The Criterion Collection

[jw007]

Originally Posted by blujazz

Tried to watch Naked and I had to stop because it was asking me questions I didn't want to answer.

[Show spoiler]The film feels dated in its politics. It's a good reflection of the time it was made, considering it was filmed only a few years after the Thatcher era when there's just so much hatred towards institutionalised thinking.

But now? I'm not sure. I believe a society can only be judged on how it treats the unfortunate but there's also should be a degree of responsibility for oneself. The protagonist here clearly has little respect for himself so why should I?

The film makes you think of the reasons why the main character is a sexual aggressor and sorry... I don't want to blame "society" for one man's sexual deviance. Rape is rape.

Interestingly, I was reading reviews released at the time of the film's release and none of them really mentioned the sexual violence against women, which is prevalent in this film. Maybe a sign of the times? I hope so.

This movie is not made to be enjoyed... it's like Leigh's version of Funny Games.

At one point into the movie did you stop watching Naked? It's one of my favorite films in the Criterion Collection and worth seeing in its entirety, even if its not a pleasant experience. Of course its not a movie to enjoy, but its captivating and fascinating watching David Thewlis' acting in this film. He's totally 100% into his character and its amazing to witness. Don't worry about the issues the film is raising, watch it for what it is: a solid piece of filmmaking and acting.

[blujazz]

^I will probably revisit it in the future. When I stopped, I knew I was missing out on excellent acting... acting so good it was so close to the bone.

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Just watched Thief and it feels like I watched it for the first time. Good lord, that transfer is stunning. It really feels like an entirely different experience. The polished aesthetic just pops: those lights that bounce off every wet surface; the few day scenes that keep the metallic look intact. It lends itself to Mann's tightest, most emotionally engaging work (and my favorite, too.) Even the score, which reeked of the 80's at its worst initially, seemed to go hand-in-hand with the imagery. James Belushi, however, will always be this film's biggest flaw.

Definitely up there with the best releases of the year.

EDIT: Robert Prosky is perfect casting.

Yes, I saw Thief on the Blu-ray Criterion earlier this year and was blown away. The picture quality & anamorphic print are gorgeous. For me, this Blu-ray is literally like seeing the movie for the first time (the several other times I saw the film were on the older non-anamorphic DVD). This new release brings the film from merely good status to great status; it just goes to show how much a sub-par, non-anamorphic print can severely mar the quality of an otherwise excellent movie...

Re: the film itself, amazing story & acting. And, the Tangerine Dream score is incredible - to the point that I can't imagine the movie having a score by anyone else. The neon lights, rain-soaked night streets, & early '80's sheer urban vibe of the film are all improved by their music.

One of the many scenes that really stood out here was the POV from the top of Caan's car, and the various neon lights/signs that are reflected on the hood as he's driving late at night....

Originally Posted by jw007

At one point into the movie did you stop watching Naked? It's one of my favorite films in the Criterion Collection and worth seeing in its entirety, even if its not a pleasant experience. Of course its not a movie to enjoy, but its captivating and fascinating watching David Thewlis' acting in this film. He's totally 100% into his character and its amazing to witness. Don't worry about the issues the film is raising, watch it for what it is: a solid piece of filmmaking and acting.

Mike Leigh's Naked is one of my all-time favorite '90's films; I saw it for the first time earlier this year, and was amazed at the acting & story. Thewlis is amazing in the film; I've always found it interesting how certain people (like his character) can worm their way into the lives of others & take advantage of them, even though these people really don't want them around. It takes a certain kind of personality to get away with doing that type of thing....

[ultlife2013]

Thief drips with awesomeness in every shot. And the funny thing is that it's only Mann's first film, that's an insane start to a film career.

[nondiatonic]

Originally Posted by blujazz

Tried to watch Naked and I had to stop because it was asking me questions I didn't want to answer.

[Show spoiler]The film feels dated in its politics. It's a good reflection of the time it was made, considering it was filmed only a few years after the Thatcher era when there's just so much hatred towards institutionalised thinking.

But now? I'm not sure. I believe a society can only be judged on how it treats the unfortunate but there's also should be a degree of responsibility for oneself. The protagonist here clearly has little respect for himself so why should I?

