The Criterion Collection

[Saucerful]

Originally Posted by WonderWeasel

Off-topic, just wanted to say I love your avatar. Live at Pompeii, right? That's another music doc I'd like to see in the collection.

Thanks! It is indeed Live at Pompeii. It's my favourite concert film/music doc of all time and I've been a Criterion fan for years but, for some reason, the possibility of its inclusion in the collection never even crossed my mind. A Criterion release of Pompeii would be amazing and it's with Universal so I suppose it's possible. Frankly though, at this point, I'd be happy just to see it on Blu-ray from Universal with uncompressed sound.

[theater dreamer]

One movie that intrigues me is The Leopard. I've loved pretty much every film I've seen Burt Lancaster in, so I would like to own this.

I do have a question, however. How long ago was the DigiPak replaced with the Scanavo? The original packaging is simply gorgeous, and I'd love to get my hands on a mint copy. Is it possible that Criterion might still have extras of this packaging even after the switch? How hard is it to get a hold of the original packaging? The movie is what matters most, of course, but to somebody like me, who has a real appreciation for graphic arts and design, I'm always going to try and get the DigiPak, if possible.

Thanks!

[Pequod]

My first Criterion purchases!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by Pequod

My first Criterion purchases!

[Show spoiler]

Some nice choices. Congratulations.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by Pequod

My first Criterion purchases!

[Show spoiler]

Nice haul. Do yourself a favor and watch the TV version of 12 Angry Men before you watch the theatrical version. The TV version is quite impressive in its own right.

[Sifox211]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

One movie that intrigues me is The Leopard. I've loved pretty much every film I've seen Burt Lancaster in, so I would like to own this.

I do have a question, however. How long ago was the DigiPak replaced with the Scanavo? ...

It was autumn last year - I planned to get it in the B&N November sale but by the time that rolled around the digipack was long gone. I'd be interested to hear if you can replace the plastic case though!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by Sifox211

It was autumn last year - I planned to get it in the B&N November sale but by the time that rolled around the digipack was long gone. I'd be interested to hear if you can replace the plastic case though!

I'll send Jon an e-mail right now. He's been very helpful, and quick to respond to my inquiries. Once I have a response from him, I'll let you know. /fingers crossed. If it's only been a year, maybe they have a few left in their glorious vault.

[RickDee]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

One movie that intrigues me is The Leopard. I've loved pretty much every film I've seen Burt Lancaster in, so I would like to own this.

I do have a question, however. How long ago was the DigiPak replaced with the Scanavo? The original packaging is simply gorgeous, and I'd love to get my hands on a mint copy. Is it possible that Criterion might still have extras of this packaging even after the switch? How hard is it to get a hold of the original packaging? The movie is what matters most, of course, but to somebody like me, who has a real appreciation for graphic arts and design, I'm always going to try and get the DigiPak, if possible.

Thanks!

I think that all Digi Packs and Boxes should go! Criterion would save themselves so much money just by keeping everything in those wonderful Scanavo cases! It's to the point for me that I can not even buy certain Criterion films until I can find a cover artist to take my Hi Res Scans of the Digi packs and turn them into a cover I can use for my clear cases.

[theater dreamer]

Ok, guys, I'd love some input please. I'm working on narrowing down a list of films I'm going to purchase during the Flash sale. I'll probably buy five, or maybe six this time 'round. I just got The Kid in day before yesterday, so that goes towards my purchases for February. Additionally, I have other, non-Criterion releases I want, as well, so I have to exercise some restraint.

Here's the list as it currently stands.

M
The Complete Jean Vigo
Fanny and Alexander
Odd Man Out
Yi Yi
Autumn Sonata
Late Spring
It Happened One Night
Orpheus
Insomnia
The Red Shoes
Safety Last
Rashomon
The Last Temptation of Christ
Nashville
The Leopard
The Freshman
L'Avventura
The Graduate

My current Criterion library is listed in my signature. Seeing what I have, and my entire collection, if you guys can think of any movies I might enjoy, ones I may have inexplicably overlooked, I'd love some suggestions. I have a pretty open mind, and am always looking to discover new directors, actors, etc.

