The Criterion Collection

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by dsman71

Speaking of Czech films, Id love a Criterion release of Jules Verne's
On the Comet.. its a fantasy adventure film with dinosaurs
The VHS release is long out of print too - the DVD release was an MOD/DVDr that I ordered from Movies Unlimited. English subs too..

I never heard of that movie before, I'll have to watch it tonight. Looks fun, the style with the sets and stuff looks insane, and the dinos sure look more ambitious than the usual lizards with horns glued to them.

[ajburke]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

Thanks for the info. I am kind of curious about Scorsese's relationship with his religion. His choices of subject matter for his films seem to me to be a complete contradiction of what I would expect from someone who almost became a Catholic priest lol.

I don't really see this so much as a contradiction. While the subject matter often strays from religious purity, the characters are often seen struggling with their faith/religion. Religion might be more front and center in something like the christening scene in The Godfather, but spiritual struggle is in much of Scorsese's work as well. Something as simple as a character's crisis of conscience can demonstrate how important religion is to Scorsese, at least as a concept. I think the fact that it recurs in his work at all shows that his faith is important to him.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by dsman71

Speaking of Czech films, Id love a Criterion release of Jules Verne's On the Comet.

Speaking of Czech films, how about Jan Sverak's Kolya?

Also, Marek Najbrt's Protektor (which I'd seen on Netflix).

[jmclick]

I had planned to watch Don't Look Now last night, but at the last minute I had the irresistible urge to visit Rosemary's Baby instead. This is a film I had seen only twice before, in a revival on the big screen and on DVD; but Criterion's transfer was so incredibly sharp and vivid, I felt like I was seeing an entirely different film. Small visual nuances that had entirely escaped me before stood out in bold relief, and I was able to appreciate the performances on an entirely new level; veteran actor Sidney Blackmer's turn as Roman Castevet especially impressed me with its subtlety, a quality I had not discerned in my previous viewings.

In typical Criterion fashion, the extras were absorbing. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Roman Polanski, Mia Farrow and Robert Evans which had been edited into one smooth and insightful documentary. I can't recommend this one too strongly, and it certainly whetted my appetite to see more of Polanski's oeuvre and my hopes that Criterion will upgrade Knife in the Water to blu-ray.

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Speaking of Czech films, how about Jan Sverak's Kolya?

Also, Marek Najbrt's Protektor (which I'd seen on Netflix).

If we're talking about Czech films that need to be released on (or upgraded to) blu-ray, the list needs to begin with:

Closely Watched Trains (Menzel; 1966)
Daisies (Chytilova; 1966)
Loves of a Blonde (Forman; 1965)
and my personal favorite
The Fireman' Ball (Forman; 1967)

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I had planned to watch Don't Look Now last night, but at the last minute I had the irresistible urge to visit Rosemary's Baby instead. This is a film I had seen only twice before, in a revival on the big screen and on DVD; but Criterion's transfer was so incredibly sharp and vivid, I felt like I was seeing an entirely different film. Small visual nuances that had entirely escaped me before stood out in bold relief, and I was able to appreciate the performances on an entirely new level; veteran actor Sidney Blackmer's turn as Roman Castevet especially impressed me with its subtlety, a quality I had not discerned in my previous viewings.

In typical Criterion fashion, the extras were absorbing. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Roman Polanski, Mia Farrow and Robert Evans which had been edited into one smooth and insightful documentary. I can't recommend this one too strongly, and it certainly whetted my appetite to see more of Polanski's oeuvre and my hopes that Criterion will upgrade Knife in the Water to blu-ray.

I completely agree with you, especially in regards to Blackmer's performance. It's amazing to think that this was the same actor who played Big Boy in Little Caesar (1931.) I was also impressed with Maurice Evans's performance as this was the film that he did after his star turn as Dr. Zaius in Planet of the Apes (1968.) I remember reading about how "in awe" Polanski was to have the opportunity to work with the older actors in the cast: obviously Ruth Gordon, Patsy Kelly, and Hope Summers (best known for the role of Aunt Bee's best friend Clara Edwards on The Andy Griffith Show,) who gives an absolutely chilling performance as Mrs. Gilmore.

[CPinheiro]

Originally Posted by jmclick

In typical Criterion fashion, the extras were absorbing. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Roman Polanski, Mia Farrow and Robert Evans which had been edited into one smooth and insightful documentary. I can't recommend this one too strongly, and it certainly whetted my appetite to see more of Polanski's oeuvre and my hopes that Criterion will upgrade Knife in the Water to blu-ray.

