The Criterion Collection

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Juiceboxjerry

Yea, I don't get why you can't talk about Wes Anderson on here. I mean, basically every one of the guy's movies is in the Criterion collection. If you can't talk about someone like that, what are you supposed to talk about?

Right on. What else should we talk about, just random stuff that we usually do? It's funny we talk about the collection and it gets moved, but if I start a discussion about fav T.V. Shows, it lasts for pages.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Well Redbox put me out of a job, but I rent from that machine every week.

I need to find another job. There isn't that much things out there for someone my age right now. Heck, any age. Maybe I need to finally put myself in a school.

ohh that sucks! Did you work at Hollywood video or blockbuster?

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

ohh that sucks! Did you work at Hollywood video or blockbuster?

The Big Blue. Where all they cared about was movies I didn't like. When people asked me what's a good new movie to watch, I always picked something like CHE or Hunger (IFC Blockbuster exclusives) and when they were done looking around they never took my recommendation. The selections suck. The best movie we prob had in the whole store was Rosemary's Baby. The only John Cassavetes (acting or directing) film in the whole place.

We have a cool cult rental store around here that carrys anything foreign, arthouse, silent, B-movie, etc. though that I like renting from.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

The Big Blue. Where all they cared about was movies I didn't like. When people asked me what's a good new movie to watch, I always picked something like CHE or Hunger (IFC Blockbuster exclusives) and when they were done looking around they never took my recommendation. The selections suck. The best movie we prob had in the whole store was Rosemary's Baby. The only John Cassavetes (acting or directing) film in the whole place.

We have a cool cult rental store around here that carrys anything foreign, arthouse, silent, B-movie, etc. though that I like renting from.

lol, bra imma be honest im trying to improve my movie taste and See what critics call masterpieces. So that's why i bought like 20 criterion's during that sell. But once i step my game up i'll be on your level of movie knowledge lol.

[lDlisturb3d]

i was hoopin all day so im kinda tired but i found the strength to throw in M.
So far is good but Zodiac has M written all over it but i gotta finish the film tomorrow to see if my assumption is correct.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

lol, bra imma be honest im trying to improve my movie taste and See what critics call masterpieces. So that's why i bought like 20 criterion's during that sell. But once i step my game up i'll be on your level of movie knowledge lol.

lol, I don't like to call what I have "movie knowledge". Alot of people have seen way more than I have. Plus I'm not full-on "film snob". Some of my fav movies are low-budget affairs that have no "art form" what so ever, but I feel has more to say than any "masterpiece" the critics name.

So any advice I can give you (if you want to call it movie knowledge) is don't take the "Citizen Kane" type "masterpieces" seriously just because others like it. If you think Anchorman (which I believe is a great film that deals with how stupid and funny the male self esteem can be - Will Ferrell is a genius at that) is better than Citizen Kane, then all the more power to you.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

lol, I don't like to call what I have "movie knowledge". Alot of people have seen way more than I have. Plus I'm not full-on "film snob". Some of my fav movies are low-budget affairs that have no "art form" what so ever, but I feel has more to say than any "masterpiece" the critics name.

So any advice I can give you (if you want to call it movie knowledge) is don't take the "Citizen Kane" type "masterpieces" seriously just because others like it. If you think Anchorman (which I believe is a great film that deals with how stupid and funny the male self esteem can be - Will Ferrell is a genius at that) is better than Citizen Kane, then all the more power to you.

No i totally agree with you. Its a masterpiece if i say it is! Im the viewer and im the way paying for it! So im on the same page with you on that topic.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

No i totally agree with you. Its a masterpiece if i say it is! Im the viewer and im the way paying for it! So im on the same page with you on that topic.

that's cool then.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

The Big Blue. Where all they cared about was movies I didn't like.

Hey CG, since you are no longer with Blockbuster, curious how early the stores got their rentals or for sale Blu-ray or DVD's in before putting it on the floor?