I am working on the Sight & Sound 2012 Critics poll, the AFI 100 Greatest American Films lists, and the complete Academy Award Best Picture winners list. Eventually, my goal is to have every Best Picture nominee on Blu.

I'm looking at adding City Girl, The Passion of Joan of Arc, La Vie En Rose and The Pianist as imports in the next few weeks. I also have a bunch of movies I want to get from FOX Connect. If you look in my collection here, I have an extensive wish list. This is becoming a very expensive second hobby.

Thanks for any input, guys! I really do appreciate the discussions here each day.

[ThatOneGuy]

These are my Criterion so far.



I've been looking at Orpheus, Naked, Mulholland Dr., Macbeth, and F for Fake. Any other films I might probably enjoy?

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by RickDee

I think that all Digi Packs and Boxes should go! Criterion would save themselves so much money just by keeping everything in those wonderful Scanavo cases! It's to the point for me that I can not even buy certain Criterion films until I can find a cover artist to take my Hi Res Scans of the Digi packs and turn them into a cover I can use for my clear cases.

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. But there are people who appreciate the artistry of the DigiPak editions, myself included. Part of the appeal to the Criterion Collection, beyond the great films themselves, is the attention to detail that most other distributors cannot compete with. These DigiPaks are display pieces. Look at On The Waterfront, for example. That release was simply spectacular from an aesthetic point of view.

If you're looking for a scanned cover to put the DigiPak movies in a standard Scanavo case, that's fine. I can understand wanting uniformity in your collection. They're out there. EuphoricFX has most of them, from a quick glance. And as far as the cost is concerned, I'd gladly pay a little more for the enhanced packaging option. I think more options, within reason, is always a benefit for the consumer.

[silverlakephil]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Ok, guys, I'd love some input please. I'm working on narrowing down a list of films I'm going to purchase during the Flash sale. I'll probably buy five, or maybe six this time 'round. I just got The Kid in day before yesterday, so that goes towards my purchases for February. Additionally, I have other, non-Criterion releases I want, as well, so I have to exercise some restraint.

Here's the list as it currently stands.

M
The Complete Jean Vigo
Fanny and Alexander
Odd Man Out
Yi Yi
Autumn Sonata
Late Spring
It Happened One Night
Orpheus
Insomnia
The Red Shoes
Safety Last
Rashomon
The Last Temptation of Christ
Nashville
The Leopard
The Freshman
L'Avventura
The Graduate

My current Criterion library is listed in my signature. Seeing what I have, and my entire collection, if you guys can think of any movies I might enjoy, ones I may have inexplicably overlooked, I'd love some suggestions. I have a pretty open mind, and am always looking to discover new directors, actors, etc.

I am working on the Sight & Sound 2012 Critics poll, the AFI 100 Greatest American Films lists, and the complete Academy Award Best Picture winners list. Eventually, my goal is to have every Best Picture nominee on Blu.

I'm looking at adding City Girl, The Passion of Joan of Arc, La Vie En Rose and The Pianist as imports in the next few weeks. I also have a bunch of movies I want to get from FOX Connect. If you look in my collection here, I have an extensive wish list. This is becoming a very expensive second hobby.

Thanks for any input, guys! I really do appreciate the discussions here each day.

Definitely get The Red Shoes. The Ballet sequences are a visual marvel. And you can't go wrong with anything by Bergman and Kurosawa. Fritz Lang's M is a classic IMO.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by John Klein

These are my Criterion so far.

[Show spoiler]

I've been looking at Orpheus, Naked, Mulholland Dr., Macbeth, and F for Fake. Any other films I might probably enjoy?

Based on that line-up of samurai and Asian films, more Kurosawa should be a no-brainer. Yojimbo is a must. I like Rashomon and Kagemusha, but I might have to recommend trying them before buying (Rashomon is a pretty weird narrative, and Kagemusha is long). Harakiri is awesome and deserves a look. There are bunches of others that are just as fun, but I'd only recommend them if you're really digging the genre (Three Outlaw Samurai, Sword of Doom, Gate of Hell, the Samurai trilogy, Zatoichi, etc).

