The Criterion Collection

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

For me, it's a combination of things that have somewhat dampened my enthusiasm:
Less upgrades
Titles that already have Blu-ray editions from other companies
Some titles that make me why they're coming from Criterion in the first place
Cutting back on extras like booklets and commentaries

And finally specifically the around here point-I used to enjoy camping out here on announcement day and waiting and guessing with other members what that month's titles would be and then the reactions from everyone. Now, with the phantom pages loophole and all the subsequent spoilering of comments I avoid this thread and just go to the Criterion site for the announcements.

Nothing's stopping you still guessing if you really do enjoy doing that as all phantom titles are spoilered. And some people feel the same way as you and just ignore them.

I still cannot understand in any way though how you possibly find the phantom pages to 'spoil' the experience or whatever though.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Ha. Just a shot in the dark: is Kieslowski number three?

More than likely It's a Wonderful Life.

Some of my favorite films (in no particular order).

2001: A Space Odyssey
Blade Runner
Chungking Express
Closer
Collateral
Dekalog
The Double Life of Véronique
Eyes Wide Shut
The Graduate
Happy Together
Heat
In the Mood for Love
It's a Wonderful Life
Lost in Translation
Mulholland Drive
Paris, Texas
Se7en
Three Colors Trilogy
Toy Story Trilogy
Vertigo
Y Tu Mamá También

[deepseababy]

Have Criterion ever actually hinted at Lost Highway or has it just been rumoured?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by deepseababy

Have Criterion ever actually hinted at Lost Highway or has it just been rumoured?

Rumored.

I believe they said they have more Lynch films in the works at a Wexner conference. This may have been prior to MD's release, though.

[ShellOilJunior]

Has anyone snapped up His Girl Friday on Amazon for $49.95?

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by ThisKid

I'm just hoping for Se7en and Polyester, judging by some takes of the NY's drawing.

But all I want are more Aussie films.

A Criterion of "The Castle" would be very much appreciated.

It'll go straight to the pool room.

I'd prefer Chopper to The Castle, but more Aussie films isn't a bad idea! I honestly don't believe we have too many genuinely great ones though.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Has anyone snapped up His Girl Friday on Amazon for $49.95?

I'm slightly annoyed that Barnes & Noble has listed His Girl Friday as temporarily out of stock this week while I've got a 20% Off coupon burning a hole in my pocket. I've noticed that Barnes & Noble has been doing this a lot with new Criterion releases lately.

I can wait on this particular title, though, and I'll grab it during the next big sale. It's not like it's Mildred Pierce or anything.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

I'd prefer Chopper to The Castle, but more Aussie films isn't a bad idea! I honestly don't believe we have too many genuinely great ones though.

I would take any of Chopper, Gallipoli (the aussie blu ray leaves a bit to be desired) or Lantana.

[SlickDamian]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

There are some really bothersome criterion reviews that haven't been done yet.
Only the first Apu film has been reviewed... what about Aparjito and Apur Sansar?
The latter in particular is one of the best films in the collection, which is especially impressive considering it's the third in a trilogy.

I'm also baffled that Les Blank: Always For Pleasure hasn't been reviewed, nor has A Poem is a Naked Person. Neither film receives much mention but they were among the absolute best things put out by Criterion in their respective years of release. I would really hate for documentaries like that to become an even lower priority because of bad sales.

Not that a review here will make a massive difference, but many times the Blu-ray.com review is among the top search results on Google so a little more exposure for outstanding releases wouldn't hurt. Apu doesn't need help selling well, but Les Blank could benefit from it.

There's more too, like Vernon, Florida.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

Nothing's stopping you still guessing if you really do enjoy doing that as all phantom titles are spoilered. And some people feel the same way as you and just ignore them.

I still cannot understand in any way though how you possibly find the phantom pages to 'spoil' the experience or whatever though.

What's stopping me is that I don't enjoy it like I did before. I can't speak for other folks feelings and solutions. My reasons pertained to me.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by iScottie

It's my favorite movie of all-time. Words can't express how much it moves me.

I'm with you Scottie. After all, this is my fb page:

[Show spoiler]

[mja345]

I think the decrease in excitement has to do with so many labels announcing so many titles all of the time. In 2011 or 2012, Criterion had little competition in the indy label arena. So, their announcements felt very special. Now, there are a ton of boutique labels announcing titles frequently. Just my two cents. I still look forward to Criterion's announcements, just not the way I did 3-4 years ago.

[Scottie]

I'm not excited about announcements anymore because my passion for film continues to decrease daily.

In terms of Criterion specifically, I can't get behind the hype train with a lot of their releases.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I'm not excited about announcements anymore because my passion for film continues to decrease daily.

How come?

In terms of Criterion specifically, I can't get behind the hype train with a lot of their releases.

This I can understand. I see people in this thread going crazy with excitement on certain months when all I can do is manage a shrug.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

How come?

I honestly don't know. The majority feels mediocre and generic to me now.

[oildude]

I have only one wish for Criterion on release day from now on.....

For the love of all that is holy in filmland, please please please take a long break away from releasing Blu-ray versions of films already out on Blu-ray and focus on upgrading all those good things in your catalog trapped on DVD. Over a year of this is enough.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by oildude

I have only one wish for Criterion on release day from now on.....

For the love of all that is holy in filmland, please please please take a long break away from releasing Blu-ray versions of films already out on Blu-ray and focus on upgrading all those good things in your catalog trapped on DVD. Over a year of this is enough.

Exactly! My #1 frustration with them by far.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I honestly don't know. The majority feels mediocre and generic to me now.

Maybe ya need to take a bit of time off. Unplug. Spend a few hours in a museum. Visit a nearby National Park you've never visited. Or even just take some time to read books on subjects you're into.

Its just so easy to get locked into schedules, routines, and queues that we kind of forget to breathe a bit. The more rigid your schedule is, the more sensation is dulled, at least in my experience.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Some of my favorite films (in no particular order).

2001: A Space Odyssey
Blade Runner
Chungking Express
Closer
Collateral
Dekalog
The Double Life of Véronique
Eyes Wide Shut
The Graduate
Happy Together
Heat
In the Mood for Love
It's a Wonderful Life
Lost in Translation
Mulholland Drive
Paris, Texas
Se7en
Three Colors Trilogy
Toy Story Trilogy
Vertigo
Y Tu Mamá También

iScottie: Are we clones?

I think you listed nearly every one of my favorite films on this list too. Lost in Translation moves me beyond anything too. It's pure catharsis. It's pure adventure. It's pure emotion. I love the fact that you included a couple of Michael Mann films on your list too (both of which are my favorites of his too).

You know, whenever I think of the vibrant Chungking Express, I also think of the free-spirited Lost in Translation. Perhaps this would make for a great double feature, no? Which of the films would you watch first, that's the question?

[mja345]

Originally Posted by oildude

I have only one wish for Criterion on release day from now on.....

For the love of all that is holy in filmland, please please please take a long break away from releasing Blu-ray versions of films already out on Blu-ray and focus on upgrading all those good things in your catalog trapped on DVD. Over a year of this is enough.

Yup, couldn't agree more.