The Criterion Collection

[BanjoBob]

Nitpicking question: are all of the BDs distributed and sold in the United States and Canada exactly the same re: the discs, covers, and booklets?

Do any of the Canadian BDs have multi-lingual artwork?

Appreciate your insight. Thank you.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Rich Pure Doom

Mann did a stellar job with a mediocre script. He just didn't have the actors or the script he would have in later pictures. Like I said, I really enjoy Thief and have watched it twice since buying it but it's not on the same level as The Insider, Miami Vice, Collateral, or Heat for me.

James Caan lesser than Colin Farrell? Really??

Homie Don't Play That - YouTube

[aes3728]

Blind bought the Demy set. Popped in Umbrellas of Cherbourg this evening and am hooked on Demy. So glad I bought this set. Haven't been that transfixed to a screen in ages. The colors on this are nothing short of gorgeous. After watching the restoration demonstration, it really showed how crucial this film needed the attention before being released. Some shots still astound me, and it's hard to believe that the film was made 50 years ago with that kind of technical virtuosity. Don't know if I am going to do the rest of the set in order or jump around.

Long story short- get the Demy box during the sale(if you haven't already) and thank me later.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by aes3728

Blind bought the Demy set. Popped in Umbrellas of Cherbourg this evening and am hooked on Demy. So glad I bought this set. Haven't been that transfixed to a screen in ages. The colors on this are nothing short of gorgeous. After watching the restoration demonstration, it really showed how crucial this film needed the attention before being released. Some shots still astound me, and it's hard to believe that the film was made 50 years ago with that kind of technical virtuosity. Don't know if I am going to do the rest of the set in order or jump around.

Long story short- get the Demy box during the sale(if you haven't already) and thank me later.

Preach on brother! I started my set this evening. I first rewatched Lola and I enjoyed it as much as I did on the first watch a few months ago. I then watched Bay of Angels for the first time and I really enjoyed it. Great acting! Lastly, I just finished rewatching The Umbrellas of Cherbourg a little while ago and I was flabbergasted at the restoration job. The film remains one of my favorites of all time.

Overall, it is a phenomenal set thus far and I cannot wait to check out the last three films. This has to be the best big set Criterion release on Blu-ray since the Cassavetes set.

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by aes3728

Blind bought the Demy set. Popped in Umbrellas of Cherbourg this evening and am hooked on Demy. So glad I bought this set. Haven't been that transfixed to a screen in ages. The colors on this are nothing short of gorgeous. After watching the restoration demonstration, it really showed how crucial this film needed the attention before being released. Some shots still astound me, and it's hard to believe that the film was made 50 years ago with that kind of technical virtuosity. Don't know if I am going to do the rest of the set in order or jump around.

Long story short- get the Demy box during the sale(if you haven't already) and thank me later.

I haven't started watching the set, but I have seen 4 of the films before. Umbrellas has long been a highly desired Criterion for me. Lola is exquisite. Young girls of Rochefort is a lot of fun, but not quite up to the previous 2 and I was less enthralled by The Donkey Skin. I actually found some elements of DS a bit creepy in all truth. We'll see how another viewing plays.

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by iScottie

No, that's okay. I'm not denying it.

As I've gotten more and more into film over the year, I've been more drawn towards films that seem to impact me strongly in some way, shape, or form. Whether it be me having a ball with the film, me being awed to the point of tears, my mind being pushed past its limit, or the like, those are the films that seem to stick with me the most.

I'm not saying Broadcast News is a bad film of sorts, but it seems like something I've seen time and time again, though in a very different context. Many people that I talk to know that I am not the biggest fan of the 1980s and I cannot seem to get into the nostalgia that many films of the era give off to the average film-goer. I haven't seem many James L. Brooks films, so maybe my opinion on his catalogue will change, but I definitely enjoy As Good As It Gets. It's a really sweet and fun film!

Glad you took it in the right spirit! James L. Brooks has some good films, but for me BN and AGAIG are the favorites.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by WalterNeff

You know, that raises a question I was going to ask earlier. I feel idiotic asking this(I am new to collecting), but what other sales on criterions are there throughout the year?

That's not an idiotic question at all. In fact, it's a great question.

Criterion discs traditionally go on sale at Barnes and Noble twice a year ... in July and November. However, this year, B&N also ran all blu-ray discs at 50% off around May and June, which included the Criterion blu-ray titles.

In the past, Best Buy has run Criterion discs at half off, and Amazon has price-matched them.

It also pays to monitor all the Amazon lightning deals around the Christmas holiday season ... last year I picked up The Four Feathers at more than 50% off, and they offered a couple of other titles which I passed on because I already owned them.

Good luck with your collection!

[jrsl76]

Criterion also does a 50% off sale through their site 2 times a year in mid to late February and late September. 24 hours only.

[septimus]

I never had a strong opinion one way or the other on dual-format releases, but this Demy box has me very glad that Criterion is going back to separate releases. The box is ridiculously oversized considering it contains only six movies. It is nice to finally have it in hand, though.

[WalterNeff]

Originally Posted by jmclick

That's not an idiotic question at all. In fact, it's a great question.

