The Criterion Collection

[mande2013]

Why is The Man Who fell to Earth so coveted, even compared to other high-profile OOP titles like Pierrot Le Fou and Last Year at Marienbad? You can get sealed copies of the latter two for $80-$100 whereas sealed copies of TMWFTE start at well over $400. It was one of the first blu-rays they released, so it was around for a while whereas Pierrot Le Fou was only in print for a matter of months.

[senseabove]

I'm excited about McCabe, but THIS I can't wait for: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-r...ts_blu-ray.htm

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Banned User

I'd personally prefer they focus on unreleased titles when a title is already available. I think what you find though is a lot of these films have seen newer 4k restorations recently while previously released Blurays were based off the older restoration work. So in those cases its not so much the benefit of a 4k restoration then it is the advancement of tools and restoration practices that yield the larger benefit. I assume everything from this point on is being scanned in 4k for an eventual UHD release down the line or for 4k streaming.

However some films have seen very recent restorations and have not made it to Bluray. Like Red Beard, Ugetsu and The Lodger. I'd much rather see these released then titles that are already available. Regardless of the quality difference between the previous and new releases of those titles.

I think the optimum path is a bit of both. Some of these 4k remasters like Blood Simple are a revelation, they just blow the old versions away. I want more. MORE MORE MORE. However they should also release new movies, both new to blu and new to Criterion with first time features and whatnot.

It's all about balance and I feel like overall they do balance it pretty well.

[malakaheso]

..

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by senseabove

I'm excited about McCabe, but THIS I can't wait for: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film5/blu-r...ts_blu-ray.htm

Now if they would only restore Images and upgrade their DVD release of Secret Honor to blu ray, my life would be complete. I would want Quintet too, but I know that is not realistic.

[Bruce Morrison]

Originally Posted by I KEEL YOU

Now if they would only restore Images and upgrade their DVD release of Secret Honor to blu ray, my life would be complete. I would want Quintet too, but I know that is not realistic.

Would Secret Honor benefit much from an HD upgrade? I thought it had been shot on SD video - or am I wrong?

Gosford Park is the main Altman title that I would like Criterion (or anyone else) to do a great BD. The Canadian Alliance BD is apparently not very good. And California Split would be a great addition to the Blu catalogue as well.

[ThisKid]

OK, the Altman films that we would like the most on blu-ray (mainly from Criterion) are
-Gosford Park
-California Split
and, if we are desperate,
-Popeye
Considering Altman had such a high demand for blu-ray releases, we might see these crop up in the next year or two.

[Thomas Irwin]

Originally Posted by mande2013

Why is The Man Who fell to Earth so coveted, even compared to other high-profile OOP titles like Pierrot Le Fou and Last Year at Marienbad? You can get sealed copies of the latter two for $80-$100 whereas sealed copies of TMWFTE start at well over $400. It was one of the first blu-rays they released, so it was around for a while whereas Pierrot Le Fou was only in print for a matter of months.

David Bowie, for a start. I would assume. Just an all-around stellar cast, in my opinion. And I've really enjoyed what I've seen of Nicolas Roeg's work.

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by Bruce Morrison

Would Secret Honor benefit much from an HD upgrade? I thought it had been shot on SD video - or am I wrong?

It's shot on 16mm, I believe. But it was definitely shot on film, the grain is clearly visible on the DVD. Maybe you have it confused with another Altman Criterion DVD - Tanner '88, which was shot on video. I don't think they'll ever release that on blu ray, unless they take the Hoop Dreams route. But you're right about Secret Honor probably not benefitting the most from a blu ray upgrade. Especially because the DVD looks excellent.

I don't know if Criterion would want to release Popeye. Also, I very much doubt that it will get a mainstream release from Paramount themselves, so the most realistic options are either Shout or Olive.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by I KEEL YOU

Now if they would only restore Images and upgrade their DVD release of Secret Honor to blu ray, my life would be complete. I would want Quintet too, but I know that is not realistic.

