The Criterion Collection

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

I see what you're saying there and some of the themes and truths are generation crossing, but I still think some of the younger generation may not be able to fully appreciate the relationships in the film. But then again, with all the bullying, and all the suicides becuase of that, they might well grasp it too well.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still fondly remember seeing it in the theater with my late mother. I so enjoyed it, so did she.

The reason that I think it is very much a film of its time has more to do with audiences having trouble connecting with films that just outside of their lifetimes. If it's some sword and sandals flick like Gladiator, it's "cool." If it's a movie set in an era that's like 10 years outside yours, it can be more difficult.

But yeah, technology -- and I say this as someone who is no way a technophobe -- has definitely effected the way that people relate to one and other. I don't think there can be any question about that whatsoever. I can't count the number of times that I've been at the coffee shop and seen two H.S. aged girls sitting at the same table, and barely speaking to one other; instead they are texting entirely different conversations with other people. It's weird, and a little creepy. I mean, they're friends, obviously, but they don't even seem to talk to each other.

So, I definitely agree that relationships are -- or have already -- changed a good deal.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

If they are irrational, you might give some thought as to why you would argue with them to start with. Rational vs Belief. The rational ones told the believers man wouldn't fly, could never land on the moon, couldn't build certain buildings or bridges, etc.

Why? Because I'm an idiot.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jw007

Just to catch up on everyone's deep, existential, philosophical thoughts....

[Show spoiler] (by the way, I love discussing things like this).... I have to point out an amazing book for people if they haven't read it yet.. its called The Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television. This book was written in 1978 and was ahead of its time (well before the internet age). Though I'm hypocritical and do watch TV, I try to avoid commercials at all costs (via "On Demand" programming and skipping or muting advertisements). I don't include films as "TV" persay, because I consider movies as "Art" (as opposed to TV advertisements as art, even though some can be interpreted that way, esp. those 10 million dollar Superbowl commercials).

In any case, I seriously think the human race is going to be stunned, shocked and find themselves in a pre-industrial age era again someday and though I don't wish to call this a "correction" to the balance of Planet Earth, I envision some hideous catastrophes that will change the whole way of life for modern society, as its all really a house of cards that can be toppled at any time (in terms of our human socio-economic arbitrary systems)... and in terms of how media can lead to one's death, its how its used. If used in operating a moving vehicle, oh for sure it can cause an accident (maybe blasting music or texting or glancing at a smartphone screen to see a movie clip). I think humans are evolving at a rapid pace right now technologically speaking but the long term consequences are not yet known. Those who "sense" or use intuition about harmful technologies cannot be relied upon and their intuitions are merely interpreted as anecdotal evidence, however, its something I keep in mind and personally don't need to wait until an industry-hired scientist uses propaganda to relay through news/social media to help calm down and "reassure the masses" of "sheeple" I'd call them.

No, I'm kind of a Luddite I suppose.... Yes, a Luddite who trusts his instincts and not anyone else's.

I do not have cable television, and I do not pick up any television channels by choice. If not for my Blu-ray player, I would not even bother owning a television at all.
This is why I do not get "Christmas commercial fatigue" like a lot of people do, and it's also why I am thankfully spared from "political ad campaign fatigue" every couple of years.

If, however, I do not have the technology at my disposal to revisit the James Bond 007 movies at least once a year, then somebody's gonna get cut.

I'm not as much of a Luddite as many, but I do occasionally mourn that, here in America, we have built a world that nobody can afford to live in. When elementary schoolchildren are expected to own iPads for their classwork, then I believe that society has crossed a line and completely stepped off of the Kurtz boat, so to speak.

What does any of this have to do with The Criterion Collection Blu-rays, you ask?
Sadly, not much. That Monica Vitti lady sure is pretty, though, isn't she?

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still fondly remember seeing it in the theater with my late mother. I so enjoyed it, so did she.

The reason that I think it is very much a film of its time has more to do with audiences having trouble connecting with films that just outside of their lifetimes. If it's some sword and sandals flick like Gladiator, it's "cool." If it's a movie set in an era that's like 10 years outside yours, it can be more difficult.

But yeah, technology -- and I say this as someone who is no way a technophobe -- has definitely effected the way that people relate to one and other. I don't think there can be any question about that whatsoever. I can't count the number of times that I've been at the coffee shop and seen two H.S. aged girls sitting at the same table, and barely speaking to one other; instead they are texting entirely different conversations with other people. It's weird, and a little creepy. I mean, they're friends, obviously, but they don't even seem to talk to each other.

So, I definitely agree that relationships are -- or have already -- changed a good deal.

It's an odd thing, technology. For me, it's not just a convenience, it's my career. So I have to stay on the cutting edge for somethings, but I don't like getting caught up in it, so to speak. It took me forever to upgrade to a smartphone, and only did for my job and my wife (who's about 16 years younger and loves texting, etc.). But yes, I've seen the two H.S. age people either talking to each other via text at the same table, or just staring at their phones as they sit or walk down the street.

