The Criterion Collection

[kndy]

Originally Posted by BillyJack

Why did'nt Criterion add "Night and Fog" to the release of "Last Year At Marienbad" as an extra since it was the same director?

The content of the atrocities committed on Jews and featured on "Night and Fog" does not belong in "Last Year at Marienbad". Just those images of the torture chambers and heaps of the hair of women sends shivers down my spine when I think about the film.

But really, it would really be bad taste in Criterion's part to include that film with "Last Year at Marienbad". "Night and Fog" is best to stand on its own and it's one of the cheaper Criterion titles out there.

Originally Posted by Schonfelder

They did it with "Bergman Island" on the "Seventh Seal" bd, didn't they ?

Bergman Island is about the life of Bergman... Have you guys seen "Night and Fog"? It's definitely not about the life of Alain Resnais.

The 1955 film “Nuit et brouillard” (Night and Fog) is a historic French short film directed by Alain Resnais (“Last Year at Marienbad”, “Hiroshima Mon Amour”, Mon Oncle D’Amerique) and produced by Anatole Dauman (“Paris, Texas”, “Wings of Desire”, “The Tin Drum”, “Empire of Passion”).

The idea of the making of the film came from historians Henri Michel and Olga Wormser who wrote a book about eyewitness reports of deportation of Jews and with the liberation of France celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the idea caught the attention of producers Dauman, Samy Halfton and Philippe Lifchitz and led to Dauman contacting Resnais to direct the film.

Resnais who had experience working on documentaries, originally turned down the project until two survivors of the Holocaust became involved with the short film: poet and novelist Jean Cayrol who wrote the film and composer Hanns Eisler. The film would feature cinematography by Ghislain Cloquet and Sacha Vierny. And though uncredited, filmmaker Chris Marker also assisted his friend Jean Cayrol in writing the commentary, after Cayrol seeing the footage became to difficult for him to continue writing.

The short film was made a decade after the liberation of those held at the Nazi concentration camps and feature footage of Asuchwitz and Majdanek in 1955 but then show photos and video of what took place at the camps during the Holocaust. For Resnais, the short film was importance because he wanted to warn the world that the horror of the Holocaust can happen again with the Algerian war.

“Night and Fog” would feature footage of detainees and people in concentration camps that were filmed from French, Soviet and Polish newsreels and from other exhibits from other countries. For many people, the footage featured in “Night and Fog” will probably be footage that many people have never seen before. Disturbing images of the horrors that took place at the concentration camps, on the trains and more.

The fact that the film was shot a decade after the liberation of the camps, “Night and Fog” is a landmark documentary that captures the horror in detail unlike any other documentary. The film is used in schools around the world and also given the thumbs up by French director Francois Truffaut who called the film as the greatest film ever made.

Originally Posted by WC Jerome

So, is there any chance that Criterion will release 'Armageddon' on Blu-ray anytime in the near future? I wouldn't mind seeing them do the same for 'The Rock', as well.

I doubt any of those commercial Criterion releases such as "Robocop", "Armageddon", "Chasing Amy", "The Rock", "Do the Right Thing", "Life of Brian", etc. will be released on Blu-ray from Criterion. Also, they have been released by other companies already on Blu.

"Do the Right Thing" does contain a lot of the special features from the Criterion release and is much better. I heard that "Life of Brian" was pretty good on Blu-ray and contains a good amount of special features compared to the Criterion release.

But "Armageddon"... I doubt it. And I really doubt those late 90s computer generated graphics used in the special features would do anything for viewers today. Hehe...

Originally Posted by BillyJack

I noticed that some of the print of the pages (4-5 & 30-32) of my Stagecoach blu booklet seems to be at an angle and not in straight line, is this the way the booklet was intended to look?

When the sheets are sent to the bindery, you're going to get some pieces that are not perfectly aligned. This happens quite a bit in printing...

Originally Posted by BasicGreatGuy

I got a reply back from the "Pygmalion" seller. Once I send the movie back, she will issue a full refund. The DVD maker states on the back of the case, "Criterion Collection presents Pygmalion in a beautifully restored digital transfer."

First, sorry to hear about what happened. It has happened to me a few times when I asked a seller if it was "Criterion" and it comes back as a "Anchor Bay" title and frustrating when the person expects you to send it back and you have to eat up the shipping.

As for "Pygmalion", this along with "Black Orpheus" were Criterion titles that didn't come with special features, so if you wanted it cheaper....you can also get the Essential Arthouse version.

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by Schonfelder

They did it with "Bergman Island" on the "Seventh Seal" bd, didn't they ?

That was new to the collection though, so they released it as a stand alone for people who didn't want to buy The Seventh Seal a 2nd/3rd time on DVD.

The only release that could possibly count is the By Brakhage box set, because the BD release "bundled" Vol.1 (a former stand-alone DVD set) with Vol. 2.

[scorpion83]

How would you guys rate 'The Seventh Seal' and 'Summer Hours' as a movie ?

