The Criterion Collection

[jw007]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

hey j dubs - how goes it?

since we've talked a lot about blind buy philosophies, here is one way that I look at it:

it costs 2 people around $20 to see a movie on the big screen. once the experience is over, you're left with nothing except your memory. being that big screen showings of older films are few and far between (especially for those in smaller towns,) I think grabbing a CC title for $18 or so and experiencing it in hi-def with (if you instincts are correct) a good chance that you'll revisit the film at least once, then I think blind buying is fine.

Army of Shadows and Rififi were blind buys for me with the first costing me OOP prices. I enjoyed those films so much that it will balance out the occasional film for which I have mixed feelings.

furthermore, for me anyway, I bought probably a half dozen DVDs of films that I absolutely loved when I saw them for the first time, but for one reason or another, I never got around to watching them again and they have been sitting on my shelf for years. I don't know if anyone else has experienced that, but what's worse? buying a film you like and never watching it (a matter of not getting around to it) or blind buying and having (at least) an "it was ok. I'm glad I saw it" experience. ..and the total duds you can unload on ebay or whatever.

I sort of understand what you mean about blind-buying Criterion films. I have found myself buying Criterions in bulk whenever the big sales hit in the summer and winter and also having dozens still unopened that I haven't watched yet. I used to think that if a film is in the Criterion Collection its basically worth purchasing no matter what since most films in the collection are "good". But as the years pass, I am finding myself being more picky and selective because I keep running out of shelf space and space is not a luxury I can afford. I'd rather not keep the majority of my films in storage bins (like The Great Owl does) since I like to display everything as long as space is available.

Basically, the movies I want to own now have to be movies I can watch at least one time! I have several movies I doubt I'll be able to watch a second time (such as the Shoah box set...or maybe the World Cinema project box set). I'm not really into the business of buying films and trying to sell them later on Ebay. I suck at doing business anyway. I buy whatever suits me and thats it. It's how I roll.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jw007

I just got back from the library with 5 more films I need to "try before I buy". Before, I was throwing caution to the wind regarding blind-buying, but now I think it is totally foolish if one doesn't like the film when buying something out of the blue.

Here are the titles I borrowed:

Hearts and Minds
The Long Day Closes
La Promesse
L'Eclisse
All That Heaven Allows

All That Heaven Allows and L'Eclisse are the only two films I would personally recommend owning. All That Heaven Allows is one of the greatest melodramas to ever be made. It is also the best film in Sirk's melodrama trilogy. Regarding L'Eclisse, it is probably my favorite film in Antonioni's trilogy. The film has both great acting and a great story.

I'm undecided about what I will do with La Promesse. It's a great story, but I'm not sure how the replay value will stand for me. I really admire The Dardenne Brothers' films sans Rosetta, so I would encourage more than discourage a watch of it.

RE: Hearts And Minds - I watched it a week or so ago. I thought it was a decent documentary in the sense that it shed some more light on the Vietnam War and the attitudes of the war for me. On the other hand, it is incredibly one-sided (as others have stated) to the point that it feels like a propaganda film.

RE: The Long Day Closes - It is a semi-autobiographical film on the director's early life when he was growing up. It's a solid film, but I don't see any replay value in it. The editing style that is present throughout the film is excellent, though, and the film is worth seeing for that alone.

Originally Posted by fahrenheit290

I loved Wild Strawberries and Virgin Spring. Seventh Seal has a fantastic BD presentation. What are you feelings for the quality of Wild Strawberries? I screened on DVD, but of course am targeting the BD this month. Are the visuals as impressive as the B&W for Seventh Seal?

I had not seen the film on any other format other than Blu-ray so I cannot really give a fair assessment of the video quality. That being said, I cannot imagine it looking any better. I would definitely recommend you picking it up.

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Wow, that is a good deal. Hmm. I've been curious about this one. Any thoughts anyone?

I really hated the film.

I personally felt it could have been something if done differently, but it unfortunately did not amount to much.

Originally Posted by starman15317

Yeah I wasn't big on Jules and Jim but The 400 Blows (and Day For Night) are great. I need to see more Truffaut.

As do I.

I recently restarted my Hulu+ subscription so that I could watch and rewatch certain films that are coming out on Blu-ray in the coming months (should they be available on the website). Once I catch up on a few more Blu-rays, I plan on digging into some more of my favorite directors' films - Truffaut included.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

none for Pete Best?

one for Stuart Sutcliffe, too.

moment of silence, please.....