The film makes you think of the reasons why the main character is a sexual aggressor and sorry... I don't want to blame "society" for one man's sexual deviance. Rape is rape.

Interestingly, I was reading reviews released at the time of the film's release and none of them really mentioned the sexual violence against women, which is prevalent in this film. Maybe a sign of the times? I hope so.

This movie is not made to be enjoyed... it's like Leigh's version of Funny Games.

I think Naked can stand on its dialogue and acting alone. But, there is even more than that to appreciate.

[Show spoiler]I immediately thought of Five Easy Pieces after seeing it. Which, in my paradigm, is a fantastic complement.

[kazama]

I've been trying to introduce my fiancee into Criterion films with great success (She wasn't much of a film buff before, her favorite films were Taken and Taken 2 ). So far we have watched 12 Angry Men, La Jetée, Eyes Without a Face, City Lights, Rosemary's Baby, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Umberto D, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, Bottle Rocket, Seconds and La Haine.

She liked all of them (with Seconds, La Haine, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion and Fantastic Mr. Fox being her favorite ones) and even highlighted how great the cinematography was in the last two films we watched, Seconds and La Haine. We talk about films almost every day now, so I'm really happy and thought I would share this with you. The Criterion Collection definitely helps people to appreciate films more and in different ways, it's simply awesome.

PS: After watching La Haine again (which is one of the best films in the collection, so I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone) I became pretty sad that we don't have more Kassovitz films in the Collection. I would be extremely happy if Criterion released Assassin(s) or L'Ordre et la morale which are just as great as La Haine and would be great additions.

[Rich65]

I am planning on a Kurosawa night soon with Rashomon, The Hidden Fortress and Throne of Blood.

[pro-bassoonist]

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Blu-ray REVIEW





Pro-B

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by kazama

PS: After watching La Haine again (which is one of the best films in the collection, so I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone) I became pretty sad that we don't have more Kassovitz films in the Collection. I would be extremely happy if Criterion released Assassin(s) or L'Ordre et la morale which are just as great as La Haine and would be great additions.

Hey Kazama

Kassovitz's latest, Rebellion, is out on Blu-ray. Really fine film, based on a true story. The cover makes it look like a mindless action film, but it isn't.

Rebellion - Full Trailer HD - In Cinemas April 19 - YouTube

Pro-B

[kazama]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Hey Kazama

Kassovitz's latest, Rebellion, is out on Blu-ray. Really fine film, based on a true story. The cover makes it look like a mindless action film, but it isn't

I already own the French and the German Blu-ray releases of the film, but the former isn't english friendly, and the latter has lossy audio (but at least the film does have english subs, though the extras don't). As far as I know, the UK version has lossless audio but zero extras...so, a comprehensive and complete Criterion edition would make my day. But of course I know that I'm dreaming.

Do you know if Assassin(s) is available on Blu-ray anywhere in the world (no problem if it's not english friendly), or if there's any studio that is planning to release it in the future?

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Blu-ray REVIEW



Pro-B

sorry, I had to quote that beautiful photo of Victoria , I was afraid when I saw the artwork that there would be no photo of Victoria Abril in the booklet.

Thanks a lot for the photos of the booklet and case (too bad it's not a digipack)

thanks for a lot for the review. I have the Cameo (Spanish Blu-Ray) since 2 or 3 years. The transfer was amazing as if the movie was released yesterday with vivid colour (apparently totally accurate to Almodovar's favorite director of photography)- really I've seen the blu-ray more than 5 days since I have it and was amazed by the transfer and details (it has also spanish SDH subtitles)- that's really HD.
from what I can see with the vidcaps of the Criterion it looks like there's perhaps a slightly fine grain (but the Cameo blu-ray didn't seem to have some DNR artefacts)- I don't see some major difference with the colors on the Cameo blu-ray. That's a good thing about the other Cameo release (except one - Tacones lejanos - ; please read below)

I can't wait so see the Criterion release. Probably a bigger bitrate over the CAmeo release and some bonus.

