The Criterion Collection - Page 8025 - Blu-ray Forum

Scottie · 02-14-2017, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

There are those who can watch their favorite films several times or more a year and then there are those who find greater appreciation when those viewings are spaced out a bit more. Maybe you just belong to the second group.

There is a great scene in Amour where Trintignant tells his wife about how he saw a great film and how on his way back from the theater, he relayed details of the entire plot to someone. As he told the story, he was moved to tears and noted to his wife that while watching the film, he was moved, but not to the same extent as when he shares his movie experience with the friend.

The same thing happens to me all the time. Most recently, when I told my wife about Unforgiven. If you recall the ending, it isnt, by any means, a tear jerker, but recalling the artistry and how it connected with me, I was really moved. Like Trintignant's friend in Amour, my wife had a good laugh at my expense.

My point is, things are sometimes cherished more in memories than they are when we are actually experiencing them. If that real time experience of watching a film for the second or third time within a short time frame doesn't live up to your memory of it, then maybe just let some more time pass before revisiting favorites.

Thanks for sharing that, Brad. I certainly get what you're saying.

This is how my brain has been operating lately. And I'll use examples accordingly.

1. I didn't love L'Avventura the first time I saw it on Hulu several years ago. It wasn't until the Blu-ray came out that I watched it again and found myself to enjoy it more. Last night's viewing was the first watch since the Blu-ray was released. Do I like the movie? Sure. Do I care about what happens? I'm not quite sure. Did I ever really like it to begin with or did I convince myself I liked it more as time passed? The world may never know.

2. Well if I decide to get rid of Film A, Film B, and Film C, I should also get rid of Film X, Film Y, and Film Z because A, B, and C are better films but I'd rather watch X, Y, and Z over and over again, thus precipitating a vicious cycle over and over again.

As you all are aware, I'm (still) thinning down my Blu-ray collection. Here's what I'm up against.

[Show spoiler]

TL;DR version: I need another hobby.

Art_Vandelay · 02-14-2017, 05:16 PM

What are the chances that the flash sale will happen after the Before Trilogy is released?

(Pre-orders are ineligible from their flash sales right?)

jshaide · 02-14-2017, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art_Vandelay

What are the chances that the flash sale will happen after the Before Trilogy is released?

(Pre-orders are ineligible from their flash sales right?)

I feel like it will happen either the day of or the week after. I think this item will be prime for the flash sale. And it will sell out very very very quickly.

And yes, pre-orders don't work. Though I think once they allowed a preorder for something coming like a few days later (guess it was in stock and ready to do). I vaguely remember this.

Abdrewes · 02-14-2017, 05:24 PM

Today I learned what O.C.D. looks like.

bwdowiak · 02-14-2017, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iScottie

Thanks for sharing that, Brad. I certainly get what you're saying.

This is how my brain has been operating lately. And I'll use examples accordingly.

1. I didn't love L'Avventura the first time I saw it on Hulu several years ago. It wasn't until the Blu-ray came out that I watched it again and found myself to enjoy it more. Last night's viewing was the first watch since the Blu-ray was released. Do I like the movie? Sure. Do I care about what happens? I'm not quite sure. Did I ever really like it to begin with or did I convince myself I liked it more as time passed? The world may never know.

2. Well if I decide to get rid of Film A, Film B, and Film C, I should also get rid of Film X, Film Y, and Film Z because A, B, and C are better films but I'd rather watch X, Y, and Z over and over again, thus precipitating a vicious cycle over and over again.

As you all are aware, I'm (still) thinning down my Blu-ray collection. Here's what I'm up against.

[Show spoiler]

TL;DR version: I need another hobby.

Re 1) why do feel that you may have convinced yourself that you liked something?

Re 2) then keep X, Y, and Z, no? You might be over thinking this, Scott.

Heres another idea - something I do: get super thrifty. The price of brand new releases can also be a collector's deterrent. Maybe if you knew that you didn't pay much, it would take away that possible element of collector's remorse.

