The Criterion Collection

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Vinyl

Here's a good question for you all. What genre of movies do you blind buy and what makes you decide to just go for a random title?

I usually bring my wife with me and she chooses a random title that I would not have chosen otherwise. So far, she has been pretty spot on.

Actually, you asked a great question, one that is forcing me to do some serious self-analysis. I know that I definitely have a special affinity for film noir and pre-Code Hollywood. My tastes for those films developed when I was in junior high.

But beyond genre, there are certain directors that I am pre-disposed to favor (Alfred Hitchcock, Otto Preminger, William Wellman, Ingmar Bergman, Carl Th. Dreyer) and certain stars that I will watch in anything (Gene Tierney, of course, Barbara Stanwyck, Meryl Streep, Joan Bennett, Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Fassbinder, Robert Ryan ...)

On the flip side, there are many (popular and critically admired) directors and stars whom I simply dislike, and always approach with extreme caution.

And in general, I tend to gravitate towards films from America, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and the Scandinavian countries.

The one genre I studiously avoid is anime. For whatever reasons, all the examples I've started to watch make me anxious and uncomfortable; I've never been able to finish one.

Interesting question! Thanks for asking it ...

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Banned User

Why in the world so many people here don't list Harakiri is beyond me. One of the best japanese films in the collection IMO by a long shot. Amazing film both in the story and the cinematography.

I dare say I like it better then most Kurosawa films.

One of the best films in the Criterion collection...PERIOD.

[RestlessEye]

Kind of an odd question but... aside from B&N, Amazon and Criterion, are there any good places to pick up older titles? The reason I ask is lately I'm not having very good luck acquiring older Criterion blurays that don't look like they've been through the mill. I've pretty much given up on Amazon (returned Cul De Sac three times). My order from B&N arrived and both Cul De Sac and The Innocents are really beat up. Its ridiculous the condition they're in - especially The Innocents. I understand they are older titles, but really? If I don't grab them the week they come out am I out of luck?

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

I was looking on Criterions page for the AK 100 box set and thought of a few things.
1. I want a big box set like that so bad.
2. Thank you criterion for giving us a big box set like that in the Zatoichi set.
3. The AK 100 DVD set had a retail price of $399, the Zatoichi set is blu-ray AND DVD and the retail price is only $224.95, most of us got it for roughly $100 or less.

So, again, do you think that was a smart business move? It was an extremely generous move, that's for sure. In a perfect world, I'd love to get another box set that size for that price but I can't see them ever doing it again.

I suspect that AK100 cost more because of the film rights. I'd have thought Kurosawa's back catalogue would come at a premium, esp. next to something like Zatoichi.

On a related note, there are a couple of box-sets that best the AK100 for me. The French complete Eric Rohmer set is along the same lines and absolutely stunning. All films have English subtitles too. Were it not for the fact that it's DVD-only then the similar set on Agnes Varda might even best it. Again, all of the films are subtitled and the extras are too. The box also includes a number of collectables.

[MifuneFan]

It's hardly a valid comparison anyway as the AK 100 set came out in 2009, a completely different market then. Odds are if it were released in today's market it would be around the same price as the Zatoichi set.

[Ray Jackson]

If anyone here is thinking about a blind buy I can enthusiastically recommend Hiroshima Mon Amour...which I saw last night for the first time.

As long as you're not turned off by a French subtitled art film in black and white, this one is an absolute cinematic masterwork. Honestly I think it's the best of the early French new wave films that I've seen.

Better than Breathless, 400 Blows, Jules and Jim or any of those early Godard/Truffaut movies.

...only one that even comes close for me is Vivre Sa Vie.

[JJJ225]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

If anyone here is thinking about a blind buy I can enthusiastically recommend Hiroshima Mon Amour...which I saw last night for the first time.

As long as you're not turned off by a French subtitled art film in black and white, this one is an absolute cinematic masterwork. Honestly I think it's the best of the early French new wave films that I've seen.

