The Criterion Collection

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I can understand how the Western genre may not work for a non-U.S. resident.

I find that statement amusing. Western novels have been really, really big in the UK. Some of the most prolific writers of Western novel series of the last few decades have been Brits.

[mrjohnnyb]

Criterion Collection Trivia:

Not including Eclipse Series titles, what was the last C.C. title to be released solely on DVD which has not subsequently been upgraded to blu-ray?

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by mrjohnnyb

Criterion Collection Trivia:

Not including Eclipse Series titles, what was the last C.C. title to be released solely on DVD which has not subsequently been upgraded to blu-ray?

Depends on whether you're talking spine number or release date.

Either:

Maurice Pialat's L'enfance nue; spine #534; released 2010 08 17

or:

3 Silent Classics by Josef von Sternberg (Underworld, The Last Command, The Docks of New York); spine #528 (set), 529, 530, 531; released 2010 08 24.

[The_Iceflash]

Originally Posted by Infernal King

I can't believe someone would type this on Blu-ray.com

This being Blu-ray.com is no excuse for "DVDs are bad/a disappointment/unwatchable" type of ignorant fanaticism.

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Depends on whether you're talking spine number or release date.

Either:

Maurice Pialat's L'enfance nue; spine #534; released 2010 08 17

or:

3 Silent Classics by Josef von Sternberg (Underworld, The Last Command, The Docks of New York); spine #528 (set), 529, 530, 531; released 2010 08 24.

Correct on both counts!

[BohemianGraham]

So all the anti-DVD people, what happens if the film never comes to Blu-ray? There were films that never upgraded to VHS, so there's probably countless films that will never make it to Blu-ray. Hell, there are tons of films found on YouTube because you cannot find them on VHS, DVD, or BD, and someone took an old copy they recorded off the TV. Sure, some of them belong in the "best forgotten bin," but a lot don't.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

So all the anti-DVD people, what happens if the film never comes to Blu-ray? There were films that never upgraded to VHS, so there's probably countless films that will never make it to Blu-ray. Hell, there are tons of films found on YouTube because you cannot find them on VHS, DVD, or BD, and someone took an old copy they recorded off the TV. Sure, some of them belong in the "best forgotten bin," but a lot don't.

There's always hope in Ultra HD blu-ray

Kidding aside, i am not sure, i think this is only a problem if your tastes are super obscure, i don't know or have seen many films that didn't get released in dvd let alone vhs, i checked and i only have around 20-25 titles pending to be available on blu-ray, some of them already have release in other country, and some of them is just a matter of time before they get a release since are very well known, i could see a few cases were there might not be a blu ray release, in which case i would have to settle with the Dvd (if there is one).

This only applies for films i've already seen and want, for films i haven't watched i don't care that much the format, but probably will end up watching via some VOD service.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

So all the anti-DVD people, what happens if the film never comes to Blu-ray? There were films that never upgraded to VHS, so there's probably countless films that will never make it to Blu-ray. Hell, there are tons of films found on YouTube because you cannot find them on VHS, DVD, or BD, and someone took an old copy they recorded off the TV. Sure, some of them belong in the "best forgotten bin," but a lot don't.

You don't worry because there are more movies than you will ever see and even more than you will ever own.

If I ever find myself staring at an empty Amazon wishlist, I might worry about the ones that are only on DVD.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

So all the anti-DVD people, what happens if the film never comes to Blu-ray?

Read the book.

[Show spoiler]

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

So all the anti-DVD people, what happens if the film never comes to Blu-ray? There were films that never upgraded to VHS, so there's probably countless films that will never make it to Blu-ray. Hell, there are tons of films found on YouTube because you cannot find them on VHS, DVD, or BD, and someone took an old copy they recorded off the TV. Sure, some of them belong in the "best forgotten bin," but a lot don't.

I don't consider myself "anti-DVD", and I'm hesitant to say anything at all given the rancorous tone of the discussion, but I can relate a personal anecdote that may, in part, provide one viewpoint.

Fox Home Video released the first four seasons of Modern Family on blu-ray, but elected to release the fifth season on DVD only, apparently because they decided a blu-ray release wouldn't be worthwhile in terms of profitability. Although I own the first four seasons on blu-ray, I have decided not to buy Season Five because I don't agree with their decision, and don't want to support their, "Let the customers make do with DVD" philosophy.

On the other hand, Timeless Media finally released the remaining seasons of The Big Valley on DVD after Fox had stopped releasing the show on DVD after Season Two, Part One hit the stores. Since it was never on blu-ray, and will probably never be on blu-ray, I was grateful to have it at all, and bought the three Timeless Media releases to complete the series.

In terms of Criterion releases, I'm not buying any more DVD editions. There are certain DVD titles I would like to own, but since Criterion is still in the process of upgrading much of their catalogue to blu-ray ... and because there are so many blu-rays already out that I want but don't own ... I see no reason to set myself up for a double-dip. I can be patient, and spend my dollars prudently.

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by The_Iceflash

This being Blu-ray.com is no excuse for "DVDs are bad/a disappointment/unwatchable" type of ignorant fanaticism.

You need to work on your mind-reading skills.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I don't consider myself "anti-DVD", and I'm hesitant to say anything at all given the rancorous tone of the discussion, but I can relate a personal anecdote that may, in part, provide one viewpoint.

Fox Home Video released the first four seasons of Modern Family on blu-ray, but elected to release the fifth season on DVD only, apparently because they decided a blu-ray release wouldn't be worthwhile in terms of profitability. Although I own the first four seasons on blu-ray, I have decided not to buy Season Five because I don't agree with their decision, and don't want to support their, "Let the customers make do with DVD" philosophy.

