The Criterion Collection

[Bad Sandwich]

Originally Posted by minister_x

I see your point, but I think it's a different sort of controversy in those. And those involve sex/violence with adults, as far as I'm aware. As controversial as they may be, I think mixing the topics of sex and children usually is more controversial - and Larry Clark does have a certain notoriety in that regard. (Ken Park is probably worse, mind.) You're probably right that those other factors make prospect of it being released in HD worse, though.

Two of those films - IAGC/Serbian - involve atrocities against children, and I feel each one of those has evoked considerably more controversy and righteous "outrage" than Kids, though to be clear I'm not saying Kids has been entirely devoid of controversy either. Agreed on Ken Park.

[Vinyl]

hey guys. I have been thinking of the criterion films I watched in quick succession when I first heard about them. I don't know what the name of it was, but can describe a scene that lasted for about 20 minutes.

There was a large family who went on a weekend vacation. There was an uncle or other such relative who is a little off. He climbs a big tree and stays up there until nightfall. The whole time the family tries to coax him down. They eventually get him out of the tree and then drive home.

For some reason I think it is Armarcord. Either way, I am sure it is either Italian or French.

[soarinsteven]

Just finished watching Autumn Sonata for the first time. WOW. I'm shocked. I think I loved this? Bergman is largely a miss with me. I hated the experiences of watching Scenes from a Marriage and Persona in particular. The Seventh Seal which I've seen twice fared a little better, and Wild Strawberries even more so. Cries and Whispers being the only one of his I outright loved.

I was a lil on the fence again with this one from the start, but once nightfall happens and all the emotions start spilling out I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Masterclass performances from Ingrid Bergman and Liv Ullmann, and the revelations of their deeply wounded emotional states was so affecting. It's always a struggle for me to care about his characters' existential or personal crises, but not here.

I'm so glad I continue to explore his filmography, and the blu-ray transfer from Criterion is a marvel.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by Vinyl

hey guys. I have been thinking of the criterion films I watched in quick succession when I first heard about them. I don't know what the name of it was, but can describe a scene that lasted for about 20 minutes.

There was a large family who went on a weekend vacation. There was an uncle or other such relative who is a little off. He climbs a big tree and stays up there until nightfall. The whole time the family tries to coax him down. They eventually get him out of the tree and then drive home.

For some reason I think it is Armarcord. Either way, I am sure it is either Italian or French.

"I WANT A WOMAN"

Amarcord

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Freder Fredersen

I have not seen Crumb, so I can't speak for that one. Though I'll mention, as I did in my essential list, Claude Lanzmann's Shoah. At first glance, it would seem overwhelming, running at 9 1/2 hours (though divided into 4 parts) and recounting a dark time in history, but I feel it is necessary for everyone to see. If anything, Shoah illuminates the very importance of sharing one's story/experience so that knowledge/insight can be gained, and, in this case, to give a voice to the voiceless.

Ah thanks, I have blind bought Shoah, but have been putting it off due to subject and the runtime - runtimes never usually bother me, but it's just the subject for that long is a bit daunting - will give it a try soon, probably watch over a few days maybe

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

"I WANT A WOMAN"

Amarcord

haha, I thought it was, but was second guessing myself. I have been so tempted to pick it up. Thanks for the quick reply.

[ngower]

Given the number of folks who say they blind-buy a Criterion title and leave it unwatched, I'm curious, what are the top five Criterion films you own that you haven't watched yet but most want to?

My top 5:

1. Tokyo Story - I've started it a couple times, never finished it. I'd love to go through the entire features set before judging it.
2. Bicycle Thieves - Again, one of those "all-time-bests" that I just haven't watched. I'm holding out for the Blu Ray—still haven't opened my DVD.
3. The Rules of the Game - I made it about twenty minutes into watching it once before I had to turn it off—I was tired—and I've never gone back to it. No particular reason.
4. The Hidden Fortress - I've only owned this one for a couple of weeks, but I bought it based on the Star Wars influence.
5. Breathless - I've probably seen this film in it's entirety, but never in one sitting. I've also not gone through the special features at all on this set.

I feel like these are all well-reputed titles so I feel like I have to be in the right frame of mind before I watch them, which usually means I just never end up watching them...