Better than Breathless, 400 Blows, Jules and Jim or any of those early Godard/Truffaut movies.

...only one that even comes close for me is Vivre Sa Vie.

Have you seen Last Year at Marienbad? It's even better.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by JJJ225

Have you seen Last Year at Marienbad? It's even better.

Yeah I've seen it.

Interesting narrative structure...didn't understand it a bit.

Didn't movie me the way Hiroshima did.

[JLant19]

Picked up 8 more titles with the sale at B&N

Blow Out- Highly enjoyed this film. Can't wait for Dressed To Kill

High And Low- Superb film. Can't wait to watch on Blu

In The Mood For Love- Can't wait to finally see this film. Have heard nothing but great things about it. Considered by many the best film of the 00's?

Late Spring- Should have been in collection on release. Great, great film.

The Man Who Knew Too Much- We need more Hitchcock from Criterion. Love everything they have put out so far. Rebecca, Spellbound, Notorious need upgrades immediately.

Rashomon- One of Kurosawa's best.

Sansho The Bailiff- Absolutely love the packaging. Never seen the film but sounds very intriguing.

Tokyo Story- Ozu's best? I just can't wait to finally watch this film.

[OrchidClub]

Originally Posted by JLant19

Rebecca, Spellbound, Notorious need upgrades immediately.

Those are already on Blu-ray from MGM and they look great. I'd rather see Criterion release Hitchcock titles that are not yet on Blu-ray.

[JLant19]

Originally Posted by OrchidClub

Those are already on Blu-ray from MGM and they look great. I'd rather see Criterion release Hitchcock titles that are not yet on Blu-ray.

Yes I know. I'd rather have Criterion release them with some great special features.

[Snicket]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Malick's Voyage of time delayed again??

According to this article, Knight of Cups wil be released in 2016. Then after that his next movie about the Texas music scene followed by Voyage of time!
So, since I don't believe there will be released 3 Malick films in 2016, I assume the latter will be released in 2017-2018??
http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplayli...tless-20150627

Still, haven't brought myself watching To The Wonder.
I think I will be disappointed.

On the plus side, universal has the home video rights to all 3 of those films. Hello Criterion.

[JLant19]

Originally Posted by filmmusic

Malick's Voyage of time delayed again??

According to this article, Knight of Cups wil be released in 2016. Then after that his next movie about the Texas music scene followed by Voyage of time!
So, since I don't believe there will be released 3 Malick films in 2016, I assume the latter will be released in 2017-2018??
http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplayli...tless-20150627

Still, haven't brought myself watching To The Wonder.
I think I will be disappointed.

I highly enjoyed To The Wonder. Always give Malick the chance. Voyage of Time is what I'm looking forward to most from him. Can't wait to see what Knight of Cups is all about, especially after I watched the trailer.

[silverlakephil]

Originally Posted by Fabs

Beautiful is a word that can be overused, but An Autumn Afternoon is most deserving of using that word.

I rank it higher over Tokyo Story and Late Spring.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by JLant19

........


We need more Hitchcock from Criterion.

I was expecting Criterion to get the rights to BFI's recently restored Hitchock 9. Nine films from his silent era. I believe they have since been shown in select theaters. I would hope someone would give us a Region A release.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/the_hitchcock_9.html

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

If anyone here is thinking about a blind buy I can enthusiastically recommend Hiroshima Mon Amour...which I saw last night for the first time.

As long as you're not turned off by a French subtitled art film in black and white, this one is an absolute cinematic masterwork. Honestly I think it's the best of the early French new wave films that I've seen.

Better than Breathless, 400 Blows, Jules and Jim or any of those early Godard/Truffaut movies.

...only one that even comes close for me is Vivre Sa Vie.

