The Criterion Collection - Page 6253 - Blu-ray Forum

ShellOilJunior · 05-04-2015, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenus

^Very interesting to know. Guru Dutt will be a slightly harder sell to non-Indian viewers than Ray because his films are more steeped in traditional Bollywood culture, but it would be great if we could see a good release of Pyaasa (The Thirsty One) or Kaagaz ke Phool (Paper Flowers). The latter was India's first Cinemascope film and featured fantastic cinematography from Guru Dutt's regular man VK Murthy.

On an aside, check out this short poem actor James Mason wrote about Max Ophuls' love for tracking, dolly and crane shots

Whenever I think of Mason I think of his parting line in North by Northwest:

[Show spoiler]

AaronJ · 05-04-2015, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I still have not started watching the films in my box set of The Essential Jacques Demy, but I know that I'm going to have to be extremely careful when I do so. That box set is the most fragile Criterion package that I've seen to date.

I've watched all of them, and many of them more than once (and Umbrellas of Cherbourg MANY times -- but I can't get enough of that movie!), and I haven't run into any problems.

I mean, I'm generally careful with everything. So maybe that's it. But everything seems on the up and up with the set, so far.

pedromvu · 05-04-2015, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenus

^Very interesting to know. Guru Dutt will be a slightly harder sell to non-Indian viewers than Ray because his films are more steeped in traditional Bollywood culture, but it would be great if we could see a good release of Pyaasa (The Thirsty One) or Kaagaz ke Phool (Paper Flowers). The latter was India's first Cinemascope film and featured fantastic cinematography from Guru Dutt's regular man VK Murthy.

I am too interested in seeing what they end up releasing, inspired by an episode of The Story of Film i decided to watch Sholay a few weeks back, and while it heavily borrows from very well known films i thought it was pretty good, i am interested in which are considered the most well known Bollywood films, since there are a lot on Netflix but i have a suspicion a lot of them might not be good.

Dragun · 05-04-2015, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenus

^Very interesting to know. Guru Dutt will be a slightly harder sell to non-Indian viewers than Ray because his films are more steeped in traditional Bollywood culture, but it would be great if we could see a good release of Pyaasa (The Thirsty One) or Kaagaz ke Phool (Paper Flowers). The latter was India's first Cinemascope film and featured fantastic cinematography from Guru Dutt's regular man VK Murthy.

Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool are Dutt's masterpieces and would be great candidates for the Criterion Collection.

I would love to see high quality releases of those films. I was able to get a DVD of a UK broadcast of Pyaasa, which was way better than any of the commercial releases, but the French DVD of Kaagaz Ke Phool is out of print, and impossible to find. Hopefully decent enough film elements exist of both films to use as the basis for restorations.

bwdowiak · 05-04-2015, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedromvu

i am interested in which are considered the most well known Bollywood films, since there are a lot on Netflix but i have a suspicion a lot of them might not be good.

some of the most well known Bollywood films from recent years are:
Dil Chaata Hai (decent buddy film... all your typical Bollywood cliches)
3 Idiots (I think everyone knows about this one. it's a fun movie)
Kahaani (Indian audiences loved it. if you're like me, the most fun you'll get from it is finding its one million plot holes and picking apart completely ludicrous plot developments)
Rang De Basanti (subject matter is more serious than the others... I was kinda bored with it)
Dil Se (more well known for its music than its plot. some silly narrative arcs here, too)
and one I really enjoyed was Talaash which plays out in a very western style

Ohh!! one I almost forgot. The Lunchbox is a very very good film. recent blu-ray release... not typical Bollywood fare. don't know if it technically considered Bollywood, but Indian audiences did love it from what I understand.

none of these deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Ray, but since you asked for "well-known," these are a few that I believe are on Netflix.

pedromvu · 05-04-2015, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

some of the most well known Bollywood films from recent years are:
Dil Chaata Hai (decent buddy film... all your typical Bollywood cliches)
3 Idiots (I think everyone knows about this one. it's a fun movie)
Kahaani (Indian audiences loved it. if you're like me, the most fun you'll get from it is finding its one million plot holes and picking apart completely ludicrous plot developments)
Rang De Basanti (subject matter is more serious than the others... I was kinda bored with it)
Dil Se (more well known for its music than its plot. some silly narrative arcs here, too)
and one I really enjoyed was Talaash which plays out in a very western style

Ohh!! one I almost forgot. The Lunchbox is a very very good film. recent blu-ray release... not typical Bollywood fare. don't know if it technically considered Bollywood, but Indian audiences did love it from what I understand.

none of these deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Ray, but since you asked for "well-known," these are a few that I believe are on Netflix.

