The Criterion Collection

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jayembee

There are a number of genres of music that I don't tend to listen to, but almost none that I really can't abide listening to. My preferences, however, run to 60s rock/pop, blues, big band, and British/Celtic folk rock. Three of those four are the most played Sirius XM channels in the car: 40s on 4, 60s on 6, and B.B. King's Bluesville. I keep meaning to look for an SXM channel for the B/C folk rock.

On a completely different note, re: The Last Emperor:



Well, I'm sure it wouldn't have been easy for Bertolucci to film it in Chinese, given that (as far as I know), he doesn't speak it.

I love the film, but find it somewhat depressing to watch. There's a particular Chinese-American actress in the film, Maggie Han (she played the collaborator Eastern Jewel), who I think is a terrific actress, but this film was her only real claim to fame (she also had a couple of short-run TV shows where she was the female lead).

The last thing I saw her in was a very funny and clever mid-90s indie film directed by Robert Wuhl called Open Season. I first saw this film at the Boston Film Festival, and got a chance to talk with Wuhl afterwards. He told me that Han had gotten discouraged by her failure to get a successful acting career going, and gave it up to go to medical school.

On the music note, my tastes run the gambit as well... everything from Southern Gospel to metal, and most anything in between, except "boy bands." My got to on Sirius are Hair Nation, Deep tracks, Lithium, Elvis, and Coffee House... just my crazy taste.

As for the Last Emperor, yes, filming in a different language would be a nightmare if you didn't speak or understand the language. It's amazing film not matter the language.

And yes, I too enjoyed Maggie Han's performance in the film. That's a sad story of her quiting acting because she didn't have a better career. However, it's pretty cool that you got to talk to Wuhl about her.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

I had this conversation with my mother on the way to see Exodus (which, wasn't really that good, because we both kept comparing it to The Ten Commandments and felt Bale was phoning it in), and she said part of the reason why she doesn't necessarily watch B&W films really depends on genre. For example, Night of the Hunter is a film she has no problem viewing in B&W, because it suits it. However, in comparison, she said she wishes a film like The Big Sky would be better off in colour, just given the name and the wide landscapes. She thinks the Western genre is better suited for colour than B&W.

That is quite an interesting take on B&W vs. color, and how and where it seems best to be used. I've never thought of it like that, but I see where she's coming from and it makes perfect sense. But still hard to imagine some of the old Ford films in color.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

While it does help to have some background for that one, it is probably not as over your head as you think! This is a comical film, give up trying to take it serious or put it all together and laugh with it. might help you appreciate it a bit more.

(Sigh) I know I'm just digging my own grave deeper, but I knew before going in the first time that Satyricon was supposed to be a blend of fantasy and comedy. After that first disappointing screening, I did some fairly extensive reading about it before I re-watched it on DVD, thinking that additional insight might enhance my appreciation and enjoyment.

But, alas, in the end I simply disagreed with critics like Roger Ebert who deemed it a "masterpiece", and sided with Richard Corliss and John Simon who excoriated both the film and its director. Pauline Kael (whose opinions are usually not my cup of tea) nailed it precisely for me when she called it "a really bad, terrible movie."

In all fairness, perhaps the most balanced assessment of Satyricon comes from Leonard Maltin, who waffles and calls it a "visually stunning but overindulgent" film, one that is more likely to please Fellini's more ardent devotees. As a more casual fan, I can go with that.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

As for the Last Emperor, yes, filming in a different language would be a nightmare if you didn't speak or understand the language. It's amazing film not matter the language.

Which is why Like Someone in Love is so impressive!

[jmclick]

I don't know how many people read Glenn Erickson's DVD Savant column, but you might enjoy glancing over his picks for the "Most Impressive Discs of 2014". Not surprisingly, a Criterion release claims the Number One spot ... what surprised me is which title received the honor. He was only able to pare his final short list down to 20 titles, 6 of which are from the Criterion Collection.

But 19 additional Criterion releases appear on the list of 2014 "also-rans". Any notable omissions or surprising inclusions?

