The Criterion Collection

[Nielsb90]

Just rewatched "Overlord" for the first time. What a strange but atmospheric and sad movie - I definitely liked it more the second time around. Unique for sure!

Its not in too many collections and haven't seen it mentioned too much on here - what are peoples thoughts? Do you like it?

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

Just rewatched "Overlord" for the first time. What a strange but atmospheric and sad movie - I definitely liked it more the second time around. Unique for sure!

Its not in too many collections and haven't seen it mentioned too much on here - what are peoples thoughts? Do you like it?

I didn't care for it which surprised the heck out of me since WWII films are usually right up my alley. I couldn't find anything the least bit interesting about the lead character and really ended up not caring what would happen to him. The actual film footage was amazing though and I'd get so intrigued with it so that when the "story" interrupted it I'd get annoyed. I'll give it a second chance but I was disappointed the first time around.

[Nielsb90]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I didn't care for it which surprised the heck out of me since WWII films are usually right up my alley. I couldn't find anything the least bit interesting about the lead character and really ended up not caring what would happen to him. The actual film footage was amazing though and I'd get so intrigued with it so that when the "story" interrupted it I'd get annoyed. I'll give it a second chance but I was disappointed the first time around.

I didn't care for it too much the first time around either, but it somehow worked better this time around. I recommend you listen to the diary readings in the special features and maybe read the booklet before watching it again.

[Kaiju]

Criterion needs to release Ghost World already. I'm tempted to buy it on DVD... DVD!

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

I didn't care for it too much the first time around either, but it somehow worked better this time around. I recommend you listen to the diary readings in the special features and maybe read the booklet before watching it again.

Maybe that was part of the problem. I watched it on Hulu so I couldn't access those. My Dad was a WWII vet so I'm usually pulled right into these kind of films but it didn't happen.

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

To those who cry about space for their collection, Criterion shared this video :P.

[Show spoiler]The $300,000 Movie Collection - YouTube

Damn, I knew Scorsese watched like every film ever made, but I wouldn't have thought that he would have a collection so big that the guy in the video thinks could rival his.

I suspect Tarantino must have a huge collection as well. I think he collects comics also. If he likes something, then he's into it 110% and we all know he likes movies. I once read a quote where he compares his addiction to buying movies like a drug addiction and he compared different formats to different drugs, like Laser Discs were cocaine or heroine. I can't find it, but it was a pretty cool quote.

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

This makes me feel better about what I've spent on my paltry collection.
And...he doesn't even have his Criterions together or by spine #. Why?

Probably because he buys movies at a waaay quicker rate than he spends time categorizing them on his shelves. I can't imagine how hard it would be to categorize all those on a shelf.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Marlow27

One downside about seeing classic films in the theatre is the total lottery you get audience wise. I've had some fantastic audiences with a clear appreciation for what they're seeing, but I've had some total shockers too, and some flat-out rude, disrespectful people who just chit-chat and make noise throughout the entire thing.

This is a major reason why I'm super selective of where and when I see a good or great film in theaters these days. If I was seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time and some ignorant and disrespectful patrons were chatting or even whispering behind or adjacent to me (within 20 feet), I would have been unable to focus on enjoying the film. Maybe audiences are more desensitized these days than they used to be but I know I'm not... I guess I'm a bit more desensitized than those people in the early 1900's who first witnessed a moving picture (ie. when the image of a moving train appeared on screen heading towards the camera, some people rushed towards the exits in momentary fright). People have certainly changed the way they behave while in theaters these days and I'm referring to the use of cellphones and/or smartphones, which are all too easily accessible at the reach of a hand. Education, location, maturity level and class level also factor in, in regard to the social behavior of movie audiences. I usually stick with small arthouse theaters or independent theaters or film societies (certain theaters in NYC such as the Film Forum and IFC Center are fantastic for seeing good movies around generally well-behaved audiences). On the other hand I've gone to some of those big, corporate cinema-plexes in suburban American sprawls and had just awful experiences with teens and ADHD-stricken young adults distracting me in their seats, munching on ADHD-inducing Skittles and synthetically sweetened soft drinks (the science has shown that artificial colors and dyes have contributed to hyperactivity in children - and probably adults too). In an increasingly toxic society we live in, its less and less of a pleasure going to see a movie with the general public, and so I find myself preferring watching at home on my home theater, as many others prefer too, as "control" and "immersion" are rather critical in one's overall enjoyment and appreciation of a film. Anyway I'm done with my rant...back to your regularly scheduled Criterion programming.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by jw007