Speaking of Polanski, I would love to see The Tenant on blu-ray. Years ago some people said Criterion would release it. Are there any rumors?

[the sordid sentinel]

Bit of a Melville marathon this week. Watched Leon Morin, Priest, Army of Shadows, and Le Cercle Rouge. One of the great things about this thread is discovering stuff you wouldn't have seen otherwise. Blind bought these back when based on strong recommendations here. They certainly don't disappoint. The later 2 are probably top 10 in my entire collection. Now if Criterion would get that Le Samourai blu release in our hands...

[Yami]

Originally Posted by mrjohnnyb

If we're talking about Czech films that need to be released on (or upgraded to) blu-ray, the list needs to begin with:

Closely Watched Trains (Menzel; 1966)
Daisies (Chytilova; 1966)
Loves of a Blonde (Forman; 1965)
and my personal favorite
The Fireman' Ball (Forman; 1967)

Closely Watched Trains and The Firemen's Ball have both been restored in 4K and are available in the Czech Republic with English subtitles. I haven't imported them as I'm confident that they'll get released by Criterion eventually. Disappointingly, Vojtěch Jasný's All My Good Countrymen - the least likely of the Czech 4K restorations to get a release - is the only one without English subs.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by CPinheiro

Speaking of Polanski, I would love to see The Tenant on blu-ray. Years ago some people said Criterion would release it. Are there any rumors?

Nary a peep but yeah, I'd be all over that too.

[yoyokid8]

anyone know how long it takes for jon mulvaney to reply to emails? I emailed him yesterday.

[DaveyJoe]

Originally Posted by yoyokid8

anyone know how long it takes for jon mulvaney to reply to emails? I emailed him yesterday.

[The Great Owl]

Tokyo Drifter, Branded to Kill, and Summer with Monika showed up in my mailbox today, one day after I received Harakiri, Heaven's Gate, An Autumn Afternoon, and The Sword of Doom.

My flash sale puppies are all home now, and happily living under my roof.

[GxyExpress999]

Originally Posted by TJS_Blu

Mine went Priority Mail 2-Day™ to be delivered Sat. My other two orders are out for delivery today.

Yep, their service is always top-notch.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

Thanks for the info. I am kind of curious about Scorsese's relationship with his religion. His choices of subject matter for his films seem to me to be a complete contradiction of what I would expect from someone who almost became a Catholic priest lol.

Read this article: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/cult...artin-scorcese

Last night, ironically, I watched Scorcese's remake of Cape Fear for the first time in decades. Wow, I just about nearly forgot how crazy DeNiro was in that movie. At times I couldn't help but laugh out loud at the lunacy of the characters. And I also couldn't help but notice all these religious subtexts and allegories to Catholicism and Christianity. I believe every single film Scorcese makes has some sort of allusion and reference to something religious. I dare anyone to name a single film of his that doesn't.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by Yami

Closely Watched Trains and The Firemen's Ball have both been restored in 4K and are available in the Czech Republic with English subtitles. I haven't imported them as I'm confident that they'll get released by Criterion eventually. Disappointingly, Vojtěch Jasný's All My Good Countrymen - the least likely of the Czech 4K restorations to get a release - is the only one without English subs.

How come there are no links to these versions on this site (unless I'm missing them somehow)?

[Scottie]

It looks as if the Gimme Shelter and Grey Gardens posters are for sale (again) on Criterion with the passing of Albert Maysles.

http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...shelter-poster

http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...gardens-poster

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by Bates_Motel

How come there are no links to these versions on this site (unless I'm missing them somehow)?

The Firemen's Ball

The db is made by users, apparently no one has gotten around to Closely Watched Trains yet.

[Martin_31]

My first order of Criterion's arrived today. Sadly, the case of Purple Noon came dented, and the slip is torn. It seems like someone or something pressed too hard and ripped it. Do you think if I send Criterion an email will they send a replacement case and slip for Purple Noon?

[SilentDawn]

I just finished Fellini's La Dolce Vita for the first time, and I quite liked it. I did find some stretches quite boring, but by the time the final shot rolled around, I almost completely came around from my feeling of indifference through most of the middle section. It was a really good film, although not up to the standards of 8 1/2 in my eyes. However, those are the only two Fellini films that I have explored so far.

What are some of your thoughts on La Dolce Vita?