The Criterion Collection

[Creasy47]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Crimson Peak was very disappointing so gutted.

At least he made The Devils Backbone which is brilliant, would love to see Pans Labyrinth in collection alongside TDB.

I'll be as giddy as a school girl if Pan's Labyrinth made it to Criterion. Shame to hear Crimson Peak was bad; sounded promising but it didn't look terribly special in the trailers.

[bwdowiak]

So, Criterion didn't announce their upcoming releases yesterday which was the 15th of the month.

While I look forward to seeing what titles are on the horizon, to this I say, "Who cares?!" This back and forth dialogue that is always had when this happens is about as interesting as a discussion about whether or not to tuck your bed sheet into a mattress.

Anybody with me on this?

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

So, Criterion didn't announce their upcoming releases yesterday which was the 15th of the month.

While I look forward to seeing what titles are on the horizon, to this I say, "Who cares?!" This back and forth dialogue that is always had when this happens is about as interesting as a discussion about whether or not to tuck your bed sheet into a mattress.

Anybody with me on this?

I think it's hilarious, I wasn't disappointed when I checked in last night and read this post. Some of the responses were equally cringe inducing and funny.

On another note, have any of you seen The Forbidden Room yet?

[aes3728]

Criterion just updated more People pages. I would assume the announcements to be coming shortly

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by italy12

They're up!!!

#790 - The /Alternate/ Films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe - Phase 1
#791 - Iron Man - Extended Cut
#792 - The Incredible Hulk - Extended Cut; re-edited with MRuffalo as BBanner/The Hulk
#793 - Iron Man 2 - MRourke removed
#794 - Thor - Kenneth Branagh's Roadshow Version (complete with entr'acte)
#795 - Captain America: The First Avenger - Director's Cut
#796 - The Avengers - Joss Whedon's WTF Cut

That makes me mad, fussy, and frustrated. Why does Criterion keep delaying Oliver Stone's Alexander: The Really, Truly, Absolutely Final Ultimate Extended and Re-edited Director's Cut?

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by jmclick

That makes me mad, fussy, and frustrated. Why does Criterion keep delaying Oliver Stone's Alexander: The Really, Truly, Absolutely Final Ultimate Extended and Re-edited Director's Cut?

I'd bet they're waiting for UHD, those dick-headed bastards!

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Just reposting this hoping to get some input.

Are you saying you prefer the digipaks or the plastic cases?

I believe both releases of Breathless are digipaks (dual format and original one disc), so there isn't any variation of packaging depending on were you purchase, but for the titles that have been re-released on a regular plastic case and originally came in digipaks (some of the dual format 3 discs editions), it is more probable to get the new plastic case when ordering from Criterion directly.

Here is a list of the Criterion releases, were you can see their packaging:

http://www.criterionforum.org/listing.php?type=1

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by monorail91

I wonder if there is a teensy economic crisis every 15th of the month with so many CC fans slightly checked out at work, refreshing the Coming Soon page....

...but do the B&N and Flash Sale splurges make up for it and move everything from the red into the black?

My fingers are crossed that Michael Curtiz phantom page is for Mildred Pierce, which hasn't seen a proper Blu-ray release in the US - though it is a Warner Bros film, and I believe they don't have a ton of CC titles.

Just about everything Curtiz directed is with Warner Brothers, which would make them fall in the "highly unlikely" category. I'm hoping it might be for We're No Angels (Paramount).

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Hey all, a question. I got my order from the flash sale yesterday (just opened it), and one of the three films I purchased was Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless, a DigiPack. I've bought other Criterion movies that came in DigiPack packaging before, all from Amazon: On The Waterfront, Seven Samurai, and A Hard Day's Night. While the last two were in good shape (Night had a couple very minor dings), the packaging for On The Waterfront was pretty bad. At the time, it didn't bother me, because I was so excited to see the film for the first time. But now, when I think about how much I paid for the movie, seeing the packaging bothers me to the point where I'll probably buy the movie again, and give the copy I have to another friend who collects films.

