The Criterion Collection

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Morpheus, I think we're probably okay.

I had the same question about my copy of Howards End, which I ordered in June 2013 from Amazon, when they offered it for 50% off. I did a lot of research (and posed the same question here in this forum), and the general consensus is that the bad copies were pressed circa 2009-2010. Unless you bought yours used, or from a retailer whose inventory turns very slowly, your copy should be good.

The transfer is not one of Criterion's best, and there's quite a bit of banding and speckling in certain parts of the film ... but from everything I've read, those minor flaws have nothing to do with the bronzing issue.

I hope that helps!

P.S. I found a discussion of this issue dating back to 2010. Here's the link:

http://www.criterionforum.org/forum/...hp?f=2&t=13376

Thanks, I'm thinking I should be ok, just trying to nip it in the bud if not.

Originally Posted by jmclick

Indeed! What's worse is that I remember routinely (and cheerfully!) shelling out $30 and $40 each ... and even as much as $70 for some titles like The Egyptian ... back in my LaserDisc-crazed youth. And, believe it or not, I thought those were bargains compared to some of the high prices they charged for VHS and Beta tapes when those formats were first introduced. The mind reels ...

yeah... I remember those days... so many $$$$ on my collection.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jw007

I just watched an awesome Werner Herzog documentary for the very first time: Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Borrowed it from the local library on DVD. It's pretty good, and pretty amazing to see human artwork from over 32,000 years ago.

Thanks for sharing jw007! Sounds like a great documentary. Just added it to my Netflix queue.

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

With all the new Criterion releases and I think it has been mentioned before but the fold outs instead of booklets is getting annoyingly bad! It is ok when the artwork etc they are presenting needs to be folded out. but to be honest I HATE unfolding one of them and most CC collectors are to anal to want to mess them up.

I hope they go back too booklets ASAP even if it is just 4-8 pages they don't need to be thick but booklet form please.

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

Beside the fact that I dislike them stylistically, I can't stand them practically! How in the HELL am I supposed to read those things? Like a newspaper is the logical thought, but even so it is really awkward for some reason. It's not a big deal but big step down in my opinion!

Agreed. I'm one of the ocd/anal people who get all upset when they are crinkled, bent, or otherwise not in mint when bought new.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by KrugerIndustrial

What are your top 3 low-priced Criterion Blu-ray's and why? I have a couple of regular releases already chosen and in the shopping cart (BIOH), but need some help on the third one. I already own Identification of a Woman and have seen Letter Never Sent.

Ministry of Fear - Great noir film... pretty much everything Great Owl said

I Married a Witch - a fun film that's whitty, charming, and didn't hurt that I watched it with my wife and she loved it.

Three Outlaw Samurai - A wonderful story, and beautifully shot. One my the first samuari films I saw. Just a great looking film.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I just finished watching my UK Blu-ray of John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a fun and emotionally-charged story that manages to pack a wealth of insight about American politics and mythology without coming across as a chore. James Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, and Lee Marvin are all perfect onscreen, and the bulk of the movie depends on their character interactions. This movie really knocks it out of the park, however, with its impressive cast of supporting actors, including film noir veteran Edmond O'Brien as a newspaper editor, Andy Devine as a town marshal, and the brilliant Woody Strode as a farmhand.

I'd love for Criterion to pick this Ford film up as a title, because the UK disc, while sporting an impressive transfer, lacks any special features.

John Ford's works have never let me down, and I'm glad that the recent discussions in this thread compelled me to move some of my Blu-ray purchases to the top of the unwatched stack.

Next up... Rio Grande.

I'd love to upgrade my dvd of Liberty Valance, and a Criterion release would just be pretty darn amazing... especially if the transfer is as good as you say it is. The film is also special to me since, as I have said before, it was one of the first 2 westerns I watched as an adult and someone who was watching film from a different point of view.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by jw007

I never really bought into the whole 3D comeback thing and I don't feel like upgrading my TV to 3D or have to buy 3D glasses or get a new blu-ray player to play 3D movies. Yes, Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams was shot in 3D and sure, Wenders' Pina was as well, but a movie is a movie and if its good, I don't need more advanced technology to appreciate it. I'm sure I'll have a different perspective, but that's about it.