[blkhrt]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Ah thanks, I have blind bought Shoah, but have been putting it off due to subject and the runtime - runtimes never usually bother me, but it's just the subject for that long is a bit daunting - will give it a try soon, probably watch over a few days maybe

I watched Shoah last week, over the course of three days. I, too, was worried about some of the material weighing down on me, and while there is no question that there is a lot of daunting material in the film, one thing that surprised me was some of the positive feelings the stories create. Seeing what people were willing to do to help each other out was amazing, and made me really reflect on the power of humanity.

If you do watch the film, it is definitely worth reading the included essays. Lanzmann's essay is particularly engaging.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I actually have the Studio Canal PLF that I got off EBay for $17.50. I haven't seen Contempt yet.

Contempt is a wonderful film, so rich in color and with the use of one of the best scores out there. My favorite Godard, followed by Vivre sa Vie.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by ngower

Given the number of folks who say they blind-buy a Criterion title and leave it unwatched, I'm curious, what are the top five Criterion films you own that you haven't watched yet but most want to?

My top 5:

1. Tokyo Story - I've started it a couple times, never finished it. I'd love to go through the entire features set before judging it.
2. Bicycle Thieves - Again, one of those "all-time-bests" that I just haven't watched. I'm holding out for the Blu Ray—still haven't opened my DVD.
3. The Rules of the Game - I made it about twenty minutes into watching it once before I had to turn it off—I was tired—and I've never gone back to it. No particular reason.
4. The Hidden Fortress - I've only owned this one for a couple of weeks, but I bought it based on the Star Wars influence.
5. Breathless - I've probably seen this film in it's entirety, but never in one sitting. I've also not gone through the special features at all on this set.

I feel like these are all well-reputed titles so I feel like I have to be in the right frame of mind before I watch them, which usually means I just never end up watching them...

When I blind buy its cause I'm in the mood and excited at the time for it, so I order, but being in UK I have to wait unto 7 weeks if not more for the item and by that time I have found another film to be excited about, sometimes I go mad and order 20+ films so I lose track!

• Investigations Of a Citizen Above Suspicion (bought twice but no idea why haha)
  
• Zatoichi film 2 onwards
  
• On The Waterfront
  
• Judex
  
• Shoah

I got others like Carlos, A Night to Remember, Battle of Algier, King of the Kill, Throne of Blood haha and many more!

Just no time at the moment and I'm finding loads of films I NEED haha

My most rewarding and surprising blind buys have to go to:

• Marketa Lazaro
  
• Double Life of Veronique
  
• Picnic At Hanging Rock
  
• House
  
• The Great Beauty
  

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by soarinsteven

Just finished watching Autumn Sonata for the first time. WOW. I'm shocked. I think I loved this? Bergman is largely a miss with me. I hated the experiences of watching Scenes from a Marriage and Persona in particular. The Seventh Seal which I've seen twice fared a little better, and Wild Strawberries even more so. Cries and Whispers being the only one of his I outright loved.

I was a lil on the fence again with this one from the start, but once nightfall happens and all the emotions start spilling out I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Masterclass performances from Ingrid Bergman and Liv Ullmann, and the revelations of their deeply wounded emotional states was so affecting. It's always a struggle for me to care about his characters' existential or personal crises, but not here.

I'm so glad I continue to explore his filmography, and the blu-ray transfer from Criterion is a marvel.

Good to know. I hated Persona, was indifferent about Seventh Seal, and didn't like Wild Strawberries. So far, I haven't seen a Bergman I like.

[jayembee]

Just picked up Red River and All That Heaven Allows today. Unfortunately, I think that's the last of my Criterion buys during the sale. I've got a half-dozen of the Kino Lorber Studio Classics titles on order, and I need to save money for the Twin Peaks set coming out at the end of the month.

[Polaroid]

Heres a question:

What was everyones first Criterion? and why?

Mine was The Qatsi Trilogy because I was obsessed with it, the visuals, the score and the emotional impact it had on me - also because the artwork was a stunning representation of the films in the set.

That's when my addiction to Criterion started haha

[oliver_67]

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

BBS or Demy box-set, which would be a better blind buy?
Trying to work out my final purchase for the sale and cannot decide!

BBS is good and The Last Picture Show is one of the greatest films in the great 70s. That said, my $ will be on Demy box set unless Criterion comes up with a complete Rohmer set with English subtitles ... next week.

