The Criterion Collection

[mrjohnnyb]

High Recommendation

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)

I just saw this documentary for the first time last night, and I was blown away. If you are unfamiliar with the subject, it is director Thom Anderson's reflection of the city he was raised in, and how it is characterized and exposed in the world of cinema. Many scenes from films in the Criterion Collection are on display. Anderson, who narrates the film as well, shows his love for Los Angeles, especially the parts that even the "adventurous" tourist may never see. His extraordinary knowledge of the history of the city adds tremendous insight to the film. I had a wonderfully eye-opening experience. (Spoiler alert on a number of films including Chinatown, Love Streams, L.A. Confidential, Blade Runner to name a few.)

The disc is currently available through Cinema Guild.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Los-A...lu-ray/108281/

Those seeking to purchase by the cheapest means possible should wait for the next deepdiscount.com 15% off sale.

[llj]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I come here for some Naruse recommendations. I watched When a Woman Ascends the Stairs this morning and was so immediately floored. It had the kind of delicate touch reminiscent of Ozu but remained its own voice throughout. I was most taken by its conviction with the woman herself, who was given such depth and honesty in treatment that it made for such a startling critique for modern depiction.

I have a 14 day trial (on day 2) for Filmstruck and plan on taking advantage on what they have to offer. For those familiar with Naruse, here's what's available:

[Show spoiler]
Scattered Clouds
Yearning
Flowing
Floating Clouds
Sound of the Mountain
Late Chrysanthemums
Wife
Mother
Ginza Cosmetics
Street Without End
Every-Night Dreams
Apart from You
No Blood Relation
Flunky, Work Hard

It's certainly an overwhelming selection, so I'm trying to limit with the essentials during this window and work my way from there. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Floating Clouds is one of his most acclaimed, but it's not my favorite. Still a must-see for Naruse fans though.

Yearning is excellent. One of my personal favorite Naruse's. The final shot may remind you of another famous french film...

Street Without End
Every-Night Dreams
Apart from You
No Blood Relation
Flunky, Work Hard

These films are in Criterion's Silent Naruse set. As you only have a 14 day trial, I would place the other, harder-to-find films in priority above these.

[mja345]

Originally Posted by mrjohnnyb

High Recommendation

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)

I just saw this documentary for the first time last night, and I was blown away. If you are unfamiliar with the subject, it is director Thom Anderson's reflection of the city he was raised in, and how it is characterized and exposed in the world of cinema. Many scenes from films in the Criterion Collection are on display. Anderson, who narrates the film as well, shows his love for Los Angeles, especially the parts that even the "adventurous" tourist may never see. His extraordinary knowledge of the history of the city adds tremendous insight to the film. I had a wonderfully eye-opening experience. (Spoiler alert on a number of films including Chinatown, Love Streams, L.A. Confidential, Blade Runner to name a few.)

The disc is currently available through Cinema Guild.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Los-A...lu-ray/108281/

Those seeking to purchase by the cheapest means possible should wait for the next deepdiscount.com 15% off sale.

That's a fantastic film. Picked it up during DD's last 15% off sale. Great recommendation.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by mja345

That's a fantastic film. Picked it up during DD's last 15% off sale. Great recommendation.

As someone who lived there, albeit briefly, I feel like I should definitely see this film.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I'm probably missing the obvious, but is there a way to see exactly what Filmstruck has in it's full library? Everything I've tried wants me to first create an account with the 14 day free trial and I really don't want to do that. Prior to the streaming change to Filmstruck, you could look at a title on Criterion's site and it noted if it was on Hulu. I don't see that with Filmstruck.

There's no way on the site but I have my methods. Attached is the complete listing as of today.

[Fabs]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I come here for some Naruse recommendations. I watched When a Woman Ascends the Stairs this morning and was so immediately floored. It had the kind of delicate touch reminiscent of Ozu but remained its own voice throughout. I was most taken by its conviction with the woman herself, who was given such depth and honesty in treatment that it made for such a startling critique for modern depiction.

I have a 14 day trial (on day 2) for Filmstruck and plan on taking advantage on what they have to offer. For those familiar with Naruse, here's what's available:

[Show spoiler]
Scattered Clouds
Yearning
Flowing
Floating Clouds
Sound of the Mountain
Late Chrysanthemums
Wife
Mother
Ginza Cosmetics
Street Without End
Every-Night Dreams
Apart from You
No Blood Relation
Flunky, Work Hard

It's certainly an overwhelming selection, so I'm trying to limit with the essentials during this window and work my way from there. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

It's a shame they don't have Repast available, as it's not only my favorite Naruse film but one of the best I've ever seen. I'd highly recommend you seek that one out wherever you can. It has a fantastic performance by Setsuko Hara, as well as some of my favorite scenes from Naruse.