I agree, if the films were bad in 2D I wouldn't feel the same way about it but I hope someday to see them in 3D the way they wrere "shot for" and see the difference. Both films are fantastic

another note - the new Tootsie blu ray makes the film a standout rather than a standard studio catalog title. Great extras and transfer. Never thought I'd be revisiting this film with enthusiasm let alone own it but its an excellent release

[lukejosephchung]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

I'd love to upgrade my dvd of Liberty Valance, and a Criterion release would just be pretty darn amazing... especially if the transfer is as good as you say it is. The film is also special to me since, as I have said before, it was one of the first 2 westerns I watched as an adult and someone who was watching film from a different point of view.

"Liberty Valence" is unlike to be released on Criterion as the licensing rights are part of Paramount's catalog distribution deal with Warner...

[Scottie]

I don't care who releases it at this point, but we definitely need The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance on Blu-ray. One of my favorite John Ford films!

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I don't care who releases it at this point, but we definitely need The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance on Blu-ray. One of my favorite John Ford films!

I believe the UK blu release is region free (and pretty cheap right now at Amazon UK).

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

There is only one Zatoichi which allows you to have a better sense of the character unlike the many Bonds.

Which Zatoichi film allows you to have a better sense of his character? It's been a few months since I watched the last Zatoichi film in the Criterion set, but I recall more than one of the films giving some insight into the character. Although, it is never explicitly stated how he became blind and his childhood is only briefly covered from what I recall. So, I agree with you that the Bond films provide more details about the type of person Bond is and his past history. I like both characters. I just like Zatoichi more.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I think what Roninblues is getting at is your comment (that he bolded) "Yes, Herzog's Cave of Forgotten Dreams was shot in 3D and sure, Wenders' Pina was as well, but a movie is a movie and if its good, I don't need more advanced technology to appreciate it." It's completely fair to argue that if Herzog shot Cave of Forgotten Dreams in 3D, then he meant you to see it in 3D, and seeing it in 2D can be argued to be the same as watching Lawrence of Arabia in pan-&-scan or The Red Shoes in black-&-white.

The thing about most 3D movies is that they aren't shot in 3D, but in 2D, with the 3D effects post-processed. And while I will try to see a film released in 3D at the theater in 3D, I don't mind watching it at home in 2D. But seeing Avatar or Gravity in 2D...well, they just lose something, and it's like seeing them in a substandard video format.

To this day, I regret not having gotten to the theater to see Life of Pi in 3D.

That said, I'm more on your side than Roninblues, because each of us has a threshold for what is acceptable and what isn't when it comes to watching film. But I still think his point was fair.

I've been doing some research on health studies on 3D movies and apparently its a health risk to one's eyes. Personally, I actually think watching films this way is DANGEROUS to human health and no, its not just from being sedentary (that alone is enough to cause disease) but having to re-focus one's eyes and brain on a different way of seeing things (dare I say, cross-eye risks could occur?).

I don't care if directors meant for me to watch their films in 3D format, because if its harmful to human eyesight, I won't even take that chance in the first place.

In France, they've called for a ban on this technology because it damages children's development! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...-eyesight.html

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

Which Zatoichi film allows you to have a better sense of his character? It's been a few months since I watched the last Zatoichi film in the Criterion set, but I recall more than one of the films giving some insight into the character. Although, it is never explicitly stated how he became blind and his childhood is only briefly covered from what I recall. So, I agree with you that the Bond films provide more details about the type of person Bond is and his past history. I like both characters. I just like Zatoichi more.

I think Ronin means "There is only one actor playing Zatoichi, ..."