I'd prefer Arrow to release Images, but it is a great film.

I hope Criterion release California Split.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by Reddington

The Region B release of The Human Condition is now available. Would be a blind-buy. But as it is limited to 3,000 copies, and with the exchange rate still very favourable (and a discount at AmazonUK), I'm tempted to jump straight on it.

The Criterion DVD is still in print, so I'm thinking there is also a good chance of an upgrade. Can't recall any discussion here. Anyone have any info? Thanks.

I've got my set coming. The UK has had a ton of great sets released. The Dreyer set from BFI was amazing and soon I'll get the Murnau set, but this one was a no brainer. Amazing films.

As far as the Hitchcock discussion I think most people agree Spellbound is one of his weaker films, but I still find stuff to love about it. I think Shadow of a Doubt is his best film IMO, but there are a lot of Hitchcock films that I can watch over and over like North by Northwest , Strangers on a Train, Rear Window and Dial M for Murder. Without a doubt Hitchcock knew his craft and was highly influential both for arthouse film makers and for more commercial filmmakers.

Talking about that Zatoichi boxset earlier I wish Criterion would look to releasing the Akumyo films. These were equally successful Yakusa films starring Shintaru Katsu that he did in between Zatoichi films. There are 16 films in all and they have never been available in the west to my knowledge. Also for fans of the Zatoichi films do yourself a favor and get the Blind Menace DVD. He plays the exact character 2 years before the first Zatoichi film, but is evil to the core. He met his wife on the film and they were married till his death in 97. All in all its a good film, but especially so for fans of Katsu.

[bwdowiak]

question for everyone...

do you just not order digipacks online considering the possibility that the cardboard could be creased or have a bad corner or two?

I try not to order them online, but once in a while there is a coupon I wish to use or a deal that I can’t pass up.

If you do take your chances, do you have a tolerance threshold that you adhere to? I almost figure it a certainty that something will be imperfect about it, so I guess if it doesn’t look like it was mishandled or used as a soccer ball, then I’ll accept it.

I got my Three Colors Trilogy in the mail yesterday and out of the 8 corners, 1 was dinged and there is a small crease on the spine. I’m not thrilled, but overall I still think the item could be categorized as ‘like new.’

[malakaheso]

I have no choice as I live in Australia unless I want to pay absurdly high prices from 2-3 retailers that stock Criterion discs in Melbourne.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

question for everyone...

do you just not order digipacks online considering the possibility that the cardboard could be creased or have a bad corner or two?

I try not to order them online, but once in a while there is a coupon I wish to use or a deal that I can’t pass up.

If you do take your chances, do you have a tolerance threshold that you adhere to? I almost figure it a certainty that something will be imperfect about it, so I guess if it doesn’t look like it was mishandled or used as a soccer ball, then I’ll accept it.

I got my Three Colors Trilogy in the mail yesterday and out of the 8 corners, 1 was dinged and there is a small crease on the spine. I’m not thrilled, but overall I still think the item could be categorized as ‘like new.’

I used to get all bent out of shape about it, excuse the pun, but now I just kind of accept it and move on. I usually have good luck through Amazon, but if its something important to me like the Zatoichi boxset I'll have it shipped to the store like Barnes and Noble and refuse to purchase it if its dinged up.

Always wished Amazon and other vendors would have a 'Ship in box' option for a dollar. I'd pay it on certain items.

I use to just make sure I ordered a few other things at the same time as the digibook release hoping it all came in a box, but that isn't full proof.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Banned User

I used to get all bent out of shape about it, excuse the pun, but now I just kind of accept it and move on. I usually have good luck through Amazon, but if its something important to me like the Zatoichi boxset I'll have it shipped to the store like Barnes and Noble and refuse to purchase it if its dinged up.

Always wished Amazon and other vendors would have a 'Ship in box' option for a dollar. I'd pay it on certain items.

