The Criterion Collection

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by jdw89

Ok so I just added a bunch of Criterion’s and am thinking of getting more. I’ll likely get the Ingmar Bergman set, any others any would recommend?

Also is it just me or do the little booklets always have small dings to them?

I'd be more than happy to help you with some suggestions, even though you're a Vikings fan!

For starters, you might give me/the other members of the forum who frequent this discussion a little information on what you're looking for. I could easily take a look at your collection, but I've always found that a person's collection tends to provide a window into their past likes, and not necessarily what they might want to be focusing on going forward. Some people maintain a fairly even love for particular genres, eras, countries, or even just directors and actors, throughout their life. Others see their likes and interests change dynamically (myself falling into this category) over time. As far as my love of film is concerned, I am not the same enthusiast I was even a year ago. My tastes, and collecting habits, have change radically. For this reason, I don't want to assume.

The Bergman box set is a great place to start. As you'd see by perusing my collection, I am a big fan of his. I'll be getting the box set, but since I already have a number of his films, it's not my highest priority. It's up near the top, but there are other things I want first.

Firstly, are you focused on more modern films, or will you consider films from the classic Hollywood era? Or, do you not have a particular preference? What about domestic releases versus films from overseas (beyond Mr. Bergman)?

About three years ago, or so, shortly after I started my blu-ray collection (I was a real late starter!), I was introduced to the Criterion Collection when I purchased Elia Kazan's On The Waterfront. I was already a huge fan of Marlon Brando's, and buying the Criterion issue was a revelation. Within a few months, I found myself buying The Seventh Seal, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, and Federico Fellini's 8 1/2. I was off to the races, and discovered I had a real love for foreign films. Then, I bought Charlie Chaplin's City Lights, and that marked my first real foray into silent pictures. Criterion has exposed me to a whole other world, and in doing so, my life has been enriched exponentially. So, fire away! The more information, the better we can help you. Don't be shy.

And yes, I do find that the booklets are occasionally dinged up. Usually, I just take them out, stack a few on top of each other, and put the booklets between some heavy books, and that smooths out the rough edges. I've only had a few that were noticeably damaged. I contacted Criterion directly, and ordered replacements. My On The Waterfront packaging was actually a bit dinged up (I bought it through Amazon), and Criterion were good enough to send me replacement packaging for free. The two or three times the booklets were really severely damaged, Criterion replaced them. I just sent them pictures, and proof of purchase (or told them the order number through their site). They're very good about standing behind their product. The few times the booklets were more just an annoyance to me than anything, I plopped down the $5 to replace each.

[theater dreamer]

Speaking of Brando and Bertolucci, what are everybody's thoughts on Criterion getting the rights to distribute Last Tango in Paris?



It's probably been about five years since I've seen the film. I was going to buy it this weekend, but when I looked at the current blu-ray, I was more than a bit surprised to see that the domestic issue had no extras whatsoever. Chalk this up as another film that has to have a veritable treasure trove of bonus features just waiting to be disseminated. I have to think that there's at least one video interview with Pauline Kael recounting her now famous review of the film.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jdw89

Ok so I just added a bunch of Criterion’s and am thinking of getting more. I’ll likely get the Ingmar Bergman set, any others any would recommend?

Also is it just me or do the little booklets always have small dings to them?

Yep, my booklets seem to always have a small fold or ding. Something in the plastic case always seems to crunch against the booklets when they close.

You've got some essentials already I see. If you can manage them, I think these are also must-haves: Seven Samurai, On the Waterfront, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Bicycle Thieves, Harakiri, Brazil, Silence of the Lambs,

Since you have a good number of action and comedy movies, I figure you might enjoy Hopscotch, which is a pretty lightweight, tongue-in-cheek spy caper of sorts. The Wes Anderson films are cute--maybe too cute at times, so I'd recommend renting most of them. The Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Life Aquatic would be easier recommendations since there's more action to those. The Breakfast Club is a must, and you usually can't go wrong with all the Charlie Chaplin or Harry Lloyd films. Also, Eating Raoul is an underrated gem with some serious bite to it.

