The Criterion Collection

[jscoggins]

Don't Look Now makes much more sense than Eyes Wide Shut.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

Don't Look Now makes much more sense than Eyes Wide Shut.

Especially because Eyes Wide Shut is a Warner Bros. owned title.

[movieben1138]

There are several Criterion horror titles included in Deep Discounts current Halloween sale. I just picked up the blu-rays of THE BLOB and REPULSION for $15.91 apiece! (And, of course, 3% back into ebates.)

--Ben

[Mr. Thomsen]

Originally Posted by BLUgrass

As far as discussion, I'm kind of curious how you guys each got into the Criterion Collection. Was it because a certain film you wanted was only available via Criterion? Was it more because of the treatment the films get via special features and new transfers? Was it for a particular director or genre?

I first encountered the brand sometime back in the late 1980s where a local film magazine had an article about the Criterion laserdisc release of Blade Runner, and how it was they only way to watch the movie in the OAR. So when I finally was able to get myself a laserdisc player, around 1994-95, I knew I wanted to buy some of their releases.

For some reason I can't remember what the very first Criterion title I bought was any longer. I do know, however, that the one I looked forward to the most was their huge laserdisc box set of Terry Gilliam's BRAZIL. It was postponed for the longest time, apparently because of some rights issue, but man was it sweet when it finally arrived. It's still the most expensive movie I have ever bought.

[aes3728]

Originally Posted by movieben1138

There are several Criterion horror titles included in Deep Discounts current Halloween sale. I just picked up the blu-rays of THE BLOB and REPULSION for $15.91 apiece! (And, of course, 3% back into ebates.)

--Ben

Scanners is $16.51 as well

[rdandura]

I think I definitely want to pick up Eyes Without A Face in time for Halloween, maybe Eraserhead as well.

[Joe Dalek]

Safe to assume there won't be a flash sale this week?

[BTTF_]

Originally Posted by Joe Dalek

Safe to assume there won't be a flash sale this week?

It's looking like next week.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by BTTF_

It's looking like next week.

There is also the possibility that they may want to wait until the release of Eraserhead is fixed (if i add it to cart it says will ship October 24) but i doubt it.

[BTTF_]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

There is also the possibility that they may want to wait until the release of Eraserhead is fixed (if i add it to cart it says will ship October 24) but i doubt it.

Good call. I'm hoping not though. haha





Also, The Secret of the Grain .... any opinions? Thinking about picking it up from my local moviestop. Saw it for $12.99 on blu.

[Scottie]

Wow...Howards End was excellent. The distinction between the classes was done with such proficiency that it is truly something remarkable.

It's a shame that my copy freezes from approximately 01:52:00-02:02:00. Hopefully Criterion reacquires the rights to the Merchant Ivory catalogue as it seems like a film that I will hang on to.

Originally Posted by BTTF_

Also, The Secret of the Grain .... any opinions? Thinking about picking it up from my local moviestop. Saw it for $12.99 on blu.

It is a good film, although I prefer Blue is the Warmest Color.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Wow...Howards End was excellent. The distinction between the classes was done with such proficiency that it is truly something remarkable.

It's a shame that my copy freezes from approximately 01:52:00-02:02:00. Hopefully Criterion reacquires the rights to the Merchant Ivory catalogue as it seems like a film that I will hang on to.

I still have my copy of Howards End still sealed as its out of print now. But I've been meaning to watch this, however, I sure hope my disc doesn't freeze like yours did. Hmmm.

Glad to hear you liked the movie.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jw007

I still have my copy of Howards End still sealed as its out of print now. But I've been meaning to watch this, however, I sure hope my disc doesn't freeze like yours did. Hmmm.

Glad to hear you liked the movie.

It's possible that you own the initial pressing of it, as I do. I guess you won't know until you break open that seal.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by BTTF_

Also, The Secret of the Grain .... any opinions? Thinking about picking it up from my local moviestop. Saw it for $12.99 on blu.

Let me say this as gently as I can......BUY IT! Secret of the Grain is one of the best films in the Criterion Collection. I rank it alongside Still Walking as two examples of subdued, well written and well acted family-centered dramas that are among the true gems I have unearthed since discovering Criterion. The fact that both of them take splendid little slice-of-life stories and make them totally engrossing to someone outside of their respective cultures is what makes them especially brilliant.

