The Criterion Collection

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Just a friendly heads up to Criterion fans in the United States. If you've ever debated about whether or not to add Make Way for Tomorrow to your collections, you'll have the opportunity to "pre-screen" it on TCM twice this month. It's showing on Monday, December 8 at 7:15 AM CT and again on Monday, December 15 at 5:15 PM CT. Enjoy!

Thanks for the reminder! TCM aired Make Way for Tomorrow earlier this year and I DVR'ed it, but ended up deleting it instead of watching it. I'm somewhat afraid or nervous about watching it since that one line review from Orson Welles was posted here a while back. Welles said something about how MWFT could make a stone cry right? I don't know if I can handle a movie that heavy right now. I will probably end up in the fetal position crying by the end. Maybe I should be brave and finally give it a try or watch a comedy before and after it to soften the blow.

Also, Hey Pro-B! When will the review of the Les Blank set be put up? I look forward to reading your review. DVD Talk gave the set their DVD Talk Collector's Series stamp of approval. (Content, Video, Audio, and Special Features all received 5 out of 5 stars) They are saying that it is one of the top releases of this year. Has anyone here watched some or all of the blu release yet? I would like to know what people here think of the set. I intend to pick it up during the next Criterion flash sale in February. The content of the set looks really interesting to me, but I really need to watch some of the films on Hulu or youtube soon so it won't be a blind buy

[*DrStrangelove*]

My order from BN of Red River and Ace in The Hole arrived today. Surprisingly, there where no damage to the cases. Now I just need L'avventura and My Darling Clementine to arrive. Funny thou, I ordered L'avventura before any of the others and it's the last to get here.

[Blu-Velvet]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Just a friendly heads up to Criterion fans in the United States. If you've ever debated about whether or not to add Make Way for Tomorrow to your collections, you'll have the opportunity to "pre-screen" it on TCM twice this month. It's showing on Monday, December 8 at 7:15 AM CT and again on Monday, December 15 at 5:15 PM CT. Enjoy!

Excellent movie that deserves a Blu-ray upgrade from Criterion. I have the MoC region B Blu-ray, which looks great, and the film is both riveting and devastating, and all-too-timely today, with a strong ensemble cast led by the great Thomas Mitchell, often strongly reminiscent of TOKYO STORY over 15 years later.

[Wizard-of-Wars]

Finally got my replacement for ANTICHRIST.
I can't wait to finally watch this film.

Any opions on it???

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

I'm somewhat afraid or nervous about watching it since that one line review from Orson Welles was posted here a while back. Welles said something about how MWFT could make a stone cry right? I don't know if I can handle a movie that heavy right now. I will probably end up in the fetal position crying by the end.

The film is not some harrowing experience if that's what you're worried about. All the characters are well-rounded and likeable, and the sentinemality is almost always encased in a sheath of gentle observational humor and while the film will likely have you swallowing a lump or two, it never gets so unbearably tragic that it's difficult to watch (for comparison, Grave of The Fireflies is a film I loved, but can never watch it again).
If you can play region B discs you would do well to import from Eureka a Leo McCarey double bill of this one and Ruggles of Red Gap - if you like comedies of manners the latter is most assuredly a great antidote for a downer mood.

[SuperFlyHighGuy]

Wow B&N needs to work on their customer service. Went to exchange the re-shrinkwrapped Qatsi Trilogy I got in the mail, and the clerk had the nerve to argue with me that I had to pay the difference between the price I got it for online and the price at the store. She insisted I pay $53 to exchange it, and right before the point she could tell I was going to lose it, she called a manager to "explain to me the exchange policies". The manager came and told her she was wrong and quickly gave me the new box set. I quickly left the store to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.

