The Criterion Collection

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by John Klein

I'm curious, has there been a Criterion that isn't recommended? (excluding that new Jellyfish one.)

Jellyfish was recommended, but aside from the ones that have serious PQ issues, I think only Tiny Furniture, The Last Days of Disco and Frances Ha.

But I think the point is, there is quite a difference between a recommendation and the highest of recommendations, those titles mentioned that should be on every serious cinephile library.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Jellyfish was recommended, but aside from the ones that have serious PQ issues, I think only Tiny Furniture, The Last Days of Disco and Frances Ha.

But I think the point is, there is quite a difference between a recommendation and the highest of recommendations, those titles mentioned that should be on every serious cinephile library.

What's funny is that Frances Ha is one of my favorite films in the collection.

Then again, I'm a big Baumbach fan and a big Gerwig gan.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

More importantly why people insist on telling people that they know haven't seen it about how they were bitterly disappointed in the direction the show went/was wriitten/horrible plot development after X- episode/season -- and most especially in a non-<Insert Series thread of choice> (Lost, BSG, Soparanos, Dexter, etc. etc). Why can't people just wait until the person watching teh series finishes it and then discuss in in the appropriate thread.

Good [this space available] yes.

[ThatOneGuy]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Jellyfish was recommended, but aside from the ones that have serious PQ issues, I think only Tiny Furniture, The Last Days of Disco and Frances Ha.

But I think the point is, there is quite a difference between a recommendation and the highest of recommendations, those titles mentioned that should be on every serious cinephile library.

I was just curious as to the Criterions that weren't recommended since all the ones I looked at were either recommended or highly recommended and rather then dig through the huge Criterion library here, I thought about just asking to skip over the hunt.

I just know that Jellyfish won the "What were they thinking?" category on here, so rather then people throwing that at me, I'd just skip all that as well if it wasn't recommended.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

This past weekend, I watched some Season 1 episodes of The X-Files for the first time in two decades.

During the early-to-late 1990s, I was a massive fan of The X-Files. I never missed the episodes, because I would videotape them in the event that I went out with friends on Friday nights, I loved theorizing about the mythology episodes, and I even collected the VHS tape releases.

Around the time that the seventh season kicked in, though, I became hugely burned out with the show, and my enthusiasm waned. I did catch the series finale at the end of Season 9, but I was extremely disappointed.
One of the reasons why I do not bother watching any newer television shows is because of my dismay at how The X-Files played out toward the end, because I do not want to invest that sort of time and attention to another show that might fizzle out.

I had a blast revisiting the show at long last this weekend, though, and those Season 1 episodes brought back a flood of memories. My plan is to watch all nine of the seasons this year, and, by that time, the brand new episodes will be out on Blu-ray for me to devour all at once.

I'm balancing out my revival of The X-Files, however, with movies. This weekend, I also made time to watch The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (fun and underrated movie), The Wild Eye (insightful and bleak movie), and Figures in a Landscape (great great great movie that would have been a cool Criterion title).

I'll be revisiting Gilda in between the episodes of The X-Files in the coming days.

Interesting. You're able to multitask between TV and film. This is something I just don't do being the purist that I am. Once I'm in something, I'm all in. I'm not watching anything else during that time until I'm done with the program (whether its a 4 hour film or a TV show that lasts 9 seasons). In the case of The X-Files, I recall never having seen every episode and catching them every now and then when they were airing for the first time on television. I was a casual X-Files fan but nothing more. On the other hand, I was an obsessed (and still obsessed) fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I took on the herculean task of trying to watch the entire show on the recent blu-rays that were released a few years ago, but I stopped purchasing the seasons because I wanted to wait until they went down in price or they were released in one big box set (which has yet to happen). I watched the first 2 seasons of that show and then I sold season 3 of TNG (obviously the first 2 seasons were the weakest of all the seasons of TNG anyway).

With Lost, I have no expectations. I'm enjoying every single episode. I suppose if I already had seen the show, it would be a chore to sit through them all again and revisit it. This is why I RARELY purchase TV series on blu-ray, because I know it will be time consuming to watch it all again (especially if its over 3 or more seasons). I bought Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery on blu-ray late last year during the 40% B&N sale and I look forward to watching this show again someday (but I finally watched both seasons just a few years ago, so its still kind of fresh in my mind).

