Antonioni film.

Now, with that said, is it a no brainer that I will more than likely love Red Desert as well once I get a chance to pick up that CC release?

I would recommend checking out L'Avventura while you wait. It is my favorite Antonioni film

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Brent L.

I'm gonna toss this one out there.

I discovered The Passenger when it hit DVD a while back. I saw it at Walmart of all places and totally blind bought it brand new. I ended up watching it a number of times, and then watched it over again to listen to both of the commentary tracks.

It ended up one of my favorite pictures of all time.

I have never watched another Michelangelo Antonioni film.

Now, with that said, is it a no brainer that I will more than likely love Red Desert as well once I get a chance to pick up that CC release?

Any release of The Passenger on Criterion Blu-ray (or from any other company) would have to be approved by the film's owner--- Jack Nicholson. Jack treats the film like a work of art and I've heard he doesn't even grant rights to show it in theatres.

[bugsy_pal]

Originally Posted by jimonee78

I thought Kagemusha was pretty good. Probably contains some of the more beautiful photography of Kurosawa's films but I found Kagemusha to be a bit ponderous at times. The story just isn't as tight as Kurosawa's other "theatre" samurai epics like Ran or Throne of Blood. But hey, it's Kurosawa so you can't really go wrong. I did think the PQ was outstanding.

I saw Kagemusha - The Shadow Warrior way back when it was first released to cinemas here in Oz in 1980 or thereabouts. Man, I found it hard work - I was totally bored by the film, nice cinematography notwithstanding. I really don't think I could sit through it again. It's one Criterion blu that I have had no interest in acquiring.

[scorsetinogilliam]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Hello,

You should definitely take a look at GAZWRX: The Films of Jeff Keen

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/GAZWR...y/3238/#Review

Pro-B

region free?

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Any release of The Passenger on Criterion Blu-ray (or from any other company) would have to be approved by the film's owner--- Jack Nicholson. Jack treats the film like a work of art and I've heard he doesn't even grant rights to show it in theatres.

I don't think he asking about a re-release, but yes, it is a work of art. I think he was just asking since he liked it, will he like Red Desert. I would think he would, so I say yes.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by bugsy_pal

I saw Kagemusha - The Shadow Warrior way back when it was first released to cinemas here in Oz in 1980 or thereabouts. Man, I found it hard work - I was totally bored by the film, nice cinematography notwithstanding. I really don't think I could sit through it again. It's one Criterion blu that I have had no interest in acquiring.

What was "boring" about the movie and why was it "hard work" to follow?

[bugsy_pal]

Originally Posted by BasicGreatGuy

What was "boring" about the movie and why was it "hard work" to follow?

I found the whole thing boring - the word "ponderous" was used before and I think that's an apt description. The film just didn't grab me. It's a long time since I saw it, so perhaps a second viewing would be more positive - but I just remember there being so many battle scenes and shots of armies marching.... it seems to revel in the mechanics of war, and perhaps I was not in the frame of mind to appreciate that.

I didn't find it hard work to follow - just to sit through.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by bugsy_pal

I found the whole thing boring - the word "ponderous" was used before and I think that's an apt description. The film just didn't grab me. It's a long time since I saw it, so perhaps a second viewing would be more positive - but I just remember there being so many battle scenes and shots of armies marching.... it seems to revel in the mechanics of war, and perhaps I was not in the frame of mind to appreciate that.

I didn't find it hard work to follow - just to sit through.

In many ways I prefer Kagemusha to RAN... I think its a better "war" film, although I understand RAN isn't simply about that. Either way, it's definitely the better blu-ray of the two... but I love my original 1985 RAN poster I have in my living room.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Hello,

You should definitely take a look at GAZWRX: The Films of Jeff Keen

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/GAZWR...y/3238/#Review

Pro-B

This has nothing to do with your post, but I finally ordered the Herzog doc blu-ray box and I'll let you know if its region free. It was $15 on Amazon the other day so I just had to try... if its not Region A, then at least I'm not out much money.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by bugsy_pal

I found the whole thing boring - the word "ponderous" was used before and I think that's an apt description. The film just didn't grab me. It's a long time since I saw it, so perhaps a second viewing would be more positive - but I just remember there being so many battle scenes and shots of armies marching.... it seems to revel in the mechanics of war, and perhaps I was not in the frame of mind to appreciate that.

I didn't find it hard work to follow - just to sit through.

Fair enough. If the storyline is weak and all the movie has going for it is costume and war scenes, I can understand the comments.

There is no right or wrong answer here. I appreciate the comment and follow up as it gives me a little more insight.

[LazerTron]

Originally Posted by retablo

This has nothing to do with your post, but I finally ordered the Herzog doc blu-ray box and I'll let you know if its region free. It was $15 on Amazon the other day so I just had to try... if its not Region A, then at least I'm not out much money.

GAZWRX is region free.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by LazerTron

GAZWRX is region free.

Not what I was referring to, if you read my post at all.