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

Which is why Like Someone in Love is so impressive!

I have this one in my collection. Looking forward to watching it during my Christmas break!

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I don't know how many people read Glenn Erickson's DVD Savant column, but you might enjoy glancing over his picks for the "Most Impressive Discs of 2014". Not surprisingly, a Criterion release claims the Number One spot ... what surprised me is which title received the honor. He was only able to pare his final short list down to 20 titles, 6 of which are from the Criterion Collection.

But 19 additional Criterion releases appear on the list of 2014 "also-rans". Any notable omissions or surprising inclusions?

I've never read his column, but it looks pretty nice. Thanks for the link, going to add it to the my "reading list."

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching the Criterion Blu-ray of Tootsie.

I never saw Tootsie back in the day, but I can clearly remember how popular it was upon its release in 1982 when I was 10 years old. This movie played at my local theater in rural Georgia for a couple of months, and it had a ubiquitous presence in pop culture of the time.

More than anything, tonight's viewing of Tootsie was a throwback to the real aura of the early 1980s that is not often acknowledged now. There is a tendency for those of us who grew up during this decade to remember this time period as the era of synth-pop (Duran Duran, Gary Numan), futuristic cinema (Tron), or even as a high point of American punk culture (Repo Man). These things were all present and accounted for at the time, of course, but, in truth, they were small islands in a sea of adult contemporary culture. Tootsie's standout song, "It Might Be You" by Stephen Bishop, aired on radio stations practically every half hour at the time, but it's also the type of song that most of us have not thought about in ages in the same way that people tend to push trauma to the back of their minds in favor of more favorable memories in a rose-tinted rear view mirror. Songs like Stephen Bishop's "It Might Be You", Chicago's "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", and Christopher Cross's "Arthur's Theme" were what the early 1980s were really all about.

I do not think of Tootsie as a dated film in any tangible sense, and, in fact, I think that its comedic scenes, its character interactions, and its serious undertones are still razor sharp and perfectly timed even by today's standards. I do believe, however, that Tootsie comes across almost like a relic because of its ubiquitousness in an era of popular entertainment works that have been all but buried. During the 32 years since its release, it has never really occurred to me to watch Tootsie, just as it has never really occurred to me to listen to the Stephen Bishop song. In other words, I'll freely admit that, if not for this film's inclusion in The Criterion Collection right now in 2014, I probably would have gone the rest of my life without feeling any particular yearning to see it.

My thanks goes to The Criterion Collection, therefore, for compelling me to see Tootsie at long last, because it really is a good flick that still amuses and entertains in present day. At its comedic best, Tootsie recalls the brilliant screwball timing of other hidden identity films like Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot or even the Christopher Reeve Superman films, where the struggles of Superman to exist as Clark Kent provide some of the most fun moments. On a more somber dramatic note, Tootsie conveys the true loneliness and isolation of adults who still feel as lost as children at times. We can all relate to the plights of Charles Durning's Les, Teri Garr's Sandy, and George Gaynes's John Van Horn in their seemingly futile efforts to take chances on finding love. Dustin Hoffman's work is really something else, because he never misses a step with the complex subtleties of his dual roles, and he pulls them off in a way that seems pleasingly effortless. Finally, Tootsie delivers an even mix of the optimism that would characterize career-oriented films of the Reagan era with the Earthy grit of 1970s drama. This is one of those films where everything comes together, thanks to an incredible lead role (Hoffman) backed by an impressive ensemble cast. Bill Murray showcases his hilariously subversive side that served him well in his more notable roles, while Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, and a younger Geena Davis are at their most beautiful.

Tootsie is one of those insanely popular movies that serve as a reminder of the fact that, sometimes, the masses are right.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I don't know how many people read Glenn Erickson's DVD Savant column, but you might enjoy glancing over his picks for the "Most Impressive Discs of 2014". Not surprisingly, a Criterion release claims the Number One spot ... what surprised me is which title received the honor. He was only able to pare his final short list down to 20 titles, 6 of which are from the Criterion Collection.

