The Criterion Collection

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by jayembee

The point isn't whether you can re-watch 1000+ titles more than once. It's that if the mood strikes you to watch any given film, it's right there on the shelf. Sometimes, I don't even re-watch an entire film, but a specific scene or two comes to mind, and I'll pull the film off the shelf and watch that scene. One example is The Band Wagon. I've seen the film a few times in its entirety (first on LD, then DVD, then BD) but I've watched the "Girl Hunt" sequence dozens of times.

In the 1980s version of The Twilight Zone, there's an episode written by Harlan Ellison, based on a short story of his, "Paladin of the Lost Hour", starring Danny Kaye in one of his last performances. At one point, his character, Gaspar, is talking to a young man about books, and how he had this large library of them. He relates how people, when seeing his book collection, would ask incredulously, "Have you read all these books?". He wouldn't know how to respond to that, until one day he thought of an answer, and the next time someone asked, "Have you read all these books?" he answered, "Of course not. Why would you want to have a library full of books you've already read?"

That's my attitude. I have a large book collection myself, and a large movie collection. I haven't read all the books I have, nor watched all the movies I have. Many of them not even once, let alone more than once. Maybe I'll get to them, or get to them again, before I die; maybe I won't. But the fact that they're there waiting for me pleases me.

Precisely how I feel. I watch a lot of movies, and my collection is only a fraction of the size it will eventually be. But, it's never about how many times I'll watch an individual film, nor is it a question of "how big is my collection", as I don't think in those terms. I'm not out to impress anybody (and I know there are people who buy just to have the biggest collection. Why?) It's the convenience of having whatever I want at my fingertips whenever inspiration strikes. And when inspiration strikes me, I have a lot of the greatest films ever made just a few steps away. I'm not beholden to Netflix, or a premium cable provider like HBO for my entertainment. I'm not subjected to the whims of others. I have absolute freedom.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

You have about 4500 titles--bluray and dvds.

How do you store them?

My collection takes up an entire 5-level book shelf and I only have about 200.

Actually, my friend, I also have another 3,000 to 5,000 homemade DVD-R's that I have housed in slim plastic CD cases ... including five of Helen Morgan's films!

I have a large closet in my house that I have lined with tall oak bookcases, and I have my blu-ray and DVD collections alphabetized and double-shelved so that I can find any film at a moment's notice. The DVD-R's are in small boxes, also alphabetized, and the CD cases are color-coded: documentaries are in purple cases; TV series are in clear cases; my favorite stars are in red, yellow, and blue cases; pre-Codes and films noir are in green cases; everything else is in black cases. Somehow, it works!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I owned a bunch of 1970s and 1980s horror films on VHS and DVD several years ago, but sold them off at one point, because I decided that it was probably icky for me to own so many horror flicks and that I should "grow up" by watching more thought-provoking movies.

After a while, though, I missed revisiting all of those movies, and, as such, I've purchased all of them on Blu-ray with no plans ever to part with them again.

I just happen to love horror movies, and I shouldn't run from my feelings.

Horror is not my favorite genre. Film noir is actually my favorite genre. I own way more horror Blu-rays than I own film noir Blu-rays, though, simply because there are so many more old-school horror movies available in the format (and I currently own all of the classic-era film noir movies that are available on Region A Blu-ray).

There you go.

If you enjoy something, who cares what other people think?

[Pyro.Kitty]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Precisely how I feel. I watch a lot of movies, and my collection is only a fraction of the size it will eventually be. But, it's never about how many times I'll watch an individual film, nor is it a question of "how big is my collection", as I don't think in those terms. I'm not out to impress anybody (and I know there are people who buy just to have the biggest collection. Why?) It's the convenience of having whatever I want at my fingertips whenever inspiration strikes. And when inspiration strikes me, I have a lot of the greatest films ever made just a few steps away. I'm not beholden to Netflix, or a premium cable provider like HBO for my entertainment. I'm not subjected to the whims of others. I have absolute freedom.

"I like to own the things I use." - Abel Morales (A Most Violent Year)

^ the best way of putting it, imho.

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Actually, my friend, I also have another 3,000 to 5,000 homemade DVD-R's that I have housed in slim plastic CD cases ... including five of Helen Morgan's films!

I have a large closet in my house that I have lined with tall oak bookcases, and I have my blu-ray and DVD collections alphabetized and double-shelved so that I can find any film at a moment's notice. The DVD-R's are in small boxes, also alphabetized, and the CD cases are color-coded: documentaries are in purple cases; TV series are in clear cases; my favorite stars are in red, yellow, and blue cases; pre-Codes and films noir are in green cases; everything else is in black cases. Somehow, it works!

That must be quite a site.

Maybe someday you post a picture of it?

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

There you go.

If you enjoy something, who cares what other people think?

