The Criterion Collection

[senseabove]

Originally Posted by Knaldskalle

Incidentally, I watched A Brighter Summer Day on DVD the other day. I still think it's "good but not great" and I think it's over-hyped (which is of course not the film's fault in any way). I should add, though, that coming-of-age movies are very hit or miss with me.

But it did make me wonder if Criterion Collection still has its virginity when it comes to movies from mainland China?

I saw it in the theater the other day (at a sold out showing, believe it or not), and I think it's definitely one where a very large screen in a very dark room helps. There are lots of dim shots with deep composition that I imagine would get lost on all but the largest home viewing screens. And as with all long movies, it's also helpful when you can't pause it and get sidetracked, haha. I left the theater thinking it was wholly deserving of it's stature—at the very least it's a 4-hour movie I was never bored by and am eager to see again. If I didn't already have a pile of to-watch movies that included at least two 3+ hour ones...

I found this post by David Bordwell to be a good read, though: http://www.davidbordwell.net/blog/20...and-his-gangs/

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by Knaldskalle

Incidentally, I watched A Brighter Summer Day on DVD the other day. I still think it's "good but not great" and I think it's over-hyped (which is of course not the film's fault in any way). I should add, though, that coming-of-age movies are very hit or miss with me.

But it did make me wonder if Criterion Collection still has its virginity when it comes to movies from mainland China?

While I liked it I have to agree, for such a long movie there are some parts that seemed to happen out of nowhere, I think Yi Yi is much better movie, but I surely will give this one another try sometime.

[pro-bassoonist]

Originally Posted by bruce holecheck

No mention of the John Waters interview?

Hey Bruce,

Member The Kid was actually kind to point this out in the official thread. I apparently cut the codes for the entire "interview" section when I was adding the codes for the booklet. I reinserted the text (but moved it to the middle).

All of the text should be visible in the supplements area now

Pro-B

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Before Trilogy:

What do you want in the cover art and covers for each of the films?

Stills, hand-drawn, poster, etc.

I found this on DeviantArt, and think the concept is really cool.

[Feiereisel]

I spent the afternoon with A Touch of Zen and had a terrific time with it. A brisk three hours, and the shot-to-shot editing is astonishing.

I found the look of the transfer to be unobjectionable, too; the yellow cast is far softer than my computer monitor made the screenshots look, and it all it all seems of a piece with the film's ethereal/supernatural elements. I was reminded of the look of The Samurai Trilogy.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Ivan's Childhood and Solaris are already available, though. Does that mean new restorations will be released by Criterion?

Oh no...stop the madness.

The thought of double-dipping yet again for yet another improved remaster of Solaris sort of breaks my heart. I'm immensely pleased with the current release.

Unless Criterion wants to start a Criterion Signature line. *sigh*

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Oh no...stop the madness.

The thought of double-dipping yet again for yet another improved remaster of Solaris sort of breaks my heart. I'm immensely pleased with the current release.

Unless Criterion wants to start a Criterion Signature line. *sigh*

They could do it just for you, though!

[Al_The_Strange]

No, the more you want it, the higher a chance you'll have that another Solaris will manifest out of your own subconsciousness. Then what will you do? Get rid of it on a rocket? It'll just keep coming back, and there'll be nothing you can do about it!

[jw007]

I want a Soderbergh Solaris too, darn it.

[polsk_aus90]

John Huston's adaptation of the Flannery O'Connor novel Wise Blood is being released on blu-ray in the UK (though also available for pre-order on Amazon.com) by the label formerly known as Odeon, now titled Screenbound Pictures. I can find little information on the transfer, extras etc. which is concerning and suspect considering the release is only a fortnight away.

This got me wondering - is a Criterion upgrade of their DVD potentially on the cards soon? Does anybody have any information regarding this release? I would be much more inclined to pick up the Criterion DVD rather than the seemingly questionable UK blu at this stage.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by jw007

I want a Soderbergh Solaris too, darn it.

DigiBook double feature!

Make it happen Jon!

[Fabs]

Originally Posted by Knaldskalle

Incidentally, I watched A Brighter Summer Day on DVD the other day. I still think it's "good but not great" and I think it's over-hyped (which is of course not the film's fault in any way). I should add, though, that coming-of-age movies are very hit or miss with me.

But it did make me wonder if Criterion Collection still has its virginity when it comes to movies from mainland China?

It still pales in comparison to Yang's modern Taipei films like Yi Yi and The Terrorizers.

[theater dreamer]

Why, thank you for the very kind compliment, Reddington. You made my evening. If I can turn even one person on to classics, and foreign films, which would be my ultimate goal as a writer, I'd be quite literally overjoyed.