The Breathless copy I got directly from Criterion, however, is absolutely immaculate. I was expecting it to be on one of the Scanavo cases, as the profile on our site for the dual format edition didn't specify DigiPack (I now see, however, that the Blu only edition is listed as such). Anyhow, is this pretty typical, in everybody's experience, when receiving DigiPack movies directly from Criterion? If so, I'll always order these from them, and buy the ones coming in the Scanavo cases from Amazon. It's worth paying a bit more for pristine packaging ($10 in this case, with shipping) as somebody who is now a serious film collector. I started out as a graphic design major in college before switching, and have always had a love for artistic presentation. Well, on top of the incredible film presentation, and all the extras that come with the movies, the attention to packaging design is greatly appreciated. I want to show these films off on my shelf. I could always buy from Amazon, and exchange a damaged copy, but who's to say I'd ever get one this nice?

Thanks for your input, everybody. I appreciate it.

Edited to add: looks like Mulholland Drive is going to be a DigiPack, too, so this really influences my decision on where I'll be buying it from.

I'm sorry I didn't respond to your post yesterday. I intended to.

Whenever I get a messed-up item from Amazon, I contact them immediately and request a return and replacement. They generate a return label that I can print out, and they send UPS to pick up the package the next business day. As soon as UPS scans the printed label, it's considered returned. They also initiate a replacement order free of charge, which ships out immediately.

Since you didn't do that, the next best thing is to contact Criterion and request replacement packaging. jonmulvaney@criterion.com is the email address. The first time I requested something (a new case, insert and booklet for one of my titles), they were kind enough to send it out for free, then emailed me and told me that in the future, I could send them $5.00 via PayPal and include a note with my payment telling them what I needed. That's a really great deal, since they shipped my replacement material in a box and the postage alone was almost $3.00.

I hope that's helpful to you ...

[Polaroid]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Creasy47

I'll be as giddy as a school girl if Pan's Labyrinth made it to Criterion. Shame to hear Crimson Peak was bad; sounded promising but it didn't look terribly special in the trailers.

The costume snd set designs were incredible and I can't fault that area of the film. My main issue was story was a bit empty and the soundtrack is completely forgettable.

Despite the incredible actors the performances felt a bit average which was a shame but I'll put that down to the script more than anything.

There were just too many horror cliches and jump scares that ruined the tone and the look of the film also felt very average.

It's worth seeing but he did recycle a lot of elements from The Devils Backbone.

[CriterionBlues]

Originally Posted by aes3728

Criterion just updated more People pages. I would assume the announcements to be coming shortly

I see one for Raf Villone, so looks like Bitter Rice is definite now.

https://www.criterion.com/people/123559

Any others?

[CriterionBlues]

Okay. Now I see a ton more from Lady Snowblood.

So far buying 2/2.

[Creasy47]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Okay. Now I see a ton more from Lady Snowblood.

So far buying 2/2.

If we're getting 'Bitter Rice' and 'Lady Snowblood' in January, then I'm buying 2/2 so far, as well!

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by CriterionBlues

Okay. Now I see a ton more from Lady Snowblood.



So far buying 2/2.

If Criterion releases a blu-ray you're not buying, then it must be pretty bad.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Are you saying you prefer the digipaks or the plastic cases?

I believe both releases of Breathless are digipaks (dual format and original one disc), so there isn't any variation of packaging depending on were you purchase, but for the titles that have been re-released on a regular plastic case and originally came in digipaks (some of the dual format 3 discs editions), it is more probable to get the new plastic case when ordering from Criterion directly.

Here is a list of the Criterion releases, were you can see their packaging:

http://www.criterionforum.org/listing.php?type=1

My question was really regarding the condition of DigiPacks when sent directly from Criterion. The Breathless DigiPack I received as part of my flash sale purchase was flawless. I was wondering, per everybody's experiences, if this is typical or not. The DigiPack movies I've purchased from Amazon have been a mixed bag. Seven Samurai was almost perfect, A Hard Day's Night had a couple minor dings, and On The Waterfront had some pretty messed up/crushed corners, among other issues. If the DigiPacks, when coming from Criterion, are always in this kind of near-pristine shape, it would be worth it to me to spend a little more, and buy my DigiPack editions directly from them instead of buying from Amazon, and having to go through the hassle of returning a film. It's an issue to me because I am disabled, and for me to get to the post office requires somebody giving me a ride. So, I'd rather pay a few bucks more the first time than have to try to get acceptable packaging a few times.