I know its a vague question as most of us have different opinions on criterion movies, yet I would like to have some view point on them. I already picked up about 15 titles and wanted to see whether these movies are worth it.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by JTStarkiller

Has someone posted an e-mail or phone number for where to get those cases?

Read the first post in the thread.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by scorpion83

How would you guys rate 'The Seventh Seal' and 'Summer Hours' as a movie ?

I know its a vague question as most of us have different opinions on criterion movies, yet I would like to have some view point on them. I already picked up about 15 titles and wanted to see whether these movies are worth it.

Two different styles from filmmakers of two different generations. "The Seventh Seal" is a classic that comes with the bells and whistles on Blu-ray while "Summer Hours" will definitely appeal to those who want more modern cinema from Criterion and touches home if you are a person with aging parents.

I have both but I do feel "The Seventh Seal" has the better value in terms of its contents but at the same time, not everyone can get into Bergman, while "Summer Hours" is for the most part, easily accessible because in life....we all go through the pain of losing someone in the family.

So, it depends on what you are in the mood for.

Originally Posted by painted_klown

OK, I have been doing some serious research and looking around at Criterions library of films.

I have discovered that there are 46 out of print DVDs, 2 out of print BDs, and 150 Out of print Laser discs!

I don't even have a laser disc player.

Also, the cost of collecting the entire Criterion library (including the OOP titles) would be insane!!!

It looks like my dreams of collectiong the entire Criterion library have been dashed by some fact finding. You would either have to devote all of your disposable income (and time to track down some older titles) or be extremely wealthy in order for that to be a realistic goal. Oh well, it was fun researching what I did, and I did happen to pick up a few new titles last night anyway.


I suppose the best way would be to limit what the collection would contain. Such as just collect the box sets, BD titles, the OOP BD titles, or just the specific titles I would have bought weather or not they were Criterion releases.

I think a combo of the last two choices is probably what I will end up going with.

I know a few who are completest but even with this sale I've told them they are not completest without the five Essential Arthouse films released by Criterion not in the collection or Eclipse, let alone the one title included in the Rialto boxset.

But really....just get the titles you want and be happy with what you got. I have over 300 but I'm not a completest, nor do I want to be. Although I wouldn't mind getting around 100 or so more titles, there are way too many titles outside of Criterion that I want from Kino, Milestone Entertainment, Flicker Alley, Eureka/MoC, Artificial Eye, BFI,Sony Pictures Classics, etc.

If you can focus only on Criterion, then I suppose you can make it happen but just remember, there are a lot of excellent films from other companies too.

[scorpion83]

Originally Posted by kndy

Two different styles from filmmakers of two different generations. "The Seventh Seal" is a classic that comes with the bells and whistles on Blu-ray while "Summer Hours" will definitely appeal to those who want more modern cinema from Criterion and touches home if you are a person with aging parents.

I have both but I do feel "The Seventh Seal" has the better value in terms of its contents but at the same time, not everyone can get into Bergman, while "Summer Hours" is for the most part, easily accessible because in life....we all go through the pain of losing someone in the family.

So, it depends on what you are in the mood for.

Thanks a lot for the suggestion .. that helps !

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by scorpion83

How would you guys rate 'The Seventh Seal' and 'Summer Hours' as a movie ?

I know its a vague question as most of us have different opinions on criterion movies, yet I would like to have some view point on them. I already picked up about 15 titles and wanted to see whether these movies are worth it.

"The Seventh Seal" is generally regarded as one of the great classic masterpieces of cinema, and highly influential. Films reference it and have been influenced by it for decades. The most recent example I can think of is in (500) Days of Summer, Joseph Gordon Levitt's character is at a movie theatre, where they presumably show presentations of older films, and he is watching "The Seventh Seal" and he sees himself as the knight playing chess on the beach (coincidentally, with a little child angel, not death).

In any case, I would also consider "The Seventh Seal" to live up to it's reputation of being a masterpiece of cinema. However, it's not for everyone. Very existential, but it's still amazing if you're open minded.

"Summer Hours" is a much more accessible film, but a very good one too. It's a French family drama film with some interesting themes, ideas, etc. I enjoyed it enough to warrant a purchase.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by neo78956

"Summer Hours" is a much more accessible film, but a very good one too. It's a French family drama film with some interesting themes, ideas, etc. I enjoyed it enough to warrant a purchase.

With that being said...if you enjoyed "Summer Hours", you will probably enjoy the upcoming BD release of "The Secret of the Grain"! People use the term of "realism" for "Summer Hours" but I was very impressed with "The Secret of the Grain" (La graine et le mulet) much, much, much more.

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by kndy

With that being said...if you enjoyed "Summer Hours", you will probably enjoy the upcoming BD release of "The Secret of the Grain"! People use the term of "realism" for "Summer Hours" but I was very impressed with "The Secret of the Grain" (La graine et le mulet) much, much, much more.