I understand that these films are not for everyone. The differences between a movie made in the 1930s, for example, and one coming out today, are immense. Some people will never warm to black and white filmmaking. Others will find the theatrical style of the day simply doesn't agree with their palate. One must consider how the method of acting has evolved over the last century, or so. Languages, too, have changed considerably. Still, others will find the nascent special effects of the day too distracting. When it comes to foreign films, some people just don't want to deal with subtitles. All of these stumbling points are understandable. At the end of the day, classic and foreign films will either speak to one's heart, or they won't. My job would be to encourage people to give them a chance, and what they do from there would be entirely up to them. All I know is that these films, as I have so often said over the past year plus, have greatly enriched my life. I know there are people in this world who will love these great works of art as we do; all they lack is the inspiration to take that first step.

And, by all means, if you feel inspired to write about the films you're watching, more power to you. I would happily read your impressions.

And, yes, I will be buying the player here soon. I've bought enough region B locked films now where there's no going back. I love the thought of not having any restrictions. If I see something I want to own, having a region free player means the freedom to just buy it, and watch it.

Originally Posted by Reddington

I enjoy all your posts. One of my favourite contributors here. You may just inspire me to stop being a passive member, and start writing some reviews of my own.

Going region-free has been great fun. Not just for films, but also fantastic television shows I grew up with back in England. Definitely pick up a player soon, so you can enjoy on the "big screen."

[theater dreamer]

"I'll just peel some potatoes while I wait for an upgrade."


"Did somebody say upgrade? Oh, excuse me. I got excited for a moment."


"Upgrade? I haven't even gotten a release yet!"

[mja345]

Got around to watching "The American Friend" this week and was completely blown away by it. Wenders is a virtuoso and the cinematography by Robby Muller is just superb. Bruno Ganz and Dennis Hopper are both unbelievably great in it. It starts off as kind of a rumination of Ganz's character trying to figure out how to cope with his illness and then turns into a dark buddy movie in the last half. The use of color, the way some scenes are lit by various degrees of neon light, create an almost surreal atmosphere. Wenders' interview in the supplements is one of the most insightful you'll hear from any director. His story of how he wanted to adapt a Patricia Highsmith novel is terrific. He inquired about adapting one of her novels, but found out he couldn't acquire the film rights to any of them. Then, he ended up visiting her at her home and she pulled out her latest manuscript, which her publisher hadn't seen, and said to Wenders that he could adapt that. That novel was "Ripley's Game".

Hopper's performance may be his best. In many of Hopper's best performances, that sense of menace is always at the surface. But in "The American Friend", he gives a fairly subdued performance for the most part, with the occasional maniacal outbursts that Hopper did so well. Hopper was of course going through legendary drug and alcohol problems in the 70s as well as the aftermath of the failure of "The Last Movie", so he really didn't act that much during that time. It's a shame because he was one of the more fascinating actors of recent memory. Even when he was in films that didn't match up with his talent level, he was always worth watching. In "The American Friend", he has a director and co-star who go toe to toe with him.

[The Great Owl]

I used my Barnes & Noble 40% Off coupon to buy the Criterion Blu-ray of Eating Raoul.

Since I've been on a Roger Corman kick lately, I've been watching a lot of films that star Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov. Mainly for that reason, I've had a hankering to see their acting in this particular film.

[llj]

Originally Posted by Knaldskalle

Incidentally, I watched A Brighter Summer Day on DVD the other day. I still think it's "good but not great" and I think it's over-hyped (which is of course not the film's fault in any way). I should add, though, that coming-of-age movies are very hit or miss with me.

Given the large number of "good not great" posts it's gotten in here (and elsewhere I've seen), it's starting to go the other way and now is getting underrated.

I personally like it better than Yi Yi. I know I'm in the minority now though. Not one person I know has ever dared criticize Yi Yi. Not even a smidge. (Waiting for "Because it's just that good!" posts...)

[monorail91]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I used my Barnes & Noble 40% Off coupon to buy the Criterion Blu-ray of Eating Raoul.

Since I've been on a Roger Corman kick lately, I've been watching a lot of films that star Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov. Mainly for that reason, I've had a hankering to see their acting in this particular film.

You're in for a treat! It's become my go-to film to watch when I'm home sick. Tons of fun and hysterical dialogue.

[Al_The_Strange]

Eating Raoul was one of many blind-buys I made. I don't even remember why (probably after reading the plot synopsis), but I'm glad I nabbed it--the film is hilarious, poignant, and exceeded all my expectations. Easily one of the funnier and smarter (and more messed-up) comedies in my collection.

[mrjohnnyb]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I used my Barnes & Noble 40% Off coupon to buy the Criterion Blu-ray of Eating Raoul.

Since I've been on a Roger Corman kick lately, I've been watching a lot of films that star Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov. Mainly for that reason, I've had a hankering to see their acting in this particular film.

Owl, Where did you find the 40% off coupon?