I like both methods of packaging, but I like the DigiPacks slightly more. I think they have more character.

Thanks for the response!

Originally Posted by jmclick

I'm sorry I didn't respond to your post yesterday. I intended to.

Whenever I get a messed-up item from Amazon, I contact them immediately and request a return and replacement. They generate a return label that I can print out, and they send UPS to pick up the package the next business day. As soon as UPS scans the printed label, it's considered returned. They also initiate a replacement order free of charge, which ships out immediately.

Since you didn't do that, the next best thing is to contact Criterion and request replacement packaging. jonmulvaney@criterion.com is the email address. The first time I requested something (a new case, insert and booklet for one of my titles), they were kind enough to send it out for free, then emailed me and told me that in the future, I could send them $5.00 via PayPal and include a note with my payment telling them what I needed. That's a really great deal, since they shipped my replacement material in a box and the postage alone was almost $3.00.

I hope that's helpful to you ...

No problem on not seeing my post the first time. I expected there would be a lot of discussion with their announcement not posting yesterday.

I'm an Amazon Prime member, so I buy from them a lot, probably about 250 movies since February. I've only had to do four or five returns, and they've always gone above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied.

It's difficult for me to get around. I'm disabled because of my back, and while I can normally drive short distances, I'm having all sorts of issues with my left leg. I'm about to have the fifth surgery on it since 2011, so driving to the post office to drop off a return is a pain. I guess I'm wanting to know if I buy a DigiPack movie directly from Criterion, are they typically in the pristine condition like the Breathless copy I just got, or are they sometimes dinged up like a couple of the movies I bought from Amazon?

I've spoken with Jon before once or twice. I did not know that Criterion will offer to replace packaging and inserts. That is outstanding! I'll send him an e-mail to confirm that they still have On The Waterfront extras, and send them my Paypal.

Thank you so much!

Bill

[Illy Scorsese]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

One of my favorite documentaries. I went to Harlan for the first time this summer and it is a different world...and that's coming from a Kentuckian. Absolutely fascinating how the coal industry has affected the entire culture of the people.

I asked someone about Harlan County, USA and Justified. Their response:
"Ah, that's silly that people think there are just random killins' and it ain't safe here. Now every once in a while somebody gets killed, but it's usually a family matter and those things happen."

Lmao

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by Creasy47

I'll be as giddy as a school girl if Pan's Labyrinth made it to Criterion. Shame to hear Crimson Peak was bad; sounded promising but it didn't look terribly special in the trailers.

Pan's Labyrinth is his best movie IMO would love a Criterion release of it!

So are we back on track for an announcement or what?

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

I'm an Amazon Prime member, so I buy from them a lot, probably about 250 movies since February. I've only had to do four or five returns, and they've always gone above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied.

It's difficult for me to get around. I'm disabled because of my back, and while I can normally drive short distances, I'm having all sorts of issues with my left leg. I'm about to have the fifth surgery on it since 2011, so driving to the post office to drop off a return is a pain. I guess I'm wanting to know if I buy a DigiPack movie directly from Criterion, are they typically in the pristine condition like the Breathless copy I just got, or are they sometimes dinged up like a couple of the movies I bought from Amazon?

I've spoken with Jon before once or twice. I did not know that Criterion will offer to replace packaging and inserts. That is outstanding! I'll send him an e-mail to confirm that they still have On The Waterfront extras, and send them my Paypal.

Thank you so much!

Bill

You're welcome, Bill, but you shouldn't have to go to the Post Office to send something back to Amazon. Well, let me amend that ... I don't have to drive anywhere.

When I initiate an Amazon return, I'm given the option of having UPS (United Parcel Service, not the USPS) pick it up the next business day. I just print out the label, affix it to the package, and then leave it out on the porch the next morning. The UPS man comes by, picks it up and leaves me a receipt ... no muss, no fuss, and no effort.

