The Criterion Collection

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by chidecki

Has Criterion ever thought about possibly releasing a Marx Brothers movie? Specifically, Duck Soup? I'd be all over that!

They actually did release A Night at the Opera back in the laserdisc days. At this year's Wexner talk, they mentioned that they wished they could get it back for BD/DVD release, but it didn't sound likely. None of the Warner-owned titles seem likely.

Duck Soup and the other four pre-ANatO films are owned by Universal, which Criterion has a good relationship with, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. The question is whether or not Universal has plans of their own for them.

[chidecki]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I think they were asked about A Night at the Opera and replied: We wish!

I'd be all over a Marx Brothers blu-ray set from anyone at this point.

I wonder if it's an issue with whoever owns the rights. If so, you'd think they would relish somebody like Criterion to do a bang-up job, i.e. the Charlie Chaplin movies.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I don't personally think of Breathless as particularly inaccessible, but I can kind of understand why some might not be on board with it, especially if it's their first encounter with Godard. The film's mid-section in the apartment can alienate some, especially if they're not attuned to his style.

I think PLF is Godard at his most playful, at least when it comes to the early run. Story-wise it's probably of greater appeal to the casual viewer than the other "fun" films from this era, like A Woman Is A Woman.

Breathless was the first Godard film that I saw, at age 16, and it quite literally changed the way I think about cinema, and is the film responsible for my whole career path and whatnot. It was also the first Godard film I showed my wife, who's no cinephile, and she really fell for it, and Godard's 60s work in general (so much so that she walked down the aisle to the main theme from Le Mepris), so it's certainly an accessible movie.

Breathless was my first Godard, too. When I saw it, I had probably seen less than 20 foreign language films in my life, so I wasn’t too film literate at the time. Nevertheless, I really liked the long scene in the apartment. I can agree with you, though, when you say that some may not take to that scene very well. My other theory, which I’ve stated here before, is that people might be turned off by some of the jump cuts early in the film as they seem too arbitrary.

I want to show my wife Godard, too. She, like your wife, is no cinephile. Godard’s early 60’s playful vibe can be a lot of fun and I’m thinking she might like Breathless. Will have to just take the chance and see what happens!

[chidecki]

Originally Posted by jayembee

They actually did release A Night at the Opera back in the laserdisc days. At this year's Wexner talk, they mentioned that they wished they could get it back for BD/DVD release, but it didn't sound likely. None of the Warner-owned titles seem likely.

Duck Soup and the other four pre-ANatO films are owned by Universal, which Criterion has a good relationship with, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. The question is whether or not Universal has plans of their own for them.

Heck, if Criterion can work with MGM on a comedy like It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and do a fantastic job of it, they can sway Universal on their Marx Bros catalog. Just hopeing...

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I want to show my wife Godard, too. She, like your wife, is no cinephile. Godard’s early 60’s playful vibe can be a lot of fun and I’m thinking she might like Breathless. Will have to just take the chance and see what happens!

My wife is a bit of a fashionista, so was familiar with Godard without actually knowing. In the mid-2000s over here there was a resurgence of interest in the New York Herald Tribune t-shirt that Jean Seberg wears in the movie, so she was all over that, while a designer also used an image of Karina and Belmondo on a tote bag. It's an unorthodox introduction to his work, but hey, it worked!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

My wife is a bit of a fashionista, so was familiar with Godard without actually knowing. In the mid-2000s over here there was a resurgence of interest in the New York Herald Tribune t-shirt that Jean Seberg wears in the movie, so she was all over that, while a designer also used an image of Karina and Belmondo on a tote bag. It's an unorthodox introduction to his work, but hey, it worked!

that's funny. I actually found myself looking for that shirt for her not long ago, although I figured it'd be more for me (look how cool my wife is!) than for her.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by chidecki

I wonder if it's an issue with whoever owns the rights. If so, you'd think they would relish somebody like Criterion to do a bang-up job, i.e. the Charlie Chaplin movies.

Yes, it is an issue with whoever owns the rights. Warner Bros. owns all of the Marx Brothers films from A Night at the Opera onward (except for Love Happy, which is, oddly enough, the only one of the MB films out on Blu-ray). Warner is notorious for not wanting to let anyone else play with their toys.

(Yes, yes, Warner has licensed out a couple of titles, but those are special cases. And while Criterion has said that they are licensing some pre-code titles from Warner, I'm waiting until they actually get announced before I'll believe that Warner has finally removed the stick out of their ass).

[Helikaon]

If they keep up with these fold out leaflets I might just wallpaper a room with them.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

that's funny. I actually found myself looking for that shirt for her not long ago, although I figured it'd be more for me (look how cool my wife is!) than for her.

Rodarte, the fashion house did one a few years ago, but it's extortionately priced (over £100!). I think you can get cheaper versions off of sites like eBay.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Malickfan86

I apologize if this has been posted before, but its difficult to navigate through 5711 pages to check.

I pre-ordered La Dolce Vita on Blu-ray through Best Buy. I got an email confirmation after ordering it but the release date came and went without any communication. Now it appears to be sold out.

La Dolce Vita (Blu-ray) on Best Buy Canada

I called them and was told that more will be coming in but they don't know when. It's not a clearance item.

Does anyone know if this is an issue with the Canadian distributor or with Best Buy Canada? Has anyone experienced this previously? Any idea when I will be receiving it?

I pre-ordered it because it was a great price compared to other Canadian retailers, including Amazon. I thought the point of a pre-order is to guarantee my copy. Now Best Buy seems incredibly unhelpful.

I can't imagine something similar happening to one of their committed gamer customers. If they were cheated out of their pre-order, there would be a lot of anger.

my advice: cancel the "pre-order" which is now a post order and buy it somewhere else. there are 9000 online retailers other than Best Buy and I'd bet that a good number of them have a better price.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

More directly you could pair it with Yoji Yamada's Tokyo Family (which gets pretty mixed reactions, though I quite enjoy it).

