The Criterion Collection

[Castor18]

Ken Russell's 1969 "Women in Love" would be an awesome addition if Criterion ever consider a blu-ray release.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1023913-women_in_love/

[Olmo]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

On the subject of actors disappearing into their roles, I'm going to throw an offbeat nod to Harrison Ford for his work in Peter Weir's Mosquito Coast.
I really wish that Criterion would pick up this title.

I'll throw out another nod to Sean Connery for his work in The Offence (1972). This movie is available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, and, if you ever want to see Connery act the f**k out of a role, then this one has my recommendation.

It's a great performance. That said, IMO he's second best to Ian Bannen in the film, who's performance is astonishing.

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Speaking of documentaries, what are some of your favorites, gang? I happen to love Ken Burns' works, especially Baseball, and The Civil War. I've only seen two from Criterion thus far, A Brief History of Time and The Thin Blue Line-and I loved them both. I'm an absolutely huge fan of Stephen Hawking. I also love the 30 for 30 series ESPN has produced. Very well done.

In the collection, Harlan County USA is my favorite documentary. I would like to see this get a blu upgrade with more supplements. As a resident of Kentucky it is fascinating to see how an industry/company can affect an entire region.

Non-Criterion...Ken Burns' The Civil War tops my list. I sold my DVD set when the blu-ray was announced. However, I still haven't purchased because of complaints about the production. Whenever that is fixed I'll happily repurchase and re-watch the discs.

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

Last night, I took a break from 16th century Japan and experienced Greenwich Village in 1961. It was my first time watching Inside Llewyn Davis and it was superb. I've been a big Dylan fan for 20 years and prefer listening to the Coffee House station on XM radio. I have no idea why I haven't watched this now.

Very real, gritty snapshot of an artist struggling to keep doing what he does. In this case I thought the non-typical narrative worked well and Oscar Isaac was amazing. I pick a little on guitar so seeing musical talent especially when it is under-appreciated hits a soft spot with me. 9/10

I followed up ILD and watched the Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the Music of 'Inside Llewyn Davis concert last night. This is now my favorite Criterion supplement of all-time.

I attended the Down From the Mountain concert which is the Coen's O Brother Where Art Thou equivalent to Another Day/Another Time. Bluegrass music is in my blood as I play bluegrass with family. However, the ILD concert had many artists I heard for the first time. Really blown away by the raw acoustic music and that this was included on the disc. I did not realize this was even on Criterion's release until I was scanning supplements. Bravo Criterion for including this.

[Wooden Lens]

Originally Posted by Castor18

Ken Russell's 1969 "Women in Love" would be an awesome addition if Criterion ever consider a blu-ray release.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1023913-women_in_love/

More Ken Russell in the collection is always a good thing.

say it with me now:

"The Devils... The Devils... The Devils... The Devils..."

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

In the collection, Harlan County USA is my favorite documentary. I would like to see this get a blu upgrade with more supplements. As a resident of Kentucky it is fascinating to see how an industry/company can affect an entire region.

Non-Criterion...Ken Burns' The Civil War tops my list. I sold my DVD set when the blu-ray was announced. However, I still haven't purchased because of complaints about the production. Whenever that is fixed I'll happily repurchase and re-watch the discs.

Thank you so much about the news regarding Ken Burns' The Civil War. Apparently the original October 2015 blu-ray release was recalled, and a remastered edition was released in December with a new UPC code. I had no idea until you mentioned it that there was any problem, and have been waiting to purchase a copy. You may have saved me from buying the wrong copy! I came this|close to buying the set during the last Barnes and Noble sale ...

I haven't seen The Civil War yet, but Ken Burns' The War so intrigued me that I've watched it three times. It's among my favorite documentaries. Other non-Criterion documentaries that I admire are The World at War, Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt, Titicut Follies (what I wouldn't give for Criterion to release a Frederick Wiseman box set!), The Last Days and Aushwitz: Inside the Nazi State.

Among documentaries released by Criterion, Shoah stands head and shoulders above them all from my perspective, followed by such incredible films as The Thin Blue Line, The Times of Harvey Milk, and Night and Fog. I have Hoop Dreams on order, and I'm thrilled about the upcoming JFK set, I've been meaning to watch the Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida double feature, but I keep getting distracted into watching other films.