I'm wondering, as Criterion collectors, what sort of TV do you all watch?

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm wondering, as Criterion collectors, what sort of TV do you all watch?

I was a gigantic "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fan back in the day. The first 5 seasons were gold. If only

[Show spoiler]they had ended the series with Buffy's death in the S5 finale, "The Gift" then the show would have been perfect.

The spin-off, "Angel," was a big show for me as well for the first 2 seasons. The number of BtVS and Angel posts I made on Usenet back then -- scary.

Beyond those two, "Twin Peaks" of course. "Firefly" of course. (I think you can tell that I'm a Joss Whedon fan at this point ). "Fringe" was really good, and I totally need to revisit the entire show from beginning to end. I adored "Lost" and found so many of the twists and turns to be compelling, and I loved the casting. Oh, I also really enjoyed "Stargate: SG-1." That was fun. "Smallville" of course. Fantastic casting, fun stories. "The X-Files" was a life experience while it was on. Tough to describe what it meant to me.

But as much as I loved "Twin Peaks," and I did. And as much I will always love "Lost" and "The X-Files," I'm not sure I was ever as INVESTED in a show like I was with BtVS. There are things they did on that show, now almost 20 years ago (S3 was in 1998 roughly) that STILL hasn't been matched on TV all these years later (on broadcast TV, anyways). And I was so invested, as I said, in the show. Every single episode was so meaningful to me. The arguments over minutiae, the emotional toll that some episodes took -- it was so powerful. I wish I could describe it.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm wondering, as Criterion collectors, what sort of TV do you all watch?

Other than Game of Thrones, Better Call Saul and the ones I already completed, I think I mostly watch comedies like South Park, Louie, Freaks and Geeks, and Seinfeld, I think specially the 20 mins variety are so much easier to see without interrupting too much my movie watching habits.

[Wooden Lens]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

Yeah. OK. Fine.

You know, my poor, beaten down bank account would like a few words with you, mister! How in the heck am I supposed to do basic things like buy food and wine and go to Starbucks when I'm constantly faced with reviews like this?!

It's an insanely enticing review! And further reason why when Criterion makes announcements for smaller off the radar titles that not many of us were anticipating followed by a loud visual grown in the message boards, I instead prick up my ears and get excited for whatever special film Criterion might be delivering to us fans.

As much as we can get excited about the usual classics and modern masters that Criterion as spoiled us with, it's always a fun little personal revelation when CC releases something great that none of us were really anticipating.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm wondering, as Criterion collectors, what sort of TV do you all watch?

Pretty much any sort, really. There is and has always been a lot of garbage but there are also plenty of good to excellent to absolutely phenomenal shows of virtually all types from all eras.

I don't watch daytime soaps anymore and have never really been a fan of most reality tv or gameshows but everything else pretty much goes.

Sitcoms, dramas, cop shows, political shows, BBC, old, new, miniseries...I've got faves in all those categories. I've even started getting into anime of late and would love to branch out into more foreign language shows (Nordic Noir chief among that group).

TV is freaking awesome

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Snicket

I'm curious what people who felt burned by Lost think of The Leftovers.

In my opinion, The Leftovers has been one of the three best shows on American TV in the past year. The other two are Fargo and American Crime.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Wooden Lens

It's an insanely enticing review! And further reason why when Criterion makes announcements for smaller off the radar titles that not many of us were anticipating followed by a loud visual grown in the message boards, I instead prick up my ears and get excited for whatever special film Criterion might be delivering to us fans.

As much as we can get excited about the usual classics and modern masters that Criterion as spoiled us with, it's always a fun little personal revelation when CC releases something great that none of us were really anticipating.

I'm out of "Thanks" but, thanks.

And I couldn't have said it any better myself. You nailed it.

[jw007]

AaronJ, pedromvu, octagon...

Thanks for your responses...

I should add that when I "binge watch" TV shows like Lost, I treat the experience as if I'm watching a film, so I never eat dinner while watching or a big meal where I have to take my eyes off the screen for more than a second at a time. And I always watch it on my big brown couch, as opposed to my IKEA chair.