But 19 additional Criterion releases appear on the list of 2014 "also-rans". Any notable omissions or surprising inclusions?

I like that column, he's about the only reviewer I bother periodically checking up on since he's so focused on the movies over the technical specs. I often disagree with his taste but he's got a distinctive point of view and clearly really loves movies, which is pretty rare with DVD/Blu-ray reviewers. Many people wouldn't find him useful cause he doesn't notice DNR or EE or lossy audio or whatever, but if you're looking for recommendations of a wide variety of movies to watch he's one of the best guys out there. Stuart Galbraith IV (a big name when it comes to Japanese film and cult writing, his oral history of the godzilla movies from the 90s was particularly entertaining to me) writes for that site sometimes, too, who is similarly must-read imo. That site is where I always go if I'm more interested in finding out about the movie on the disc than the tech specs, particularly with their huge back-catalog of DVD reviews.

[RojD]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I don't know how many people read Glenn Erickson's DVD Savant column, but you might enjoy glancing over his picks for the "Most Impressive Discs of 2014". Not surprisingly, a Criterion release claims the Number One spot ... what surprised me is which title received the honor. He was only able to pare his final short list down to 20 titles, 6 of which are from the Criterion Collection.

But 19 additional Criterion releases appear on the list of 2014 "also-rans". Any notable omissions or surprising inclusions?

Chuckled the Erickson's first choice, but it brought to mind a release I wish Criterion would do: Serials from the 30s/40s. Just finished all the Flash Gordons, Buck Rogers and Undersea Kingdom. King of the Rocket Men next. Took a minute to adjust my expectations to them, but they're not only fun in a zombie movie kinda way, they're also seminal. If you don't see Star Wars in the 1940 Flash Gordon (or the '36), you're not paying attention. Or the throne from Game of Thrones. This would be a great set for Criterion to do. If they can do Golden Age of Television, ...

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by spockzombie

Long time reader, rare poster here. Been more than hesitant to pull the trigger, but an Amazon gift card for the holidays finally compelled me to get Les Blank: Always for Pleasure. Any thoughts on this set?

I bought it during the sale, but I haven't gotten around to watching it yet...I previewed it a bit to see the transfers. It is a nice package.

[ijustblumyself]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Generally, when someone has an agenda to present, they might refer only to the best examples of what they think is good, while referring only to the worst examples of what they think is bad. It's far too easy to dismiss television by pointing to the bad shows, while saying that film produces some great art by citing some of the finest examples from the world of cinema. The truth is that there are a lot of TV shows that are far, far better works of art than a lot of movies.

If I had to make a "desert island" selection, the very first thing that would go on it is the five seasons of The Wire. I wouldn't even hesitate.

Could not agree more! The Sopranos, The Wire, Mad Men... They are just as intelligent and involving as almost all the films in the Criterion Collection. That's not a slight to the films at all, it just speaks to how great these TV shows are.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by jmclick

(Sigh) I know I'm just digging my own grave deeper, but I knew before going in the first time that Satyricon was supposed to be a blend of fantasy and comedy. After that first disappointing screening, I did some fairly extensive reading about it before I re-watched it on DVD, thinking that additional insight might enhance my appreciation and enjoyment.

But, alas, in the end I simply disagreed with critics like Roger Ebert who deemed it a "masterpiece", and sided with Richard Corliss and John Simon who excoriated both the film and its director. Pauline Kael (whose opinions are usually not my cup of tea) nailed it precisely for me when she called it "a really bad, terrible movie."

In all fairness, perhaps the most balanced assessment of Satyricon comes from Leonard Maltin, who waffles and calls it a "visually stunning but overindulgent" film, one that is more likely to please Fellini's more ardent devotees. As a more casual fan, I can go with that.

I think a case can easily be made that most Fellini films after 8 1/2 are really quite terrible.

I like most of them of course, but I can see why many don't, especially the ones that were released after Amarcord.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by spockzombie

Long time reader, rare poster here. Been more than hesitant to pull the trigger, but an Amazon gift card for the holidays finally compelled me to get Les Blank: Always for Pleasure. Any thoughts on this set?