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by jmclick

Thank you so much about the news regarding Ken Burns' The Civil War. Apparently the original October 2015 blu-ray release was recalled, and a remastered edition was released in December with a new UPC code. I had no idea until you mentioned it that there was any problem, and have been waiting to purchase a copy. You may have saved me from buying the wrong copy! I came this|close to buying the set during the last Barnes and Noble sale ...

I haven't seen The Civil War yet, but Ken Burns' The War so intrigued me that I've watched it three times. It's among my favorite documentaries. Other non-Criterion documentaries that I admire are The World at War, Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt, Titicut Follies (what I wouldn't give for Criterion to release a Frederick Wiseman box set!), The Last Days and Aushwitz: Inside the Nazi State.

Among documentaries released by Criterion, Shoah stands head and shoulders above them all from my perspective, followed by such incredible films as The Thin Blue Line, The Times of Harvey Milk, and Night and Fog. I have Hoop Dreams on order, and I'm thrilled about the upcoming JFK set, I've been meaning to watch the Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida double feature, but I keep getting distracted into watching other films.

I'm waiting for an opportunity to invest time into Shoah. I fully expect it to have a profound impact so I want to view at the right time and absorb it. Especially since I don't expect to rewatch unless it is with my kids at some point in the future.

All of Morris' titles are incredible. He lets those on the screen tell their own story in their own words. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida have a ton of replay value IMO. I've always wondered if Christopher Guest was influenced by Morris. Best in Show is a personal favorite comedy. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida is Best in Show with real people.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by jw007

Have you also seen For All Mankind? I consider it one of the finest documentaries in the Criterion Collection by far. It's a meditation and spiritual experience and goes beyond film. For all of those conspiracy theorists out there who don't believe humans walked on the moon, I challenge their beliefs by watching this movie. It's all real... and I love how it goes into detail how the subsequent astronauts visited the moon well after the Apollo 11 mission.

Other documentaries in the CC I enjoyed are: Fishing With John (more of a satire/comedy than a documentary), Burden of Dreams (really awesome film by Les Blank), and many of the documentary films of Louis Malle (my favorite being The Pursuit of Happiness).

No, I haven't seen For All Mankind yet, but that's high on my watch list (and it's available to stream). I go through phases where I become a real documentary junkie. Netflix is always getting the rights to interesting subjects. I'll add the other ones you've mentioned to me to-watch list. I'll check to see which, if any of those, are also on Hulu.

[theater dreamer]

Don't even get me started on Baseball. I'll wax nostalgic about the documentary, and the game, for hours on end. I know a lot of the source material might not translate well, but I'd still love it if that was released on Blu-ray. They did it for The Civil War, so why not? I am so pumped for this season to get started. Pitchers and catchers report in Milwaukee in 15 days!!! The Brewers will be terrible this year, but we've completely restocked our minor league talent, and I'm eagerly anticipating the future.

I'd planned to watch Downfall and The Great Dictator last night, but I got sidetracked. I selected Paths of Glory and Charade, instead, and I enjoyed both immensely. I'd seen Charade before, but on TCM; this marked my first time seeing it remastered, and it looked simply beautiful. Audrey was radiant as ever. I love the scene where she and Cary Grant are walking alongside the Seine, and Audrey comments on how she recalled Gene Kelly's dancing next to the great river. Having just watched An American in Paris for the first time a few weeks ago, I appreciated (and understood) the reference. Chalk that up as another example of why a broad exposure to classical film is such a great thing--you "get" allusions that you might otherwise miss. These little nuances greatly add to the overall viewing experience.

Paths of Glory was amazing. I really need to go back and watch the extras that came with the film. I'd love to see how Kubrick managed that long, drawn out shot of Kirk Douglas walking through the trench prior to the charge of Ant Hill.

I don't want to give away any of the narrative, and ruin it for anybody who has yet to see this film, but by the end, I was completely incredulous. I can't imagine anything worse than the fighting in World War I. The narration of the film references that "victorious battles" in WW I consisted of gaining 100 yards of trenches, at the cost of thousands of lives. Fighting an enemy is bad enough, especially in such a horrific theater. But when you're dealing with superiors that have no regard for human life, well, let's just say those French soldiers were in an untenable position. I highly recommend Paths of Glory to anybody who has not yet seen it. This is a film that I will revisit frequently over the years. It will also be fun to contrast with some of Kubrick's other works. Hard to believe that the same man who directed Paths of Glory, which was such an economical use of time, would go on to direct 2001: A Space Odyssey, which is famous for it's long, poetic scenes sans dialogue.