.....

thank you.

and another one for Clarence, who was the fifth beatle:

Eddie Murphy 5th Beatle - YouTube

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Freder Fredersen

Watch it immediately!
First time I saw it was about 10 years ago, and I watched it 3 times in a row (once completely silent, then with the orchestral score, then with the commentary). I have rarely watched a film even twice in one go. I think The Passion of Joan of Arc struck a cord in me because of how different it was, in terms of the discordant camera angles and persistent close-ups, which, in keeping with the story and mood, created a sort of discombobulated, yet deeply emotional, religious experience (if that makes sense?).

Not to mention that Falconetti gives one of the greatest (if not the greatest) performances of all time.

-----------------

Before the conversation on In the Realm of the Senses closes, I'd love to endorse this piece by Dana Stevens:


http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/m...nd_beauty.html

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by iScottie

As do I.

I recently restarted my Hulu+ subscription so that I could watch and rewatch certain films that are coming out on Blu-ray in the coming months (should they be available on the website). Once I catch up on a few more Blu-rays, I plan on digging into some more of my favorite directors' films - Truffaut included.

It's the ideal time for Truffaut reevaluation. With the thirtieth anniversary of his death coming up there's a ton of activity on the Blu-ray front, with Artificial Eye releasing something like ten discs across the next five months! I'd be shocked if Criterion didn't follow suit with at least one or two titles.

On a related note, I just had this iPhone case made, with Antoine Doinel carved in to it. It's engraved wood, and looks amazing in the flesh. Photos barely do it justice.

[StLouisRibs]

Hm. I was thinking it was odd to see such little billing for Wes Anderson on the packaging for The Life Aquatic - his name's not on the cover, nor in the blurb. He's of course mentioned in the extras as well but it's not exactly going to be straight in the face of an uninformed Joe Public going through some Blu-rays on a shelf.

I was sure this was untrue for all of his other films - Bottle Rocket, Darjeeling, and Mr. Fox all have Anderson billed prominently on the cover. Rushmore and Tenenbaums do not, but Rushmore mentions him significantly in the first line of the back blurb. Why on Earth do they not put Directed by Wes Anderson where it can be clearly seen to anybody who happens to see it on a shelf?

(me worrying about something that probably doesn't matter because I'd guess people who are able to recognize Wes Anderson's name probably are familiar with his filmography anyway but oh well)

[lordmorpheus72]

My only 2 purchases this time around were A Brief History of Time and Armageddon. Figured Armageddon was worth the $9 I paid for it with my BN membership. And stacked coupons to get Brief Histroy for $14!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Freder Fredersen

Watch it immediately!
First time I saw it was about 10 years ago, and I watched it 3 times in a row (once completely silent, then with the orchestral score, then with the commentary). I have rarely watched a film even twice in one go. I think The Passion of Joan of Arc struck a cord in me because of how different it was, in terms of the discordant camera angles and persistent close-ups, which, in keeping with the story and mood, created a sort of discombobulated, yet deeply emotional, religious experience (if that makes sense?).

Thank you for the information! Looking forward to it.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

My only 2 purchases this time around were A Brief History of Time and Armageddon. Figured Armageddon was worth the $9 I paid for it with my BN membership. And stacked coupons to get Brief Histroy for $14!

Damn! I still need to see those extras on the Armageddon DVD! Isn't theDirector's commentary supposed to be VERY revealing?

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by skylog

one more quick question. what is the packaging on the dual format "400 blows?" it seems it is the "standard" plastic case, but i just want to verify. thanks!

It's the classic plastic case.

[Page14]

Originally Posted by Page14

I picked up A Hard Day's Night today and just finished watching it ... for at least the gazillionth time (over the past 50 years). It's every bit as good this time around as any other ... with the exception of watching it in a theater seat when it was first released back in the 60s. If I'm ever stranded on a desert island with only one movie available to me, this is the movie I'd want. (Or for that matter ....... any of the other Beatle movies might work too). Just love it!

(one for each Beatle)

Originally Posted by Roninblues

none for Pete Best?

If Pete Best were in the movie, I'd gladly give him a too.