I also bought several years ago "Carne trémula" from Cameo too which is as good as "Átame! / Tie Me..."
unfornately they totally butchered the ratio of "Tacones lejanos" (it's "something" like scope but bigger whereas the ratio was I think 1:85 - what we have on this blu-ray is clearly not a standard ratio. There has been an obvious problem with this title from the same company "Cameo")- So I stopped here. Too bad and strange because all the other transfers are gorgeous and pristine (I have also "Talk To Her" which is fine- soft photography like I remember when I saw it in theatres)



Bigas Luna was another great director (especially his early movies) and Divisa - another Spanish label released recently (last April) on Blu-Ray : Jamón Jamón (1992) with great director of photography José Luis Alcaine :
Penelope Cruz fans from her early movies will be in heaven... She was something like 17 at the time... yeah like in the Beatles song I saw her standing there...
The transfer is excellent (not as good as the Cameo release - there are some "white spots" sometimes and perhaps the restoration could have been pushed a little further (the dream sequence is difficult to "judge" since he used some "transparency optical effects")
Whatever this is a major upgrade in comparison to the DVD Tartan box set.
But contrary to Cameo Blu-ray : no subtitles at all.

Hoping that Divisa will release on blu-ray "Las edades de Lulú" (yeah I'm a Francesca Neri too). So far I keep my Tartan DVD UK.

So, if Criterion listen to me and want to release another great Almodovar movie please release "Tacones lejanos" in the correct ratio - and I won't complain if Bigas Luna enters the Criterion catalog with "Las edades de Lulú".

[aes3728]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Blu-ray REVIEW





Pro-B

In the pictures we get a 2 disc, but on their site it's listed as a 3 disc. Any idea why the change?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Blu-ray REVIEW

Wow! What a difference in quality from Netflix's SD version.

Thanks for the review!

[Helikaon]

Just watched Ida and it's stunning. Would be a great addition to the Collection, imo. Any thoughts on this film? Great first time performance from Agata Trzebuchowska!

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Helikaon

Just watched Ida and it's stunning. Would be a great addition to the Collection, imo. Any thoughts on this film? Great first time performance from Agata Trzebuchowska!

Among my favorites of the year. A quiet, low-key drama with compositions so exquisite that make you anticipate the subsequent frames. It already has a Blu release set.

I was surprised to learn that was Trzebuchowska first performance. She's absolutely perfect in the role. Her piercing black eyes contrast well with her uniform.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by Infernal King

All of Hirokazu Kore-eda's films need to be released by Criterion. His filmography is extremely underrepresented on Blu-ray (several of his films are also OOP on DVD) and he is a very overlooked director to begin with.

Filmmakers like Nolan don't need any more of the Criterion treatment/exposure than he's already received, due to the sheer popularity and wide availability of his work.

I've only seen (and own) Still Walking, but that is a fantastic movie that is amongst my favorites. I really like how he made normal parts of life, such as the family cooking and eating, so interesting and gripping. The movie had an emotional resonance with me. One of my favorite modern foreign films. He's kind of like a modern Ozu, but, dare I say, I think I liked Still Walking better than Late Spring or Tokyo Story.

With regards to Nolan, I didn't mean that I think he needs anything else to be released by Criterion. I was just saying that I really enjoy his films and I think that he's a great director.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by kazama

I've been trying to introduce my fiancee into Criterion films with great success (She wasn't much of a film buff before, her favorite films were Taken and Taken 2 ). So far we have watched 12 Angry Men, La Jetée, Eyes Without a Face, City Lights, Rosemary's Baby, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Umberto D, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion, Bottle Rocket, Seconds and La Haine.

She liked all of them (with Seconds, La Haine, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion and Fantastic Mr. Fox being her favorite ones) and even highlighted how great the cinematography was in the last two films we watched, Seconds and La Haine. We talk about films almost every day now, so I'm really happy and thought I would share this with you. The Criterion Collection definitely helps people to appreciate films more and in different ways, it's simply awesome.

PS: After watching La Haine again (which is one of the best films in the collection, so I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone) I became pretty sad that we don't have more Kassovitz films in the Collection. I would be extremely happy if Criterion released Assassin(s) or L'Ordre et la morale which are just as great as La Haine and would be great additions.

Awesome!

[Creasy47]

I've been going through the Criterions I've bought. The PQ for both '12 Angry Men' and 'The Big Chill' blew me away. About to start a blind buy tonight that really had me interested: 'Brazil.'

