The Criterion Collection

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by Moj

Going back for one more order, and could use some advice, I have three movies I'm interested in:

Thin Blue Line
Naked
Love Streams

Any opinions on them? Preferences?

Only one of the greatest films ever made, and certainly one of the most important, as it helped free an innocent man from prison.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes is an example of Billy Wilder not quite firing on all cylinders, but it would probably be considered an A film had it been released by any other director, and I happen to think that it's a wildly fun movie.

I think this is perhaps the best Sherlock Holmes movie after a few of the Basil Rathbone ones. Imagine what it would be if it had the 40 deleted minutes put back in.

[Martin_31]

Just finished watching Man Bites Dog and I really enjoyed it. Disturbing and shocking. To be honest, I had to remind myself that it was not a real documentary on a serial killer. Pretty scary movie. I just kept thinking about a guy like him living in my neighborhood or going to the same school and killing people without anyone knowing.

[Zen_Amako]

I really like both Marketa Lazarova and Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, but they are not for everybody (especially Valerie). Valerie might be a bit like House in the sense that not everyone is going to be attuned to its particular brand of strangeness. Personally, I much prefer Valerie over Black Moon, but I think someone who enjoys one might appreciate the other.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Iamspartacus

I would say:

1. Sunset Boulevard
2. Witness for the Prosecution
3. Double Indemnity
4. Stalag 17
5. The Lost Weekend
6. Ace in the Hole
7. The Apartment
8. Some Like it Hot
9. Sabrina
10.The Seven Year Itch

Great list! I'd have to go with:

1. Double Indemnity
2. Sunset Blvd.
3. Witness for the Prosecution
4. Sabrina
5. Some Like It Hot
6. Ace in the Hole
7. Stalag 17
8. One, Two, Three
9. A Foreign Affair
10.The Major and the Minor

I'm surprised by my 10th choice because I have a general aversion to Ginger Rogers ... but she's great in it. My "also-ran" would be Five Graves to Cairo.

[Vlad Draculi]

Originally Posted by Vinyl

Sooo, do you like Hitchcock?

Yep. Hitchcock is awesome and I've never seen any of those ones yet.

Well, until today.

The Man Who Knew Too Much - I like the remake better, A LOT better. That doesn't make this a bad movie by any means, as I did enjoy it, but I can definitely see why Hitchcock remade it. It is just sloppy at times and the plot moves way too quickly. There just isn't enough time given to the family to make you care for them. Also, the opera scene is too short. Overall, I give it a 7/10, but it is one of the weakest Hitchcock movies I've seen so far.

Foreign Correspondent - Not as amazing as I was told, but still a great movie overall. It had some really fantastic moments to it, but the romance between Jones and the daughter was just way too forced. There is no way they could just instantly fall in love with each other just like that. The last little bit was shocking though as I never saw that coming. Still not anywhere near his best works, but certainly superior to The Man Who Knew Too Much. I also give this movie a 7/10.

[Iamspartacus]

Really like Thin Blue Line, never seen Naked, and Love Streams? Well I liked it and found it sad as Cassavetes was waving goodbye...but he's not for everyone.

[D2Girls]

What exactly makes something a 'digibook'? Does it have to have a digital copy of the movie in it...? I got Scanners, today (LOVE the movie, and LOVE the packaging, its so good!!) and its listed as a 'digibook' on the website, but I really dont get it.

PS. I'm mega hyped for Brood, and tomorrow, I'm going to pick up Arrow's limited edition release of Society. I was horrified to discover that it's a very limited print run, and I have to go pick it up NOW or else be stuck with a bare bones packaging for the next print...

Thank god that the video store I called has some copies left. (and if any canadians are interested, amazon has some stock left as well)

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Vlad Draculi

Yep. Hitchcock is awesome and I've never seen any of those ones yet.

Well, until today.