[blu-bry]

Originally Posted by Meek12345

Zatiochi is definitely my favorite blind buy of all time. The content and packaging make it the best title Criterion has ever released in my humble opinion. I still haven't seen at least 33% of Criterion's titles though.



I agree with you about the first Zatoichi film. The series doesn't really find its footing until #3 with the switch from b&w to color. The balance between plot development and action scenes is much better by the third film. The series gets better with each film until #16 Zatoichi the Outlaw with the exception of #13 Zatoichi's Vengeance. With #16 the violence starts to become more over-the-top and occasionally gruesome as you will see in #24 Zatoichi in Desperation, which is a bleak grindhouse entry directed by Katsu. Even though I believe there is a small dip in quality starting with #16, one of my favorite Zatoichi films is #21 Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival. #21 is considered a fan favorite, and the main villain is an interesting foil for Zatoichi as he is also blind.

Although I don't think that all 25 films are great, I don't think any of them are bad or unwatchable. Here is my top 10 list for the series in no particular order:

Zatoichi #1-4
Zatoichi's Flashing Sword #7
Adventures of Zatoichi #9
Zatoichi and the Chess Expert #12
Zatoichi's Cane Sword #15
Zatoichi Challenged #17
Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival #21

Zatoichi #15 is also considered a fan favorite. Zatoichi is told that his sword can only hit or be hit a few more times before it shatters. So, he spends the whole film avoiding confrontation more than usual because he loves and needs that sword.

I was just thinking the other day that I love this series more than the Bond series. I have a soft spot for Bond films because I grew up with them like most people here probably did. Bond is a good character, but I find Zatoichi more likeable. There is a slight similarity in the formulas between both series: There is a main bad guy that has to be defeated and usually two "girls" to represent all that is good or bad in the world. The bad guy is usually defeated. Zatoichi rarely sleeps with or is romantically interested in the girls though.

One last note: I like Beat Takeshi, but the 2003 Zatoichi film is horrible. Well, if you look at it as a Zatoichi film it is horrible. Zatoichi is nothing like himself in that film from what I recall. Maybe I should give it another try some day.

Hopefully, The Great Owl and Polaroid will also give you their two cents. I think blu-bry may chime in also. I hope my longwinded post helps you somewhat.

I agree with the bulk of this post. In general I found the series went downhill toward the last third of the films, but there were no real bad ones, just a few clunky characteristics that started rearing their head (over the top humor and gore). Thanks for the detailed post!

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I believe the UK blu release is region free (and pretty cheap right now at Amazon UK).

With my luck, it will be announced next week if I order it.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I don't care who releases it at this point, but we definitely need The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance on Blu-ray. One of my favorite John Ford films!

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I believe the UK blu release is region free (and pretty cheap right now at Amazon UK).

If I remember correctly, I bought my region free UK Blu-ray of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance for roughly $10, including shipping, several months ago. The transfer looks really good, and, for the low price, I'll give a pass to the lack of extras.

I'll gladly double-dip if Criterion or a comparable studio were to pick up the title, though.

[jw007]

I ended up buying Les Blank: Always for Pleasure for $40 and change (normally $125) today at a Barnes & Noble store.

This is a box set I normally wouldn't buy but I've been watching so many good documentary films lately, I felt compelled to go for it. I saved a ton of money because it was already 40% off, plus I had a 30% coupon, plus a 10% member discount but $10 of store credit from a return (I forgot to bring my B&N $10 holiday gift card the company sent me and I would have had it for $30!).

If anyone else knows anything about this one, or has interest, let me know?

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by RojD

Design for Living is on par with Trouble in Paradise as my favorite Lubitsch, and maybe a step ahead. It is way smarter (and funnier) than most romcoms. You won't regret the money.