Originally Posted by Juiceboxjerry

Yea, I don't get why you can't talk about Wes Anderson on here. I mean, basically every one of the guy's movies is in the Criterion collection. If you can't talk about someone like that, what are you supposed to talk about?

I think this is one of the more liberal Criterion forums you'll find online and no one going to get on your case to get back on topic. I don't think anyone will mind if you talk about Anderson on here.

[also]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

No i totally agree with you. Its a masterpiece if i say it is! Im the viewer and im the way paying for it! So im on the same page with you on that topic.

I think people often mix up the difference between "favorite movies" and "greatest movies". And while both terms are subjective, I think they mean very different things.

Genuinely comparing (to steal CG's example) Anchorman and Citizen Kane is not only apples and oranges, but largely pointless, since enjoying one doesn't effect one's appreciation of the other. And their respective places in film history remain unaffected by one another.

The real question remains whether Criterion is ever going to release Wake Up, Ron Burgundy...

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by kndy

Hey CG, since you are no longer with Blockbuster, curious how early the stores got their rentals or for sale Blu-ray or DVD's in before putting it on the floor?

It was usually the Wednesday and Thursday the week before (some titles come Wednesday, while usually the bigger ones Thursday). So we had a few days to watch before they went out. They wanted us to watch them early so we can "recommend" people titles.

Also, I like to take the time and say, for the people who never had to work in retail, Lay Off on the employees. They work 8 hours a day watching the same person walk in and out asking the same questions, arguing about late fees when we have proof that you returned them late, but still like to fight. You fight with the employee but the computer shows when you returned it and by which employee checked it in, so next time you want to say something smart to an employee, just remember that we heard the same story 50 times a day. It's a different view when your on the other side of the desk. Just thought I help out the future (if there is any future of rental stores) employees.

Also, there is no way that we could of charged fake late fees to someone. So I don't know what computers other Blockbusters use, but that whole "Blockbuster charges fees for no reason" thing is not true.

[VanDammage]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

It was usually the Wednesday and Thursday the week before (some titles come Wednesday, while usually the bigger ones Thursday). So we had a few days to watch before they went out. They wanted us to watch them early so we can "recommend" people titles.

Also, I like to take the time and say, for the people who never had to work in retail, Lay Off on the employees. They work 8 hours a day watching the same person walk in and out asking the same questions, arguing about late fees when we have proof that you returned them late, but still like to fight. You fight with the employee but the computer shows when you returned it and by which employee checked it in, so next time you want to say something smart to an employee, just remember that we heard the same story 50 times a day. It's a different view when your on the other side of the desk. Just thought I help out the future (if there is any future of rental stores) employees.

Also, there is no way that we could of charged fake late fees to someone. So I don't know what computers other Blockbusters use, but that whole "Blockbuster charges fees for no reason" thing is not true.

Yup, I've worked for Blockbuster around 2.6 years and its a dreadful job but it has opened my eyes to the plight of the average retail worker, so wherever I go I give the exact same courtesy I would expect at my job and I "Thank" everyone that helps me and I'm always patient and polite. It's the "Golden Rule" philosophy all over again.

I hate recommending movies because A) I don't watch most of our releases eg. Death at a funeral (remake) or bounty Hunter etc. I watch films like A Single Man which I loved! But its a movie 99.9% of customers would hate because its to artsy not enough explosions or poop jokes, makes me sad for our generation

[Chaotic]

just got my replacement case for Bottle Rocket.

The last 2 criterions i ordered from the B&N sale is taking forever to ship. I ordered on 8/1 i think and they're not supposed to ship till the 20th. grr

[Weirded Wonder]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Yeah, Seven Samurai would be the same example. I prob know they will be clear cases, but to sell the film to everyday people, I think they need some artwork on the outside (Spine, back). Oh well, Breathless on blu in my hands is the only thing I really care about. I got the dvd version for artwork anyways, so I won't be missing it when I look in my collection.

This is one cover that cannot be without Toshiro Mifune. I've been collecting Seven Samurai posters and lobby cards and various memorablia for years (along with other Kurosawa collectables) and hope they stray from the DVD variation and go for something with more energy.

