The Criterion Collection

[theater dreamer]

Yes, I understood what he meant. And my response was that the coupons that were pulled back recently, in large part because they failed to appreciate just how much demand there was going to be, will likely be restricted to members only. The coupons themselves were not really the issue. That anybody with internet access and a love of Criterions could access a 25% coupon on basically any sizable order...was.

Originally Posted by pedromvu

30% off for one item was standard for Black Friday, not sure if there was one better for members.

I think what anthonyls meant is that since they decided to shut all current online coupons for Criterions this time, there might be some change in future sales, although I still hold hopes at least for that 30% off on November which worked great for boxsets.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by BluAtreyu

BOYHOOD only for me. Day one.

And yes, I was born in 1977, and consider it a personal favorite - one of the best film experiences of the past decade.

I was born in 1978 but can't share the same enthusiasm as you about it being a favorite film of mine. Granted, I only saw it once in the theater, so I need to see this film again in order to determine how much I like this film.

I do recall leaving the theater with a very melancholic pit in my stomach, from watching 12 years of life pass me by in a matter of 3 hours. It was a highly interesting cinematic technique to use, but the film overall didn't really challenge me.

So to answer bwdowiak's original question, no, I don't consider it a great film...yet.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Yes, I understood what he meant. And my response was that the coupons that were pulled back recently, in large part because they failed to appreciate just how much demand there was going to be, will likely be restricted to members only. The coupons themselves were not really the issue. That anybody with internet access and a love of Criterions could access a 25% coupon on basically any sizable order...was.

It could be... but there is really not a precedent for that, from what I have read here member exclusive coupons are usually only for use in store, but I guess anything can happen, we'll see next November sale if they continue to use those X% off whole order type of coupons.

[Martin_31]

Today I watched the 10 installment in the Zatoichi series-- Zatoichi's Revenge. I started to space out the films because I didn't want to get tired of watching them. I really didn't feel this one was that good. Some fight scenes were good, but I feel like it's becoming formulaic: the gambling, fighting against a boss, another skilled swordsman who doesn't put up much of a fight. Hoping that the rest aren't the same.

[theater dreamer]

After what's gone on the last week plus with these coupons being nerfed, nothing Barnes & Noble could do from this point forward would surprise me. Basically, in November, they're on notice. Show me that you're going to resolve this, and stick to the coupons you put out, or you don't get my membership, and business. If they offer some even halfway decent coupons in November, and stick with them, I'll stay, because they also have at least one (or is it two?) 40% off Blu-ray sales in addition to the 50% off Criterion sale. That could be absolutely huge for me going forward. Once I have my custom shelving built for my collection, I'll be able to ramp up my spending again.

If their coupons suddenly dry up, then I'll just do the bulk of my buying when Criterion does their two Flash sales. I don't get charged a sales tax by them, so that's very close to the 10% discount i get from my B&N membership (8.25% in the Lone Star State). And, after $500 spent at their store, we get that $50 coupon. Plus, any order I put in on the Criterion site, by its sheer size, will get free shipping. So, while not quite as nice as what we've been getting at B&N, it still adds up. And, I know that if there are any issues with packaging dings on orders they've sent me, Criterion will send replacements free of charge. I could easily spend $500 or more on one Flash sale, so I should get an extra five films a year, free, from them.

As far as B&N goes, I will be expressing my reticence about renewing in the future via a letter. They need to get it together. If they need to be a bit more conservative with the coupons, so be it. But people like us plan out our purchases months in advance. When something is published, and then suddenly pulled away because their forecast models blew, we're the ones who ultimately pay the price.

Originally Posted by pedromvu

It could be... but there is really not a precedent for that, from what I have read here member exclusive coupons are usually only for use in store, but I guess anything can happen, we'll see next November sale if they continue to use those X% off whole order type of coupons.

[Meek12345]

Originally Posted by Martin_31

Today I watched the 10 installment in the Zatoichi series-- Zatoichi's Revenge. I started to space out the films because I didn't want to get tired of watching them. I really didn't feel this one was that good. Some fight scenes were good, but I feel like it's becoming formulaic: the gambling, fighting against a boss, another skilled swordsman who doesn't put up much of a fight. Hoping that the rest aren't the same.

The formula basically stays the same for films 11-25. Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival(#21) is the best film in the series IMO and it is also a fan favorite according to the hardcover book included with the dual format set. Also, several of the best films in this series are in the second half. I highly recommend #15 Zatoichi's Cane Sword.

It is a good idea to watch only 1 or 2 at a time and take a break from it for a few days like you have been doing already. I use the same method for watching James Bond films. Each series has ok to great films with some not worthy of a second watch(Zatoichi at Large(#23) or A View to a Kill(Grace Jones and Christopher Walken are always awesome though)).