For all other TV programs such as reality shows and documentaries on the History Channel or National Geographic Channel in particular, I try to watch it all "on demand" so I don't have to deal with commercials. I tend to watch something for 50 minutes while I'm eating a meal (if anyone is a fan of Ancient Aliens also, let me know!). I'm not embarrassed to say I watch a lot of silly documentaries like that, but that show in particular is so damn interesting. Other reality shows I get into are Alaskan Bush People (a guilty pleasure), Pawn Stars (a fun 25 min. show if I'm eating a small dinner), The Curse of Oak Island (one of my favorite reality shows today), Gold Rush (a show I can't believe I actually watch), Shark Tank (another popular show), Restaurant or Hotel Impossible (or any other related Restaurant or Hotel makeover show) and many others. There, I'm going to go hide in a corner now out of pure embarrassment.

[Spanish Scott]

Anyone else here catch Alamo Drafthouse's screening of Haxan?

I was fortunate enough to see it in the new SF theater last night (super cool that the Bay Area has an Alamo now, but that's besides the point). They had some Chicago based band named Wreckmeister Harmonies (from the Bela Tarr film) providing a live score to the movie. The movie itself was enjoyable enough; I had been meaning to watch it on Hulu but figured seeing it on the big screen would be better. But the musical performance really made it something else. The scenes in the middle with the torture and Witches' Sabbath were almost overwhelming with the music accompanying them. Was a great experience. Just wish that I had snagged one of Becky Cloonan's Mondo posters for the event.

[Ausjdm]

Originally Posted by Marlow27

Top Gun > Lost

Come on folks seriously it's......

Point Break > Top Gun

Greatest action movie ever!!

[Spanish Scott]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Jellyfish was recommended, but aside from the ones that have serious PQ issues, I think only Tiny Furniture, The Last Days of Disco and Frances Ha.

But I think the point is, there is quite a difference between a recommendation and the highest of recommendations, those titles mentioned that should be on every serious cinephile library.

I'm a big fan of Last Days of Disco, along with the other Stillman movies in the collection. I would heartily recommend it to anyone looking to hear how Lady and the Tramp can be applied to modern relationships.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by jw007

AaronJ, pedromvu, octagon...

Thanks for your responses...

I should add that when I "binge watch" TV shows like Lost, I treat the experience as if I'm watching a film, so I never eat dinner while watching or a big meal where I have to take my eyes off the screen for more than a second at a time. And I always watch it on my big brown couch, as opposed to my IKEA chair.

For all other TV programs such as reality shows and documentaries on the History Channel or National Geographic Channel in particular, I try to watch it all "on demand" so I don't have to deal with commercials. I tend to watch something for 50 minutes while I'm eating a meal (if anyone is a fan of Ancient Aliens also, let me know!). I'm not embarrassed to say I watch a lot of silly documentaries like that, but that show in particular is so damn interesting. Other reality shows I get into are Alaskan Bush People (a guilty pleasure), Pawn Stars (a fun 25 min. show if I'm eating a small dinner), The Curse of Oak Island (one of my favorite reality shows today), Gold Rush (a show I can't believe I actually watch), Shark Tank (another popular show), Restaurant or Hotel Impossible (or any other related Restaurant or Hotel makeover show) and many others. There, I'm going to go hide in a corner now out of pure embarrassment.

Trust me, no embarrassment needed. Back a number of years ago when I played a MUD on a regular basis and sort of developed a "relationship" (over the phone and computer) with a woman who lived down South, she turned me onto "America's Next Top Model." I went from thinking, "Oh, well, I've always liked to Tyra Banks," to the point where this friend and I would argue and sometimes end up yelling at each other about who it was that was eliminated that week, etc. I became a complete nut-case fan of the show.

Now, granted, it was full of beautiful women, and I've always loved fashion. But still. It was "America's Next Top Model" for crying out loud! I can't even tell you how many seasons of that show I watched religiously, getting angry at the TV, yelling at Wendy, etc.

We've all been there, in one way or another. Heh.

Originally Posted by Spanish Scott

Anyone else here catch Alamo Drafthouse's screening of Haxan?

