The Criterion Collection

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Working in the database is slow going. I was reminded of this yesterday morning. I thank you for all your hard work, Scottie.

We could easily take the information available on the site for granted, but it must be remembered that everything we see has been entered in by somebody who loves film. This work is done strictly on a volunteer basis. But the satisfaction that comes with time invested is very much worth it.

I appreciate the kind words, TD. It is definitely a lot of work.

Two of the biggest issues I have with the database are:

1. You can only remove comments by updating the field, so I'm doing double the work.

2. Members who post essay length synopses; synopses with actors' names.

[theater dreamer]

When I'm updating a film's information, I usually just copy the synopsis from imdb. Once I'm done with the first phase of my project, I'll probably go back and embellish some of the synopses of the more well-known movies.

Originally Posted by Scottie

I appreciate the kind words, TD. It is definitely a lot of work.

Two of the biggest issues I have with the database are:

1. You can only remove comments by updating the field, so I'm doing double the work.

2. Members who post essay length synopses; synopses with actors' names.

[mande2013]

Has Amazon raised their domestic shipping and handling costs? It used to be like $2.99, now it's close to $5 for a single blu-ray. I was thinking of saving some money by having Criterions shipped to stateside relatives, and I'd pick them up the next time I go but with the raised shipping costs plus sales tax it doesn't seem like I'd be saving much.

[TheMikeSchwartz]

Originally Posted by mande2013

Has Amazon raised their domestic shipping and handling costs? It used to be like $2.99, now it's close to $5 for a single blu-ray. I was thinking of saving some money by having Criterions shipped to stateside relatives, and I'd pick them up the next time I go but with the raised shipping costs plus sales tax it doesn't seem like I'd be saving much.

But if you spend over $25 you get free shipping within the US.

[mande2013]

Originally Posted by TheMikeSchwartz

But if you spend over $25 you get free shipping within the US.

I think only if you're a prime member?

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by mande2013

I think only if you're a prime member?

Anyone can get free shipping, but only on "eligible" items - which basically means anything fulfilled and shipped by Amazon, not sellers.

Prime members get 2-day shipping on eligible items with no spend limit, although there are "Add-On" items (usually CDs and small things about $5 or less), that won't be shipped separately and have to be combined with other items.

[The Sovereign]

Originally Posted by Scottie

In other news, I rewatched The Piano Teacher tonight.

To make a long story short, I'm happy I made this purchase, and I find this to be one of the best films made thus far this century. The film is incredibly difficult to watch at times, but the character of Erika is one of the most complex, multilayered characters in a film, that the film almost demands multiple viewings in order to attempt to figure her out. The chemistry between Huppert and Magimel is outstanding; it's no wonder they won Best Actor and Actress for their performances at Cannes. As for the actual Blu-ray, the new restoration is magnificent.

I can see Isabelle Huppert's performance going down as one of the best of all-time. It's really, really, really remarkable.

She's the reason I bought it, and it's not typically the kind of film I'd feel the need to own. I don't think anyone else could have given that performance - maybe Jennifer Jason Leigh (just because she's another at the top of my list) - but I doubt it. Huppert is amazing and as you said, it really demands multiple viewings.

[starman15317]

To update on my post from last week, Criterion did in fact send me a replacement copy of Following while also letting me keep A Brighter Summer Day (which they sent me by mistake.) Looking forward to watching Summer Day for the first time!

[Shingster]

Originally Posted by Marlow27

Hirokazu Kore-eda's After Life. I just finished After the Storm which was very good, and Still Walking is one of my favourite modern films, but does anyone know why the hold up with After Life?

Originally Posted by Shingster

Well imo the question should be "Where are any of Koreeda's films pre-Still Walking?" coz Nobody Knows for instance was as big, if not bigger than any other Koreeda film in terms of profile in the west when it came out and Maborosi and Distance were also kinda "must-see" Japanese films on DVD by fans getting into j-cinema back in the day.

Ho Ho Ho, look what has recently been announced on BD in Japan. If Criterion or MoC or Arrow could port these bad boys over, preferably in a boxset, then that will be a release or series of releases to seriously look forward to!

