The Criterion Collection

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by jw007

Maybe this is a sign to fully "go digital"?

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by jshaide

I think between both I preferred CLOUDS, but like most Assayas films I found it get messy in the latter sections. PERSONAL SHOPPER felt mixed between wanting to be two things. And Stewart I still feel is too wooden a performer, especially for a complex leading role like this one (found her successful in CLOUDS, though, but the shorter screen time and the nature of the character made her style work for her).

Some sequences in SHOPPER are effectively creepy, but the narrative is just too muddled to have the ending be impactful. Assayas is skillful, for sure, and has interesting ways of telling certain parts of this story (a large chunk of it is solely done through text message communication, for instance, and remains engaging to watch), but the writing lacks cohesion, and so I found myself struggling with this more than I would have liked.

Thanks for the response. I'll just wait for an at-home release. The only Assayas I've liked is Summer Hours, and even then I had reservations.

[jshaide]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Thanks for the response. I'll just wait for an at-home release. The only Assayas I've liked is Summer Hours, and even then I had reservations.

Somewhere in the middle of almost all of them I become quite befuddled about his films. Like he comes to a grinding halt midway through writing them and moves into an entirely new direction contradicting the first portion. The only one I found myself very engaged in is CARLOS, which is a major endeavor for a casual fan to even attempt. And I really was affected by CLEAN, but that's kind of going way back.

Recently, SOMETHING IN THE AIR had a lot going for it compared to recent works. It wasn't as acclaimed, though, so I wonder if perhaps its just me.

[postmodel]

https://instagram.com/p/BSHCWDEFU4F/

Awesome!! It's cool to see Criterion got Scarlett Johansson to talk about Ghost World!

[llj]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Thanks for the response. I'll just wait for an at-home release. The only Assayas I've liked is Summer Hours, and even then I had reservations.

Like most people, I like Carlos the best. But that may be because there was already a narrative there for him to work with.

I think Assayas is a very talented and intelligent person who clearly has lots of ideas to share, but he hasn't hit his sweet spot yet as a director. It could still come. But right now I don't think he's even the best film director in his household.

As far as K-Stew, Kristen Stewart has a unique quality but I think all the directors who could have truly properly used her are now retired or dead. She would have been great in Antonioni's films.

[pedromvu]

Originally Posted by jw007

Maybe this is a sign to fully "go digital"?

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Finally after having the same old TV for the last 6 years (a 40" Hitatchi ) I have FINALLY upgraded to a 4K UHD TV and my god, my Criterions looks even more phenomenal! Can't believe it took me so long too upgrade but I didn't realise Criterions looked THIS good lol!

Time to rewatch my entire collection! Starting with Antichrist of course!

TV also has Ambilight and it really makes the film expand out into my living room!

Wooo!

-

Actually, what can you guys recommend I rewatch/watch, like what do you guys think the BEST Criterion releases are in terms of quality/transfer/sound etc

Obviously I have my own list but be good to see what else you guys recommend incase I have missed them!

I'm going through the same thing, having just replaced a 10+year old tv. My first Criterion to rewatch was Days of Heaven so I'd recommend the Malick films and my first b&w title was The Asphalt Jungle and it was a thing of beauty. I'm sure that most titles are going to look great. My next rewatch will be the Antonioni trilogy. I'm just craving some b&w films at the moment.

[MassiveMovieBuff]

Originally Posted by jw007

Maybe this is a sign to fully "go digital"?

Horrible recommendation

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Excellent movie! Would you recomend the sequels? They're often on TCM but I have never gotten around to watching them.

Originally Posted by Bogey

I would. The second installment has Jimmy Stewart in a supporting role and the rest of them are just fun entertainment for me. However, like many runs, the first is still my favorite of the lot. I would also recommend reading Hammett's book (well, actually, all his books) as it is surprisingly like the movie in its wit.

I agree. The entire series is entertaining but I prefer the ones before Jr. comes along and they settle down somewhat to become a family.

[mrjohnnyb]

I am region-free and have the BFI Roberto Rossellini: The War Trilogy collection, which I purchased because I became tired of waiting for a Criterion upgrade. Last night, I watched Germany, Year Zero for the first time. What an incredible film! The immediacy captured by having a war-ravaged Berlin as a backdrop makes the film a truly neo-realistic time capsule, as the main character, a young boy, is caught between "a rock and a hard place." Rossellini exposes a society struggling to survive, unafraid to show the victimization of its citizens, particularly of its youth. Highly recommended.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by llj

I think Assayas is a very talented and intelligent person who clearly has lots of ideas to share, but he hasn't hit his sweet spot yet as a director. It could still come. But right now I don't think he's even the best film director in his household..

He has more brains than talent, which is typical of most 'intellectual' types who become directors. e.g Schrader, Egoyan, Greenaway, Craven etc and probably even Bogdanovich. I much prefer those directors to Assayas though who I find rather boring.

Good point about Stewart too.

[nitin]

You didnt care for Summer Hours malakheso? The others Assayas films I have been colder on but that one really impressed me.

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by mrjohnnyb

I am region-free and have the BFI Roberto Rossellini: The War Trilogy collection, which I purchased because I became tired of waiting for a Criterion upgrade. Last night, I watched Germany, Year Zero for the first time. What an incredible film! The immediacy captured by having a war-ravaged Berlin as a backdrop makes the film a truly neo-realistic time capsule, as the main character, a young boy, is caught between "a rock and a hard place." Rossellini exposes a society struggling to survive, unafraid to show the victimization of its citizens, particularly of its youth. Highly recommended.

Still waiting patiently for the Criterion. If you're interested in a time-capsule experience you'll enjoy this little clip from July 1945. I stumbled across it the other day while looking into the "Stalingrad" (1993) release.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5i9k7s9X_A

[Scottie]

I've actually enjoyed each Assayas film more than the last.

Clouds is his best, in my opinion, and I'm really looking forward to Personal Shopper. My most anticipated of the year?

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by nitin

You didnt care for Summer Hours malakheso? The others Assayas films I have been colder on but that one really impressed me.

It was decent.

I heard Stallone is in his next film? Or has that already been discussed?

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

It was decent.

I heard Stallone is in his next film? Or has that already been discussed?

Yeah, I was looking forward to his next a lot more when De Niro was playing Accardo instead of Stallone. When it got cancelled like a week before filming.

[Reddington]

Anyone else have Blow-Up on pre-order for Tuesday delivery?

A complete blind-buy for me, but for some reason I am very excited about this one. I have a big stack of unwatched Criterion, but want to see this as soon as it is delivered.

[malakaheso]

I pre-ordered it, but it is going to take a few weeks to arrive. I used to have a big stack of Criterions to watch too, but over the last 2-3 years I've been getting through them. I only have 4-5 to watch now, and the plan is to watch them before the next B+N sale.

[monorail91]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Has anyone seen Personal Shopper? And if so, did you like Clouds of Sils Maria? I'm debating on seeing it, but I really was left cold with that film.

I loved Personal Shopper, definitely more than Clouds and maybe even more than Carlos. My big takeaway was less a horror/thriller than as an exploration of grief and its effect on the mourner left behind. Can't wait to own it, on Criterion or any other label.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Originally Posted by 20th Century Boy

Originally Posted by pedromvu

Originally Posted by MassiveMovieBuff

Horrible recommendation

I know I stirred up some emotions in people... but..

Two valid points:

1) If video distribution companies decide to someday cancel out physical media to save $, we collectors may not have any choice!

2) Sure helps in space efficiency...and avoiding shelves of blu-ray cases crushing us.