I have to admit feeling a bit self conscious about some of the movies I watch at my age.

I just turned 40.

I was watching Shogun Assassin last night and I caught myself thinking, "Am I too old for this?"

...same thing with 80s slasher flicks.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I went to a screening of Band Of Outsiders with a post-film Q&A by Anna Karina at the weekend. She was on great form, and remains a witty figure. I was surprised by just how much affection she has for Godard, who she spoke of VERY highly.

Incredibly jealous. Wow.

[Arawn]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Every October I buy several slasher flicks--Friday the 13th entries, NOES/Halloween sequels--that I feel like watching before Halloween. And then after Halloween is over I realize that I don't really like em that much so I trade them in for something else.

Be a rebel. Watch the Halloween movies at some other time of year, like in the spring or something.

It's like watching Christmas movies in the summer.

Don't be a slave to the calendar! FIGHT THE POWER

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by Arawn

Be a rebel. Watch the Halloween movies at some other time of year, like in the spring or something.

It's like watching Christmas movies in the summer.

Don't be a slave to the calendar! FIGHT THE POWER

Yeah I hear you.

My brain just seems to be wired a certain way.

I love listening to Reggae music in the summertime.

...but I never listen to it in the winter when it's cold and gray.

[Scottie]

The Gilda Blu-ray looks remarkable...and it certainly doesn't hurt that the film is nothing short of fantastic. Easily one of the best film noirs around!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by jmclick

I can only speak for myself, but my collection isn't about the pleasure of owning a great many titles. I not only watch films for enjoyment, I also study them ... individually and collectively. And on occasion I still write about them, although that isn't as true a statement as it used to be since so many of my favorite magazines have ceased publication.

I once contracted to write an article about the Fox Film Noir DVD series. The publisher sent me advance review copies of the upcoming titles in the series; the others I already owned, and didn't have to try to find or rent or borrow, which saved me a lot of time since I was on a fairly short deadline. I watched all 20-odd films twice (once with and once without the audio commentaries), poured through all the supplements, and managed to turn in a 10,000 word article 30 days later, complete with scans of some of the stills in my personal collection.

That was so much easier than the experience I had trying to assemble a short career sketch and filmography on torch singer Helen Morgan several years earlier. I had seen five of Morgan's eight films, but didn't own copies of any of them, and frankly, trying to write about them based on my memories is something I would never attempt today; there's too much room for error, and sloppy film scholarship is increasingly inexcusable in this day and age. Anyway, that's my perspective.

I have this sneaking suspicion you and I are quite a lot alike, Michael, and have for some time, based upon what I've read in your posts. Your meticulous attention to detail, the eloquence with which you speak, the diversity of your collection, and your willingness to help those around you are reasons why I have developed quite a high opinion of you. I can't tell you how many nights I've perused your collection, seeking inspiration.

Part of my ultimate aim is to write about the history of film. I want to share my passion with others, to make new generations excited about old films. But, as with any discipline in life, one must learn to crawl before they can walk, and walk before they can run. And while I have been watching movies since I was a kid, it is only within the last year or so have I really begun to delve into, and truly appreciate the classics, and foreign films. It's an exciting time for me. I feel the way I did when I was a seven year old, and my parents took me to the Chicago Art Institute for the first time. This whole new world of color is opening before my eyes.

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

Yeah I hear you.

My brain just seems to be wired a certain way.

I love listening to Reggae music in the summertime.

...but I never listen to it in the winter when it's cold and gray.

Ray, I'd like to think I speak for most of us when I say, "I like the way your brain is wired." You have an unbridled enthusiasm that is quite refreshing, a real joie de vivre that belies your age. Whenever I come to the forum, no matter how I might be feeling at the time, I see your posts, and always smile, or laugh. 'Tis a rare gift, indeed, to make people you really don't know feel better.

To borrow from Thoreau, "you live deep, and suck out all the marrow of life."

[Ray Jackson]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

I have this sneaking suspicion you and I are quite a lot alike, Michael, and have for some time, based upon what I've read in your posts. Your meticulous attention to detail, the eloquence with which you speak, the diversity of your collection, and your willingness to help those around you are reasons why I have developed quite a high opinion of you. I can't tell you how many nights I've perused your collection, seeking inspiration.

Part of my ultimate aim is to write about the history of film. I want to share my passion with others, to make new generations excited about old films. But, as with any discipline in life, one must learn to crawl before they can walk, and walk before they can run. And while I have been watching movies since I was a kid, it is only within the last year or so have I really begun to delve into, and truly appreciate the classics, and foreign films. It's an exciting time for me. I feel the way I did when I was a seven year old, and my parents took me to the Chicago Art Institute for the first time. This whole new world of color is opening before my eyes.



