The Criterion Collection

[thatguamguy]

The VHS was released by Janus too, I don't think anybody else has ever had it in America. I'm really excited about this new restoration, I feel comfortable saying Criterion will release that. I saw a beat-up print of "Tunes" a few years ago at Film Forum, but I would absolutely go to this if they delayed it for a few months and waited for me to move to LA.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

The VHS was released by Janus too, I don't think anybody else has ever had it in America. I'm really excited about this new restoration, I feel comfortable saying Criterion will release that.

Oh, I didn't even realize it was one of the titles they've released previously on DVD too, thought this was a new acquisition for them . I've never really come across it for some reason.

[thatguamguy]

It's not a widely known title, I just celebrate it loudly. It's my #1 Alec Guinness performance, and he ranks high on my list of favorite actors. (My avatar is from Tunes.)

[The Sovereign]

^ It's a great one. I'd love to see Criterion upgrade that along with The Horse's Mouth, which is also fantastic. I still have that one on DVD.

[thatguamguy]

They did an upgrade on "Hopscotch" (which was their third release by director Ronald Neame), so I have to figure they'd be willing to do "The Horse's Mouth" sooner or later, once the elements are lined up.

[amputd]

Tunes of Glory has been on my wish list for a long time- great film with superb performances. The setting and plot are both very unique as well. Really hope this is in the works.

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

What's don't you understand about it?

Dunno. At certain points it's like there's a couple reels missing. To be honest I kinda like it that way. Never really seen anything like it, except maybe in gialli.

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by DenOfEarth

I wonder if Criterion has plans for The Thing from Another World?

No. Warner wanted to release it themselves, but a lot of original elements are missing so it would be a difficult reconstruction.

Originally Posted by DenOfEarth

Since Criterion did great with the animated cult classics Watership Down and Fantastic Planet, consider this in a special edition with new 2K or 4K restoration supervised by Ralph Bakshi, commentary, featurette on making the film, trailers, TV spots and still gallery.

Rumor is the issue here is music rights. Lots of big hit songs would have to be re-licensed.

Same with Art Linson's The Wild Life and Linklater's SubUrbia.

[AGH]

For those in the know, does Criterion still replace digibook releases with the regular cases? I have an out of print title and I was curious if they still send these to customers since it’s just the artwork and booklet. Thank you!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by AGH

For those in the know, does Criterion still replace digibook releases with the regular cases? I have an out of print title and I was curious if they still send these to customers since it’s just the artwork and booklet. Thank you!

DigiPack. And yes, you can purchase each item you need for $5 apiece.

Let's say you need to replace the DigiPack for The Leopard, like I did. I needed the Scanavo plastic case (you might not if you've previously purchased extras from the Criterion store, or a place like Casetopia), and the artwork. You'd send $10 Paypal to store@criterion.com, and where it says "add a note", you'd enter in "1 scanavo case 1 cover art for The Leopard". The $10 includes shipping and any applicable tax.

In a few days, you'll receive your package from Criterion.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

DigiPack. And yes, you can purchase each item you need for $5 apiece.

Let's say you need to replace the DigiPack for The Leopard, like I did. I needed the Scanavo plastic case (you might not if you've previously purchased extras from the Criterion store, or a place like Casetopia), and the artwork. You'd send $10 Paypal to store@criterion.com, and where it says "add a note", you'd enter in "1 scanavo case 1 cover art for The Leopard". The $10 includes shipping and any applicable tax.

In a few days, you'll receive your package from Criterion.

Just out of curiosity, what if you don't need the case? How do they sent the cover art to you without it getting damaged?

[exzachary]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

Just out of curiosity, what if you don't need the case? How do they sent the cover art to you without it getting damaged?

I've bought several cover art insert replacements from them. They send them in these very sturdy cardboard envelopes.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by exzachary

I've bought several cover art insert replacements from them. They send them in these very sturdy cardboard envelopes.

Yup, the envelopes are thick, the same kind I've seen used for photographic images, complete with the do not bend sticker. Here's one I still have with the replacement packaging for the John Cassavetes: Five Films set.