The Great Owl · 02-14-2017, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iScottie

As you all are aware, I'm (still) thinning down my Blu-ray collection. Here's what I'm up against.

[Show spoiler]

The fact that Don't Breathe is still making the cut puts a smile on my face.

Helikaon · 02-14-2017, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iScottie

Thanks for sharing that, Brad. I certainly get what you're saying.

This is how my brain has been operating lately. And I'll use examples accordingly.

1. I didn't love L'Avventura the first time I saw it on Hulu several years ago. It wasn't until the Blu-ray came out that I watched it again and found myself to enjoy it more. Last night's viewing was the first watch since the Blu-ray was released. Do I like the movie? Sure. Do I care about what happens? I'm not quite sure. Did I ever really like it to begin with or did I convince myself I liked it more as time passed? The world may never know.

2. Well if I decide to get rid of Film A, Film B, and Film C, I should also get rid of Film X, Film Y, and Film Z because A, B, and C are better films but I'd rather watch X, Y, and Z over and over again, thus precipitating a vicious cycle over and over again.

As you all are aware, I'm (still) thinning down my Blu-ray collection. Here's what I'm up against.

[Show spoiler]

TL;DR version: I need another hobby.

I can relate. Last year I sold my movie collection and pretty much everything else I owned to finance a bicycle journey to China. If you want to figure out which movies you want to keep put a gun to their head and ask yourself which ones you want to save. So, like Schindler, I saved a few films (about 20). Some that I could watch every week with friends, and some I might just watch once in a few years but are still very special to me. God, I need a new hobby, too!

the sordid sentinel · 02-14-2017, 06:03 PM

REALLY hope you don't have seller's remorse down the road iScottie. Just recently rebought some Hughes and Crowe I sold awhile back foolishly thinking I wouldn't miss them. Same with CDs over the years. Just me of course, but I am DONE selling.

thatguamguy · 02-14-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Heres another idea - something I do: get super thrifty. The price of brand new releases can also be a collector's deterrent. Maybe if you knew that you didn't pay much, it would take away that possible element of collector's remorse.

This is really good advice. There are so many older releases I want to pick up that I am never in a rush to get anything the day it comes out, unless there is some crazy mis-pricing deal to get in on. It can be a bit annoying tracking down freshly out-of-print stuff, but the trade off is worth it and the savings can be quite significant.

Scottie · 02-14-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sordid sentinel

REALLY hope you don't have seller's remorse down the road iScottie. Just recently rebought some Hughes and Crowe I sold awhile back foolishly thinking I wouldn't miss them. Same with CDs over the years. Just me of course, but I am DONE selling.

I won't. I had a collection of approximately 3,500-4,000 DVDs and Blu-rays at one point.

The number of things I've repurchased has been very few.

ElliesDad · 02-14-2017, 07:05 PM

There are many common-sense 'rules', for collecting films specifically, that will alleviate the kinds of angst that seem to be expressed here on a fairly regular basis. Here are a couple off the top of the most-often expressed ones that have worked for me:

- don't blind buy, except in the most unusual of circumstances and after having done the due diligence and research.
- only buy movies that you are certain you know you will love and appreciate and wish to revisit. Or are like old friends, always nice to have around.
- for the crème de la crème of films (according to your own likes, tastes, and sensibilities) don't sweat the cost, whatever it is~ just enjoy the acquisition.
- don't be stampeded by hype regardless of the source. So far as Criterion is concerned their wonderful releases are wonderful, some of the others will only be 'collectible', or of any interest primarily to those with a particular interest or taste (as we are shortly about to see).
- never buy a film just to impress others, particularly on this site~ most are primarily interested in impressing you with their collections.

And in general terms, whether it's a teaspoon collection or a film collection be able to appreciate the difference between 'collecting' and 'hoarding'. And if cost is a factor, and especially so if the cost is burdensome (the kids are eating cat food), then perhaps another one of a thousand other pastimes might work better for you. Enjoy!