Thank you, i did see The Lunchbox and liked it, i also saw a recent one named Queen which was pretty entertaining, will check the others at some time.

ravenus · 05-04-2015, 04:55 PM

The most well known films of a country are rarely its most well crafted ones. The closest popular and aesthetic cinema came so far as Bollywood (Hindi film industry) was concerned was during the 1950's when young film-makers of that period were fired up by what they'd seen of the Italian neo-realist film movement and incorporated those influences with Indian cultural motifs into a vision and craft-driven work.

pedromvu · 05-04-2015, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenus

The most well known films of a country are rarely its most well crafted ones. The closest popular and aesthetic cinema came so far as Bollywood (Hindi film industry) was concerned was during the 1950's when young film-makers of that period were fired up by what they'd seen of the Italian neo-realist film movement and incorporated those influences with Indian cultural motifs into a vision and craft-driven work.

Yeah i should probably have said the most well regarded or critically praised Bollywood films, it seems most Indian cinema has very little exposure outside their country, even when they produce an enormous amount of films each year.

lordmorpheus72 · 05-04-2015, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clare2904

Congrats, you must make number 100 a special one. I need to update my list, both here and on Criterion.com

I hadn't thought of that, but that's a great idea. Maybe I'll hold off on the purchase of Fisher King. I love Rushmore and Life Aquatic but I have those already. I really need to go through my wish list.

And speaking of Bill Murray, I was at the game last night, and took my copies of Broken Fowers and Life Aquatic out of my bag and didn't put them back in before I left (had doggie treats in the bag since it was Dog Day at the park). So had neither with me, and guess who sits in front of me again?? Mr. Bill Murray himself. I did get him to sign the foul ball I caught though. One day though... he will sign my copies of Broken Flowers, Life Aquatic and Rushmore!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronJ

Very cool. And I agree with another poster, you need to make that #100 something special to you.

There are so many DVDs I haven't updated. Of course, some of them aren't possible to update (The Passion of Joan of Arc, for example -- GRRR!).

OK, just went through and added everything at Criterion. A couple of the entries in my collection aren't correct, because they only listed the BD/DVD version, and I have the DVD only version (Rififi, and The Hidden Fortress - which I have as part of the "Four Samurai Classics" box set, which they don't list).

Apparently, my collection now numbers 60, if you include both DVD and Blu-Ray. I think it's about split 50/50 between the two formats.

But man, going through their collection was somewhat depressing: So many titles I want. Oh well, see what we can do.

I know the feeling.. so may I want.. And 60 is not bad at all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyMcGee

Those are some great titles, and I am sure you have many more great ones on your shelf.

I am currently up to 229 releases. I am still missing a good number of previous releases and I am always playing catch up with their most recently ones, like Odd Man Out.

Here is a list of the titles I own:

[Show spoiler]

That's a great list!!

ShellOilJunior · 05-04-2015, 07:56 PM

Born on this day in 1929.

octagon · 05-04-2015, 07:58 PM

That's the best picture you could find?

Seriously?

Go stand in a corner or something.

(edit: this is hilarious but that picture really is freaking me out the longer I stare at it

...it's like she's wearing Groucho glasses without the glasses part)

Scottie · 05-04-2015, 08:02 PM

I finished Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman today and it is a bittersweet feeling.

The films are, for the most part, highly entertaining, averaging about 80-90 minutes each. The character of Zatôichi is essentially a superhero who is able to do more things than the average sighted folk could do, which is always impressive. Furthermore, Shintaro Katsu is phenomenal in the role and his performances will go down as some of the most memorable in film history.

Overall, there are plenty of hits and misses in the box set, but almost all of the films help to pass the time.

CriterionBlues · 05-04-2015, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iScottie

I finished Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman today and it is a bittersweet feeling.

The films are, for the most part, highly entertaining, averaging about 80-90 minutes each. The character of Zatôichi is essentially a superhero who is able to do more things than the average sighted folk could do, which is always impressive. Furthermore, Shintaro Katsu is phenomenal in the role and his performances will go down as some of the most memorable in film history.

Overall, there are plenty of hits and misses in the box set, but almost all of the films help to pass the time.

Congrats! That's actually quite an achievement even though the box has been out over a year. I'm at #15 and have been spacing them out so I don't get burnt out. It would be too easy to just burn through them all. I agree that Katsu is something else. He has the acting chops and physicality, plus the humor and pleasant disposition that makes him an engaging protagonist for the series.

So far my favorite of the series is Zatoichi's Pilgrimage.

Scottie · 05-04-2015, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Congrats! That's actually quite an achievement even though the box has been out over a year. I'm at #15 and have been spacing them out so I don't get burnt out. It would be too easy to just burn through them all. I agree that Katsu is something else. He has the acting chops and physicality, plus the humor and pleasant disposition that makes him an engaging protagonist for the series.

So far my favorite of the series is Zatoichi's Pilgrimage.

I think my favorite was Fight, Zatôichi, Fight! as nothing is more hilarious than Ichi with a baby. Although, if I remember correctly, Samaritan Zatôichi was quite good, as well.

belcherman · 05-04-2015, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octagon

That's the best picture you could find?

Seriously?

Go stand in a corner or something.

(edit: this is hilarious but that picture really is freaking me out the longer I stare at it

...it's like she's wearing Groucho glasses without the glasses part)

Ms. Hepburn was never anything but beautiful. Groucho glasses, indeed!

obCriterion: Would really love to see a Criterion blu of Two for the Road this year.