I ordered Design for Living during Criterion's 50% Off day last February, and have been sitting on the Blu-ray since then. I really should watch it at long last during the holidays if I have a chance. I had so much fun with To Be or Not to Be that I cannot imagine this one letting me down.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by jw007

I've been doing some research on health studies on 3D movies and apparently its a health risk to one's eyes. Personally, I actually think watching films this way is DANGEROUS to human health and no, its not just from being sedentary (that alone is enough to cause disease) but having to re-focus one's eyes and brain on a different way of seeing things (dare I say, cross-eye risks could occur?).

I don't care if directors meant for me to watch their films in 3D format, because if its harmful to human eyesight, I won't even take that chance in the first place.

In France, they've called for a ban on this technology because it damages children's development! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...-eyesight.html

A quote from the article you linked to:

However, Professor Banks [Martin Banks, Professor of vision science at the University of California at Berkeley -- jmb] says there is no existing evidence to prove that adverse effects from watching 3D films cause permanent damage to humans’ eyesight.

‘On that basis.it seems rash to recommend these age-related bans and restrictions,’ he said.

That article, in turn, links to an article in New Scientist by Prof. Banks, which says:

So is its recommendation reasonable? Not if it's based on existing evidence. Crucially, the agency's report is unclear about what exactly this "pioneering analysis" is. However, what is clear is that there is no published research, new or old, showing evidence of adverse effects from watching 3D content other than the short-term discomfort that can be experienced by children and adults alike. Despite several years of people viewing 3D content, there are no reports of long-term adverse effects at any age. On that basis alone, it seems rash to recommend these age-related bans and restrictions.

and

When vergence and accommodation distances differ in this way a conflict occurs. This is known to cause discomfort, more in some people than in others (Journal of Vision, DOI: 10/cq7h22). I know of no data, however, that show that this has long-term effects on vision. It seems that the discomfort dissipates when you stop viewing 3D content. Interestingly, the discomfort is known to be greater in adolescents and young adults than in middle-aged and elderly adults (Optometry and Vision Science, DOI: 10/xcf).

Admittedly, health risks are always possible with the introduction of new technologies and it is prudent to look carefully for adverse effects. We might not know all of the consequences of 3D technology for viewers of different ages, but there is no "smoking gun" to suggest harm is being caused. A ban for young children would be unnecessarily harsh.

Me, I've never felt any discomfort whatsoever, even temporary, from watching any 3D movies.

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by blu-bry

I think Ronin means "There is only one actor playing Zatoichi, ..."

Well, that is embarrassing. I read Ronin's post too quickly before I responded or I need to work on my reading comprehension. Thanks for the replies blu-bry!

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by jw007

I ended up buying Les Blank: Always for Pleasure for $40 and change (normally $125) today at a Barnes & Noble store.

This is a box set I normally wouldn't buy but I've been watching so many good documentary films lately, I felt compelled to go for it. I saved a ton of money because it was already 40% off, plus I had a 30% coupon, plus a 10% member discount but $10 of store credit from a return (I forgot to bring my B&N $10 holiday gift card the company sent me and I would have had it for $30!).

If anyone else knows anything about this one, or has interest, let me know?

Well, I wonder when Pro-b's review of the set will show up? There is a wonderful review of the set on dvdtalk:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/65363...asure/?___rd=1
I haven't watched that many documentaries, but I really enjoyed Blank's Burden of Dreams. So, I plan to buy Always for Pleasure during the next Criterion flash sale, which I'm guessing will be on the last Tuesday of February. I just recently picked up Hulu, so hopefully I will be able to watch most of the films in the set before the next sale. I guess I will start with the film that is first chronologically, The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins, if it is available on Hulu.

I hope you will enjoy your purchase. I believe this set is probably a great deal for $40.

[ShellOilJunior]

The Cleveland Cinematheque is screening the Hiroshima mon amour restoration in February. You may ask why I am posting this as other places have shown it already. It says in my schedule it will be shown on blu-ray.

I just emailed the cinematheque asking them if they are showing the forthcoming Criterion disc.