AaronJ · 02-14-2017, 07:20 PM

We've talked about this before, but I collect films the same I way I used to collect comics. For example, if Panic Room came out on Blu-ray I would definitely buy it. I'm not a big fan of the film at all, but it would really bother me that there's a single David Fincher film that I didn't own. Same with Malick.

And I blind-buy all the time, since that's the primary way I see new films these days. But the main driving force behind me buying anything is the director, then the cast. Which reminds me, I really need to pick up Villeneuve's Polytechnique.

Abdrewes · 02-14-2017, 07:41 PM

Gotta love you though, Scott. I'm sure I speak for many others when I say that looking through your storefront used to be one of the small joys of this site.

Scottie · 02-14-2017, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Gotta love you though, Scott. I'm sure I speak for many others when I say that looking through your storefront used to be one of the small joys of this site.

Don't worry, the storefront will be back. There will be a decent update soon.

The Great Owl · 02-14-2017, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronJ

We've talked about this before, but I collect films the same I way I used to collect comics. For example, if Panic Room came out on Blu-ray I would definitely buy it. I'm not a big fan of the film at all, but it would really bother me that there's a single David Fincher film that I didn't own. Same with Malick.

And I blind-buy all the time, since that's the primary way I see new films these days. But the main driving force behind me buying anything is the director, then the cast.

I "collect" films from Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and Jean-Pierre Melville, but that's mostly because familiarity and additional research always lead me to believe that I'll enjoy previously-unseen films by these directors, since their track records are outstanding with regard to my tastes.

Most other directors have a few lesser outings that I don't feel a need to own. I'm cool not having, for example, the entire catalogues of Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, or even legendary filmmakers like Kurosawa, Preminger, Antonioni, and Robert Wise.

I blind buy all of the time, but I also take plenty of time to research previously-unseen films by reading favorable and unfavorable reviews from multiple sources. My idea of "research" does not consist of posting on this site to ask strangers whether or not I will enjoy a certain film. I love y'all, but I know my own cinematic tastes and quirks better than y'all do.

Sometimes, I don't think things through the way that I should. I'm pretty oblivious to hype, but I have admittedly allowed myself to get caught up in the rush when it comes to limited edition Blu-ray releases. I won't buy something that doesn't appeal to me just because there are only 1,000 copies available, but, if I'm on the fence as to whether or not I think that I'll love a particular film, I can be swayed to pull the trigger if it's a limited edition that might sell out quickly.
This is a habit that I'm rethinking, especially now that we're seeing more and more Twilight Time or Scorpion/Code Red Blu-rays being released by other companies (Indicator, Vinegar Syndrome, etc.).
It's easy to fall into the habit of "stockpiling" movies that intrigue me, almost as though I were preparing to have them in the event of an apocalypse, simply because I'm convinced at the time that a movie may go out of print and never be available again, although common sense dictates that we'll always have access to good movies one way or another in the future.

I've got enough Blu-rays in my collection right now to keep me happy for the rest of my life, including an impressive backlog of still-unwatched titles. I'm not planning to sell anything in my collection, because I've fortunately enjoyed all of my blind buys enough to watch multiple times in the future (thanks to the research), but I might eventually get to the point where I just call it a day and stop buying more.

During the past month and a half, I've devoted all of my spare time to revisiting all five seasons of the Miami Vice series on Blu-ray. This experience was quite nice for me, because I was reminded that there's only so much spare time for watching what I already own and that I'll serve myself well by slowing down on new purchases.

I dunno. I rather enjoy the "Alcoholics Anonymous" discussions like this that tend to pop up in this thread from time to time, when we all talk about our purchasing habits. We've all got our weaknesses.

bwdowiak · 02-14-2017, 08:39 PM

I would say that 95% of what I watch are first time watches. I really didn't start enjoying having a film collection until I started blind buying, so to each their own with that.