The Great Owl · 05-04-2015, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iScottie

I finished Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman today and it is a bittersweet feeling.

The films are, for the most part, highly entertaining, averaging about 80-90 minutes each. The character of Zatôichi is essentially a superhero who is able to do more things than the average sighted folk could do, which is always impressive. Furthermore, Shintaro Katsu is phenomenal in the role and his performances will go down as some of the most memorable in film history.

Overall, there are plenty of hits and misses in the box set, but almost all of the films help to pass the time.

I have not even started my Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman collection. I really ought to get cracking on that. In fact, I might just work it in this summer. I'd like to go through the whole thing from beginning to end in a marathon, like I usually do with my James Bond flicks.

After that, I'll hit my still-unwatched Blu-rays of...
The Essential Jacques Demi
The Complete Jacques Tati
John Cassavetes: Five Films
David Lean Directs Noël Coward

Yeah...this brings back memories of being so far behind in my college Calculus classes that I didn't know enough even to ask questions to the professors.

hoytereden · 05-05-2015, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belcherman

Ms. Hepburn was never anything but beautiful. Groucho glasses, indeed!

obCriterion: Would really love to see a Criterion blu of Two for the Road this year.

In Two For the Road you get so many different Audrey Hepburn looks-From flannel to mod and she looks gorgeous in them all!

SlickDamian · 05-05-2015, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I have not even started my Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman collection. I really ought to get cracking on that. In fact, I might just work it in this summer. I'd like to go through the whole thing from beginning to end in a marathon, like I usually do with my James Bond flicks.

After that, I'll hit my still-unwatched Blu-rays of...
The Essential Jacques Demi
The Complete Jacques Tati
John Cassavetes: Five Films
David Lean Directs Noël Coward

Yeah...this brings back memories of being so far behind in my college Calculus classes that I didn't know enough even to ask questions to the professors.

I would really recommend watching the Cassavetes set. All of the films are fantastic and vary in their styles.

CriterionBlues · 05-05-2015, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

I would really recommend watching the Cassavetes set. All of the films are fantastic and vary in their styles.

Agreed about the Cassavetes set, but I'd prioritize the Tati and Demy first. I've seen three of the Lean set, and it's worth it for Brief Encounter, but doesn't compare with the other sets.

Scottie · 05-05-2015, 02:26 AM

I watched The Confession tonight and I found it to be a really exhausting and mentally draining film.

I'm sure Gavras intended his film to be challenging because by the film's end, there are more questions than answers. Although I haven't read the book, Kafka's "The Trial" seems to share many similarities with this film because everything feels like a mystery that is truly never solved.

This is the third Gavras film that I've seen and I would rate it between Z and Missing. I'm hoping to watch State of Siege tomorrow to see whether I want to keep my pre-order or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Agreed about the Cassavetes set, but I'd prioritize the Tati and Demy first. I've seen three of the Lean set, and it's worth it for Brief Encounter, but doesn't compare with the other sets.

I'm still praying for re-releases of Brief Encounter, Easy Rider, and The Last Picture Show.

If they can do it for Five Easy Pieces, I don't see why they can't do it for these three.

05-04-2015, 07:58 PM	#125051
octagon Blu-ray Prince Member since:Jun 2010 Location:Chicago 4K collection:255 Blu-ray collection:2799	That's the best picture you could find? Seriously? Go stand in a corner or something. (edit: this is hilarious but that picture really is freaking me out the longer I stare at it...it's like she's wearing Groucho glasses without the glasses part) Last edited by octagon; 05-04-2015 at 08:03 PM.

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05-04-2015, 04:55 PM	#125047
ravenus Blu-ray Baron Top contributor Member since:Dec 2010 Location:India Home Theater Gallery:6 4K collection:6 Blu-ray collection:1205 DVD collection:144 Blu-ray reviews: 184 Trading Score:8	The most well known films of a country are rarely its most well crafted ones. The closest popular and aesthetic cinema came so far as Bollywood (Hindi film industry) was concerned was during the 1950's when young film-makers of that period were fired up by what they'd seen of the Italian neo-realist film movement and incorporated those influences with Indian cultural motifs into a vision and craft-driven work.

05-04-2015, 07:56 PM	#125050
ShellOilJunior Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2009 Location:USA Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:10	Born on this day in 1929.

05-04-2015, 08:02 PM	#125052
Scottie Moderator Top contributor Member since:Oct 2010 Location:Rhode Island Trading Score:647	I finished Zatôichi: The Blind Swordsman today and it is a bittersweet feeling. The films are, for the most part, highly entertaining, averaging about 80-90 minutes each. The character of Zatôichi is essentially a superhero who is able to do more things than the average sighted folk could do, which is always impressive. Furthermore, Shintaro Katsu is phenomenal in the role and his performances will go down as some of the most memorable in film history. Overall, there are plenty of hits and misses in the box set, but almost all of the films help to pass the time.

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