Criterion has always packaged things well, in my experience. The replacement art, or boxes, when sent by themselves, are placed inside of paper, and then slipped into the envelope.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by AGH

For those in the know, does Criterion still replace digibook releases with the regular cases? I have an out of print title and I was curious if they still send these to customers since it’s just the artwork and booklet. Thank you!

OOP might not be replaceable. It depends on whether or not they still have copies of the covers and or booklet in their office.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by dwk

OOP might not be replaceable. It depends on whether or not they still have copies of the covers and or booklet in their office.

Right. I was going to mention that, but had a brain fart. Thank you for picking up the ball when I fumbled.

AGH, the long answer is this: if Criterion still has distribution rights to the film, they'll have the replacement packaging you need. If they don't, they may still; it's best to ask them before placing an order. Shoot an e-mail to store@criterion.com, or, better yet, send one to Jon Mulvaney. mulvaney@criterion.com.

If for some reason they don't have the artwork, you still have some options.

First, get the Scanavo plastic case. You can get one for $5 (again, that includes shipping) from the Criterion store. Or, you can buy five of the standard 14 mm plastic cases. A five pack is $12 plus shipping. With standard shipping, the total is $18.95. Shipping is free with orders over $50, so you might want until you put in a larger order.

Casetopia is another option. They have a minimum order of $5 on their site (prior to shipping or tax). You can get six of the cases for $5.28. With FedEx shipping, those six cost $14.77. If you're cool with getting ten, you can buy from them on Ebay. A ten pack there is $17.99 with free shipping. There may be other sellers, but I've never used anybody but Criterion or Casetopia.

Next, you're going to need the artwork. Check out the custom cover art thread on our forum to begin your search. If you can't find the exact cover art as it was originally offered, you might privately message one of the posters in that thread. They may be able to assist you. There are other sites where people do custom blu-ray and/or DVD covers. The ones I've checked also have members who do high res scans of the original artwork. Customaniacs.org and hirescovers.net are a few.

As far as insert books go, if Criterion is out of them, you may be able to find one for sale on Ebay.

Good luck!

[Dortmunder]

The Criterion DVD of "Tunes of Glory" was good enough at the time, excepting the faded black vertical line appearing down the full length of frame right, for about 8 minutes, from the 90 minute mark.

í contacted Jon Mulvaney at the time, who replied, "There is indeed a nasty vertical scratch running down the side of the frame during a portion of TUNES OF GLORY. This scratch was inherent in the film elements used for the TUNES OF GLORY transfer and could not be removed using our digital restoration tools".

Excellent news that a new restoration has been done. An extremely fine film.

Good old George...



.

[thatguamguy]

I bought a VHS of "Tunes of Glory" and it had that line, so I taped it off of AMC in SP mode but it had the line too, so when the DVD came out I thought "Finally!" but no, it still had the line. So I'll believe they've removed it when I see it, but it was also the first thing I thought of when I read about this digital restoration. (The beat-up print that was projected in Film Forum a few years back had a lot of other scratches but not that particular one.)

[biglou114]

Originally Posted by The Sovereign

^ It's a great one. I'd love to see Criterion upgrade that along with The Horse's Mouth, which is also fantastic. I still have that one on DVD.

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

They did an upgrade on "Hopscotch" (which was their third release by director Ronald Neame), so I have to figure they'd be willing to do "The Horse's Mouth" sooner or later, once the elements are lined up.

I’m very happy that Tunes will get an upgrade. But I’m not sure if it’s such a good idea to see a “cleaned up” Horse’s Mouth. A dirty print of that movie just adds to the atmosphere and be fitting to Jimson.

[ShellOilJunior]

The planets have aligned.

I'm intrigued.

[cropduster]

Originally Posted by dwk

Oh, and The World's Greatest Sinner has been rumored to be released by Criterion. Hopefully we'll get some news about that.

I watched this for the first time a few months ago and thought it was pretty good, despite watching a copy sourced from a horrible looking VHS rip of the film. A properly restored Criterion release of this film would be most welcome.