The Criterion Collection

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Escape from Alcatraz is an incredible prison escape movie. That needs a Blu-ray badly!

I've got the region-free UK Blu-ray of Escape from Alcatraz, and I think that it's a good edition.

It's probably just a matter of time before this movie is released on these shores, though.

[ultlife2013]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've got the region-free UK Blu-ray of Escape from Alcatraz, and I think that it's a good edition.



It's probably just a matter of time before this movie is released on these shores, though.

Hopefully by someone like twilight time or criterion.

[Wildcat47]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Hopefully by someone like twilight time or criterion.

Kino Classics would be fine

[JoeBuck]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Hopefully by someone like twilight time or criterion.

Twilight Time doesn't do paramount titles.
This might even be one of the catalogue titles that Warner Bro's took though, so who knows?

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I've got the region-free UK Blu-ray of Escape from Alcatraz, and I think that it's a good edition.

It's probably just a matter of time before this movie is released on these shores, though.

I'd be satisfied with an upgrade of Brute Force. One of the best, IMO.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

A Facebook friend tagged me today with one of those "Name 15 movies that stick with you." status posts.
...
3. Le Samouraï (1967)
...
8. Army of Shadows (1969)
9. Le Cercle Rouge (1970)

Can one say you're a Melville fan?

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I'd be satisfied with an upgrade of Brute Force. One of the best, IMO.

I'm right there with you. I want Blu-ray upgrades of all of the Jules Dassin American noirs. Brute Force, The Naked City, Thieves' Highway, and Night and the City.

Brute Force and Night and the City have both been released on Blu-ray overseas, so I'm hoping that Criterion will make it happen here soon.

[Judex]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I'm right there with you. I want Blu-ray upgrades of all of the Jules Dassin American noirs. Brute Force, The Naked City, Thieves' Highway, and Night and the City.

Brute Force and Night and the City have both been released on Blu-ray overseas, so I'm hoping that Criterion will make it happen here soon.

Brute Force is out here next Monday. I wouldn't be surprised if Criterion announce it Monday as well.

We've got Naked City coming out late October as well.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Bill Hader's 200 Essential Films:

http://www.xojane.com/entertainment/...king-dead-frog

He's got a lot of comedies. Plenty of Woody Allen and Marx Brothers films. Can't go wrong with those.

Speaking of The Marx Brothers, they really need some blu ray love. Wouldn't it be great if Criterion did a box set of all their Columbia movies? Or at least Duck Soup. Dreaming...

[ultlife2013]

Not criterion related but classic film related. I spent the weekend watching the Ultimate Gangsters Collection and wow, these films look great on blu-Ray. I watched The Public Enemy, Little Caesar, and White Heat. I still need to watch Petrified Forest as well but not enough time. So far my favourite film is White Heat, such a great film with great performances all around and a very brisk and engaging script that doesn't feel bloated or tedious at all. Every scene is important to the film, which is nearly impossible to find in a lot of other films.

I recommend this set to anyone who likes classic or modern gangster films, it is a very nice set that'll go good with the Humphrey Bogart box set. Warner Bros gets an A for packaging for this set since every disc gets their own hub unlike the Bogart set.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Not criterion related but classic film related. I spent the weekend watching the Ultimate Gangsters Collection and wow, these films look great on blu-Ray. I watched The Public Enemy, Little Caesar, and White Heat. I still need to watch Petrified Forest as well but not enough time. So far my favourite film is White Heat, such a great film with great performances all around and a very brisk and engaging script that doesn't feel bloated or tedious at all. Every scene is important to the film, which is nearly impossible to find in a lot of other films.

I recommend this set to anyone who likes classic or modern gangster films, it is a very nice set that'll go good with the Humphrey Bogart box set. Warner Bros gets an A for packaging for this set since every disc gets their own hub unlike the Bogart set.

Agreed 100%. The Ultimate Gangster Collection: Classics set is outstanding in every regard.

You're in for a treat with The Petrified Forest, because it's a great early Bogart role.

The Petrified Forest and White Heat are my two favorites of the lot, but Little Caesar is amazing in terms of watching an early role from Edward G. Robinson, who has starred in many of my favorite film noirs. The Public Enemy is a real trip as well. The scene where Cagney rubs a grapefruit in the woman's face is unforgettable. That's no way to treat a lady.

[ShellOilJunior]

Does this photo allude to Bergman/Rosselinni?

http://instagram.com/p/sk76ckyzaE/?modal=true

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Does this photo allude to Bergman/Rosselinni?

http://instagram.com/p/sk76ckyzaE/?modal=true

I think they are just showing several stacks of essays, including the 3 Films set, with a nod to some possible future releases.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Speaking of paying extra for out-of-print items (The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Third Man, etc.)...