I just bought this last week and look forward to watching the films. If you're a fan of his work, you're going to enjoy this set. It's truly a unique set of films.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

I think a case can easily be made that most Fellini films after 8 1/2 are really quite terrible.

I like most of them of course, but I can see why many don't, especially the ones that were released after Amarcord.

I think that the only of his films that I saw after Amarcord was City of Women, and that was like when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth! But I remember liking it back them, anyways. But I can't comment on the others.

But I Vitelloni through Amarcord is one hell of a run.

I Vitelloni
La Strada
Il Bidone
The Nights of Cabiria
La Dolce Vita
8 1/2
Juliet of the Spirits
Satyricon
Roma
Amarcord

I mean, wow.

[WonderWeasel]

Originally Posted by The Bronx Bull

Ah, probably my favorite Bogart film. Since I started reading Raymond Chandler's novel, I just watched the movie again recently. Then, decided to check out the 1978 Robert Mitchum remake, since I'm a huge early Mitchum fan. What a mistake! They relocated the plot to modern-day London, and the remake doesn't hold a candle to the original '46 version (or the '44 version, for that matter). There is almost nothing done better in the remake, aside from maybe the elucidation of a few key plot points - which is ironically one of the charming aspects of the chaos in the '46 version.

Then, I also watched 1975's Farewell My Lovely recently, the other Mitchum as Marlowe film. This one is *much* better than the '78 The Big Sleep, which isn't even in the same league. Farewell My Lovely holds up as a neo-noir classic, in my opinion, alongside the likes of Chinatown. If you haven't seen it, do check it out.

I had completely forgotten about the remake, as I'd never had a desire to seek it out and watch it. Now I certainly won't lol.

That being said, Mitchum does about as good a job as anyone at playing the cynical detective (with the right material), and I'd have to imagine 'Farewell, My Lovely' has some great dialogue like the book did. I'll have to check that one out.

[Cat III]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

Thanks, I'll have to check out Sunny, it sounds interesting.

I'd recommend watching more Korean films in general. Right now that's where the most interesting things in cinema are happening. Trust me on this, I'm not some weeaboo (or whatever the Korean equivalent is called). Just look at how Hollywood has been courting the big names (Park Chan-wook, Bong Joon-ho, Kim Jee-woon) into make English titles. Oldboy is a good start, but there's a vast ocean to explore beyond.

I thought Sunny was available through Netflix, but apparently not. Perhaps in the future. There's still plenty of titles they do carry. (Let me know if you're ever looking for recommendations.)

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by RojD

Chuckled the Erickson's first choice, but it brought to mind a release I wish Criterion would do: Serials from the 30s/40s. Just finished all the Flash Gordons, Buck Rogers and Undersea Kingdom. King of the Rocket Men next. Took a minute to adjust my expectations to them, but they're not only fun in a zombie movie kinda way, they're also seminal. If you don't see Star Wars in the 1940 Flash Gordon (or the '36), you're not paying attention. Or the throne from Game of Thrones. This would be a great set for Criterion to do. If they can do Golden Age of Television, ...

They're a great deal of fun! My personal favorites are the ones from Mascot Studios made in the early 30's. The Phantom Empire, The Lightning Warrior, The Vanishing Legion, The Hurricane Express (with John Wayne; one of 3 serials Wayne made for Mascot), The Mystery Squadron, etc. Great titles; Great serials.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I don't know how many people read Glenn Erickson's DVD Savant column, but you might enjoy glancing over his picks for the "Most Impressive Discs of 2014". Not surprisingly, a Criterion release claims the Number One spot ... what surprised me is which title received the honor. He was only able to pare his final short list down to 20 titles, 6 of which are from the Criterion Collection.

But 19 additional Criterion releases appear on the list of 2014 "also-rans". Any notable omissions or surprising inclusions?

I'm glad to see The Day the Earth Caught Fire mentioned. Now there's a title I wish Criterion would release!

[KrugerIndustrial]

What would be the best Bergman film to start with? Summer Interlude? Wild Strawberries?