The Criterion Collection

[dag]

Lola Montes = meh for me. I enjoy historical films, and the mid-nineteenth century European setting certainly provides for colourful display. But I, myself at least, wouldn't rewatch that again any time soon. To be honest, I also consider Peter Ustinov a charlatan whose only redeeming feature was his work for Unicef.

I recently watched Charade. There were a few plot holes I found a bit too large, which cramped into my appreciation for its storyline. However, Cary Grant was - as always - debonair and the personification of a sophisticated gentleman. How can I be him? And Audrey Hepburn was, naturally, ravishing. And who doesn't love Paris?

Interesting to see DVD Talk give House its "DVD Collector Series" rating. Will I buy this next week from B&N? Ahhh...

[stobbart]

As for what people have been saying about LOLA MONTES I to really enjoyed the film, but have still not gotten around to buying it (at the last B&N sale) and I dont know if I will pick it up on this one.

On another note, I watched DO THE RIGHT THING last night and could not believe I have gone so long without seeing this film. It is just a wonderfully shot, directed film. I will definately be picking this one up at the B&N sale! I WILL NOT be getting the blu because I think it is a sin that they changed the color timing.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Quick question to those who have seen Hausu.......

I realize it is most likely a "psychedelic era" inspired film..... and may have bad themes etc...... but is there any graphic violence, sex, etc? or is just "campy"

UPS should be bringing this to me soon, and I'm not sure if I can view it with my 3 year old son playing in the same room, or whether it's one of those "Wait until he is asleep" films.

There's no sex. Just a lot of cartoon-like violence and analog effects. It'd be OK for your son if didn't have a dismembered head scene (imo at least ).

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Come on now! That sounds like it's coming from someone that is half open-minded towards films and half into Transformers. It's like the type of people that says "I like to watch movies, not read them" when talking about subtitles.


All films are just a bunch of images anyways.

Brakhage - images? check. story? check. freedom? check.

other "movies" - images? check. story? check. freedom? sometimes. Brad Pitt? check.

I know now, Brad Pitt isn't in Brakhage films.


Flickering images is the best kinds of movies. The best kinds.

Originally Posted by keldons

If you can't at least appreciate Window Water Baby Moving or Wedlock House, I don't get you.

Do you like anything else from Avant-Garde film? Brakhage is relatively easy to get into.

But good choice with Close-Up.

Maybe I should leave well enough alone but I wanted to respond to what I consider condescending comments on my taste in movies (and I also will admit that I probably didn't phrase my origional statement very well). I enjoy Godard, Tarkovsky, and Bergman among many other directors featured in the Criterion collection. I have enjoyed everything from 8&1/2 to Wings of Desire; Salo to A Christmas Tale. My taste in movies is quite varied and the simple reason that I don't like By Barkhage shouldn't (and doesn't) make me a salivating idiot. By the way, I just finished watching Window Water Baby Moving and I repeat - not my cup of tea.

Edit: And I am not slamming anyone for liking By Brakhage either let me hasten to add. He and his movies are justifiably famous and worthy the praise they have been given.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

My taste in movies is quite varied and the simple reason that I don't like By Barkhage shouldn't (and doesn't) make me a salivating idiot.

No, but the whole "I like to watch movies - not flickering images flashing across the screen for a few minutes." makes it sound that way. No one cares what you like or don't (the same that I don't care what people think of my likes), so stop with the "condescending" stuff. I wasn't talking one bit about your taste. It's how you put down those films in a way that sounds like your into Transformers is all. It sounds like it came from a random Amazon customer review.

What you did was totally put down something by using child-like or should I say Steelbook-slipcover posters comment about films that isn't of the norm. It sounds just like "I don't like subtitle movies, because I hate reading", or "I like to turn my brain off while watching movies, so bring on the stupid".

Brakhage films isn't things of flashing colors and nonsense. That is Hollywood.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

From Criterion's site:



Only reason I canceled Paths of Glory instead of this, was the fact that I have Paths of Glory on DVD, and have never seen this film yet, so I wanted it first........ Paths of Glory will be ordered during the sale for sure though!

Hausu is very interesting if a little strange. I saw it years ago in college (as it been 25 years already? I am getting old) but the price is so high over here ($38) that I haven't got it. Criterion prices do not go down much here in Canada

[Phantom Zone]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

No, but the whole "I like to watch movies - not flickering images flashing across the screen for a few minutes." makes it sound that way. No one cares what you like or don't (the same that I don't care what people think of my likes), so stop with the "condescending" stuff. I wasn't talking one bit about your taste. It's how you put down those films in a way that sounds like your into Transformers is all. It sounds like it came from a random Amazon customer review.

What you did was totally put down something by using child-like or should I say Steelbook-slipcover posters comment about films that isn't of the norm. It sounds just like "I don't like subtitle movies, because I hate reading", or "I like to turn my brain off while watching movies, so bring on the stupid".