This is a major reason why I'm super selective of where and when I see a good or great film in theaters these days. If I was seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey for the first time and some ignorant and disrespectful patrons were chatting or even whispering behind or adjacent to me (within 20 feet), I would have been unable to focus on enjoying the film. Maybe audiences are more desensitized these days than they used to be but I know I'm not... I guess I'm a bit more desensitized than those people in the early 1900's who first witnessed a moving picture (ie. when the image of a moving train appeared on screen heading towards the camera, some people rushed towards the exits in momentary fright). People have certainly changed the way they behave while in theaters these days and I'm referring to the use of cellphones and/or smartphones, which are all too easily accessible at the reach of a hand. Education, location, maturity level and class level also factor in, in regard to the social behavior of movie audiences. I usually stick with small arthouse theaters or independent theaters or film societies (certain theaters in NYC such as the Film Forum and IFC Center are fantastic for seeing good movies around well behaved audiences). On the other hand I've gone to some of those big, corporate cinema-plexes in suburban American sprawls and had just awful experiences with teens and ADHD-stricken young adults distracting me in their seats, munching on ADHD-inducing Skittles and synthetically sweetened soft drinks (the science has shown that artificial colors and dyes have contributed to hyperactivity in children - and probably adults too). In an increasingly toxic society we live in, its less and less of a pleasure going to see a movie with the general public, and so I find myself preferring watching at home on my home theater, as many others prefer too, as "control" is rather critical in one's overall enjoyment and appreciation of a film. Anyway I'm done with my rant...back to your regularly scheduled Criterion programming.

The average age of the cinema goers in my screening was about 60.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by belcherman

It's hard to collect 15,000 movies. They can't all be Citizen Kane.

Yes they can. You could own 15,000 copies of Citizen Kane

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by lemonski

Yes they can. You could own 15,000 copies of Citizen Kane

[Page14]

Originally Posted by joie

If someone had to watch 15000 movies it would take about 15 years, working at as though it were a fulltime job. At an average of two hours each, a person could watch 1000 a year to put in 2000 hours, which is about the number of hours one works in a year -- 40 hours/week X 50 weeks = 2000 hours, which allows for two weeks vacation.

... and if you enjoy all the supplements/special features, then you could probably at least double the time it takes to get through a movie (... in many cases, more than double the time, like when including multiple audio-commentaries).

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

The average age of the cinema goers in my screening was about 60.

They must be eating too many Skittles.

[Russ103]

Originally Posted by octagon

On a related note, I picked up The Sword of Doom during the recent B&N sale and was absolutely loved it. I think Dr. Svet was more than understating things when he said it was 'rather disappointing' that the full trilogy never materialized.

Sword of Doom is fantastic. Even with the somewhat non-conclusive ending, it's still one of the better Samurai films. The sword-fight choreography is gorgeous, and still holds up against today's films with their reliance on over-use edit cuts. You can see where the better of today's Samurai films (13 Assassins, Rurouni Kenshin) get their inspiration from.

Originally Posted by Kaiju

Criterion needs to release Ghost World already. I'm tempted to buy it on DVD... DVD!

Ghost World, and American Splendor. I have both on DVD ... and they truly deserve a Blu-Ray release that only Criterion could do justice.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

Just rewatched "Overlord" for the first time. What a strange but atmospheric and sad movie - I definitely liked it more the second time around. Unique for sure!

Its not in too many collections and haven't seen it mentioned too much on here - what are peoples thoughts? Do you like it?

I love Overlord, and I wrote a favorable User Review of the movie here after I upgraded my DVD to Blu-ray. It's one of the most effective, if not the most effective, cinematic depictions of how a unique individual is reduced simply to another component of the war machine.