DaBargainHunta · 02-14-2017, 08:49 PM

I can only speak for myself, but I'd be extraordinarily bored if I didn't blind buy movies. That's most of the fun IMO. Granted, I do wait to get the best deals possible. In the case of Criterion, that usually means B&N sales, Criterion.com Flash Sales, and the other occasional deals that may pop up. I still pay more for Criterion releases - "the Criterion tax" - than I would for a "normal" release, but I never pay MSRP.

shadedpain4 · 02-14-2017, 08:58 PM

ElliesDad is one of my all time favorite posters on this site *but* I will disagree with him on one point:

Blind Buying.

Unless you have a really good library system, a friend with a large collection that lends to you, or a penchant for finding free/not quite legal sources of films online, we all blind buy. Seeing a movie at a theatre or paying for a streaming service is blind buying, except unlike traditional blind buying (purchasing physical media), when you're done you have nothing tangible to show for it! My advice is to definitely blind buy, but to do so smartly. If you pay a good price for a film that you've never seen and love it, now you already own it and there is no additional cost. If you decide you don't need to own it, you should be able to unload it for the same amount you paid for it, or even more if you got a really good deal.

I hope that doesn't read as if I'm against seeing films in a theatre, because that isn't the case. Seeing something in a theatre is a unique experience that I value and treasure.

thatguamguy · 02-14-2017, 09:02 PM

I definitely love blind-buying... *but* the Criterion thread is the wrong place for me to talk about that, because due to (1) their higher price and (2) a backlog of Criterion titles I don't own that I have seen and want to buy for one reason or another, I'm more likely to try and watch the movie before buying it. It's harder for me to pull the trigger on a $15-$20 blind buy.

shadedpain4 · 02-14-2017, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

I definitely love blind-buying... *but* the Criterion thread is the wrong place for me to talk about that, because due to (1) their higher price and (2) a backlog of Criterion titles I don't own that I have seen and want to buy for one reason or another, I'm more likely to try and watch the movie before buying it. It's harder for me to pull the trigger on a $15-$20 blind buy.

See, I think Criterions make the best blind buys. Unlike major studio releases that come out at $22-$25 and within a year or 2 are selling on Black Friday for $3-$5, Criterion prices pretty well stay constant. If you're buying your Criterions at one of the 4 major sales for $16-$18, you can pretty easily sell one you don't like for $20 when there's no sale on, since everywhere else is likely selling them for $27-$33.

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02-14-2017, 05:16 PM	#160482
Art_Vandelay Special Member Member since:Apr 2013 4K collection:22 Blu-ray collection:633 DVD collection:173 Digital collection:11 Trading Score:182	What are the chances that the flash sale will happen after the Before Trilogy is released? (Pre-orders are ineligible from their flash sales right?)

02-14-2017, 05:24 PM	#160484
Abdrewes Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Texas 4K collection:767 Blu-ray collection:9831 DVD collection:523 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:362	Today I learned what O.C.D. looks like.

02-14-2017, 06:03 PM	#160488
the sordid sentinel Special Member Member since:Jun 2009 Location:GA 4K collection:139 Blu-ray collection:646 DVD collection:2	REALLY hope you don't have seller's remorse down the road iScottie. Just recently rebought some Hughes and Crowe I sold awhile back foolishly thinking I wouldn't miss them. Same with CDs over the years. Just me of course, but I am DONE selling.