On sort of a related note, there's a little piece of trivia found at about the 37:02 mark of the "You Can't Do That: The Making of A Hard Day's Night" supplement that Criterion fans are sure to get a kick out of. (I did anyway). Phil Collins tells us the name of the "boook" that Ringo is actually reading (when Paul's grandfather is telling Ringo to get his nose out of his blooming boook). I don't want to spoil it for anybody, so if you bought AHDN, check it out.

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by StLouisRibs

Hm. I was thinking it was odd to see such little billing for Wes Anderson on the packaging for The Life Aquatic - his name's not on the cover, nor in the blurb. He's of course mentioned in the extras as well but it's not exactly going to be straight in the face of an uninformed Joe Public going through some Blu-rays on a shelf.

I was sure this was untrue for all of his other films - Bottle Rocket, Darjeeling, and Mr. Fox all have Anderson billed prominently on the cover. Rushmore and Tenenbaums do not, but Rushmore mentions him significantly in the first line of the back blurb. Why on Earth do they not put Directed by Wes Anderson where it can be clearly seen to anybody who happens to see it on a shelf?

(me worrying about something that probably doesn't matter because I'd guess people who are able to recognize Wes Anderson's name probably are familiar with his filmography anyway but oh well)

The reason why he's not billed is because only true Wes Anderson fans would want to own it, since everyone else basically b*tches about it.

I can't wait to get it soon! It's the only title of his that I haven't seen, even though I own the bound FYC script. I wanted to read it, but I think I'll watch it first.

[edcresdee]

Question about Belle de Jour. It's released by StudioCanal in the UK, but Criterion's SC titles expired, so why is the Criterion Belle de Jour still available?

The UK digibook range is going OOP soon apparently and trying to prioritize what titles to get. Thanks

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Damn! I still need to see those extras on the Armageddon DVD! Isn't theDirector's commentary supposed to be VERY revealing?

When it comes to Armageddon, you certainly don't want to miss a thing.

(Thanks for the applause. I'll be here all week.)


On a different note, I'm thinking that I might benefit from using my 20% coupon to buy A Hard Day's Night this week, although I was planning to wait until the 15th to grab it. I saw it at a store the other day, and it's a handsome package.

[skylog]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

When it comes to Armageddon, you certainly don't want to miss a thing.

(Thanks for the applause. I'll be here all week.)

this is gold right here! well done, well done

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

The reason why he's not billed is because only true Wes Anderson fans would want to own it, since everyone else basically b*tches about it.

I can't wait to get it soon! It's the only title of his that I haven't seen, even though I own the bound FYC script. I wanted to read it, but I think I'll watch it first.

Uh? That makes absolutely no sense.

You should at least wait to see the movie before getting defensive about why people dislike it. I'm not a Wes Anderson fan by any means, but even I don't think he deserves all of the criticism that he gets. That being said, I am 100% with everyone who thinks The Life Aquatic is a terrible movie. The visuals are nice, but overall, it's an incredibly dull film.

Originally Posted by edcresdee

Question about Belle de Jour. It's released by StudioCanal in the UK, but Criterion's SC titles expired, so why is the Criterion Belle de Jour still available?

The UK digibook range is going OOP soon apparently and trying to prioritize what titles to get. Thanks

I'm not entirely sure what films Criterion currently has the rights to, but I don't remember reading anything about them losing the Studio Canal rights to Belle de Jour. If they did, are you sure Criterion did not renew their rights to it?

You can't go wrong with it anyway, regardless of whether it's going OOP or not. It's an incredibly haunting and fascinating film.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by skylog

going to choose between this and 400 blows. pretty much a flip of the coin at this point.

I heartily recommended both films, but didn't realize that you were aiming for just one. If it comes down to that, I'd definitely give the edge to Algiers, though you can't go wrong with Blows, either.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

When it comes to Armageddon, you certainly don't want to miss a thing.

(Thanks for the applause. I'll be here all week.)

When it comes to A Hard Days Night, I Should Have Known Better. I expect my BluRay copy to gather dust.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

When it comes to A Hard Days Night, I Should Have Known Better. I expect my BluRay copy to gather dust.

boo!!

Andrew, You Can't Do That!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

When it comes to A Hard Days Night, I Should Have Known Better. I expect my BluRay copy to gather dust.

What!? Not a fan!?

I never really grew up with The Beatles, but I have fallen in love with their personalities (even though they play slapstick versions of themselves) and their music. I can almost guarantee that I will watch it at least once a month. It's so incredibly fun.