I've been looking for the Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics III DVD box set for months now and scanning the third party sellers once or twice a week, because that was the only one of the four Columbia Film Noir box sets that I did not own. For some reason or another, this third box set went out of print extremely quick, and the going rate on Amazon and other sites is between $200 and $300 (The MSRP of the set was roughly $50).

This past week, I spotted a "Used - Like New" copy of Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics III on sale from a third-party Amazon dealer for $99. I pounced on this deal right away. The box set arrived in the mail today, and it's in near-perfect condition.

$99 was a little rich for my blood, but, sometimes, if I'm able to do so, I don't mind paying a few extra bucks for a "holy grail" item just so I can stop thinking about the purchase at long last, and stop looking for it online. Now, my OCD tendencies are no longer thrown out of whack by seeing I, II, and IV on the shelf without III. It's good to have all four of the sets.

I'm glad you found one at a more moderate price (at least compared to ebay prices). I know you've been on the hunt for a little while now.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Speaking of paying extra for out-of-print items (The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Third Man, etc.)...

I've been looking for the Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics III DVD box set for months now and scanning the third party sellers once or twice a week, because that was the only one of the four Columbia Film Noir box sets that I did not own. For some reason or another, this third box set went out of print extremely quick, and the going rate on Amazon and other sites is between $200 and $300 (The MSRP of the set was roughly $50).

This past week, I spotted a "Used - Like New" copy of Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics III on sale from a third-party Amazon dealer for $99. I pounced on this deal right away. The box set arrived in the mail today, and it's in near-perfect condition.

$99 was a little rich for my blood, but, sometimes, if I'm able to do so, I don't mind paying a few extra bucks for a "holy grail" item just so I can stop thinking about the purchase at long last, and stop looking for it online. Now, my OCD tendencies are no longer thrown out of whack by seeing I, II, and IV on the shelf without III. It's good to have all four of the sets.

This is why I haven't bought Volume IV of the series. I know that the gap between II and IV would bug me and that gap that would be an expensive itch to scratch

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Not criterion related but classic film related. I spent the weekend watching the Ultimate Gangsters Collection and wow, these films look great on blu-Ray. I watched The Public Enemy, Little Caesar, and White Heat. I still need to watch Petrified Forest as well but not enough time. So far my favourite film is White Heat, such a great film with great performances all around and a very brisk and engaging script that doesn't feel bloated or tedious at all. Every scene is important to the film, which is nearly impossible to find in a lot of other films.

I recommend this set to anyone who likes classic or modern gangster films, it is a very nice set that'll go good with the Humphrey Bogart box set. Warner Bros gets an A for packaging for this set since every disc gets their own hub unlike the Bogart set.

good call, utlife! I've had White Heat on my wishlist for the longest time; individually it doesn't seem like it can be had for less than $13 or so.

I had a coupon and spotted a deal on the whole set which would have meant that I could have picked it up for like less than $15. God knows how I rationalized NOT buying it. I really like the WH cover art.. won't get that with the set, but it's a nice collection of films. My sister has the DVD box and we watched The Petrified Forest together. It is a solid film w/ a nice performance from Bogart. You'll enjoy it!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

had to leave last night before announcements were made. I tried The Umbrellas of Cherbourg once before in the past and I had heard that every line of the movie is sung. I watched maybe 10 minutes of it and said to myself, "what?!? every line of dialogue in this movie is sung!" point is.. I should have known better. I can barely stomach any musicals. maybe if I can get my hands on the blu-ray from the library I'll try again... maybe. probably not.

the Jeanne Moreau film, however, sounds interesting and I would definitely like to see it. for my cinematic dollar, she is the best actress (who is represented in at least a few films) in the Criterion Collection.

I posted the above comment when the Jacques Demy set was announced. Proof to myself that good discussion and an evolving open mind can cause you to do a 180:

I watched Bay of Angels and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg over the weekend. TUoC is wonderful! Loved it! The film also altered my previous conviction that Catherine Deneueve's looks were overrated. Overrated? mmmm... not so much.

I'd say that it jumps into my top 15 CC films I have seen and the transfer is top notch!

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

How did Songs from the Second Floor get mixed in with this group? I saw this at Roger Ebert's film festival a long while back. It is the type of film that you will either a) think it is absolutely stupid - ridiculous and absurd (that was my opinion) or b) think it is some kind of genius laugh riot (that was my best buddy's opinion)

It's both

oh and Late Spring > Tokyo Story

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

It's both

oh and Late Spring > Tokyo Story

I'm in this camp too. I understand why TS sticks with people more emotionally (and its probably my 2nd favorite Ozu), but in my eyes Late Spring is the better film and is Ozu's masterpiece.

[malakaheso]

I actually find Late Spring more moving too, especially in the final scenes.

I hope Criterion release more Ozu on blu-ray, particularly An Autumn Afternoon which is one of my favs.