[jmclick]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

I'm waiting for an opportunity to invest time into Shoah. I fully expect it to have a profound impact so I want to view at the right time and absorb it. Especially since I don't expect to rewatch unless it is with my kids at some point in the future.

All of Morris' titles are incredible. He lets those on the screen tell their own story in their own words. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida have a ton of replay value IMO. I've always wondered if Christopher Guest was influenced by Morris. Best in Show is a personal favorite comedy. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida is Best in Show with real people.

That's a wonderful endorsement! Best in Show is one of my favorite comedies, also. I laughed so hard at times that I literally couldn't catch my breath. You've just encouraged me to move Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida to the top of my "must watch" pile. Much obliged!

[joie]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

[...] I'd planned to watch Downfall and The Great Dictator last night, but I got sidetracked. I selected Paths of Glory and Charade, instead, and I enjoyed both immensely. I'd seen Charade before, but on TCM; this marked my first time seeing it remastered, and it looked simply beautiful. Audrey was radiant as ever. I love the scene where she and Cary Grant are walking alongside the Seine, and Audrey comments on how she recalled Fred Astaire's dancing next to the great river. Having just watched An American in Paris for the first time a few weeks ago, I appreciated (and understood) the reference. Chalk that up as another example of why a broad exposure to classical film is such a great thing--you "get" allusions that you might otherwise miss. These little nuances greatly add to the overall viewing experience. [...]

Wasn't it Gene Kelly instead of Fred Astaire in "An American in Paris?"

[812crew]

I think Shoah is probably my favorite Criterion release ever. I'd never seen it before I bought it, and didn't know what to expect, but I'd been reading a lot about WWII at the time, so I thought I'd give it a try.

It really is a great film, and I never found the length to be a difficult obstacle (I even watched the 3 bonus films, which were released as separate movies, but could have just been another 4 hours added onto the already 9 hour movie).

It's truly a movie that could never be made again. It was made at a time when the world was trying to forget the sins of the past, and Lanzmann was literally forcing a lot of his subjects to speak about it. He knew that if he didn't, the stories of the participants he was showcasing were stories that would never be told (and he knew that only they could tell the stories of those who could no longer speak).

He doesn't use archival footage or reconstructions, and it's truly the best part of the movie. It requires more patience to watch it, but it gives the impression that what happened is not something that lives in the past, not something that is just a black and white movie of people who once lived and died. What happened is still a part of our world, and it should always be...and it hovers around the whole movie like a ghost. It's a great documentary, yes....but it's also a very great cinematic film too. A lot of thought and perspective behind it. I encourage anyone to buy it, regardless of the high sticker price.

[diskspinner]

Originally Posted by 812crew

I think Shoah is probably my favorite Criterion release ever. I'd never seen it before I bought it, and didn't know what to expect, but I'd been reading a lot about WWII at the time, so I thought I'd give it a try.

It really is a great film, and I never found the length to be a difficult obstacle (I even watched the 3 bonus films, which were released as separate movies, but could have just been another 4 hours added onto the already 9 hour movie).

It's truly a movie that could never be made again. It was made at a time when the world was trying to forget the sins of the past, and Lanzmann was literally forcing a lot of his subjects to speak about it. He knew that if he didn't, the stories of the participants he was showcasing were stories that would never be told (and he knew that only they could tell the stories of those who could no longer speak).

He doesn't use archival footage or reconstructions, and it's truly the best part of the movie. It requires more patience to watch it, but it gives the impression that what happened is not something that lives in the past, not something that is just a black and white movie of people who once lived and died. What happened is still a part of our world, and it should always be...and it hovers around the whole movie like a ghost. It's a great documentary, yes....but it's also a very great cinematic film too. A lot of thought and perspective behind it. I encourage anyone to buy it, regardless of the high sticker price.

Did you watch it in one go/in a day?

[812crew]

Originally Posted by diskspinner

Did you watch it in one go/in a day?

Ha. No. Not even close. It was actually parsed out over a week or so. That's actually pretty typical of how I consume even a 2 hr movie. I work a lot, so sometimes I only have a chance to watch 30m at a time or something. It's never bothered me in terms of immersing myself in a story (I work in television and part of my job is to build stories one piece at a time...so when I go home and watch stuff, my brain's pretty used to that jumping-into-the-middle-of-a-story kind of thing).