So yeah, technology, coupled with a completely different mindset on generational ideas, and artifacts, I think keep this current younger generation in particular, from appreciating anything outside their 15-20 year life experience. However, it doesn't only apply to that generation.... I worked with someone years ago, who was in her late 40s or early 50s, and would not watch any movie that wasn't in color. I couldn't believe it. When I asked her about classics like Casablanca, and her answer was if it's really that good they'll remake it in color.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

If, however, I do not have the technology at my disposal to revisit the James Bond 007 movies at least once a year, then somebody's gonna get cut.

What does any of this have to do with The Criterion Collection Blu-rays, you ask?
Sadly, not much. That Monica Vitti lady sure is pretty, though, isn't she?

Feel the same way about Bond, and glad I'm not the only that uses that phrase.

And way to bring it back around to Criterion!

[PowellPressburger]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

Just finished the film... what an outstanding piece of film!

The first thing that stirkes me is the music, a classic soundtrack that really meshes perfectly with the film. Secondly, the friendship. I had a group of friends much the same in, and just after college. I see so many of my friends on the screen, and see myself in so many of the characters.

Ok so I like the movie but part of me can't but think they are mostly all a bunch of douchbags. Yet I like the movie.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

It's an odd thing, technology. For me, it's not just a convenience, it's my career. So I have to stay on the cutting edge for somethings, but I don't like getting caught up in it, so to speak. It took me forever to upgrade to a smartphone, and only did for my job and my wife (who's about 16 years younger and loves texting, etc.). But yes, I've seen the two H.S. age people either talking to each other via text at the same table, or just staring at their phones as they sit or walk down the street.

Yeah, as I said, I really find that disturbing, to be honest.

So yeah, technology, coupled with a completely different mindset on generational ideas, and artifacts, I think keep this current younger generation in particular, from appreciating anything outside their 15-20 year life experience. However, it doesn't only apply to that generation.... I worked with someone years ago, who was in her late 40s or early 50s, and would not watch any movie that wasn't in color. I couldn't believe it. When I asked her about classics like Casablanca, and her answer was if it's really that good they'll remake it in color.

I always want to take people like that to see a beautiful restoration in an actual theater. Once you've seen a gorgeous B&W film on the Silver Screen, I think it is truly impossible to not like, or even love, B&W.

One film I've always wanted to see in a theater is L'Avventura. As lovely as the Criterion Blu is -- and it really is, just stunning -- I can't imagine what that film must look like when projected on a screen. It doesn't hurt that it's one of all time favorite films.

Or, as The Great Owl said regarding Monica Vitti -- yeah, wow. I'd love to see her on a giant screen.

[lordmorpheus72]

Well I just finished Brazil, and what I can say is, it is a very Terry Gilliam film. It was my first time watching the film and I watched the 142 minute director's cut version on the blu-ray edition of the film. I'm waiting to watch the "Love Conquers All" version, I don't want to both so closely together... really want to be able to sit with that version for a while. Same with the bonus features.

The film itself was quite interesting to say the least. It's very clear that many of the later dystopian films take many of their ideas and themes from the film. Gilliam's vision of a bureaucratic society tends to strike a chord with the thoughts of what could be, and what has become in some areas of today's culture. While it is of course a broad, satirist, stroke of what could be, it does tend to hit home from time to time. I do enjoy his style of film making and the use of over-the-top sets in the film really just make it all the more enjoyable. It's definitely a film I'm happy to own and be able to watch again.

I also have the 132 minute (theatrical ?) release on blu-ray as well that I'll give a watch eventually. I picked it up when I upgraded my Criterion dvd release.

Next up tonight is Bottle Rocket.... bring on the Wes Anderson haters. Ha! Kidding you guys....

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Ok so I like the movie but part of me can't but think they are mostly all a bunch of douchbags. Yet I like the movie.

That's an interesting take on the characters. Any more so than another? Why?

Originally Posted by AaronJ

I always want to take people like that to see a beautiful restoration in an actual theater. Once you've seen a gorgeous B&W film on the Silver Screen, I think it is truly impossible to not like, or even love, B&W.

One film I've always wanted to see in a theater is L'Avventura. As lovely as the Criterion Blu is -- and it really is, just stunning -- I can't imagine what that film must look like when projected on a screen. It doesn't hurt that it's one of all time favorite films.

Or, as The Great Owl said regarding Monica Vitti -- yeah, wow. I'd love to see her on a giant screen.

I feel the same way... there is just something about a beautifully restore B&W film on a giant screen. The sets and the actors of the B&W era are simply amazing. It's astounding the things they were able to do with the resources of the time. And the pure beauty and on screen presence of those actors are rarely seen today. I wish more theaters would show older movies more often.

[PowellPressburger]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

That's an interesting take on the characters. Any more so than another? Why?

Not sure really, I love all the actors in the movie, I guess some of their characters just annoyed me sometimes. But I like the movie a lot there are just moments when I think this is what I'm trying to avoid haha

Watching the love conquers all version is cool to watch with the commentary honestly no reason to watch it just pay attention to the screen you will be surprised how they chopped up that movie.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Not sure really, I love all the actors in the movie, I guess some of their characters just annoyed me sometimes.