Secret of the Grain does an effective job of portraying the lives of first and second generation immigrant North African families in French society. I really appreciate its textures. On the surface, it is about an older man who, having become "unprofitable" at a struggling shipyard after many years of working there, has to find a new meaning for his life so late in the game. Harnessing the support and love of those around him, he is resolved to turn what could have been a personal tragedy into the pursuit of a dream by opening a restaurant.

But beneath the surface are multiple story threads revealing a range of overt and subtle themes. The main underlying theme concerns the decay and loss of traditional community values of second and third generation immigrant youth as told through the family dynamic of the older man. It is the love of his girlfriend's daughter that gives the film its hope and promise of redemption. The last half hour is mesmerizing and suspenseful in a way that I did not expect.

The film is also a damning look at the snobbish elitism of certain elements of French society, particularly the condescending civil bureaucracy to which the man must subject himself in order to realize his dream for a new start. The labyrinth of permits and approvals he must negotiate to start a business, all the while being lectured by bureaucrats who live comfortable lives and have the power to deny while never taking any risks themselves, is a heavy weight that has a huge influence on the decisions he takes.

I think it has great rewatch value. Along with a touching story and terrific acting, it is one of the most strikingly colorful and beautifully shot movies in the Criterion Collection. This film was made to be seen on blu-ray.

[amoergosum]

Originally Posted by Oscar Rothman

or Eyes Wide Shut?

That would be fantastic!

[jw007]

I just watched PTA's The Master. Brilliant film. 2nd time watching it for me.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by BTTF_

Good call. I'm hoping not though. haha





Also, The Secret of the Grain .... any opinions? Thinking about picking it up from my local moviestop. Saw it for $12.99 on blu.

Get it. It's a great film. The lead actress (Hafsia Herzi) is a revelation. There's also a nice short film in the extras with extended music selections.

I prefer it to Blue is the Warmest Color (Although you can't go wrong with either film).

[Tin Drum]

Originally Posted by oildude

Let me say this as gently as I can......BUY IT! Secret of the Grain is one of the best films in the Criterion Collection.

[Show spoiler] I rank it alongside Still Walking as two examples of subdued, well written and well acted family-centered dramas that are among the true gems I have unearthed since discovering Criterion. The fact that both of them take splendid little slice-of-life stories and make them totally engrossing to someone outside of their respective cultures is what makes them especially brilliant.

Secret of the Grain does an effective job of portraying the lives of first and second generation immigrant North African families in French society. I really appreciate its textures. On the surface, it is about an older man who, having become "unprofitable" at a struggling shipyard after many years of working there, has to find a new meaning for his life so late in the game. Harnessing the support and love of those around him, he is resolved to turn what could have been a personal tragedy into the pursuit of a dream.

But beneath the surface are multiple story threads revealing a range of overt and subtle themes. The main underlying theme concerns the decay and loss of traditional community values of second and third generation immigrant youth as told through the family dynamic of the older man. It is the love of his girlfriend's daughter that gives the film its hope and promise of redemption. The last half hour is mesmerizing and suspenseful in a way that I did not expect.

The film is also a damning look at the snobbish elitism of certain elements of French society; particularly the condescending civil bureaucracy to which the man must subject himself in order to realize his dream for a new start. The labyrinth of permits and approvals he must negotiate to start a business, all the while being lectured by bureaucrats who live comfortable lives and have the power to deny while never taking any risks themselves, is a heavy weight that has a huge influence on the decisions he takes.

I think it has great rewatch value. Along with a touching story and terrific acting, it is one of the most strikingly colorful and beautifully shot movies in the Criterion Collection. This film was made to be seen on blu-ray.

Yes. You said it so much better than I could have.

Abdellatif Kechiche is amazing at creating tension and anticipation in films that really do not require it.

The last third of Secret of the Grain is nail-biting.

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by amoergosum

That would be fantastic!

I probably didn't "get it", like many, but this film was so disappointing for me
Especially the ending.. (I mean "Don't Look Now", not "Eyes Wide Shut")
Also, I think that the erotic scene was totally un-needed!

And I felt really bad, because I convinced a friend to watch it together, seeing all the hype about it..
Of course he didn't like it either.

Despite those, the atmosphere was quite enganging..

[BTTF_]

Originally Posted by oildude

Let me say this as gently as I can......BUY IT!

It has been purchased! Thanks very much.