Criterion discs traditionally go on sale at Barnes and Noble twice a year ... in July and November. However, this year, B&N also ran all blu-ray discs at 50% off around May and June, which included the Criterion blu-ray titles.

In the past, Best Buy has run Criterion discs at half off, and Amazon has price-matched them.

It also pays to monitor all the Amazon lightning deals around the Christmas holiday season ... last year I picked up The Four Feathers at more than 50% off, and they offered a couple of other titles which I passed on because I already owned them.

Good luck with your collection!

Thank you so much! Also is the November sale also 50% or is it less?

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by jrsl76

James L. Brooks has some good films, but for me BN and AGAIG are the favorites.

The same person made Broadcast News and As Good As It Gets?
I really liked the first film, it walks such a brilliant line to avoid falling into the rom-com trap. AGAIG on the other hand always seemed very fake to me, I cringed through most of the film and wanted never to see it again.

[Spanish Scott]

So is there any chance Criterion will ever release A Matter of Life and Death? It seems odd that they have several of P&P's films on Blu-Ray, but are missing that one. Some kind of hold up with the rights? If they could somehow magically release that this year, they might as well just declare 2014 their greatest year ever following La Dolce Vita and Persona, along with Great Beauty, Thief, etc.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by WalterNeff

Thank you so much! Also is the November sale also 50% or is it less?

The November sale is also 50%. Keep in mind, though, that if you have are a Barnes and Noble member, you automatically get an additional 10% off every item that you purchase in store. And, as a member, you frequently receive coupons for an additional 20% off!

This month, for example, I bought Picnic at Hanging Rock using all three discounts:

$39.99 Regular Suggested Retail
(20.00) 50% off Sale
$19.99
( 2.00) 10% off Member Discount
$17.99
( 3.60) 20% off Coupon
$14.36 ACTUAL PRICE PAID

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by jayembee

As EricJ pointed out, the poster that was displayed in filmmusic's posting shows a Warner Bros. logo in the corner. Which means the likelihood of it being licensed to Criterion is pretty low.

Oh, I didn't know that.
I'm not an expert on companies and licences and stuff..

[jlk5844]

I believe The Pawnbroker was mentioned in this thread awhile back, even though it's not a Criterion. It might've been a different thread, but I think it was The Great Owl who mentioned how good a film it is. I just want to say thanks! I was scrolling through TCM's lineup weeks ago and happened upon it, and remembered that you mentioned it, and was like sure I'll record that. Never heard of the film until then. I just watched it tonight and wow it was a very good, powerful film! I'm for sure getting the Blu-ray at some point, I wish Olive's price wasn't so high for being bare bones.

[Sifox211]

Originally Posted by Spanish Scott

So is there any chance Criterion will ever release A Matter of Life and Death? It seems odd that they have several of P&P's films on Blu-Ray, but are missing that one. Some kind of hold up with the rights? If they could somehow magically release that this year, they might as well just declare 2014 their greatest year ever following La Dolce Vita and Persona, along with Great Beauty, Thief, etc.

As far as I know, it is a Sony title, which is why there hasn't been a Criterion edition of it yet - it's certainly a perfect fit. I believe there might have been a restoration done recently; what I do know is that The Tales of Hoffmann has been restored, so maybe that will be the next Criterion P&P?

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Sifox211

As far as I know, it is a Sony title, which is why there hasn't been a Criterion edition of it yet - it's certainly a perfect fit. I believe there might have been a restoration done recently; what I do know is that The Tales of Hoffmann has been restored, so maybe that will be the next Criterion P&P?

I'd like to see The 49th Parallel get an upgrade. Even in SD the B&W photography is beautiful.

[StLouisRibs]

Originally Posted by Spanish Scott

So is there any chance Criterion will ever release A Matter of Life and Death? It seems odd that they have several of P&P's films on Blu-Ray, but are missing that one. Some kind of hold up with the rights? If they could somehow magically release that this year, they might as well just declare 2014 their greatest year ever following La Dolce Vita and Persona, along with Great Beauty, Thief, etc.

I believe it is coming as it was recently restored, but we've not had any word directly from Criterion that it is coming anytime soon.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by BanjoBob

Nitpicking question: are all of the BDs distributed and sold in the United States and Canada exactly the same re: the discs, covers, and booklets?

Do any of the Canadian BDs have multi-lingual artwork?

Appreciate your insight. Thank you.

Many Canadian blu rays have bilingual packaging. However all Criterions in Canada have the exact same packaging as in the US. I live in Canada and own many Criterions, and none have bilingual packaging. With the exception of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but that is an oddball Criterion anyways, in that it is actually released by Paramount and is in a standard blue blu ray case and not a Criterion case. Although it is a great film, and is way underrated on this forum in my opinion.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

Many Canadian blu rays have bilingual packaging. However all Criterions in Canada have the exact same packaging as in the US. I live in Canada and own many Criterions, and none have bilingual packaging. With the exception of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but that is an oddball Criterion anyways, in that it is actually released by Paramount and is in a standard blue blu ray case and not a Criterion case. Although it is a great film, and is way underrated on this forum in my opinion.

I've yet to be able to make it all the way through that movie, so I'm probably one of the ones underrating it.