They're baby boomers. Nuff said

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by PowellPressburger

Not sure really, I love all the actors in the movie, I guess some of their characters just annoyed me sometimes. But I like the movie a lot there are just moments when I think this is what I'm trying to avoid haha

Watching the love conquers all version is cool to watch with the commentary honestly no reason to watch it just pay attention to the screen you will be surprised how they chopped up that movie.

I get it, makes sense. And thanks for the advice on the Love Conquers All version!

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I do not have cable television, and I do not pick up any television channels by choice. If not for my Blu-ray player, I would not even bother owning a television at all.
This is why I do not get "Christmas commercial fatigue" like a lot of people do, and it's also why I am thankfully spared from "political ad campaign fatigue" every couple of years.

If, however, I do not have the technology at my disposal to revisit the James Bond 007 movies at least once a year, then somebody's gonna get cut.

I'm not as much of a Luddite as many, but I do occasionally mourn that, here in America, we have built a world that nobody can afford to live in. When elementary schoolchildren are expected to own iPads for their classwork, then I believe that society has crossed a line and completely stepped off of the Kurtz boat, so to speak.

What does any of this have to do with The Criterion Collection Blu-rays, you ask?
Sadly, not much. That Monica Vitti lady sure is pretty, though, isn't she?

Fantastic post! I couldn't agree with you more.

I do have satellite service, but only so I can watch Turner Classic Movies in high definition and record some of the more obscure classics they show onto DVD-R. The only other programs I've watched in the past two years, literally, have been the Oscar Awards in 2013 and 2014. I do watch some TV series, like The Walking Dead, but not on broadcast television; I wait and buy them on blu-ray. When someone starts to ask, "Have you seen the commercial where ..." I enjoy being able to start shaking my head before they've finished the question.

Monica Vitti certainly is gorgeous, but Gene Tierney will always be "it" for me. I hope that Criterion will upgrade Heaven Can Wait and Night and the City to blu-ray one of these days,, and as I've mentioned before, I wish they'd add Tobacco Road to the collection ...

[octagon]

You people are crazy, TV is freaking awesome.

You got your live sports, you got your cable dramas, you got your premium cable dramas, you got your sitcoms all the way from premium cable down to some surprisingly solid network offerings.

And Celebrity Apprentice is even coming back. With Geraldo Rivera.

Seriously, you people are freaking nuts.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

Not if you ask the people who claimed that our heavy metal was really a plan to make us fans commit suicide. Too many years or arguing against those idiots.

Always been a bit confuse by this myself. Been listening to heavy metal for what now 35 years or more. Sure I like the main stream stuff, will admit that Iron Maiden is without a doubt one of my top five band in music. However also been listening to some pretty hard core stuff, bands that make Metalica sound like Taylor Swift in comparison and yet i am pretty normal guy

[mdawg1972]

I love The Last Emporer as well, I just wish there was an option for the film to be in Chinese as opposed to English, so it would feel more authentic.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Roninblues

If they are irrational, you might give some thought as to why you would argue with them to start with. Rational vs Belief. The rational ones told the believers man wouldn't fly, could never land on the moon, couldn't build certain buildings or bridges, etc.

Unfortunatly the temptation to argue come so easily to us humans

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

I always want to take people like that to see a beautiful restoration in an actual theater. Once you've seen a gorgeous B&W film on the Silver Screen, I think it is truly impossible to not like, or even love, B&W.

Yep! I majored in Radio-TV-Film at the University of Texas at Austin, with a concentration in Film History, and that's what a lot of my homework consisted of: watching gorgeous prints of classic films on the big screen. There were two film series playing every night on campus, as well as two independent, commercial theatres close by that showed the classics.

On a Monday night, for an example, I might see Wild Strawberries at 7:00, then run across campus to catch the 9:30 showing of Murder, My Sweet, and then dash over to Dobie Mall to see the midnight showing of Bonnie and Clyde. Tuesday night would be The Awful Truth at 7:00, Wild Boys of the Road at 9:30 and Breathless at midnight. I loved school!

Of course, like so many people with degrees in Film History, college didn't exactly prepare me for a career making real money. Which is why I first went into Advertising, and later became a National Accounts Manager for a large consumer products company! It all worked out well in the end.

And speaking of the Criterion Collection, did I mention how attractive I think Monica Vitti is?

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Unfortunatly the temptation to argue come so easily to us humans

Especially to those humans who have unfortunately been addled to some degree by over-exposure over time to heavy metal. Thus bar arguments at two in the morning...

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Always been a bit confuse by this myself. Been listening to heavy metal for what now 35 years or more. Sure I like the main stream stuff, will admit that Iron Maiden is without a doubt one of my top five band in music. However also been listening to some pretty hard core stuff, bands that make Metalica sound like Taylor Swift in comparison and yet i am pretty normal guy

Yeah, same here. My tastes run from southern gospel style music, to thrash, metal, and other such music on the complete opposite end of the spectrum.

Originally Posted by mdawg1972

I love The Last Emporer as well, I just wish there was an option for the film to be in Chinese as opposed to English, so it would feel more authentic.

yeah, i've always found it a little odd, and a little sad, that it wasn't in Chinese...