You might check and see if that's an option for you, and if it isn't, call Amazon Customer Service and tell them you need it. They should be willing to accommodate you.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

My question was really regarding the condition of DigiPacks when sent directly from Criterion. The Breathless DigiPack I received as part of my flash sale purchase was flawless. I was wondering, per everybody's experiences, if this is typical or not. The DigiPack movies I've purchased from Amazon have been a mixed bag. Seven Samurai was almost perfect, A Hard Day's Night had a couple minor dings, and On The Waterfront had some pretty messed up/crushed corners, among other issues. If the DigiPacks, when coming from Criterion, are always in this kind of near-pristine shape, it would be worth it to me to spend a little more, and buy my DigiPack editions directly from them instead of buying from Amazon, and having to go through the hassle of returning a film. It's an issue to me because I am disabled, and for me to get to the post office requires somebody giving me a ride. So, I'd rather pay a few bucks more the first time than have to try to get acceptable packaging a few times.

I like both methods of packaging, but I like the DigiPacks slightly more. I think they have more character.

Thanks for the response!

No problem, from my experience there is no guarantee no matter were you order that the Digipaks will come in perfect condition.

For me, the worst it's been from purchased used via ebay, or amazon third party seller.

From Criterion directly they sometimes come perfect and sometimes with little beat up corners, and usually order in big quantities so they all come in a big box.

In the end I have not returned anything and don't think the small problems from my Criterion orders would be bad enough to anyone else to warrant a return, but if you order on small quantities, say 3 or less I am not sure, as I haven't seen the packaging used in those cases.

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

Aaaanyway, they've just announced a classic Holywood film festival in my town (A companion to the classic Brittish one they had a few months ago that I posted about many times :P)

The line-up has many Criterion films:

It Happened One Night *
The Ghost and Mrs Muir
All About Eve *
Sunset Boulevard
Singin' in the Rain *
On the Waterfront
Sabrina
The Searchers
12 Angry Men
The Apartment
The Best Year of Our Lives *
The Razor's Edge *
Camille *
Gone with the Wind *
The Grapes of Wrath *
The Maltese Falcon
Citizen Kane
How Green Was My Valley *
Casablanca
Jane Eyre *
It's A Wonderful Life
Spartacus *

I can't wait!

* = I've never seen it

Wow! What a lineup. To see these on the big screen, I don't think I could pass on any of them. Spartacus would be a must-see, Casablanca, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, The Maltese Falcon, The Searchers, On the Waterfront, The Apartment....I would disappear into the theater and not emerge for days.

Since you have not seen it, I will put in a strong recommendation for one film on your list in particular: The Best Years of Our Lives. Let me begin by saying I don't usually give my highest recommendation for anyone to sit though a film that is a tad under three hours where there is lots of talking onscreen and no real "action" in the physical sense to drive the plot. I understand the limits of the human attention span, and the ability of the derriere and bladder to endure. But you won't want to leave your seat. In fact, you will become so engrossed in the experience you will likely find The Best Years of Our Lives to be one of the most uplifting and life affirming films ever made.

Even more than being a showcase of brilliant writing, directing, cinematography, and acting, TBYOOL is an important film. It was released only months after the end of World War II, when America was welcoming back its service men and women who were expected to rejoin society and resume normal lives. These expectations were perhaps highest among those who did not fight during the war and instead had the good fortune to enjoy the relative safety and comfort of living in the U.S.

Into a comforting bubble of ignorance, the veterans came home. TBYOOL arrived on screens while this was occurring to show us what the transition back to civilian life was really like, and in the process seek understanding from its audience for both those who served and understood and from those at home who did not face the fire, nor woke in the middle of the night from terrible dreams. Few films have ever been more important, or as effective, at showing us who we are as a society. It captures the struggles of returning veterans through the stories of three main characters from the same home town. These three men are unacquainted with each other until they meet for the first time as they are in a military depot awaiting transport back to the same city. One is shattered physically, all are emotionally impacted, and the effects this has on their families and those around them is a main theme of the film. Each main character is seeking a way back to normalcy, while holding off the personal demons that no one understands except other veterans.

TBYOOL is an immensely compelling character driven drama showing the pain of circumstances and the struggle to overcome and find redemption as the three men transition from what is likely to be the greatest event of their lives into the hum-drum of a civilian society that has no idea what they actually went through. It is an incredibly real film, so honest in how it approaches its subjects that the viewer is frequently devastated by scenes played between the characters that are composed solely of dialogue and small actions. Seeing it for the first time on Blu-ray two years ago, I know now why it has held up as a classic for nearly 70 years. It truly is a marvel and a treasure of a film.