The Criterion Collection

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

interesting because for me, the payoff elevated the film from "well, it's ok... a bit disappointed w/ my blind buy" to "wow! one of the best CC titles I've seen!" the way it wrapped up also caused me to reevaluate everything that came before it.

regarding the transfer... personally, I think it could have looked better. I'm not a PQ expert, so I can not put my finger on it, but so many scenes shot in daylight... I think CC has done a better job with more recent releases.

It's a favorite of mine in the collection too. I agree, I didn't think the transfer was particularly great, wish it was better. Surprised by the high marks on this site's review.

Originally Posted by iScottie

Am I the only one who would be down for a Criterion release of Gaspar Noé's Irreversible?

I watched it last night via Netflix and I was rather surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. For those who have not seen the film, it is highly controversial. Not only does it contain a rather long and uncomfortable rape scene involving Monica Bellucci, but no two people's opinion about the film seems to be the same. Take all that aside, though, and you have a rather unique and perplexing mystery film.

The thing that stands out the most about the film is that it chronicles the importance of time through a non-traditional linear structure with the narrative told in backwards, reverse order. The film begins at the very end where the two main protagonists are tracking down the man who raped and brutalized their friend. From there, it goes further backwards to see what eventually led to her rape and the actions that they took earlier in the day to lead them where they end up.

Noé's directing style is what makes this film stand out from a bulk of the mystery films, especially of this century. Even though the outcome is known from the very beginning, the events leading up to the ending, as well as the details revealed about each character throughout, make for a rather interesting story.

I've been wanting to watch it for awhile. I have the DVD even. Your post reminded me of it so thank you! Btw, what is the original language for the film? Is it French? When I ordered through Amazon awhile back they sent me the Canadian DVD.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Lord Summerisle

I would buy Irreversible in a heartbeat. I consider it one of the great films of the 00s. The thought of seeing Irreversible in 1080p is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. A Gaspar Noé box set with I Stand Alone and Enter The Void would be awesome.

I've had the Enter the Void Blu-ray for a while. I've been meaning to watch it.

Originally Posted by jlk5844

I've been wanting to watch it for awhile. I have the DVD even. Your post reminded me of it so thank you! Btw, what is the original language for the film? Is it French? When I ordered through Amazon awhile back they sent me the Canadian DVD.

French

[minister_x]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Am I the only one who would be down for a Criterion release of Gaspar Noé's Irreversible?

I'd definitely be in for that, although I'm not entirely sure I want to see

[Show spoiler]the fire extinguisher scene

in HD!

Talking of highly-regarded controversial films, maybe Criterion would like to do Cronenberg's Crash or Larry Clark's Kids too. It's not like Disney is going to put the latter out on blu (assuming they still own the rights through whichever subdivision they released it through).

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by Freder Fredersen

Whenever new Criterion titles are announced, I usually end up adding those of interest to my watch-list. So, last evening, I watched F For Fake, and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

i avoid watching movies i want to buy from criterion... ;P nothing better than seeing movies like Persona for the first time on a criterion bluray.
reselling criterions is easy enough.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by minister_x

I'd definitely be in for that, although I'm not entirely sure I want to see

[Show spoiler]the fire extinguisher scene

in HD!

Talking of highly-regarded controversial films, maybe Criterion would like to do Cronenberg's Crash or Larry Clark's Kids too. It's not like Disney is going to put the latter out on blu (assuming they still own the rights through whichever subdivision they released it through).

I have heard of both films before, yet I have not seen either of them.

It also looks like both of them are not on Amazon Instant Video.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by jw007

Sorry but I cannot respect someone's opinion on Tati who watched only 1 Tati film and maybe 20-30 minutes of another Tati film. It sounds like you didn't give his films much of a chance, because I consider Playtime a work of massive technical merit. Just the whole choreography involved and building of the amazing sets in that film is more impressive than the production design in most films these days. Sure, Tati is a very different type of actor, but you have to understand that he uses his miming skills rather than act which you're used to seeing in characters. So when you say his character is a "complete idiot", that is obviously intentional if you know about this going in. I would give Playtime a second chance, at least for the last half of the film of the restaurant scene that is just pure brilliance.