Regardless, watched Koyaanisqatsi tonight with my girlfriend who had never seen it. All my hesitation and irritation about the aspect ratio difference was moot after watching it on my 50" tv (only ever seen the IRE DVD before). Criterion has outdone themselves with this release; the image and sound is phenomenal. This is one of the most incredible films I've ever seen, an absolutely mind-blowing experience. I wanted to hug my AV center afterwards. Instead I hugged my girlfriend as she thanked me for the experience, she said she has never experienced such a moving film. Kudos, Criterion and of course the filmmakers.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Wizard-of-Wars

Finally got my replacement for ANTICHRIST.
I can't wait to finally watch this film.

Any opions on it???

One of my all time favourite films.

Juts sit back and enjoy one of the best emotional draining films out there, for me it is a dar fairy tale and very well crafted, from the eery soundtrack to the beautiful cinematography. I find Charlotte Gainsbourg gives a performance on the same level as Isabelle Adjani in Possession*, she is mesmerising to watch, people hate her cause she's not 'attractive' like all those fakes, but Lars crafts real women in his films, he doesn't use load of make up to lie to the audience, its so honest and real.

But expect to be shocked at times and feel emotional drained, there are also moments that are very heartbreaking to watch.

I also adore the dialogue in this film, and themes they discuss and portray.

* This film makes the PERFECT companion film to Antichrist, so check it out ASAP! (and don't judge by the trailer, the trailer is very poor and completely changes the how the film comes across), the performance in Possession by the lead is terrifying.

Originally Posted by SuperFlyHighGuy

Wow B&N needs to work on their customer service. Went to exchange the re-shrinkwrapped Qatsi Trilogy I got in the mail, and the clerk had the nerve to argue with me that I had to pay the difference between the price I got it for online and the price at the store. She insisted I pay $53 to exchange it, and right before the point she could tell I was going to lose it, she called a manager to "explain to me the exchange policies". The manager came and told her she was wrong and quickly gave me the new box set. I quickly left the store to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.

Regardless, watched Koyaanisqatsi tonight with my girlfriend who had never seen it. All my hesitation and irritation about the aspect ratio difference was moot after watching it on my 50" tv (only ever seen the IRE DVD before). Criterion has outdone themselves with this release; the image and sound is phenomenal. This is one of the most incredible films I've ever seen, an absolutely mind-blowing experience. I wanted to hug my AV center afterwards. Instead I hugged my girlfriend as she thanked me for the experience, she said she has never experienced such a moving film. Kudos, Criterion and of course the filmmakers.

I was bugged about the ratio, but the presentation by Criterion is how the director had wanted it, he only had it cropped before due to the limits of TVs at the time of release I believe. I still prefer the original, you have more imagery on the screen and some shots lose that wow factor in the new aspect ratio.

I'd have loved if they had included both - If you are a fan of Koyaanisqatsi and have only seen the Criterion version, I do recommend you dig out the IRE version (you'll need to find online as you can't buy it). The cropped is the better version.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by *DrStrangelove*

My order from BN of Red River and Ace in The Hole arrived today. Surprisingly, there where no damage to the cases. Now I just need L'avventura and My Darling Clementine to arrive. Funny thou, I ordered L'avventura before any of the others and it's the last to get here.

That seems to be the trend this year. I'm still waiting for 3 titles that shipped out prior to the 7 I received on Monday. The Post Mistress is now keeping her eye out for them.

Originally Posted by SuperFlyHighGuy

Wow B&N needs to work on their customer service. Went to exchange the re-shrinkwrapped Qatsi Trilogy I got in the mail, and the clerk had the nerve to argue with me that I had to pay the difference between the price I got it for online and the price at the store. She insisted I pay $53 to exchange it, and right before the point she could tell I was going to lose it, she called a manager to "explain to me the exchange policies". The manager came and told her she was wrong and quickly gave me the new box set. I quickly left the store to avoid an unpleasant confrontation.