[QuasidodoJr]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Also, there is no way that we could of charged fake late fees to someone. So I don't know what computers other Blockbusters use, but that whole "Blockbuster charges fees for no reason" thing is not true.

I worked for Blockbuster for 5 years, going back about 10 years ago. From 1999 - 2004. Three of those years as an assistant manager. And the system is designed to work extremely well. Nearly all of the people that claimed their movie was returned on time were either trying to knowingly deceive their way out of a fee, or were just plain wrong about getting it back on time.

Blockbuster employees are given a 2-hour grace period to get your items checked in. If an employee does happen to miss one that you have returned, it will be listed on the FOS (Found On Shelf) report after 4 days, located, and then scanned into the computer in a way that does not charge you a fee. There are even parameters in place in case you return them to the wrong store. Anything scanned the previous day that does not match the store you've returned it to, will show up on a daily wrong store report.

In my time at Blockbuster, I had people threaten me with violence over a late fee - more than once. I have personally been called every indecent term in the book, just for informing someone they had a fee. I'm talking some vile words exchanged, here. On more than one occasion, I had female customers offer to flash me their breasts if I would remove their fees (I only wish I was making this stuff up.)

Another assistant manager I worked with was once bombarded with racial and sexual orientation slurs, and then physically attacked over a $4 fee. To make the situation worse, he then lost his job because he defended himself and fought back and shoved the woman to the ground. He was also tagged with an assault charge and given a 30-day sentence in jail. Yet she came across the counter with no provocation and was throwing punches. He had a bloody lip and a swollen eye, and all she had was a supposed small bruise on her behind. All because he had refused to remove the fee because she had been given credits on her last 5 rentals - ALL RETURNED LATE!

All I can say, is unless a Blockbuster employee is especially rude to you, please be civil. The person behind the counter is not trying to take your money. They personally gain absolutely nothing from collecting fees.

Since I went way off topic for the thread, as for Criterion discussion, I watched The Milky Way, and it was a clever film, to say the least. I plan to view it again, in the next few days, however, since I'm sure there were plenty of satirical jabs I missed the first time through.

[ccfixx]

On Criterion DVD-related news... Three Silent Classics By Josef Von Sternberg review is up over at DVDBeaver now, for those interested.

CC

[puffyrock2]

Originally Posted by QuasidodoJr

I worked for Blockbuster for 5 years, going back about 10 years ago. From 1999 - 2004. Three of those years as an assistant manager. And the system is designed to work extremely well. Nearly all of the people that claimed their movie was returned on time were either trying to knowingly deceive their way out of a fee, or were just plain wrong about getting it back on time.

Blockbuster employees are given a 2-hour grace period to get your items checked in. If an employee does happen to miss one that you have returned, it will be listed on the FOS (Found On Shelf) report after 4 days, located, and then scanned into the computer in a way that does not charge you a fee. There are even parameters in place in case you return them to the wrong store. Anything scanned the previous day that does not match the store you've returned it to, will show up on a daily wrong store report.

In my time at Blockbuster, I had people threaten me with violence over a late fee - more than once. I have personally been called every indecent term in the book, just for informing someone they had a fee. I'm talking some vile words exchanged, here. On more than one occasion, I had female customers offer to flash me their breasts if I would remove their fees (I only wish I was making this stuff up.)

Another assistant manager I worked with was once bombarded with racial and sexual orientation slurs, and then physically attacked over a $4 fee. To make the situation worse, he then lost his job because he defended himself and fought back and shoved the woman to the ground. He was also tagged with an assault charge and given a 30-day sentence in jail. Yet she came across the counter with no provocation and was throwing punches. He had a bloody lip and a swollen eye, and all she had was a supposed small bruise on her behind. All because he had refused to remove the fee because she had been given credits on her last 5 rentals - ALL RETURNED LATE!

All I can say, is unless a Blockbuster employee is especially rude to you, please be civil. The person behind the counter is not trying to take your money. They personally gain absolutely nothing from collecting fees.