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by aes3728

In the pictures we get a 2 disc, but on their site it's listed as a 3 disc. Any idea why the change?

aes3728,

I am unsure. This is the release I was sent. Most likely it is an error on their site.

Also, I just noticed your previous question. (I am sorry, I wasn't ignoring it. I missed it). Love Streams should be up late on Sunday. I've been trying to cover a couple of different releases, but a few were quite long films and I needed to do some comparisons (The Desert of the Tartars).

Have a great weekend

Originally Posted by iScottie

Wow! What a difference in quality from Netflix's SD version.

Thanks for the review!

Yes, it looks lovely, Scottie

Pro-B

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by RupertPupkin

sorry, I had to quote that beautiful photo of Victoria , I was afraid when I saw the artwork that there would be no photo of Victoria Abril in the booklet.

Thanks a lot for the photos of the booklet and case (too bad it's not a digipack)

thanks for a lot for the review. I have the Raro (Spanish Blu-Ray) since 2 or 3 years. The transfer was amazing as if the movie was released yesterday with vivid colour (apparently totally accurate to Almodovar's favorite director of photography)- really I've seen the blu-ray more than 5 days since I have it and was amazed by the transfer and details (it has also spanish SDH subtitles)- that's really HD.
from what I can see with the vidcaps of the Criterion it looks like there's perhaps a slightly fine grain (but the Raro blu-ray didn't seem to have some DNR artefacts)- I don't see some major difference with the colors on the Raro blu-ray. That's a good thing about the other Raro release (except one - Tacones lejanos - ; please read below)

I can't wait so see the Criterion release. Probably a bigger bitrate over the Raro release and some bonus.

I also bought several years ago "Carne trémula" from Raro too which is as good as "Átame! / Tie Me..."
unfornately they totally butchered the ratio of "Tacones lejanos" (it's "something" like scope but bigger whereas the ratio was I think 1:85 - what we have on this blu-ray is clearly not a standard ratio. There has been an obvious problem with this title from the same company "Raro")- So I stopped here. Too bad and strange because all the other transfers are gorgeous and pristine (I have also "Talk To Her" which is fine- soft photography like I remember when I saw it in theatres)

Bigas Luna was another great director (especially his early movies) and Divisa - another Spanish label released recently (last April) on Blu-Ray : Jamón Jamón (1992) with great director of photography José Luis Alcaine :
Penelope Cruz fans from her early movies will be in heaven... She was something like 17 at the time... yeah like in the Beatles song I saw her standing there...
The transfer is excellent (not as good as the Raro release - there are some "white spots" sometimes and perhaps the restoration could have been pushed a little further (the dream sequence is difficult to "judge" since he used some "transparency optical effects")
Whatever this is a major upgrade in comparison to the DVD Tartan box set.
But contrary to Raro Blu-ray : no subtitles at all.

Hoping that Divisa will release on blu-ray "Las edades de Lulú" (yeah I'm a Francesca Neri too). So far I keep my Tartan DVD UK.

So, if Criterion listen to me and want to release another great Almodovar movie please release "Tacones lejanos" in the correct ratio - and I won't complain if Bigas Luna enters the Criterion catalog with "Las edades de Lulú".

Hi Alexandre

How have you been?

Tacones lejanos -- I have the German release from Universal (see below), and I don't think there are any major problems with the framing. The German release is also English-friendly.

Unfortunately, DVDs -- standard definition transfers -- cannot handle Almodovar's films. Even the transfers in Sony's box set (see below) are quite average. Almodovar's style is all about lush and garish colors. With DVD you can't come close to what Almodovar intended. Basic limitations.

Bigas Luna -- I also have the Tartan set. Upgrades would be wonderful, but I am fairly certain no one is touching Ages of Lulu in the U.S. I am unsure what the deal is in the UK at this point, and if Tartan still have a license to handle these films, but if the British decide to release it on Blu-ray I am fairly certain they will cut it again. An uncut Spanish release is probably your best bet. Their first DVD release was uncut.

Back to Almodovar. It is great to finally have him in the Criterion Collection. But I would really love to see some of his early films on Blu-ray. Dark Habits, in particular, would be fantastic to upgrade.






Pro-B