I'd written Hiroshima Mon Amour off as something I would not like, but I've seen a lot of your posts I agree 100% with and I'm wondering if maybe this would be something I enjoy. Most Godard movies I can take or leave though I love how haunting Last Year at Marianbad is even though the puzzle that is the story escapes me. Also been on the fence about Picnic on Hanging Rock. Just not that big a fan of movies that go nowhere and have no real stories, but are suppose to be somehow deep. Some titles people discuss as deep I sometimes see as shallow and pretentious. Not degrading these types of films its just the way I am. Now if the film is dark with a air of german expressionism that alone will sell me on either title. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and give it a try.

I guess I'm looking for a description of what is so likable about the film. Just its ambiance and mood? Or the camera work and imagery? Is the dialog natural or trying to be overly poetic or philisophical?

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

If anyone here is thinking about a blind buy I can enthusiastically recommend Hiroshima Mon Amour...which I saw last night for the first time.

As long as you're not turned off by a French subtitled art film in black and white, this one is an absolute cinematic masterwork. Honestly I think it's the best of the early French new wave films that I've seen.

Better than Breathless, 400 Blows, Jules and Jim or any of those early Godard/Truffaut movies.

...only one that even comes close for me is Vivre Sa Vie.

there is not a chance on God's green earth that that film is better than any of the 4 you mentioned from Truffaut or Godard..

all a matter of opinion, though, and you are entitled to yours.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Fabs

Beautiful is a word that can be overused, but An Autumn Afternoon is most deserving of using that word.

Originally Posted by silverlakephil

I rank it higher over Tokyo Story and Late Spring.

I’ve made a decision to buy this one today. I’ve just got to figure out some bargain bin title that I’d like to have so that I can get my subtotal to $30. (Rakuten.com has $10 off $30 w/ Visa checkout.)

Thanks again, guys, for the input. I’m fairly confident that I will really enjoy this film!

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Banned User

I was expecting Criterion to get the rights to BFI's recently restored Hitchock 9. Nine films from his silent era. I believe they have since been shown in select theaters. I would hope someone would give us a Region A release.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/the_hitchcock_9.html



I'd written Hiroshima Mon Amour off as something I would not like, but I've seen a lot of your posts I agree 100% with and I'm wondering if maybe this would be something I enjoy. Most Godard movies I can take or leave though I love how haunting Last Year at Marianbad is even though the puzzle that is the story escapes me. Also been on the fence about Picnic on Hanging Rock. Just not that big a fan of movies that go nowhere and have no real stories, but are suppose to be somehow deep. Some titles people discuss as deep I sometimes see as shallow and pretentious. Not degrading these types of films its just the way I am. Now if the film is dark with a air of german expressionism that alone will sell me on either title. Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and give it a try.

I guess I'm looking for a description of what is so likable about the film. Just its ambiance and mood? Or the camera work and imagery? Is the dialog natural or trying to be overly poetic or philisophical?

You know how when a magician performs a trick and the audience claps... the magician might raise his chin and bow w/ an ever so smug look on his face? That's how the dialogue in this film comes off to me. It is SOO self-consciously "poetic" that it it nauseating.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by RestlessEye

Kind of an odd question but... aside from B&N, Amazon and Criterion, are there any good places to pick up older titles? The reason I ask is lately I'm not having very good luck acquiring older Criterion blurays that don't look like they've been through the mill. I've pretty much given up on Amazon (returned Cul De Sac three times). My order from B&N arrived and both Cul De Sac and The Innocents are really beat up. Its ridiculous the condition they're in - especially The Innocents. I understand they are older titles, but really? If I don't grab them the week they come out am I out of luck?

Actually ... and please don't be offended ... but your question doesn't make sense to me. I don't know what you mean by "older titles". If you're buying a brand new copy of a title that originally came out 5 years ago, that brand new copy should still look ... well, brand new.

[Vlad Draculi]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

And just to complete the rounds.

It sounds like the BN 50% sale has been extended through August 3 -- 2 instore clerks said they just got the information today.

As great as that sounds, it does me no good. My next paycheck is not until Sept 20th, so if I can't afford to buy something today, it still isn't going to make any different on Aug 3rd.

Unless I sell off some stuff that is.