No offence but I am not here for respect from anyone. I watched at least an hour of Playtime and I did not like what I saw. Tati can be whatever you want him to be, for me, he is someone I will never be watching again and most certainly not spending any money on.

[jlk5844]

Since Foreign Correspondent is being re-released in a plastic case, which of the Dual Format digipacks might lose something special in that transition if they are re-released? Picnic at Hanging Rock and Red River will likely lose the included novel if those are ever released in a plastic case. Any others have special packaging or items that would be discontinued? I thought Ace in the Hole had some booklet done in a newspaper style or something?

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Since Foreign Correspondent is being re-released in a plastic case, which of the Dual Format digipacks might lose something special in that transition if they are re-released? Picnic at Hanging Rock and Red River will likely lose the included novel if those are ever released in a plastic case. Any others have special packaging or items that would be discontinued? I thought Ace in the Hole had some booklet done in a newspaper style or something?

When is it re-released?
I didn't know that..

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

No offence but I am not here for respect from anyone. I watched at least an hour of Playtime and I did not like what I saw. Tati can be whatever you want him to be, for me, he is someone I will never be watching again and most certainly not spending any money on.

Well, to tell you the truth, after the enormous amount of enthusiasm here, I watched some trailers, and I realized that it wouldn't be my cup of tea either..

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Well, to tell you the truth, after the enormous amount of enthusiasm here, I watched some trailers, and I realized that it wouldn't be my cup of tea either..

And that is great, you have saved money and disappointment. People have different tastes

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Am I the only one who would be down for a Criterion release of Gaspar Noé's Irreversible?

I watched it last night via Netflix and I was rather surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. For those who have not seen the film, it is highly controversial. Not only does it contain a rather long and uncomfortable rape scene involving Monica Bellucci, but no two people's opinion about the film seems to be the same. Take all that aside, though, and you have a rather unique and perplexing mystery film.

The thing that stands out the most about the film is that it chronicles the importance of time through a non-traditional linear structure with the narrative told in backwards, reverse order. The film begins at the very end where the two main protagonists are tracking down the man who raped and brutalized their friend. From there, it goes further backwards to see what eventually led to her rape and the actions that they took earlier in the day to lead them where they end up.

Noé's directing style is what makes this film stand out from a bulk of the mystery films, especially of this century. Even though the outcome is known from the very beginning, the events leading up to the ending, as well as the details revealed about each character throughout, make for a rather interesting story.

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!

I think he is a very brave director, he makes his own films, his own unique style.

His films are shocking and really out there, but they are incredible! I Stand Alone, Irreversible and Enter The Void should come as a set! - they are all linked thematically and technically.

But seriously, Enter The Void is so incredible, such a mind screw! Irreversible is just devastating and so transgressive the cinematography, the music, the acting - absolutely incredible.

Incredible film maker, we need more films from this guy!

Originally Posted by RojD

Science is Fiction is one of my favorite sets in the whole collection. (Recognized that image right away.) Watched the whole set over three nights and even got a book with some essays on and by Painleve to read while I was going through the films. The set gave me great context for a lot of experimental cinema and science documentary, and that's not mention the content of the films. It's one of my best Criterion experiences, and it's a set that no one but Criterion would do.

An I like the tatoo. Considering two here. One from Maltese Falcon that would be the statue itself. Looking for a good deco-esque graphic to base it on. Other would be the publicity image from Metropolis with city in the background and the android in the foreground. Now I might hafta think about that seahorse.....

Thanks - Yeah its an incredible set, I love it, and am fascinated by sea creatures and just love the way he filmed these, would love to see bluray version of it.

But yeah - really great Criterion to own

I think BFI has a better DVD transfer, so would love Criterion to do a bluray and get a better transfer

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

And that is great, you have saved money and disappointment. People have different tastes

everyone has a different taste. so i quess its fine to dislike a movie everyone hates. wondering that nobody did show up yet with a "better go watch transformers" comment

i watched two godard movies and hated both 100%...so im gonna avoid more of his work as well.

ive never hated one movie of a director and loved another one.

watched this one yesterday and did enjoy it A LOT



have to check out more of his work.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

everyone has a different taste. so i quess its fine to dislike a movie everyone hates. wondering that nobody did show up yet with a "better go watch transformers" comment

i watched two godard movies and hated both 100%...so im gonna avoid more of his work as well.

ive never hated one movie of a director and loved another one.

watched this one yesterday and did enjoy it A LOT



have to check out more of his work.