Ray, I'd like to think I speak for most of us when I say, "I like the way your brain is wired." You have an unbridled enthusiasm that is quite refreshing, a real joie de vivre that belies your age. Whenever I come to the forum, no matter how I might be feeling at the time, I see your posts, and always smile, or laugh. 'Tis a rare gift, indeed, to make people you really don't know feel better.

To borrow from Thoreau, "you live deep, and suck out all the marrow of life."

You and I will meet in person one day bro.

...I've seen it in my dreams.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

I have this sneaking suspicion you and I are quite a lot alike, Michael, and have for some time, based upon what I've read in your posts. Your meticulous attention to detail, the eloquence with which you speak, the diversity of your collection, and your willingness to help those around you are reasons why I have developed quite a high opinion of you. I can't tell you how many nights I've perused your collection, seeking inspiration.

Part of my ultimate aim is to write about the history of film. I want to share my passion with others, to make new generations excited about old films. But, as with any discipline in life, one must learn to crawl before they can walk, and walk before they can run. And while I have been watching movies since I was a kid, it is only within the last year or so have I really begun to delve into, and truly appreciate the classics, and foreign films. It's an exciting time for me. I feel the way I did when I was a seven year old, and my parents took me to the Chicago Art Institute for the first time. This whole new world of color is opening before my eyes.



Ray, I'd like to think I speak for most of us when I say, "I like the way your brain is wired." You have an unbridled enthusiasm that is quite refreshing, a real joie de vivre that belies your age. Whenever I come to the forum, no matter how I might be feeling at the time, I see your posts, and always smile, or laugh. 'Tis a rare gift, indeed, to make people you really don't know feel better.

To borrow from Thoreau, "you live deep, and suck out all the marrow of life."

What an incredibly kind post, Bill. I hope that someday I may become the person you perceive. And I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about RJ. His wit will someday be my undoing; I've learned not to have anything to drink or eat while reading his posts, lest I spray my computer screen or, worse still, choke with laughter.

Really, I think we have a incredible group of people posting in this particular thread. I'm always learning something new, or being forced to re-examine my opinions, or simply having a good time listening to all the interesting comments and perceptions. It's a rare thing, this community, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

[ThatOneGuy]

Originally Posted by Pyro.Kitty

"I like to own the things I use." - Abel Morales (A Most Violent Year)

^ the best way of putting it, imho.

That... actually sums up my issue with renting vs buying. Now I want to see that movie just because of that quote.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by Ray Jackson

You and I will meet in person one day bro.

...I've seen it in my dreams.

You and I seem to dream a lot. Why, just this morning, I had a dream where I was standing in a robe on a pyramid, with 1,000 naked women screaming and throwing pickles at me.

As for your gif, I don't know what to say (and I am rarely speechless). I do so hope that if I am the Apollo Creed to your Rocky, I hang around long enough to meet you. I'll make sure to stay away from Dolph Lundgren!

Originally Posted by jmclick

What an incredibly kind post, Bill. I hope that someday I may become the person you perceive. And I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about RJ. His wit will someday be my undoing; I've learned not to have anything to drink or eat while reading his posts, lest I spray my computer screen or, worse still, choke with laughter.

Really, I think we have a incredible group of people posting in this particular thread. I'm always learning something new, or being forced to re-examine my opinions, or simply having a good time listening to all the interesting comments and perceptions. It's a rare thing, this community, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

/tip 'o the cap.

We do have a great bunch that post here.

[Scottie]

Could any of you lads share your thoughts and opinions on the following films to be released in the future? I haven't seen any of them.

1. Adventures on the New Frontier / Crisis / Faces of November / Primary
2. Barcelona
3. A Brighter Summer Day
4. The Emigrants / The New Land
5. I Knew Her Well
6. Only Angels Have Wings
7. Paris Belongs to Us
8. A Poem is a Naked Person

[oildude]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Why, just this morning, I had a dream where I was standing in a robe on a pyramid, with 1,000 naked women screaming and throwing pickles at me.

Weird. I have the exact opposite dream, where I am surrounded by 1000 naked women and I get to throw my pickle at them.....

But I would settle for just 3 Women.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

I had a dream where I was standing in a robe on a pyramid, with 1,000 naked women screaming and throwing pickles at me.

"It's a moral imperative."

Man, I wish that movie would come out on Blu-ray.

[joie]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Could any of you lads share your thoughts and opinions on the following films to be released in the future? I haven't seen any of them.

6. Only Angels Have Wings

This is lesser Hawks. For Hawks with Cary Grant they want "His Girl Friday." You asked!

[Rich Pure Doom]

Originally Posted by joie

This is lesser Hawks. For Hawks with Cary Grant they want "His Girl Friday." You asked!

As a counterpoint, I find it to be the quintessential Hawks films that rewards mightily on repeat viewings. To each his own.