So, I think you should try to watch the rest of the series. The next time I open the box set I will only watch the 10 or 12 best films, but I had a good time watching 1-25 over several weeks the first time around.

Are you watching the films on Hulu or do you own the box set? Reading the summaries for each film in the book while you watch the series may improve the experience for you.

[Matrix813]

I am definitely in on Boyhood and Pans Labyrinth. Maybe on the del Toro box set. Stoked about Pans Labyrinth the most cause I don't own it and it's one of my favorite movies from the 2000s.

[Hubunkey]

If the blu-ray art was the DVD art then the GDT set would be day 1 for me

[Jobla]

Of this batch, SHORT CUTS will be mine.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The announcements came so early Polaroid didn't even have time to complain

I was away last night it's like they know my life!!!

Great line up though - Boyhood makes a great Halloween month release, the acting was truly horrifying lol

Looks like the BD set will be similiar to Zatoichi in terms of packaging? Looking in detail I prefer the bluray artwork, more subtle but so beautiful. DVD artwork is nice but reminds me of an arrow release lol, I might buy both

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by Hubunkey

If the blu-ray art was the DVD art then the GDT set would be day 1 for me

Buy bluray and then pay Criterion $5 for the DVD artwork

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I was away last night it's like they know my life!!!

Great line up though - Boyhood makes a great Halloween month release, the acting was truly horrifying lol

Lol, I knew you had to take a stab at Boyhood , it seems one of the most divisive films on this forum, probably because of the universal praise it received from critics and awards?

If it wasn't made by Linklater I might even say it was an okay movie, but somehow that made me get higher expectations so I ended up disappointed unfortunately.

[tisdivine]

Already own Cronos & The Devil's Backbone. Defiantly picking up Pan's Labyrinth but I wonder how much CC would charge just for the box & book? Hate to buy two blus over but that book is probably going to be awesome.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by tisdivine

Already own Cronos & The Devil's Backbone. Defiantly picking up Pan's Labyrinth but I wonder how much CC would charge just for the box & book? Hate to buy two blus over but that book is probably going to be awesome.

$5 per item, like the Zatoichi set

[SuperFlyHighGuy]

Definitely not as exciting as last October, would've liked a nice horror film in there. Don't care for Pan's Labrynth, maybe people consider that one, I guess. Interested in seeing The Executioner, though.

Also watched Fantastic Planet tonight. Didn't think much of it at first, I love surrealism and it seemed "tamer" than I thought it would be during the first part. But it did get weird, and after stewing on it for awhile, it really is a moving film and very well done. Somewhat frightening, somewhat sublime, very though-provoking.

[FinnishFilmFan]

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Lol, I knew you had to take a stab at Boyhood , it seems one of the most divisive films on this forum, probably because of the universal praise it received from critics and awards?

If it wasn't made by Linklater I might even say it was an okay movie, but somehow that made me get higher expectations so I ended up disappointed unfortunately.

I think that's exactly it. The hype was way too big. I still consider it a masterpiece, partly because I'm the same age as Mason at the end of the movie. The film basically covers my life, and I've never been more personally affected by a movie. It's interesting to see how people will think about Boyhood in 30 years. I think more people will appreciate Boyhood than Birdman (or The Revenant).

[deepbreathsanddeath]

If Criterion released a Buster Keaton title, which one do you think they'd get the rights to?
Many are already released by Kino, and Cohen are apparently doing their own releases sourced from new restorations so I'm not sure what the deal is with rights on his movies.
The Cameraman seems like the biggest title unreleased on BD and the one they'd most likely go after.

Would love to see the 160 minute documentary "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow" from 1989 included as a supplement. They included the feature length documentary Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius to their release of Safety Last! which I thought added tremendous value.

[biglou114]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

If Criterion released a Buster Keaton title, which one do you think they'd get the rights to?
Many are already released by Kino, and Cohen are apparently doing their own releases sourced from new restorations so I'm not sure what the deal is with rights on his movies.
The Cameraman seems like the biggest title unreleased on BD and the one they'd most likely go after.

Would love to see the 160 minute documentary "Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow" from 1989 included as a supplement. They included the feature length documentary Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius to their release of Safety Last! which I thought added tremendous value.

It would be The Cameraman because WB has the rights to that one.

Of course, Criterion could release some of his Talkies, but I don't know how many people are clamoring for those.

[SkyAntoine]

del Toro just tweeted that this is a LIMITED edition set. I don't like that Criterion may start going down this path, but I am glad I pre-ordered this yesterday. What if it is limited to 10 copies? If so, I'm set and you guys are screwed.


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[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by SkyAntoine

del Toro just tweeted that this is a LIMITED edition set. I don't like that Criterion may start going down this path, but I am glad I pre-ordered this yesterday. What if it is limited to 10 copies? If so, I'm set and you guys are screwed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That would suck for us in UK