I use to just make sure I ordered a few other things at the same time as the digibook release hoping it all came in a box, but that isn't full proof.

a 'ship in a box' option would be awesome.

reading your first sentence actually made me feel a little better. if it was terrible, then I'd send it back, but it's not.. it just isn't perfect, I guess.

I've ordered a few UK box sets and just accept the fact that those are gonna be destroyed by the time they get here. ...and they have been. not a whole lot of recourse there. oh well.

[MifuneFan]

Amazon does have a ship in the box option, it's just called gift wrap, and is more than a dollar

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

a 'ship in a box' option would be awesome.

reading your first sentence actually made me feel a little better. if it was terrible, then I'd send it back, but it's not.. it just isn't perfect, I guess.

I've ordered a few UK box sets and just accept the fact that those are gonna be destroyed by the time they get here. ...and they have been. not a whole lot of recourse there. oh well.

I've been really lucky with UK purchases. Not one ding in any of my boxsets. Makes me wonder if its more your local deliverer causing issues. I have my items shipped to my business and they always come UPS.

Now that I said that I'll probably get my The Human Condition Boxset with the corners ripped off or someone used a boxcutter somewhere and it went through the cover. I've had that happen before.

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Amazon does have a ship in the box option, it's just called gift wrap, and is more than a dollar

I never thought of that. And they send it in a nice box? Do I also get a Bow and ribbon on top?

[theater dreamer]

God, I hate that. I just got in Darling and Lifeboat. Lifeboat is a MOC release, so everything is inside the plastic case. But Darling's slip box is a bit dinged up. Come to think of it, both the StudioCanal movies I've imported (The Third Man being the other) were a bit mucked up. There are no tears, but the spines of the slip are bent a bit here and there. For what I paid to get these, you'd think they could put the movies in a box since it's spending weeks in transit, and crossing the Atlantic. I'd rather wait a few more days to get everything together, and in great shape. Hell, it's been 17 days since La vie en rose and The Lost Weekend were shipped, and I still haven't received them. They're supposed to be here today. We'll see.

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I've ordered a few UK box sets and just accept the fact that those are gonna be destroyed by the time they get here. ...and they have been. not a whole lot of recourse there. oh well.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Banned User

I never thought of that. And they send it in a nice box? Do I also get a Bow and ribbon on top?

Yeah it should look something like this



Original image source

[theater dreamer]

I certainly understand your frustration with these points. I've had them, too. But, after some reflection, I came to the conclusion that movies, much of the time, are mirrors of reality, or at least to a certain extent. And, in life, there are all kinds of people. You have great people who dedicate their lives to the science of saving lives--Jonas Salk is one example. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, you have people like Adolf Hitler. We don't need to go into his beliefs, and what those misguided beliefs wrought on humanity. But while he was the incarnation of evil, there are others, even today, that still subscribe to his writings, what he accomplished, and what more he attempted to do. Knowing that there are such sadistic people in the world, we also shouldn't be surprised that these kind of people will also appear in film. Certainly these characters you refer to didn't rise to the level of evil the Fuhrer did, but they seem to delight in causing others pain, be it physical, mental, or both. Well, there are people like that in real life, too.

Originally Posted by RojD

I have the problem you mention with Notorious every time I see it--why does Devlin have to act like such a d*** towards Alicia? There's such a thing as being aloof and resentful, but his mistreatment of her crosses a line for me at times when he seems to relish it a bit much. Yeah, I know.....21st century sensibilities. But I can't deny that his (occasional) enthusiasm for mistreating her nips some of my enthusiasm for the film. Even though it is Notorious.

I had the same response to the same issue in Gilda -- why does Johnny have to act like such a d*** towards Gilda? It's not the misogyny but its gusto in both those films that dampens some of my pleasure in watching them.

It's the same frustration I feel with Birth of a Nation (racism) and Rome, Open City (homophobia). I'm far from a bleeding heart and even further from censorship based on content, but at the same time, I can't help that my values are part of my response to a movie.