Was dying for this release and ended up getting but just not had chance to watch - I am so excited about this one though looks really good, love the packaging too I have two copies of this for some reason though lol

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Was dying for this release and ended up getting but just not had chance to watch - I am so excited about this one though looks really good, love the packaging too I have two copies of this for some reason though lol

its probably one of these movies you either love or hate. i like the style. its a little crazy like pasolini.
one of the movies i could easy rewatch the next day

[RojD]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I haven't chimed in here.

Best color transfer: Godard's Weekend

Best color films: I think the original poster was looking for English language films so, I'd say Rosemary's Baby and Paris, Texas with Black Narcissus not far behind

Hesitate to mention this director, but Darjeeling Limited has great color.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

its probably one of these movies you either love or hate. i like the style. its a little crazy like pasolini.
one of the movies i could easy rewatch the next day

Ill get into it soon, I still have The Double Life of Veronique on my mind - need to watch more and read up on it haha!

Also, I am a HUGE fan of Pasolini!

[minister_x]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I have heard of both films before, yet I have not seen either of them.

It also looks like both of them are not on Amazon Instant Video.

They're both great films, but Crash is definitely the superior one. Kids also suffers from being the more uncomfortable watch as it's much more realistic and revolves around the sexual exploits of young kids. Given the controversy with Kids, I doubt it'll be put on blu-ray by anyone any time soon. Crash might have more of a chance, especially via Criterion. (Here's hoping!)

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by minister_x

They're both great films, but Crash is definitely the superior one. Kids also suffers from being the more uncomfortable watch as it's much more realistic and revolves around the sexual exploits of young kids. Given the controversy with Kids, I doubt it'll be put on blu-ray by anyone any time soon. Crash might have more of a chance, especially via Criterion. (Here's hoping!)

Ah Kids, what a film.

Do you like stuff like 'Welcome to the Doll House', 'Gummo', 'Palindromes' and 'Happiness'?

I would be EXTREMELY happy to see any of the above in Criterion Collection, Happiness is just, so brilliant but so wrong. Great films though!

EDIT!

Oh my! I did NOT know Criteiron had a Todd Solondz film in collection! 'Life During Wartime' and a film I have not seen fro, this director!

Oh I am happy!

Welcome to the Dollhouse - Peroxide - YouTube

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I've seen less than Clare has and that was more than enough. I've only seen Mr. Hulot's Holiday. I'm going to go ahead and say that his style is more divisive than Wes Anderson or any other highly regarded filmmaker. To me, his style comes off as an anachronism and I wholeheartedly agree with the other poster who said that he does stuff that Chaplin pulled off in a manner 3 times more clever and 3 times funnier and well.. 30 years earlier.

I, personally, would give Playtime a chance being that it is supposed to be his best, but comedy is the most subjective genre and if it doesn't work, sitting through it can be a pretty insufferable experience. with that said, why isn't one film enough? especially being that he plays the same character.

I love Tati's films, but I agree with this. Sense of humor is probably the second most subjective thing in human experience (behind only sense of beauty). While not all of Tati's films are exactly alike (just as not all Chaplin films are exactly alike), I think it's fair to make a judgment from one film whether or not Tati's sense of humor synchs with yours.

[minister_x]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Ah Kids, what a film.

Do you like stuff like 'Welcome to the Doll House', 'Gummo', 'Palindromes' and 'Happiness'?

I would be EXTREMELY happy to see any of the above in Criterion Collection, Happiness is just, so brilliant but so wrong. Great films though!

I find it frustrating the controversy surrounding Kids seems to occlude the important sobering storyline in the film. It's so brutally honest, which is probably part of the reason why it's so controversial.

I've not seen the first three you mention, although I've been meaning to check out the third. Happiness would definitely be great in the collection - and I can believe the others would be too!