02-14-2017, 07:05 PM	#160491
ElliesDad Expert Member Member since:May 2011 Location:Central Fraser Valley Blu-ray collection:399 DVD collection:111	There are many common-sense 'rules', for collecting films specifically, that will alleviate the kinds of angst that seem to be expressed here on a fairly regular basis. Here are a couple off the top of the most-often expressed ones that have worked for me: - don't blind buy, except in the most unusual of circumstances and after having done the due diligence and research. - only buy movies that you are certain you know you will love and appreciate and wish to revisit. Or are like old friends, always nice to have around. - for the crème de la crème of films (according to your own likes, tastes, and sensibilities) don't sweat the cost, whatever it is~ just enjoy the acquisition. - don't be stampeded by hype regardless of the source. So far as Criterion is concerned their wonderful releases are wonderful, some of the others will only be 'collectible', or of any interest primarily to those with a particular interest or taste (as we are shortly about to see). - never buy a film just to impress others, particularly on this site~ most are primarily interested in impressing you with their collections. And in general terms, whether it's a teaspoon collection or a film collection be able to appreciate the difference between 'collecting' and 'hoarding'. And if cost is a factor, and especially so if the cost is burdensome (the kids are eating cat food), then perhaps another one of a thousand other pastimes might work better for you. Enjoy!

02-14-2017, 07:20 PM	#160492
AaronJ Banned Member since:Jul 2013 Location:Michigan 4K collection:47 Blu-ray collection:624 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:1	We've talked about this before, but I collect films the same I way I used to collect comics. For example, if Panic Room came out on Blu-ray I would definitely buy it. I'm not a big fan of the film at all, but it would really bother me that there's a single David Fincher film that I didn't own. Same with Malick. And I blind-buy all the time, since that's the primary way I see new films these days. But the main driving force behind me buying anything is the director, then the cast. Which reminds me, I really need to pick up Villeneuve's Polytechnique.

02-14-2017, 07:41 PM	#160493
Abdrewes Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Texas 4K collection:767 Blu-ray collection:9831 DVD collection:523 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:362	Gotta love you though, Scott. I'm sure I speak for many others when I say that looking through your storefront used to be one of the small joys of this site.

02-14-2017, 08:39 PM	#160496
bwdowiak Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2013 Location:Chicago 4K collection:28 Blu-ray collection:502 DVD collection:28 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:5	I would say that 95% of what I watch are first time watches. I really didn't start enjoying having a film collection until I started blind buying, so to each their own with that.

02-14-2017, 08:49 PM	#160497
DaBargainHunta Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Parts Unknown - because I blabbed about Mars! Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Trading Score:30	I can only speak for myself, but I'd be extraordinarily bored if I didn't blind buy movies. That's most of the fun IMO. Granted, I do wait to get the best deals possible. In the case of Criterion, that usually means B&N sales, Criterion.com Flash Sales, and the other occasional deals that may pop up. I still pay more for Criterion releases - "the Criterion tax" - than I would for a "normal" release, but I never pay MSRP.

02-14-2017, 08:58 PM	#160498
shadedpain4 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Dec 2010 4K collection:90 Blu-ray collection:2749 DVD collection:94 Trading Score:6	ElliesDad is one of my all time favorite posters on this site but I will disagree with him on one point: Blind Buying. Unless you have a really good library system, a friend with a large collection that lends to you, or a penchant for finding free/not quite legal sources of films online, we all blind buy. Seeing a movie at a theatre or paying for a streaming service is blind buying, except unlike traditional blind buying (purchasing physical media), when you're done you have nothing tangible to show for it! My advice is to definitely blind buy, but to do so smartly. If you pay a good price for a film that you've never seen and love it, now you already own it and there is no additional cost. If you decide you don't need to own it, you should be able to unload it for the same amount you paid for it, or even more if you got a really good deal. I hope that doesn't read as if I'm against seeing films in a theatre, because that isn't the case. Seeing something in a theatre is a unique experience that I value and treasure.

02-14-2017, 09:02 PM	#160499
thatguamguy Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2016 Trading Score:4	I definitely love blind-buying... but the Criterion thread is the wrong place for me to talk about that, because due to (1) their higher price and (2) a backlog of Criterion titles I don't own that I have seen and want to buy for one reason or another, I'm more likely to try and watch the movie before buying it. It's harder for me to pull the trigger on a $15-$20 blind buy.

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