The Criterion Collection

[rkish]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Not much different. Only thing missing is a big photo on the inside and they cut a line off of the tiny photos. I believe pics of both are on CriterionForum if you want to take a look.

I love the cardboard cases. And I am actually starting to like the first wave of blu cardboard releases (the thin ones). Actually as I bought a replacement case for the Last Year at Marienbad release a while back, I actually still have it in the original digi. I was lucky enough to get the original digi that was a little wide so it can slide out easy. But it looks awesome, so I kept in it that while I have the clear case put aside.

Believe it or not, I think I prefer the original digipack that Bottle Rocket came in as well. I originally didn't like the digipack on The Man Who Fell to Earth (as it's kinda thin), but I like the look of the cover better...my opinion at least.

Thanks for the heads up on the Breathless DVD!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

rkish went all street!

PROPER!

[rkish]

I hadn't realized how much of an influence Godard was on D. A. Pennebaker.

[lDlisturb3d]

Can anyone explain how Criterion selects their movies? Im curious.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by ldlisturb3d

can anyone explain how criterion selects their movies? Im curious.

imdb.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

imdb.

hahahaha nice, if that were true their collection would be allot different! Seriously do you know?

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Can anyone explain how Criterion selects their movies? Im curious.

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

imdb.

Incorrect, the final word comes from Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. The year's edition is placed on an intern's desk, and then Peter Becker goes to it and, with closed eyes, flips the book open to a random page in the index, and slides his fingers down the pages while the Johnny Cash hit "Ring of Fire" is playing in the background. At the end of the song, whichever film title is under Becker's fingertips is the next chosen Criterion title.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by McCrutchy

Incorrect, the final word comes from Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. The year's edition is placed on an intern's desk, and then Peter Becker goes to it and, with closed eyes, flips the book open to a random page, and slides his fingers down the pages while the Johnny Cash hit "Ring of Fire" is playing in the background. At the end of the song, whichever film title is under Becker's fingertips is the next chosen Criterion title.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Can anyone explain how Criterion selects their movies? Im curious.

Seriously, they really don't take MUCH chances in obscure movies so it isn't a "select" type thing. Godard, Kurosawa, Bergman, all very popular. So it isn't a leap to think they don't know who these guys are, being Criterion puts out "The important films" in the world.

But I like to say they "Put out the most important films in the world + some crap IFC let them have in a good deal". And "Criterion loyals" eat that crap up. Some try to buy everything they put out. They can put out Transformers and people will all of a sudden love it.


Give them props for stuff like Dillinger is Dead, though Janus kind of helped bring that, while Criterion crapped on us by not doing it in blu, instead that month put out 2 re-release money makers (Malick blu, and Kurosawa blu-rays).

[McCrutchy]

Originally Posted by lDlisturb3d

Can anyone explain how Criterion selects their movies? Im curious.

Because Criterion is an independent video label, they obviously have a number of factors to consider when "choosing" their films, off the top of my head for any film "..." that Criterion would want to release:

Has "..." been given a fitting video release by another American company?

This is why we see such discrepancy between Criterion's LaserDisc releases and their DVDs. In 1984, when Criterion began to put out LDs, the concept of a "Special Edition" release of a film with video extras and commentary was largely unheard of, so Criterion were able to license many commercial films for their LD releases, simply to give them "Special Edition" treatment such as: Halloween, Blade Runner, Taxi Driver, Se7en and others. However, with the advent of DVD, extra features became a staple of releases worldwide (no doubt influenced by Criterion's tactics) and the studios began to see the benefit of producing their own "Special Edition" video releases.

On the other hand, if suitable video release of a film is already on the market, then there would be little sense financially for Criterion to invest in adding the title to the Collection.

Can we acquire a license to distribute "..." in America?

Many times, even if Criterion wants to release a film, they are blocked, either legally, or cost-wise, from acquiring a license to distribute the film, usually because the current distributor would not wish to harm their own profits by allowing Criterion to release a likely superior edition of their film. This is why it is comparatively rare to see films that are distributed by major American studios in the Collection. In some cases, perhaps special arrangements are made, and in others, financial deals are brokered for films or libraries of films, but generally, the only way you will see a film distributed by an American Major in the Collection is if said studio believes the title is unprofitable or, that they can make more profit from the license agreement with Criterion then they could producing and distributing the film on their own.

This is why we now see so many independent and foreign titles in the Collection. These are generally not distributed by major American companies, so the distribution rights are easier to acquire, as many foreign and independent labels would be unable or uninterested in mounting national U.S. video releases.

[italy12]

The Magician is listed on Best Buy's website as "Ansiktet". It is, however, only an online item. Found it by searching for Max von Sydow.

[lDlisturb3d]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Seriously, they really don't take MUCH chances in obscure movies so it isn't a "select" type thing. Godard, Kurosawa, Bergman, all very popular. So it isn't a leap to think they don't know who these guys are, being Criterion puts out "The important films" in the world.

But I like to say they "Put out the most important films in the world + some crap IFC let them have in a good deal". And "Criterion loyals" eat that crap up. Some try to buy everything they put out. They can put out Transformers and people will all of a sudden love it.


Give them props for stuff like Dillinger is Dead, though Janus kind of helped bring that, while Criterion crapped on us by not doing it in blu, instead that month put out 2 re-release money makers (Malick blu, and Kurosawa blu-rays).

LMAO Sad but true. I think i love Criterion only because i can buy with confidence. I blind bought about 20 of their films and the only one i thought was dull was Wings of Desire (While most loved it). They make is simply and convenient to find Contemporary films.

[Zen_Amako]

I just got around to watching Viridiania on DVD and I thought it was excellent. It's too bad there's no Blu-ray. The print on the DVD has some pretty significant damage (unusual for a Criterion title), and there aren't a lot of extras, so I'm guessing it will be a while before this comes out on BD.

Also: Mystery Train appears to be the hardest Criterion Blu-ray to find that isn't OOP. Sure, Amazon has it, but I don't think I've ever seen it in a B&M store.

[greekak229]

When this November sale comes out, I'm gonna go wild. The Night of the Hunter and Antichrist will be mine so fast, especially.

[Icemouth]

So....anyone have any actual proof there will be a sale?

I like how some random guy just said "there will probably be a sale" and now you have people everywhere spreading it like it's fact they're said absolutely NOTHING about it.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Icemouth

So....anyone have any actual proof there will be a sale?

I like how some random guy just said "there will probably be a sale" and now you have people everywhere spreading it like it's fact they're said absolutely NOTHING about it.

You're right. There's been zero proof of a November and when/if the November sale comes and goes people will be asking: When is the July sale?

So it goes. . .

[Hawk7883]

Originally Posted by greekak229

When this November sale comes out, I'm gonna go wild. The Night of the Hunter and Antichrist will be mine so fast, especially.

What November sale ?

[kndy]

Originally Posted by Hawk7883

What November sale ?

Barnes and Noble Criterion 50% off sale which takes places in July and November. This may be the final Criterion sale as stockholders are forcing the company to go on sale to increase stock market value.

[neo78956]

Originally Posted by kndy

Barnes and Noble Criterion 50% off sale which takes places in July and November. This may be the final Criterion sale as stockholders are forcing the company to go on sale to increase stock market value.

Wait, what?

[Beta Man]

Anyone care to give me a quick synopsis of "The Magician" I have never seen it, but very much look forward to it.

I read the overview on Criterion's site..... but curious as to what films were likely influenced by this, what to compare it to, etc.


(Waiting until tomorrow to actually watch it, is just out of the question )