I was fortunate enough to see it in the new SF theater last night (super cool that the Bay Area has an Alamo now, but that's besides the point). They had some Chicago based band named Wreckmeister Harmonies (from the Bela Tarr film) providing a live score to the movie. The movie itself was enjoyable enough; I had been meaning to watch it on Hulu but figured seeing it on the big screen would be better. But the musical performance really made it something else. The scenes in the middle with the torture and Witches' Sabbath were almost overwhelming with the music accompanying them. Was a great experience. Just wish that I had snagged one of Becky Cloonan's Mondo posters for the event.

I hate you.

OK, that's not true. But I am SO jealous. Damn, I would have loved to have been there. I've really appreciated that film since I first saw it years ago, but I've never been lucky enough to see it on a big screen, let alone at an Alamo. And with some kickass live music? Wow.

OK, maybe I do hate you a little bit.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm wondering, as Criterion collectors, what sort of TV do you all watch?

Too much, and all kinds. I'm only going to mention the current/recent ones, or I'll be here all night.

I'm a sucker for superhero shows (I haven't read comics in about 12 years, and superhero TV shows and movies are my substitute for that). The Netflix/Marvel shows aside, my current favorite superhero show is Supergirl, which is a throwback to the days when comics were more fun and less grim.

I also like police procedurals in general, though a lot of them don't seem to appeal to me. The Wire is my favorite (and my favorite TV series of any genre ever). Among other recent cop dramas, my favorites have been Fargo, True Detective, the over-and-out Justified, and the now-a-Netflix-original Longmire. And American Crime, which isn't really a police procedural, but it is a crime drama.

There was a time when I'd watch just about any science fiction series on the air, but there have been too many really bad ones lately. Recent or current ones that are excellent are The Expanse, Continuum, and Orphan Black. Oh, and HUMANS, though the original Swedish version, Äkta människor (Real Humans) was better. The Last Ship and 12 Monkeys have been pretty decent, too.

I'm not big into comedies. The only one I watch these days is The Big Bang Theory.

I like me some British TV, too. Crime shows like Broadchurch, Luther, and Shetland to costume dramas like Downton Abbey. And Sherlock (though, quite frankly, I think Elementary is better).

Also some foreign-language series. On Sundance, there's been the French supernatural series The Returned (the American version was anemic) and the Cold War thriller Deutschland 83. Also love the original Swedish/Danish version of The Bridge.

My current Holy Trinity of TV are:

(1) David Simon: The Corner, The Wire, Generation Kill, Treme, and Show Me a Hero

(2) Bryan Fuller: Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, Pushing Daisies, and Hannibal

(3) Chris Haddock: the Canadian shows Da Vinci's Inquest, Intelligence, and current spy drama The Romeo Section

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I like me some British TV, too. Crime shows like Broadchurch, Luther, and Shetland to costume dramas like Downton Abbey. And Sherlock (though, quite frankly, I think Elementary is better).

Wait, which one is the one with Lucy Liu? I just started watching a few of those recently, and they are pretty good.

I'm big into procedurals: "Law and Order," "Law and Order: SVU," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "Criminal Minds," -- I don't know why I'm so addicted to these types of shows, even where I've seen episodes so many times that I know every line of dialogue. I mean, sure, both my parents were lawyers. But still. I guess there's just something about the procedural that clicks with me.

[KillDaWabbit]

I don't watch a lot of TV, but when I do I have a tendency to "binge watch" them.

Past TV shows I've enjoyed: Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The West Wing, The Wire, X files, Entourage, Downton Abbey, and Top Gear.

Current TV shows I enjoy: Archer, True Detective, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries, Homeland, BBC's Sherlock, and Vikings.

There are also a few TV miniseries that I have greatly enjoyed, including HBO's Generation Kill, Band of Brothers, the Pacific, and the Jinx. BBC's Planet Earth, Human Planet, and Life were amazing, and I was glued to Netflix's Making a Murderer.

[JoeBuck]

Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Beavis and Butthead, Twin Peaks, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Sopranos, Louie, Silicon Valley.

My all time favorite TV show though is easily without a doubt Kids In the Hall. Could endlessly rewatch and quote the shit out of it forever.