Brakhage films isn't things of flashing colors and nonsense. That is Hollywood.

Harsh...but true

[Hayabusa85]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Hausu is very interesting if a little strange. I saw it years ago in college (as it been 25 years already? I am getting old) but the price is so high over here ($38) that I haven't got it. Criterion prices do not go down much here in Canada

0% chance you would find it here without importing anway right now since there is something going on with Criterion distribution. Even Amazon.ca are not getting them right now.

[Xtempo]

not sure if this was asked but are there any coupons to use during the coming sale?

[wmermine1]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

By Brakhage just isn't my cup of tea. I like to watch movies - not flickering images flashing across the screen for a few minutes. Someone feel free to tell me if I've completely mis-judged By Brakhage.

I felt similarly until I bought the set. I haven't nearly watched the whole thing; however, I can tell you that some of the films in this set moved me more than any "narrative"-style film has. For example, 'The act of seeing with one's own eyes' was very moving and, I dare say, a life-changing viewing experience for me.

The lesson: give it a shot. The set has tons of extra content to help you along as you explore these incredibly moving films.

[Pyoko]

Originally Posted by Xtempo

not sure if this was asked but are there any coupons to use during the coming sale?

Last sale they temporarily disabled all the coupons after a few days so I'm guessing they'll do the same now.

[Old Geezer]

Originally Posted by Phantom Zone

Harsh...but true

And I would expect nothing less from C/G. I have already stated that my origional post was poorly written and after re-reading it I think that is putting it mildly. I enjoy and appreciate the thoughts and views of the people who post on this forum and with that statement I hope to get back to the real reason for this thread - Criterion releases.


Watched House this morning. Great fun movie. I can see why many people have trouble describing exactly what kind of movie it is. Tonight I'm ready for Paths of Glory.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Hayabusa85

0% chance you would find it here without importing anway right now since there is something going on with Criterion distribution. Even Amazon.ca are not getting them right now.

That might be why I can't seem to find it at a lower price. Maybe with the B&N sale coming up?

[rkish]

Originally Posted by tfunk

Good to hear, because I also blind bought a few of those (Gomorrah, Black Narcissus), and I watched Stagecoach on Netflix and thought that was incredible. A few of those are already in my cart for the B&N sale, and I own a few as well. I'm debating what I want to watch next, and it's between The 400 Blows, Paris, Texas, and Gomorrah.

Paris, Texas...no doubt!

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Watched House this morning. Great fun movie. I can see why many people have trouble describing exactly what kind of movie it is. Tonight I'm ready for Paths of Glory.

I bought Paths of Glory today...but will opt to watch it Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and NO INTERRUPTIONS!

It's still hard to believe that it has been released...

I've got House in the top spot of my NetFlix queue...short wait...hopefully will get a chance to view it before the end of the sale.

[wolvereign]

Originally Posted by greekak229

It's more of a comedy because of how bizarre it is. It's actually quite funny, so if you watch it, don't go expecting a hardcore horror flick. But it would be a fun film to watch on Halloween with a bunch of friends.

Cool. I might rent it then. Thanks for the info

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by rkish

Paris, Texas...no doubt!

I second this.

[catch_33]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

No, but the whole "I like to watch movies - not flickering images flashing across the screen for a few minutes." makes it sound that way. No one cares what you like or don't (the same that I don't care what people think of my likes), so stop with the "condescending" stuff. I wasn't talking one bit about your taste. It's how you put down those films in a way that sounds like your into Transformers is all. It sounds like it came from a random Amazon customer review.

What you did was totally put down something by using child-like or should I say Steelbook-slipcover posters comment about films that isn't of the norm. It sounds just like "I don't like subtitle movies, because I hate reading", or "I like to turn my brain off while watching movies, so bring on the stupid".

Brakhage films isn't things of flashing colors and nonsense. That is Hollywood.

It is totally understandable that someone would perceive Brakhage's films to be flickering images, because aesthetically that is what most of them are. What they attempt to achieve, and the social and historical context they exist in are what make them important and moving films. Someone who isn't familiar with that context would only see the images, not think about how Brakhage is trying to break down cinematic conventions and expand the modes of reception of the spectator. Educate people instead of condemning them. And your Hollywood bashing is getting tiresome dude.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by rkish

I bought Paths of Glory today...but will opt to watch it Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and NO INTERRUPTIONS!

It's still hard to believe that it has been released...

I've got House in the top spot of my NetFlix queue...short wait...hopefully will get a chance to view it before the end of the sale.

And the antithesis to that...... I got "House" today, and elected to not watch it today, but wait until tonight so I can enjoy it with some bourbon on the rocks

I won't be enjoying anything in the movie room for quite some time (or perhaps ever again) Once I upload the pictures, you'll know why

[rkish]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I won't be enjoying anything in the movie room for quite some time (or perhaps ever again) Once I upload the pictures, you'll know why

Oh no...what happened?!