On the other hand, Timeless Media finally released the remaining seasons of The Big Valley on DVD after Fox had stopped releasing the show on DVD after Season Two, Part One hit the stores. Since it was never on blu-ray, and will probably never be on blu-ray, I was grateful to have it at all, and bought the three Timeless Media releases to complete the series.

In terms of Criterion releases, I'm not buying any more DVD editions. There are certain DVD titles I would like to own, but since Criterion is still in the process of upgrading much of their catalogue to blu-ray ... and because there are so many blu-rays already out that I want but don't own ... I see no reason to set myself up for a double-dip. I can be patient, and spend my dollars prudently.

So, no Eclipse sets for you? I don't forsee those going to Blu-ray.

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Read the book.

[Show spoiler]

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I find that statement amusing. Western novels have been really, really big in the UK. Some of the most prolific writers of Western novel series of the last few decades have been Brits.

Reading this makes me think of Holly Martins in The Third Man.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

Reading this makes me think of Holly Martins in The Third Man.

The 'cheap novelette' lines immediately flashed through my mind too.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

There were films that never upgraded to VHS, so there's probably countless films that will never make it to Blu-ray. Hell, there are tons of films found on YouTube because you cannot find them on VHS, DVD, or BD, and someone took an old copy they recorded off the TV. Sure, some of them belong in the "best forgotten bin," but a lot don't.

Several of the classic-era film noir movies in my DVD collection might not ever receive proper high definition treatment. Some are public domain releases that only exist these days in substandard transfers, and such. Detour (1945) and Pitfall (1948), for example, are well-regarded classics, and they are fast-paced stories even by today's standards. Detour is even one of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.

Sometimes, a miracle happens and long lost films are assembled into suitable high definition presentations by combining existing film strips from the private collections of fans. The Scream Factory Blu-ray of The Final Terror is a fine example. Many movies with subpar source material may not ever see the light of day on Blu-ray, though, but they deserve to be remembered just the same.

One of my personal "Holy Grail" films that has yet to be released on DVD or Blu-ray is a 1980 movie called The Earthling, which starred William Holden and Ricky Schroder (Yes, the kid from the Silver Spoons TV show). I've got a bootleg DVD that was taken from a VHS source, but I keep hoping that it'll surface properly on either DVD or Blu-ray.

I'm not anti-DVD, of course. In fact, I spent a good part of last year actively shopping for old classic-era film noirs on DVD before they go out of print in any form or fashion. I got in right in the nick of time to grab the two "Bad Girls of Film Noir" sets, apparently, because one of them is now hard to track down.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

So, no Eclipse sets for you? I don't forsee those going to Blu-ray.

Actually, no, I don't own any of the Eclipse sets ... at least, not so far.

I never purchased any of the Essential Art House titles either ... I want all the extras, supplements, bells, whistles, frills and folderol on my discs!

One of the things I find amazing is the market for studio-issued DVD-Rs. I bought a stand-alone recorder years ago, and have amassed a lot of super-rare titles for the cost of a blank disc ... less than a quarter apiece. And I've added pertinent teasers, trailers and bonus features to most of my discs. I recently recorded Polanski's Knife in the Water. If and when Criterion upgrades their release to blu-ray, I'll purchase a copy; in the meantime, my DVD-R is good enough if I want to watch the film again while I'm waiting.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by jmclick

One of the things I find amazing is the market for studio-issued DVD-Rs.

I've got a few Warner Archive DVD-Rs in my collection. The Window, Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Stranger on the Third Floor, and While the City Sleeps.

I got all of them for low prices, and the acquisition was hassle-free, so I'm happy with them until better releases come along. I'm not holding my breath for better releases, though.

[Infernal King]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Mystery Train was a day-1 blind buy for me. I've seen the film 5-6 times since it was released on blu-ray. The poster hangs in my movie room.

What made Mystery Train a day-1 blind buy for you?

I expect I'll be rewatching my Blu-ray of it quite a bit as well!

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Y Tu Mama is one of my fav films of all-time. haven't picked up the blu yet, so you reminded me to add that to my list for the flash sale.

Mystery Train is a lot of fun, too. Haven't seen it in a while. I have the DVD at home... a rewatch could be in my future.

I forgot that you hate the 80's. yeah, for film, I do, too. although a lot of the foreign stuff that I am just now discovering has started to change that... a bit, anyway.

Wait, Y Tu Mama Tambien is one of your favorite films of all-time but you haven't picked up the Blu-ray yet? Why not? Budget hasn't allowed it?

Maybe throw the Blu-ray of Mystery Train into your cart for the upcoming Criterion flash sale?

What are some foreign films from the 80s that you've been enjoying lately?

Originally Posted by jw007

If you love Mystery Train, I recommend you check out Jarmusch's other 80s (and 90s) films! Personally, my favorite Jarmusch in the collection is Down by Law, which I think is a work of deadpan brilliance. Also check out his compilation of Night on Earth (available on Criterion DVD) and Stranger Than Paradise (Criterion DVD). Personally, I'd love to see Ghost Dog come to Criterion blu-ray. That would be day 1 for me.

One of the elements of Mystery Train that I loved the most was its gorgeous use of color. I'm not averse to black & white by any means but how does Jarmusch fare when he's not shooting in color?

I'll research those films of his you mentioned and get back to you!

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by octagon

The 'cheap novelette' lines immediately flashed through my mind too.

Everytime I watch that film I find Joseph Cotten's performance even more impressive. Such a great actor.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Infernal King

One of the elements of Mystery Train that I loved the most was its gorgeous use of color. I'm not averse to black & white by any means but how does Jarmusch fare when he's not shooting in color?

I'm not one for flowery hyperbole but Down By Law - particularly the exteriors - is hypnotic. The two thoughts that kept running through my head were 'what the hell am I watching' and 'who the hell cares, it's gorgeous'.