This isn't just a CS problem with B&N. It's a CS problem in all stores. FS/BB used to be especially bad here in Canada. They tried to tell me when my MP3 player went faulty in 2008, that I couldn't exchange it for one of the same brand and price "because the price of MP3 players has dropped, so you need to get this uber cheap player with 2/3 less disc capacity in another brand." I ended up calling head office and complaining, and got my MP3 player exchanged with the more expensive one. I also had to pay an extra 10 bucks for the installation disc because I didn't have mine on me (it was in NS, I was in ON), and I also didn't get the crappy headphones because I also didn't have those. I didn't give a shit about the headphones, and I could have gone back and got my 10 bucks back if I returned the old installation disc to Future Shop, and I just didn't want to argue with them. If anyone lives in London, ON, please tell me the North London store up by the Walmart Supercentre has improved their customer service.

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by ravenus

The film is not some harrowing experience if that's what you're worried about. All the characters are well-rounded and likeable, and the sentinemality is almost always encased in a sheath of gentle observational humor and while the film will likely have you swallowing a lump or two, it never gets so unbearably tragic that it's difficult to watch (for comparison, Grave of The Fireflies is a film I loved, but can never watch it again).
If you can play region B discs you would do well to import from Eureka a Leo McCarey double bill of this one and Ruggles of Red Gap - if you like comedies of manners the latter is most assuredly a great antidote for a downer mood.

Ok, I will definitely watch Make Way for Tomorrow soon. I have watched Grave of the Fireflies, and it is one of the most depressing and emotionally exhausting films I have ever seen. I don't think I can watch that one again either, although it is a good film. Thanks for letting me know that MWFT isn't as heavy as I thought based on previous comments.

By the way, Kenji Mizoguchi gets my vote for directing the most depressing films I have seen from any director in the Criterion Collection. I barely made it through The Life of Oharu and Sansho the Bailiff as all of the tragic events kept piling up with no light at the end of the tunnel for any of the characters. Ugetsu was somewhat less unbearably tragic and I hope it receives a blu upgrade soon.

[ravenus]

I saw Robert Siodmak's 1946 film of The Killers on a borrowed CC DVD. While my preference is still for the Don Siegel version from '64, mainly on account of that I find it more interesting that Lee Marvin's asassin is troubled by his victim's refusal to escape, rather than the device of the insurance investigator. But this one is damn good too, with a stunning Ava Gardner and beautiful chiaroscuro visuals. Have the arrow BD of the Siegel film and will probably also plump for Arrow's soon to be out release of the Siodmak film.

[spargs]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I saw Robert Siodmak's 1946 film of The Killers on a borrowed CC DVD. While my preference is still for the Don Siegel version from '64, mainly on account of that I find it more interesting that Lee Marvin's asassin is troubled by his victim's refusal to escape, rather than the device of the insurance investigator. But this one is damn good too, with a stunning Ava Gardner and beautiful chiaroscuro visuals. Have the arrow BD of the Siegel film and will probably also plump for Arrow's soon to be out release of the Siodmak film.

It's a great film. I've been holding off on buying the Criterion DVD in hopes that it gets upgraded.

[lordmorpheus72]

Had great BN 50% sale purchases this November, but did take advantage of the Cyber Monday deals. I did use 5 of the 30% off coupons they emailed me. I got the email 3 times and then realized they took as many as you had and so printed a few more. All-in-all I picked up 5 myself and my wife, I think, bought me 4. The ones I bought, and therefore know of, are:

My Darling Clementine
Bottle Rocket
3:10 to Yuma
It Happened One Night
L’avventura

With four more that my wife bought for me, it's going to be a great Christmas break! I don't see me getting much done over the break.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I saw Robert Siodmak's 1946 film of The Killers on a borrowed CC DVD. While my preference is still for the Don Siegel version from '64, mainly on account of that I find it more interesting that Lee Marvin's asassin is troubled by his victim's refusal to escape, rather than the device of the insurance investigator. But this one is damn good too, with a stunning Ava Gardner and beautiful chiaroscuro visuals. Have the arrow BD of the Siegel film and will probably also plump for Arrow's soon to be out release of the Siodmak film.