The mix of archival war footage and dreamlike original footage is uncannily seamless in Overlord, and I love how the menace of the mechanical wonders shown in the film (the huge rocket wheel on the beach, for example) juxtaposes with the poetic vibe of the main character's story arc.

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

Oh, and other contender for best cinematic experience of my life happened while seeing 2001.

Not the movie, but the guy sitting behind me who, during the overture asked, 'What the hell is going on?'

And then, after the logos came up and then the planets started aligning, asked again, 'what the hell is going on?!'

And then, before the title had even come up declared 'stuff this!' And stormed out!

As hilarious as it is baffling.

2001 is showing for two days only in 70mm in a cinema near me in September. Seen it once on British television years and years ago and remember finding it interesting but not compelling. My cinematic knowledge and tastes have developed considerably since then so very happy to revisit it on the big screen.

[NeMo_ET]

Just watched Blow Out. Bought it as a blind buy because I generally like De Palma films and the storyline sounded like something I'd enjoy. Overall, I thought Criterion did a great job with the AV on this one and more importantly, I enjoyed the movie.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by Russ103

Sword of Doom is fantastic. Even with the somewhat non-conclusive ending, it's still one of the better Samurai films. The sword-fight choreography is gorgeous, and still holds up against today's films with their reliance on over-use edit cuts. You can see where the better of today's Samurai films (13 Assassins, Rurouni Kenshin) get their inspiration from.

I think fate stepped in to give Sword of Doom the perfect ending. One of the best Samurai pictures in the collection IMO.

[Show spoiler]The idea that this man is the hand of Buddha, alluded to at the beginning when the old man prays for death, and the fact he can't bring himself to cut down the honest and noble Toshiro really fits well with this idea the main character is powerless in his actions. The ending he is fighting his forced destiny as much as the whole world.

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I revisited The Samurai Trilogy over the weekend and Three Outlaw Samurai tonight. Wife is not too happy about it ...my passion for samurai/Japanese cinema does not rub off on her.

Love The Samurai Trilogy such a great and complete work of art that keeps you glued to the sceen, but like others here I'm kind of luke warm on Three Outlaw Samuari.

Still hoping Criterion updates their Rebel Samurai Swordplay Sixties boxset to Bluray soon.

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

Kind Hearts and Coronets I found to be just OK. It was a little over long and felt like it kept covering the same ground. Like Arsenic and Old Lace, except not able to keep up the pace.

Kind Hearts and Coronets is one of my favorite movies all around. The film is littered with sly, witty dialog and within the character interactions and dialog most of the humor comes out. A really dark sense of humor permeates the whole film. David Price does a wonderful job and Alec Guinness is just simply amazing in all his roles. Really one of the best films to come out of Ealing Studios. While Arsenic and Old Lace is a favorite of mine it is a little too fast and corny sometimes while Kind Hearts is subtle and darker. Sorry you didn't like it, though is it possible you had heard so many good things your expectations were unreal? The film is really not that long, but it sounds like you were bored before it reached its end.

[JJJ225]

Well I sold my The Third Man Blu Ray on eBay. It was probably the most valuable move in my collection. Bring on a release of the new restoration!

[spargs]

I'm surprised that we haven't seen a site review of Day for Night yet, as Pro-B usually has reviews of the major Criterion releases posted 2-3 weeks in advance of release date...

[buffetfroid]

Originally Posted by Banned User

Kind Hearts and Coronets is one of my favorite movies all around. The film is littered with sly, witty dialog and within the character interactions and dialog most of the humor comes out. A really dark sense of humor permeates the whole film. David Price does a wonderful job and Alec Guinness is just simply amazing in all his roles. Really one of the best films to come out of Ealing Studios. While Arsenic and Old Lace is a favorite of mine it is a little too fast and corny sometimes while Kind Hearts is subtle and darker. Sorry you didn't like it, though is it possible you had heard so many good things your expectations were unreal? The film is really not that long, but it sounds like you were bored before it reached its end.

Put me in the Kind Hearts and Coronets boat over Arsenic and Old Lace every time.