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by 812crew

I think Shoah is probably my favorite Criterion release ever. I'd never seen it before I bought it, and didn't know what to expect, but I'd been reading a lot about WWII at the time, so I thought I'd give it a try.

It really is a great film, and I never found the length to be a difficult obstacle (I even watched the 3 bonus films, which were released as separate movies, but could have just been another 4 hours added onto the already 9 hour movie).

It's truly a movie that could never be made again. It was made at a time when the world was trying to forget the sins of the past, and Lanzmann was literally forcing a lot of his subjects to speak about it. He knew that if he didn't, the stories of the participants he was showcasing were stories that would never be told (and he knew that only they could tell the stories of those who could no longer speak).

He doesn't use archival footage or reconstructions, and it's truly the best part of the movie. It requires more patience to watch it, but it gives the impression that what happened is not something that lives in the past, not something that is just a black and white movie of people who once lived and died. What happened is still a part of our world, and it should always be...and it hovers around the whole movie like a ghost. It's a great documentary, yes....but it's also a very great cinematic film too. A lot of thought and perspective behind it. I encourage anyone to buy it, regardless of the high sticker price.

I hope you've also picked up The Last Of The Unjust.

[812crew]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I hope you've also picked up The Last Of The Unjust.

Haven't yet, but will do so soon! Thanks for the reminder!

[SkyAntoine]

Originally Posted by 812crew

Ha. No. Not even close. It was actually parsed out over a week or so. That's actually pretty typical of how I consume even a 2 hr movie. I work a lot, so sometimes I only have a chance to watch 30m at a time or something. It's never bothered me in terms of immersing myself in a story (I work in television and part of my job is to build stories one piece at a time...so when I go home and watch stuff, my brain's pretty used to that jumping-into-the-middle-of-a-story kind of thing).

If Ray hadn't triple-dog dared me to watch Berlin Alexanderplatz by 2/20/16, then I would try to fit Shoah into this month's queue. I think one 9+ hour movie a month is probably good for me. Maybe March...not sure UK will be playing at the end of the month anyways.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

If Ray hadn't triple-dog dared me to watch Berlin Alexanderplatz by 2/20/16, then I would try to fit Shoah into this month's queue. I think one 9+ hour movie a month is probably good for me. Maybe March...not sure UK will be playing at the end of the month anyways.

I just watched Out 1 over the past week. The first time I watched it I did it over the course of a weekend, but this time around I wanted to take my time.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

I'm waiting for an opportunity to invest time into Shoah. I fully expect it to have a profound impact so I want to view at the right time and absorb it. Especially since I don't expect to rewatch unless it is with my kids at some point in the future.

Since I mentioned Cohen Media before, I thought I'd mention that they've released another Claude Lanzmann documentary, The Last of the Unjust. In case you (or anyone else here) is interested.

On edit: Oops! I see sharedpain4 already brought it up.

All of Morris' titles are incredible. He lets those on the screen tell their own story in their own words. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida have a ton of replay value IMO. I've always wondered if Christopher Guest was influenced by Morris. Best in Show is a personal favorite comedy. Gates of Heaven / Vernon, Florida is Best in Show with real people.

I've said elsewhere that I'm generally not into documentaries unless they're about subjects I'm especially interested in (like movies, or the space program, or such like). But I am interested in seeing some of Morris's after seeing a couple of interviews with him, and finding him a fascinating person.

Has anyone ever done a documentary about documentary filmmakers?

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Paths of Glory was amazing. I really need to go back and watch the extras that came with the film. I'd love to see how Kubrick managed that long, drawn out shot of Kirk Douglas walking through the trench prior to the charge of Ant Hill.

I don't want to give away any of the narrative, and ruin it for anybody who has yet to see this film, but by the end, I was completely incredulous. I can't imagine anything worse than the fighting in World War I. The narration of the film references that "victorious battles" in WW I consisted of gaining 100 yards of trenches, at the cost of thousands of lives. Fighting an enemy is bad enough, especially in such a horrific theater. But when you're dealing with superiors that have no regard for human life, well, let's just say those French soldiers were in an untenable position. I highly recommend Paths of Glory to anybody who has not yet seen it. This is a film that I will revisit frequently over the years.

After reading that, I'm not sure whether I should recommend you check out (if you haven't seen it already), Peter Weir's Gallipoli, also about a rather harrowing WWI battle.