I think The Magician is an enjoyable accompaniment to The Seventh Seal. Maybe Les Visiteurs Du Soir, Beauty and the Beast, and maybe Marketa Lazarova (be warned that the latter is pretty surreal/bizarre). I thought Polanski's Macbeth was pretty good.

If you're looking for more thrillers like M and The Game, you can't go wrong with Following, any of the Hitchcock ones (The Lady Vanishes and the 30s version of The Man Who Knew Too Much), and maybe Insomnia. I think High and Low is great as well (which is also a Kurosawa film). If a more straightforward crime film is up your alley, give Rififi and The Killing a try.

Also, since you have The Devil's Backbone, get Cronos.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Ok, guys, I'd love some input please. I'm working on narrowing down a list of films I'm going to purchase during the Flash sale. I'll probably buy five, or maybe six this time 'round. I just got The Kid in day before yesterday, so that goes towards my purchases for February. Additionally, I have other, non-Criterion releases I want, as well, so I have to exercise some restraint.

Here's the list as it currently stands.

M
The Complete Jean Vigo
Fanny and Alexander
Odd Man Out
Yi Yi
Autumn Sonata
Late Spring
It Happened One Night
Orpheus
Insomnia
The Red Shoes
Safety Last
Rashomon
The Last Temptation of Christ
Nashville
The Leopard
The Freshman
L'Avventura
The Graduate

My current Criterion library is listed in my signature. Seeing what I have, and my entire collection, if you guys can think of any movies I might enjoy, ones I may have inexplicably overlooked, I'd love some suggestions. I have a pretty open mind, and am always looking to discover new directors, actors, etc.

I am working on the Sight & Sound 2012 Critics poll, the AFI 100 Greatest American Films lists, and the complete Academy Award Best Picture winners list. Eventually, my goal is to have every Best Picture nominee on Blu.

I'm looking at adding City Girl, The Passion of Joan of Arc, La Vie En Rose and The Pianist as imports in the next few weeks. I also have a bunch of movies I want to get from FOX Connect. If you look in my collection here, I have an extensive wish list. This is becoming a very expensive second hobby.

Thanks for any input, guys! I really do appreciate the discussions here each day.

My recommendations would be:

Late Spring
Fanny And Alexander
Yi Yi
The Last Temptation of Christ
Orpheus

[Wooden Lens]

Originally Posted by belcherman

Nice haul. Do yourself a favor and watch the TV version of 12 Angry Men before you watch the theatrical version. The TV version is quite impressive in its own right.

I second that! Was actually very impressed with the TV version. Always a shame that all those stations didn't really have the foresight to preserve most of these titles for the future and only had tape masters (if that) of much of what aired...

[dex14]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Ok, guys, I'd love some input please. I'm working on narrowing down a list of films I'm going to purchase during the Flash sale. I'll probably buy five, or maybe six this time 'round. I just got The Kid in day before yesterday, so that goes towards my purchases for February. Additionally, I have other, non-Criterion releases I want, as well, so I have to exercise some restraint.

M
The Red Shoes
Safety Last
Rashomon
The Freshman
L'Avventura
The Graduate

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by John Klein

I've been looking at Orpheus, Naked, Mulholland Dr., Macbeth, and F for Fake. Any other films I might probably enjoy?

Black Orpheus, Zatoichi, The Complete Monterey Pop Festival, Ministry of Fear, Secret of the Grain, Samurai Trilogy.

[ThatOneGuy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

Based on that line-up of samurai and Asian films, more Kurosawa should be a no-brainer. Yojimbo is a must. I like Rashomon and Kagemusha, but I might have to recommend trying them before buying (Rashomon is a pretty weird narrative, and Kagemusha is long). Harakiri is awesome and deserves a look. There are bunches of others that are just as fun, but I'd only recommend them if you're really digging the genre (Three Outlaw Samurai, Sword of Doom, Gate of Hell, the Samurai trilogy, Zatoichi, etc).