[mja345]

Originally Posted by The Sovereign

She's the reason I bought it, and it's not typically the kind of film I'd feel the need to own. I don't think anyone else could have given that performance - maybe Jennifer Jason Leigh (just because she's another at the top of my list) - but I doubt it. Huppert is amazing and as you said, it really demands multiple viewings.

Huppert's definitely one of the top actresses of all-time. I'm a big JJL fan as well and Gena Rowlands is my personal favorite, but Huppert is masterful.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Shingster

Ho Ho Ho, look what has recently been announced on BD in Japan. If Criterion or MoC or Arrow could port these bad boys over, preferably in a boxset, then that will be a release or series of releases to seriously look forward to!

We have a better chance of receiving UHDs before we get more contemporary Asian cinema.

[mande2013]

Originally Posted by mja345

Huppert's definitely one of the top actresses of all-time. I'm a big JJL fan as well and Gena Rowlands is my personal favorite, but Huppert is masterful.

Well JJL did admirably take on a "MILF" role in Good Time.

[belcherman]

Just a head’s up for people who might be interested in checking out Filmstruck. The Amazon Firestick is currently going for $25 (limited time). I don’t own Amazon stock or anything like that; I’m just a mostly satisfied customer of Filmstruck on the Firestick.

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by Scottie

We have a better chance of receiving UHDs before we get more contemporary Asian cinema.

Well those releases appear to be English friendly. Maybe our friends in Nippon are finally getting the hint about their releases? (Now hopefully they have started to do decent masters of blu-rays).

[StarDestroyer52]

Mentioning Stray Dog and Gun Crazy again it seems like they had French releases in 2016 and 2013. Did they have a new source for Stray Dog?



Gun Crazy is even Region Free it seems. And the quality of it looks very good

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film4/blu-r...zy_blu-ray.htm

[Hoke Moseley]

Originally Posted by mande2013

Well JJL did admirably take on a "MILF" role in Good Time.

Did we watch the same movie?

[theater dreamer]

Hmm, watching Olivier’s Hamlet from the DVR, taped on February 27th from TCM. It’s in high definition, and the picture looks beautiful. I already knew that a nice hi def master existed, as I imported the region B locked ITV release.

What caught my eye, however was the first thing to flash on screen after TCM’s intro to the film: the Criterion and Janus films logos.

“But soft, what Olivier Best Picture-winner through yonder monthly announcement breaks?”

Wait, wrong play. But this means there’s a very good chance Criterion does an upgrade to the Olivier’s Shakespeare box set with Hamlet, Henry V and Richard III.

I would absolutely kill for that.

[theater dreamer]

The Piano Teacher is officially on my "to buy" list for the July Barnes & Noble sale. Hearing you all wax poetic about the film, and Isabelle Huppert's performance, has piqued my interest. I have a real affinity for films driven by strong lead actress performances.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I have both Amour and Code Unknown, but have yet to experience either of them. Michael Haneke's work has eluded me, thus far. My DVR has been filling up faster than I can watch what I've been recording of late, so my blu-ray collection has taken a bit of a back seat for the time being. Maybe I'll just pick a night this week, and watch them both.

[Alan Clarke]

For people who own both the Cronos UK optimum version and this Criterion one, is there a different in image quality and sound between the two? The UK one has very high marks on here, surprisingly.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

The Piano Teacher is officially on my "to buy" list for the July Barnes & Noble sale. Hearing you all wax poetic about the film, and Isabelle Huppert's performance, has piqued my interest. I have a real affinity for films driven by strong lead actress performances.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I have both Amour and Code Unknown, but have yet to experience either of them. Michael Haneke's work has eluded me, thus far. My DVR has been filling up faster than I can watch what I've been recording of late, so my blu-ray collection has taken a bit of a back seat for the time being. Maybe I'll just pick a night this week, and watch them both.

I've been on an Isabelle Huppert kick lately. She is truly the greatest living actress.

I first rewatched The Piano Teacher and then Elle, the latter of which I've grown to appreciate more on a repeat viewing.

Today I think I'll rewatch Amour and Things to Come for the first time today.