Have you seen Late Spring?

I have not! I will take a look at that film too.

I should add that Tokyo Story gave me a melancholic feel in the pit of my stomach...it made me think about my parents and family and how people need to listen and appreciate to them while they're still alive. This is a good film for people who take people for granted, especially parents. I had just watched The Tree of Life days earlier and it has a similar theme of parenting and children and that quote from that film is still is with me to this day (when Jessica Chastain's character says "Unless you love, your life will flash by"). This can be applied to this film too.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

I have not! I will take a look at that film too.

I should add that Tokyo Story gave me a melancholic feel in the pit of my stomach...it made me think about my parents and family and how people need to listen and appreciate to them while they're still alive. This is a good film for people who take people for granted, especially parents. I had just watched The Tree of Life days earlier and it has a similar theme of parenting and children and that quote from that film is still is with me to this day (when Jessica Chastain's character says "Unless you love, your life will flash by"). This can be applied to this film too.

The Tree of Life is divine. I can't see who people can hate it. It full of beauty and explores so many themes throughout life. Jessica Chastain was perfect for the role of mother and was os beautiful and natural - I loved the contrast between her and Brad Pitts character and it really showed in the son and the conflicts he faced.

I adore the voice overs, especially Jessica Chastain's, so many beautiful lines. I love the one you quoted as well and it fitted so well with the visuals.

My god its an incredible film, need to watch it later!

Tree of Life: on love - YouTube

May be spoilerish - but had to share! Its such an incredible sequence, the music is so beautiful.

Another incredible sequence - this is at end of film so if you don't want spoilers then don't watch :P

The Tree of Life - Eternity - YouTube

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jw007

A mini review...

I just finished watching my Criterion edition of Tokyo Story. I enjoyed this movie for its humility and values. What a beautiful story... and I had this uncanny feeling at times of feeling "boxed in" or claustrophobic from the "cubist"esque set design as I was grasping for oxygen (no wonder the cover art evokes that "box" theme). I can see how Hirokazu Koreeda's Still Walking was directly influenced and inspired by this film. I can't think of any more appropriate double feature than both of these films back to back with Tokyo Story being watched first.

I feel like this is an essential film to watch and probably to own as well.

I'm glad to hear that Tokyo Story has the same effect on others as it did on me. I truly cannot think of a more reflexive film.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by jw007

I have not! I will take a look at that film too.

I should add that Tokyo Story gave me a melancholic feel in the pit of my stomach...it made me think about my parents and family and how people need to listen and appreciate to them while they're still alive. This is a good film for people who take people for granted, especially parents. I had just watched The Tree of Life days earlier and it has a similar theme of parenting and children and that quote from that film is still is with me to this day (when Jessica Chastain's character says "Unless you love, your life will flash by"). This can be applied to this film too.

I rewatched Late Spring last night, it's my favourite Ozu.

[CPinheiro]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

The Tree of Life is divine. I can't see who people can hate it.

Couldnt agree more. One of the most beautiful movies I've seen and the universe sequence/zbigniew preisner's lacrimosa is perfect.

[bwdowiak]

I’ve got the dual format DVDs for Tokyo Story at home with the new transfer, so I’m looking forward to giving it a second watch some time soon. And I have yet to get around to it, but I think I’m ready to see Tree of Life again.

I did not have the same experience that many say that they have had with Tokyo Story. Nearly every day of my life, I lament the fact that life’s demands keep me from spending more time with loved ones, so the gut check response didn’t happen for me. Like I said, looking forward to seeing it again and looking forward to more Ozu in general, but I had about zero emotional response to it.

As for Tree of Life, my opinions have been well documented in this thread and on this site. I am, however, ready to enjoy this film and I think that I will during the second watch. Besides, there is another oft-mentioned film that is infinitely more pretentious, but I’ll keep my mouth shut about which one.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by Malickfan86

I apologize if this has been posted before, but its difficult to navigate through 5711 pages to check.

I pre-ordered La Dolce Vita on Blu-ray through Best Buy. I got an email confirmation after ordering it but the release date came and went without any communication. Now it appears to be sold out.

La Dolce Vita (Blu-ray) on Best Buy Canada

I called them and was told that more will be coming in but they don't know when. It's not a clearance item.

Does anyone know if this is an issue with the Canadian distributor or with Best Buy Canada? Has anyone experienced this previously? Any idea when I will be receiving it?

I pre-ordered it because it was a great price compared to other Canadian retailers, including Amazon. I thought the point of a pre-order is to guarantee my copy. Now Best Buy seems incredibly unhelpful.

I can't imagine something similar happening to one of their committed gamer customers. If they were cheated out of their pre-order, there would be a lot of anger.

I think you can submit to Amazon that the price is lower elsewhere, but it might only be for pre-orders. Amazon Canada's stock says 3-5 weeks for shipping, so I think there's probably a stock issue, country wide. Chapters-Indigo is 1-3 weeks as well. Future Shop is the same as Best Buy, because they are Best Buy.

At this point, I'd wait for the B&N sale.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

As for Tree of Life, my opinions have been well documented in this thread and on this site. I am, however, ready to enjoy this film and I think that I will during the second watch. Besides, there is another oft-mentioned film that is infinitely more pretentious, but I’ll keep my mouth shut about which one.

I don't see how people find The Tree of Life pretentious? What film are you talking about though?

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I don't see how people find The Tree of Life pretentious?

I know, Polaroid. We had this discussion in the spring.

[Polaroid]

Im dying to see TTOL in the cinema again, was phenomenal - The creation sequence was mind blowing on the big screen with proper sound system!