Since I went way off topic for the thread, as for Criterion discussion, I watched The Milky Way, and it was a clever film, to say the least. I plan to view it again, in the next few days, however, since I'm sure there were plenty of satirical jabs I missed the first time through.

Thanks for that info Quas, it was fun to read. I knew people were complete dicks when it came down to that kind of thing...but I honestly think having to deal with people like that would make me a misanthrope.

[Jwilly019]

Originally Posted by QuasidodoJr

In my time at Blockbuster, I had people threaten me with violence over a late fee - more than once. I have personally been called every indecent term in the book, just for informing someone they had a fee. I'm talking some vile words exchanged, here. On more than one occasion, I had female customers offer to flash me their breasts if I would remove their fees (I only wish I was making this stuff up.)

Not only is this just plain rude and uncivilized, but it's over a $4 fee. That's one less fast food meal out. It's not something to make a fool out of yourself over.

Another assistant manager I worked with was once bombarded with racial and sexual orientation slurs, and then physically attacked over a $4 fee. To make the situation worse, he then lost his job because he defended himself and fought back and shoved the woman to the ground. He was also tagged with an assault charge and given a 30-day sentence in jail. Yet she came across the counter with no provocation and was throwing punches. He had a bloody lip and a swollen eye, and all she had was a supposed small bruise on her behind. All because he had refused to remove the fee because she had been given credits on her last 5 rentals - ALL RETURNED LATE!

Again, it's really quite sad to think how many of these kind of people are out there. And also represents how incredibly messed up our justice system is.

I know a woman who was in a store and was walking down an aisle that was blocked by 2 other women talking. She politely said, "Excuse me," but they just ignored her and continued talking. So she repeated herself, this time a little louder and one of the women turned and attacked her. We're talking punches and everything. The police were called and when they arrived told the woman who was attacked that there was nothing they could do because she incited it. Apparently being polite and courteous is now frowned upon in our society.

I'm sure some of you are thinking that there are 2 sides to every story and something else had to occur before she was attacked. But this woman is a good family friend and I can't imagine her doing anything that would cause another person to start beating on her.

All I can say, is unless a Blockbuster employee is especially rude to you, please be civil. The person behind the counter is not trying to take your money. They personally gain absolutely nothing from collecting fees.

I think this applies to any retail employee. They are just trying to do their job, they aren't the ones setting the policies (and in this case, weren't the one who didn't return their rental on time). On top of that, they're a human being, treat them with a little respect.

[Show spoiler]Sorry for straying further off topic, but these kind of things can get me going.

Justin

[Codyblaze]

Originally Posted by kndy

I'm curious. Because the more significant Criterion sales happen several times a year on Barnes & Noble, Deep Discount and Amazon (and possibly other sites), has this changed your buying habits for Criterion Collection?

Are you willing to purchase a Criterion release while it's new and pay retail or do you now purchase these releases during these sales only?

I started collecting Criterion Blu's last black friday. I quickly caught up with what had already been released and pre-ordered everything as announced. The last B&N sale I already had pre-orders out with Amazon (Prime) for the three Blus released during it, and I went ahead and cancelled the order with Amazon and bought from B&N during the sale. It got me thinking, as I don't watch them immediately, and I cancelled all remaining pre-orders. Time is a very valuable and limited resource for me - I work 70+ hour weeks. I still have films such as "A Christmas Tale" sitting untouched, still in the shrink-wrap...and with the recent sale I picked up dozens of Criterion DVDs that I also don't have time for. Going forward I'm going to utilize the sales a bit more and hold off on the pre-orders. It's certainly a change, but it doesn't make sense for me to pre-order movies that I won't watch for some time, when they will likely drop in price. We'll see how long it lasts, the rest of the year's release schedule will require some strength on my part.

[Banned User]

Finally got around to watching Black Narcissus. Great movie as everyone already knows, but I was curious. Technically what caused the massive amount of color fluctuation. I'm assuming this is from the film negative and there was no way to correct it. I've never seen any other technicolor film have this problem to any large degree. Just curious.