[jw007]

Okay, here is another good question.

Pick 5 Criterion films in your collection that you've waited the longest to watch the most?

So for example you bought a Criterion release 4 years ago that you still haven't watched...and maybe you have very little interest too and thats why its sat on the shelf, still sealed and gathering dust....well, that might be included in the list.

Mine are:

Carlos (6 hour running time is intimidating)
Pierrot le Fou (still sealed and OOP and never got around to it)
Yi Yi (still haven't gotten around to watching this)
Kagemusha (just haven't been in the mood yet for this)
Pierre Etaix (ditto)

Bonus:
Shoah (9 hours + dark/serious subject matter = procrastination)

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

Okay, here is another good question.

Pick 5 Criterion films in your collection that you've waited the longest to watch the most?

So for example you bought a Criterion release 4 years ago that you still haven't watched...and maybe you have very little interest too and thats why its sat on the shelf, still sealed and gathering dust....well, that might be included in the list.

Mine are:

Carlos (6 hour running time is intimidating)
Pierrot le Fou (still sealed and OOP and never got around to it)
Yi Yi (still haven't gotten around to watching this)
Kagemusha (just haven't been in the mood yet for this)
Pierre Etaix (ditto)

Bonus:
Shoah (9 hours + dark/serious subject matter = procrastination)

Carlos is a TV miniseries - Not sure how criterion have presented as not got around to watching yet but is it in episode styles?

(also reflects on the discussion before about criterion not touching TV shows/films )

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Heres a question:

What was everyones first Criterion? and why?

First Criterion LD: Blade Runner (bought in Feb 1988)

Reason? Because it's freakin' Blade Runner, used the International Cut of the film, and had a bunch of extras (I'd bought some LDs the month before, when I got my player, but this was the first one that was letterboxed, and had extras). It's still the first LD I bought that I still own.

First Criterion DVD: The Killer.

Reason? I didn't have my own DVD player at the time, but the DVD had just gone OOP, and I happened to spot a copy in a music store (a Strawberries, for those of you who are old enough and from the Boston area).

First Criterion BD: The Third Man, The Last Emperor, and Chungking Express (bought all at once).

Reason? Three favorite films that I bought shortly after getting my BD player.

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by jw007

Okay, here is another good question.

Pick 5 Criterion films in your collection that you've waited the longest to watch the most?

So for example you bought a Criterion release 4 years ago that you still haven't watched...and maybe you have very little interest too and thats why its sat on the shelf, still sealed and gathering dust....well, that might be included in the list.

Mine are:

Carlos (6 hour running time is intimidating)
Pierrot le Fou (still sealed and OOP and never got around to it)
Yi Yi (still haven't gotten around to watching this)
Kagemusha (just haven't been in the mood yet for this)
Pierre Etaix (ditto)

Bonus:
Shoah (9 hours + dark/serious subject matter = procrastination)

Pierrot Le Fou is just amazing. It's easily my favorite Godard and infinitely re-watchable. Make it a priority!

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jayembee

First Criterion LD: Blade Runner (bought in Feb 1988)

Reason? Because it's freakin' Blade Runner, used the International Cut of the film, and had a bunch of extras (I'd bought some LDs the month before, when I got my player, but this was the first one that was letterboxed, and had extras). It's still the first LD I bought that I still own.

First Criterion DVD: The Killer.

Reason? I didn't have my own DVD player at the time, but the DVD had just gone OOP, and I happened to spot a copy in a music store (a Strawberries, for those of you who are old enough and from the Boston area).

First Criterion BD: The Third Man, The Last Emperor, and Chungking Express (bought all at once).

Reason? Three favorite films that I bought shortly after getting my BD player.

Oooh you're a Criterion Veteren - nice seeing people who have supported them for so long around here.

[Spire]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Heres a question:

What was everyones first Criterion? and why?

Mine was The Qatsi Trilogy because I was obsessed with it, the visuals, the score and the emotional impact it had on me - also because the artwork was a stunning representation of the films in the set.

That's when my addiction to Criterion started haha

First ever ever, Beastie Boys video anthology, before I knew what Criterion was at all. Fast forward like 6-7 years and I got World On A Wire as my first intentional Criterion.