The Man Who Knew Too Much - I like the remake better, A LOT better. That doesn't make this a bad movie by any means, as I did enjoy it, but I can definitely see why Hitchcock remade it. It is just sloppy at times and the plot moves way too quickly. There just isn't enough time given to the family to make you care for them. Also, the opera scene is too short. Overall, I give it a 7/10, but it is one of the weakest Hitchcock movies I've seen so far.

Foreign Correspondent - Not as amazing as I was told, but still a great movie overall. It had some really fantastic moments to it, but the romance between Jones and the daughter was just way too forced. There is no way they could just instantly fall in love with each other just like that. The last little bit was shocking though as I never saw that coming. Still not anywhere near his best works, but certainly superior to The Man Who Knew Too Much. I also give this movie a 7/10.

My favorite of the four you purchased is The Lady Vanishes. It seems to go a little slow at first ... but pay attention! ... Hitchcock is just getting all his ducks in a row. When the film finally starts to move, it's a rollercoaster of a thrill ride. I actually watched it twice within a 48 hour period, I enjoyed it that much. Hope you get as much pleasure from it as I did/do.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by Vlad Draculi

Yep. Hitchcock is awesome and I've never seen any of those ones yet.

Well, until today.

The Man Who Knew Too Much - I like the remake better, A LOT better. That doesn't make this a bad movie by any means, as I did enjoy it, but I can definitely see why Hitchcock remade it. It is just sloppy at times and the plot moves way too quickly. There just isn't enough time given to the family to make you care for them. Also, the opera scene is too short. Overall, I give it a 7/10, but it is one of the weakest Hitchcock movies I've seen so far.

Foreign Correspondent - Not as amazing as I was told, but still a great movie overall. It had some really fantastic moments to it, but the romance between Jones and the daughter was just way too forced. There is no way they could just instantly fall in love with each other just like that. The last little bit was shocking though as I never saw that coming. Still not anywhere near his best works, but certainly superior to The Man Who Knew Too Much. I also give this movie a 7/10.

You've saved the best two for last.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by D2Girls

What exactly makes something a 'digibook'? Does it have to have a digital copy of the movie in it...? I got Scanners, today (LOVE the movie, and LOVE the packaging, its so good!!) and its listed as a 'digibook' on the website, but I really dont get it.

PS. I'm mega hyped for Brood, and tomorrow, I'm going to pick up Arrow's limited edition release of Society. I was horrified to discover that it's a very limited print run, and I have to go pick it up NOW or else be stuck with a bare bones packaging for the next print...

Thank god that the video store I called has some copies left. (and if any canadians are interested, amazon has some stock left as well)

A digibook usually has a heavy cardboard case (as opposed to a plastic case). The discs are housed in plastic trays glued to the inside of the cardboard case, and there's usually a "book" attached inside ... think a Criterion booklet that can't be removed, but instead is "bound" inside the case.

https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/~/media...ook%20jpg.ashx

[Vlad Draculi]

Originally Posted by D2Girls

What exactly makes something a 'digibook'? Does it have to have a digital copy of the movie in it...? I got Scanners, today (LOVE the movie, and LOVE the packaging, its so good!!) and its listed as a 'digibook' on the website, but I really dont get it.

PS. I'm mega hyped for Brood, and tomorrow, I'm going to pick up Arrow's limited edition release of Society. I was horrified to discover that it's a very limited print run, and I have to go pick it up NOW or else be stuck with a bare bones packaging for the next print...

Thank god that the video store I called has some copies left. (and if any canadians are interested, amazon has some stock left as well)

What jmclick said.

Scanners is what is called a digipack. Not sure why the site you saw said digibook.

[Vinyl]

H

Originally Posted by jmclick

My favorite of the four you purchased is The Lady Vanishes. It seems to go a little slow at first ... but pay attention! ... Hitchcock is just getting all his ducks in a row. When the film finally starts to move, it's a rollercoaster of a thrill ride. I actually watched it twice within a 48 hour period, I enjoyed it that much. Hope you get as much pleasure from it as I did/do.