I broke down last year and bought the Criterion DVD set with both films. My preferences are strong for the 1946 version, because I like how it interprets the Ernest Hemingway short story and because I think that Ava Gardner and Burt Lancaster are perfect. The 1964 version is a keeper, though, because of its great cast.

It's probably just a matter of time before Criterion upgrades these two. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by ravenus

I saw Robert Siodmak's 1946 film of The Killers on a borrowed CC DVD. While my preference is still for the Don Siegel version from '64, mainly on account of that I find it more interesting that Lee Marvin's asassin is troubled by his victim's refusal to escape, rather than the device of the insurance investigator. But this one is damn good too, with a stunning Ava Gardner and beautiful chiaroscuro visuals. Have the arrow BD of the Siegel film and will probably also plump for Arrow's soon to be out release of the Siodmak film.

Was hoping for an upgrade as well, but ended up buying the DVD earlier this year. Very happy with the set, but still hoping for getting both on a nice blu-ray set in the near future.

[Polaroid]

http://www.criterion.com/current/pos...terion-designs

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by soarinsteven

I watched In Realm of the Senses for the first time last night, and I thought Nymphomaniac and Shortbus were graphic!

I thought it was pretty good, and better than Nymphomaniac though both have very different tones and styles. Kind of amazing this was made in 1976, and I will admit I really know nothing about the production and initial release of the film, and how it was even able to get made! I love it though that the film is about sexual obsession, and filmmakers go all in. Deciding to show it in great detail (including some kinky sex acts most movies wouldn't even suggest) instead of tip-toeing around it, and having to do strategic blocking and what not is admirable.

I Netflixed the blu-ray, and my god, the transfer on this is immaculate. Probably won't be adding this to my wishlist, but I'm glad I watched it once.

I Got on the realm of senses from the library and was blown away. It was so well done. Love to see an upgrade to this and his other moves

Originally Posted by *DrStrangelove*

My order from BN of Red River and Ace in The Hole arrived today. Surprisingly, there where no damage to the cases. Now I just need L'avventura and My Darling Clementine to arrive. Funny thou, I ordered L'avventura before any of the others and it's the last to get here.

I ordered the cabinet of dr caligari from the site cause it wasn't in the store and it said ship date was December 2nd when I ordered about November 25. I Went in later for my last criterion sale movies and it was sitting on the shelf all without slips.

Originally Posted by willtopower

What are the chances the titles Haxan and Vampyr will receive a blu ray release in the near future? I'd love to pick these up, but wondering if it'd be better to wait.

I haven't heard anything but vampyr was listed as unavailable on criterion site a few weeks ago then came back.

[Slap-Happy]

Does anyone have trouble playing Criterion Collection titles on Xbox One? My disc drive can't seem to read a lot of their discs.

[Disturbed Blu 1]

When does Criterion normally have their flash sales? Does this apply to everything on their website, including posters and shirts?

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I was bugged about the ratio, but the presentation by Criterion is how the director had wanted it, he only had it cropped before due to the limits of TVs at the time of release I believe. I still prefer the original, you have more imagery on the screen and some shots lose that wow factor in the new aspect ratio.

I'd have loved if they had included both - If you are a fan of Koyaanisqatsi and have only seen the Criterion version, I do recommend you dig out the IRE version (you'll need to find online as you can't buy it). The cropped is the better version.

Huh, I was never aware the Criterion version was cropped. I don't buy DVDs anymore but maybe at some point down the line I will since I love the film so much.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

Huh, I was never aware the Criterion version was cropped. I don't buy DVDs anymore but maybe at some point down the line I will since I love the film so much.

Ah I think I got muddled up lol, Criterions is cropped to widescreen sorry lol the IRE release which is pretty hard to buy on disc is the fullscreen version (I'm useless with ratios lol).

I meant to type uncropped in soem of those lol >.< My brain mush at the moment!