I'll have to check out "The Secret of the Grain"

Has anyone seen "The Red Shoes"? I hear amazing things, but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Admittedly though, when Martin Scorsese says something is one of his all time favorite films, you sit up and pay attention. Is it worth a purchase?

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Has anyone seen "The Red Shoes"? I hear amazing things, but I'm still a bit apprehensive. Admittedly though, when Martin Scorsese says something is one of his all time favorite films, you sit up and pay attention. Is it worth a purchase?

Do you honestly think that we'd say no?

CC

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

Do you honestly think that we'd say no?

CC

Well you never know. There have been plenty of Criterion titles that were not worth buying that I've seen. But I keep hearing about this one, and even RottenTomatoes had it listed as one of their spotlight home video releases of the week. So clearly everyone else seems to love this film. Right now I'm debating on Friday's purchase though.

The Red Shoes
Red Desert
Black Narcissus

I'm leaning towards The Red Shoes. Suggestions?

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Well you never know. There have been plenty of Criterion titles that were not worth buying that I've seen. But I keep hearing about this one, and even RottenTomatoes had it listed as one of their spotlight home video releases of the week. So clearly everyone else seems to love this film. Right now I'm debating on Friday's purchase though.

The Red Shoes
Red Desert
Black Narcissus

I'm leaning towards The Red Shoes. Suggestions?

"Black Narcissus" and "The Red Shoes" are both in English and the most accessible story-wise.

"Red Desert" is a completely different kind of foreign beast, but still a great film.

CC

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by scorpion83

How would you guys rate 'The Seventh Seal' and 'Summer Hours' as a movie ?

I know its a vague question as most of us have different opinions on criterion movies, yet I would like to have some view point on them. I already picked up about 15 titles and wanted to see whether these movies are worth it.

Seventh Seal is a very important and influential film, but I'm indifferent about it. I love Summer Hours though, but that's because I love Paris and art, and the themes connected with me.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by kndy

With that being said...if you enjoyed "Summer Hours", you will probably enjoy the upcoming BD release of "The Secret of the Grain"! People use the term of "realism" for "Summer Hours" but I was very impressed with "The Secret of the Grain" (La graine et le mulet) much, much, much more.

That's good to know--I love Summer Hours and have been looking forward to Grain.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Banned User

Has anyone here ever recieved one of these titles not in a digipack cardboard case?
THE THIRD MAN
THE LAST EMPEROR
THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
BOTTLE ROCKET
CHUNGKING EXPRESS
THE 400 BLOWS
THE LAST METRO
EL NORTE
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD

Bottle Rocket was in a plastic case at my B&N. I believe some others have noticed the same thing.

-Dave

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Banned User

Has anyone here ever recieved one of these titles not in a digipack cardboard case?
THE THIRD MAN
THE LAST EMPEROR
THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
BOTTLE ROCKET
CHUNGKING EXPRESS
THE 400 BLOWS
THE LAST METRO
EL NORTE
LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD

YES...I got The Third Man in a plastic case. Funny thing is, that I had them hold a copy of it (cardboard) and had them order another copy. THAT one came in the plastic case. I wound up keeping/opening the plastic case and I still have the cardboard version unopened and sitting on my shelf at home.

I think I bought both during the last B & N sale and paid $19.99 for the plastic version and $11-$13 dollars for the cardboard version...how?...coupon that I got them to take at the time...before I became a member, which I did for this sale.

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Arkadin

watched "Black Narcissus" last night;
it looks absolutely stunning--maybe the best of any 40's film yet imo.
the only think I noticed was fairly consistent mild color fluctuation I'm assuming is caused by the technicolor process.
other than that issue, this bd looks amazing.

After NetFlix streaming it, I decided I was going to buy it...I gave Red Shoes a chance, but just could not get into it. Maybe another viewing or two will turn me around...who knows?!

[BasicGreatGuy]

I picked up "Vampyr," "Night Train to Munich," "Under the Roofs of Paris," and "The Red Shoes."

[rkish]

Originally Posted by neo78956

Well you never know. There have been plenty of Criterion titles that were not worth buying that I've seen. But I keep hearing about this one, and even RottenTomatoes had it listed as one of their spotlight home video releases of the week. So clearly everyone else seems to love this film. Right now I'm debating on Friday's purchase though.

The Red Shoes
Red Desert
Black Narcissus

I'm leaning towards The Red Shoes. Suggestions?

If you have NetFlix, then you can stream BOTH Powell/Pressburger titles.

I LOVED Black Narcissus and still haven't embraced The Red Shoes.

Rent/stream both and see how you feel...that is what I did!

[rkish]

The only BD that I bought...haven't opened up and/or seen previously is Red Desert.

Everytime I check my NetFlix queue it goes from short wait to VERY LONG WAIT.

I've heard great things about it and will probably wait until I'm near my two week window (return window for B&N) to open and watch it.

You guys like it?