I agree with The Lady Vanishes being the best of the lot. It is so well set up and gives you points for remembering things till the end. Really should not put off getting that movie any more.

The 39 Steps is great also, but sometimes it feels like everyone is making a charicature of the "fast talking high trousers" trope. Maybe that was normal dialogue to the writers, but now it seems almost silly. I really enjoyed it the first time I watched it, but the second time all I had was that thought in my mind about the dialogue.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by oildude

Anyone who doesn't have Ace in the Hole in their collection and goes through this sale without adding it is really missing out. I watched it again last night and appreciated it even more than I did the first time. A true noir classic. Kirk Douglas at the peak of his craft. I love this movie.

And I am now certain that Billy Wilder is my favorite director. That guy made so many near-perfect films across multiple genres. He was also the writer for many of his classic films, including Ace in the Hole. Unbelievable talent.

I absolutely love this film and the only reason I didn't get it is that I already own the Criterion DVD and features wise it's the same so those titles go to the back of the line. Same with Umberto D. I'm only just getting around to upgrading The 400 Blows and Late Spring. I know- shame on me!
Two of the most seething and cynical films on media manipulation are Ace in the Hole and Faces in the Crowd. I wish the latter would get an upgrade from someone; anyone! It's a gem and an real eye-opener for fans of Sheriff Taylor. Shazam!!!

[D2Girls]

oildude, could you make a list with 10 (or even 15, or 20, if you have the time), and maybe briefly describe why and what is special about each film? it doesnt have to be a 'top 10' more like a list that you think would be good recommendations for someone who's trying to open their eyes to different kinds of movies.

or just do a text only version of that list you did a few days ago. i'd really appreciate your thoughts on each of the movies you listed, though.

[schlock]

Originally Posted by Vlad Draculi

The Man Who Knew Too Much - I like the remake better, A LOT better. That doesn't make this a bad movie by any means, as I did enjoy it, but I can definitely see why Hitchcock remade it. It is just sloppy at times and the plot moves way too quickly. There just isn't enough time given to the family to make you care for them. Also, the opera scene is too short. Overall, I give it a 7/10, but it is one of the weakest Hitchcock movies I've seen so far.

I am the exact opposite. I actually deplore the remake, something I don't say about any Hitchcock film - it's overproduced, melodramatic, silly nonsense. The plot moves too slowly, the opera scene is too LONG, and geesh, Que Sera Sera. Just all very cheesy. That said, I don't think the original version is great Hitchcock by any means, it's not, but I still think it's a very good Hitchcock film.

[jw007]

Made one final trip to Barnes and Noble and bought The Black Stallion as a blind-buy. I did some research on this one and liked the story and theme so I think this is going to be a good one. I will post my final haul on here in a couple of days or less.

[Cocophone]

I'm soooooo happy I picked up Hiroshima Mon Amour during the B&N sale. Really enjoyed the philosophical questions. I also really enjoyed the interview with the film scholar. I can't wait to watch the rest of the supplements.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Martin_31

Just finished watching Man Bites Dog and I really enjoyed it. Disturbing and shocking. To be honest, I had to remind myself that it was not a real documentary on a serial killer. Pretty scary movie. I just kept thinking about a guy like him living in my neighborhood or going to the same school and killing people without anyone knowing.

I think that's what makes

[Show spoiler]The Vanishing

so disturbing.

[jw007]

Does anyone here by any chance own the Criterion DVDs of Nanook of the North (1922) and Simon of the Desert (1965)?

I realize the former is out of print... I'd love to see a blu-ray version of that.

EDIT: I just noticed its actually available on blu-ray already! https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Nanoo.../63245/#Review

[darkness2918]

Ok, today's the last day of the sale & I may able to squeeze 1 or 2 movies out of it. Which of these would be best? I haven't seen any of them before.

The Vanishing (I did see the 93 remake & actually liked it)
Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion
3 Women
The Night Porter
Naked Lunch (I love Cronenberg's films)

I tried to get The Vanishing & Investigation last Friday but they were out of both sadly.