I think The Magician is an enjoyable accompaniment to The Seventh Seal. Maybe Les Visiteurs Du Soir, Beauty and the Beast, and maybe Marketa Lazarova (be warned that the latter is pretty surreal/bizarre). I thought Polanski's Macbeth was pretty good.

If you're looking for more thrillers like M and The Game, you can't go wrong with Following, any of the Hitchcock ones (The Lady Vanishes and the 30s version of The Man Who Knew Too Much), and maybe Insomnia. I think High and Low is great as well (which is also a Kurosawa film). If a more straightforward crime film is up your alley, give Rififi and The Killing a try.

Also, since you have The Devil's Backbone, get Cronos.

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Black Orpheus, Zatoichi, The Complete Monterey Pop Festival, Ministry of Fear, Secret of the Grain, Samurai Trilogy.

Thanks, I do have some of these already on my Wishlist. I'll look into the ones that are not.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by John Klein

These are my Criterion so far.

[Show spoiler]

I've been looking at Orpheus, Naked, Mulholland Dr., Macbeth, and F for Fake. Any other films I might probably enjoy?

Probably quite a few, depending on which genres you really enjoy, or which directors you've taken a liking to.

You have a few from Kurosawa-you might consider Ikiru, or Rashomon. You might also enjoy Yasujiro Ozu and Masaki Kobayashi. Go to Criterion's site, and check out the previews for Tokyo Story, Late Spring, and Harakiri, etc. There are a lot of great films from both Ingmar Bergman and Charles Chaplin. Bergman, especially, experiments with a lot of different themes and styles. Wild Strawberries, Persona, Cries and Whispers are other works from Bergman to look at, while The Great Dictator, City Lights, The Kid and The Gold Rush are among the great films from the Silent Era. City Lights was my introduction to Chaplin, and it's one of my favorite films. It's funny, and quite poignant. You might look into Harold Lloyd, too.

A lot of these films are on Hulu. I think they still offer a free week trial, so you could pick out a group of films to watch, and get more of an idea what you really like. Go to Criterion.com, and enter in a film name. On the right side of the page, down a ways, you'll see a Hulu green logo if it's available for streaming. There are some 900 films from the Criterion Collection available at your finger tips. Also, don't restrict yourself to just Criterion releases. Look into Kino Lorber and Twilight Time. For me, those have become the big three of what I'm looking into doing with my collection, with FOX Studio Classics and the Warner Archive Collection also adding a lot of great selections.

This is a great time to be a fan of classic film. Lots of incredible films are getting their blu-ray release now.

I'm certainly not the ultimate authority on these matters, but if you have any questions, shoot me a message. I'm more than happy to help in any way I can.

Have fun!

Bill

[Wooden Lens]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. But there are people who appreciate the artistry of the DigiPak editions, myself included. Part of the appeal to the Criterion Collection, beyond the great films themselves, is the attention to detail that most other distributors cannot compete with. These DigiPaks are display pieces. Look at On The Waterfront, for example. That release was simply spectacular from an aesthetic point of view.

If you're looking for a scanned cover to put the DigiPak movies in a standard Scanavo case, that's fine. I can understand wanting uniformity in your collection. They're out there. EuphoricFX has most of them, from a quick glance. And as far as the cost is concerned, I'd gladly pay a little more for the enhanced packaging option. I think more options, within reason, is always a benefit for the consumer.

I'll second Theater Dreamer here. As long as you take care of your Blurays after purchasing them (I know the retail stores themselves can ruin these boxes) you really have some beautifully designed cases with these DigiBooks!

Just to let everyone know I have messaged Criterion before regarding certain Digibook packaging recently that I thought was long gone (see: Night of the Hunter) and was able to secure a new case ($5 a piece - outside digi / inside digi / book / etc) but it was worth it for some of those titles I wanted in DigiBook form or that got damaged and eventually went OOP.