But going off the selections there, you can't go wrong with Floating Clouds, Flowing, Yearning, and Scattered Clouds. All phenomenal films that touch on Naruse's familiar themes of money problems, disappointments, and love. They also have incredible photography in them.

[easydreamer]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I tried that and it takes me to a sign up/sign in page.

You should be able to see the whole library via the iPhone/iPad app without signing up for it. Maybe apps for the other platforms allow that, too.

[RICKBONDOO7]

The 50% off Sale at Barnes & Noble starts Tues. July 11 th

[malakaheso]

Does anyone know if The Double Life of Veronique blu-ray come packaged with a dvd?

[easydreamer]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Does anyone know if The Double Life of Veronique blu-ray come packaged with a dvd?

No, it's not the dual format. Just the Blu-ray (does not come with a DVD).

[burningfool]

Originally Posted by Namuhana

I just finished watching Heart of a Dog. That was the longest 75 minutes of my film-watching life. I'm very happy I did not blind-buy this during the Criterion sale earlier this year. I hope the creation of the film was cathartic for Anderson because it did absolutely nothing for me.

Ah, different strokes...I really liked the picture, but I have always liked Laurie Anderson, so I was inclined to like this one, too. It's certainly not for everyone, and I would definitely not recommend a blind buy, but if you enjoy Laurie Anderson's art, it is definitely worth a watch. It's on my list for the upcoming sale.

[joy-division]

When does the B&N sale start next year?

[AaronJ]

I've never participated in one of these sales before. Technically, I only have two days -- and I haven't even started planning yet!

[maytropolees]

I'm starting to put together a list of titles to get during the B&N sale, I'd love some recommendations!

Here's my collection: https://www.criterion.com/my_criteri...?sort_by=title

Here are some I'm considering buying:
The New World
Heaven's Gate
Anatomy Of A Murder
Stalker
Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy
L'argent
Straw Dogs
His Girl Friday
Band Of Outsiders
Blind Chance

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by maytropolees

I'm starting to put together a list of titles to get during the B&N sale, I'd love some recommendations!

Here's my collection: https://www.criterion.com/my_criteri...?sort_by=title

Here are some I'm considering buying:
The New World
Heaven's Gate
Anatomy Of A Murder
Stalker
Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy
L'argent
Straw Dogs
His Girl Friday
Band Of Outsiders
Blind Chance

Nice collection. Which reminds me, I need to update mine at the site.

Of the ones you listed, I would definitely suggest A New World, His Girl Friday, and Band of Outsiders.

After briefly perusing some choices, I am considering:

Summer Interlude
Identification of a Woman (I love Antonioni, and it's the only one I don't have)
Macbeth (Polanski)
3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman (I've never seen any of these, and it's Ingrid Bergman)

Not sure how many of those I'll be able to get if I end up getting the Rossellini/Bergman set. That one's like $90. So, would be ~$45 all by itself.

[joy-division]

I got Yojimbo/Sanjuro & Buena Vista Social Club on Amazon so am not gonna even entertain the idea of visiting the B&N sale next year!

[theater dreamer]

We have a ridiculous number of Criterion films in common. Of the 99 titles you have listed, I own 53 of them. Add in The Third Man and Dr. Strangelove, which I have in prior/subsequent blu-ray releases, and I have nearly 60% of your collection.

Since we have such similar tastes, you might check my collection for suggestions. The link is at the bottom of this post.

Originally Posted by maytropolees

I'm starting to put together a list of titles to get during the B&N sale, I'd love some recommendations!

Here's my collection: https://www.criterion.com/my_criteri...?sort_by=title

Here are some I'm considering buying:
The New World
Heaven's Gate
Anatomy Of A Murder
Stalker
Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy
L'argent
Straw Dogs
His Girl Friday
Band Of Outsiders
Blind Chance

[BluPops]

If you download the app (AppleTV/FireTV/Roku/tablet), it lets you see the titles and supplements before logging in.

It doesn't say what's in HD or SD.
Most look like HD. I've noticed very few blurry, SD, scany liney prints on FilmStruck. Some are kinda expected (Russian WAR AND PEACE), others were very surprising (PARTY GIRL, ON DANGEROUS GROUND, PERFECT FRIDAY, even THEY LIVE BY NIGHT!). I suppose maybe someone on the other end gave them a bad copy. I don't know.

In any case, most prints look fine to great. All depending on the condition of the film of course.

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I'm probably missing the obvious, but is there a way to see exactly what Filmstruck has in it's full library? Everything I've tried wants me to first create an account with the 14 day free trial and I really don't want to do that. Prior to the streaming change to Filmstruck, you could look at a title on Criterion's site and it noted if it was on Hulu. I don't see that with Filmstruck.

[PaperThinWalls]

hoytereden, if you don't want to download anything, JustWatch shows what's on FilmStruck.

[Richardrli]

Does the upcoming B&N sale cover all of Criterion's Japanese film releases?