The Criterion Collection

[ejm69]

This debate about Jellyfish Eyes is really interesting to me. I'm torn as being someone who definitely would like more contemporary Japanese cinema in the collection (more Kore-eda, please) however even without seeing Jellyfish Eyes I can see how it fits in the collection. Those calling it a derivative of the Pokemon/Digimon/fighting monsters fad are hitting on why it might be so interesting to the collection. It seems to be an ode to a significant aspect of not only Japanese culture, but an aspect of Japanese culture that had and continues to have huge Western appeal.

Personally, I'm never one to complain about what Criterion releases. If they release something that is of interest to you, that is great. If not, just consider it to be extra money in your pocket.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by ejm69

This debate about Jellyfish Eyes is really interesting to me. I'm torn as being someone who definitely would like more contemporary Japanese cinema in the collection (more Kore-eda, please) however even without seeing Jellyfish Eyes I can see how it fits in the collection. Those calling it a derivative of the Pokemon/Digimon/fighting monsters fad are hitting on why it might be so interesting to the collection. It seems to be an ode to a significant aspect of not only Japanese culture, but an aspect of Japanese culture that had and continues to have huge Western appeal.

Personally, I'm never one to complain about what Criterion releases. If they release something that is of interest to you, that is great. If not, just consider it to be extra money in your pocket.

Is Pokemon still wildly popular in Japan? My Japanese prof in college used to always say when something Japanese gets to the West it's already run its course in Japan.

[ejm69]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Is Pokemon still wildly popular in Japan? My Japanese prof in college used to always say that as soon as something gets to the West it's already run its course in Japan.

Pokemon, I can't say for sure. Although they do still pump out games and they do still sell well. Digimon is getting a 15th anniversary sort of reboot that is also looking to be quite big. Regardless of their current status, I think the cultural impact is still worth examining, and perhaps that is what Criterion sees in something like Jellyfish Eyes

It would be hilarious if after all the debate here it was just May-pril fools joke.

[Namuhana]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Is Pokemon still wildly popular in Japan? My Japanese prof in college used to always say that as soon as something gets to the West it's already run its course in Japan.

Hmm, I don't know about Pokemon, but I do know that there will be a new Digimon series premiering this year (Digimon Adventure Tri), so that seems to still be relevant in Japan as well as in the US.

[dsman71]

Im having my own debate whether or not to keep my Criterion blu ray of the Third Man with the Studio Canal release upcoming, and Ive heard it will be better

[Musicguy]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

What part is the clue for Paper Moon?

The guy in the boat holding a rod with a hanging paper moon. (see below)

[klauswhereareyou]

Last I checked the Nintendo 3DS is the number one selling system in Japan, so I'd guess that means Pokemon is still popular. I think they still put out a new game for the Nintendo handhelds every year or so.

[Musicguy]

criterion-2015-drawing.jpg

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

The guy in the boat holding a rod with a hanging paper moon. (see below)

As previously noted this is not a paper moon but Jellyfish eyes.

[monorail91]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

My team advanced in the playoffs last night (Hawks or Wizards look out). After work today I look forward to the announcements.

As I first read this post I thought it was referring to Criterion pick advancements What a March Madness grid that would be....maybe better for a full year

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

So...has anyone actually seen Jellyfish Eyes?

"Backlash" against Criterion for releasing a film you don't like - let alone one you haven't seen - is indefensibly absurd.

Just to clarify my earlier comments about both Tiny Furniture and Jellyfish Eyes, I've seen neither and will keep an open mind for both. I just remember the backlash for the Dunham flick was pretty fierce, and from what I've seen here and elsewhere, the same could be the case for the Japanese flick. I'm not condoning that sort of response.

Frankly I agree that any backlash or second guessing of Criterion is absurd. If Mulholland Drive doesn't get announced today, then people will be upset. Some people get upset when a Wes Anderson movie gets released, and some people get upset when a Wes Anderson does not get released (yet). Agreed, indefensibly absurd.

I watch Criterion new releases every month and am continually impressed with their treatment of films I might have glossed over, and I discover a lot of great content I would have never otherwise tried. For that I give them credit and you'll seldom if ever see me criticize their choices.

[eiknarf]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Just to clarify my earlier comments about both Tiny Furniture and Jellyfish Eyes, I've seen neither and will keep an open mind for both. I just remember the backlash for the Dunham flick was pretty fierce, and from what I've seen here and elsewhere, the same could be the case for the Japanese flick. I'm not condoning that sort of response.

Frankly I agree that any backlash or second guessing of Criterion is absurd. If Mulholland Drive doesn't get announced today, then people will be upset. Some people get upset when a Wes Anderson movie gets released, and some people get upset when a Wes Anderson does not get released (yet). Agreed, indefensibly absurd.

I watch Criterion new releases every month and am continually impressed with their treatment of films I might have glossed over, and I discover a lot of great content I would have never otherwise tried. For that I give them credit and you'll seldom if ever see me criticize their choices.

What time today will they make/post their announcement?

[gr451]

Originally Posted by eiknarf

What time today will they make/post their announcement?

5-6PM EST
ish

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by gr451

5-6PM EST
ish

Ish is right. Sometimes as early as 4pm, others as late as 7pm.

[deepbreathsanddeath]

I am in Polaroids boat. Haven't seen Jellyfish Eyes but it does look positively awful and being a fan of contemporary Japanese cinema (and classic), it would be unfortunate if they actually release Jellyfish Eyes. There's a lot of truly excellent contemporary Asian films they could focus their energies on. Plenty of titles from directors with a fan base among those who collect their titles.

They'll do what they'll do though.

[PowellPressburger]

but it is for sure are announcements happening today? I hate when they tell us at 4 pm sorry monday lol

[silverlakephil]

Along with the expected Jellyfish Eyes, my predictions are the following:

The Cure
The Brood
Two Days, One Night
The New World
Dressed To Kill

[pedromvu]

After checking that Jellyfish Eyes trailer i can see why the debate, while it looks a bit cheesy it did peeked my interest a little, but it certainly doesn't look like anything already in the collection.

Also I don't see this release making big bucks for criterion, unless it has a lower MSRP than their regular titles.

For contemporary Japanese films, they could have gone with any Kore-eda and i would be happy, easy choice.

[Scottie]

Burroughs: The Movie
Dressed to Kill
Mulholland Drive
Two Days, One Night

I'm going to guess that we'll see 1-2 upgrades, as well. Hopefully some David Lean.

[dsman71]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Burroughs: The Movie
Dressed to Kill
Mulholland Drive
Two Days, One Night

I'm going to guess that we'll see 1-2 upgrades, as well. Hopefully some David Lean.

Im sure Dressed to Kill and Mulholland Drive are forthcoming, if not today maybe next month.. I think Id faint if both were announced today along with upgrades to one or two of their horror/sci fi catalog that I want really badly from them