Since you have a few of the more surreal Criterions (like Naked Lunch and Being John Malkovich), Videodrome, Scanners, Eraserhead, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas are real doozies too. And maybe 1977's House--that movie's crazy.

If you're looking for more thrillers, all the Hitchcocks and DePalma films are easy recommendations. Other good ones would be Night of the Hunter, Diabolique, High and Low, Thee Manchurian Candidate, and The Wages of Fear.

If you're looking for more crime movies, Le Samourai and Rififi are pretty cool.

Horror looks like your main shtick. A lot of the Criterion horror titles do nothing for me personally, but the Del Toro films are favorites of mine (The Devil's Backbone, Cronos), and The Phantom Carriage is a superb story. Vampyr and Haxan deserve a look too.

[English Patient]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Speaking of Brando and Bertolucci, what are everybody's thoughts on Criterion getting the rights to distribute Last Tango in Paris?

It's probably been about five years since I've seen the film. I was going to buy it this weekend, but when I looked at the current blu-ray, I was more than a bit surprised to see that the domestic issue had no extras whatsoever. Chalk this up as another film that has to have a veritable treasure trove of bonus features just waiting to be disseminated. I have to think that there's at least one video interview with Pauline Kael recounting her now famous review of the film.

It's one of my all-time favorite films, and I'd always thought it should have been one of the first movies Criterion tackled. However, there's probably too much negative publicity about it (Maria Schneider pretty much disowned the film, said she was sexually exploited by Bertolucci), and in the current climate it might make Criterion hesitate. But the movie deserves a special edition - it would be great to hear Bertolucci's thoughts on the genesis of the movie, working with Brando, etc.

[regeyer]

B&N sent me an email with a 10% off coupon. Will this work with the Criterion sale? Will it work with the Bergman set pre-order?

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by regeyer

B&N sent me an email with a 10% off coupon. Will this work with the Criterion sale? Will it work with the Bergman set pre-order?

I just tried it online and it doesn't work.

[nichart]

Originally Posted by regeyer

I just tried it online and it doesn't work.

But it will work with the Arrow 50% off sale.

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by regeyer

B&N sent me an email with a 10% off coupon. Will this work with the Criterion sale? Will it work with the Bergman set pre-order?

Originally Posted by regeyer

I just tried it online and it doesn't work.

Most of the time, Criterion movies are exempt from the coupons.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by regeyer

B&N sent me an email with a 10% off coupon. Will this work with the Criterion sale? Will it work with the Bergman set pre-order?

As you found - no. I think Summer 2016 was when they shut down most coupons on Criterion online and instore. Previously the store coupon always worked, but the online was sale by sale random

Interesting that the store coupon specifically states No Criterion 50% off, but the online code doesn't though all the Criterion have a line in the description "This item ineligible for coupons".

In addition, virtually no BN coupon ever works on preorders of any kind -- books, music, movies,etc. It's not zero, but it's pretty close

[bsend]

Originally Posted by mande2013

Oh, I really hope Criterion doesn't get into the habit of re-releasing films they've already put out on blu-ray, with the exception of course of films that have gone out of print like PlayTime or if it's a truly botched affair, such as in the case of the The Earrings of Madame de...(surely after a certain point, diminishing returns enters the equation when you're only viewing a film in 1080p). But in general, I really hope Criterion doesn't go down that road. I'm fairly certain collectors would buy say a 2010/2011 Criterion blu-ray disc presuming they were set for decades without fearing their discs would be perceived as "obsolete".

Agreed. I bought "In the Mood for love" since I thought that would be the definitive edition of the movie. Now I have a sealed copy that will be inferior. Hopefully it's a once in a while thing and not a continuous process. There are so many movies that need to be upgraded to blu ray in the collection.

[Sifox211]

Isn't it an exception in that the current release of ITMFL is not regarded as being very good?

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

[Show spoiler]I'd be more than happy to help you with some suggestions, even though you're a Vikings fan!

For starters, you might give me/the other members of the forum who frequent this discussion a little information on what you're looking for. I could easily take a look at your collection, but I've always found that a person's collection tends to provide a window into their past likes, and not necessarily what they might want to be focusing on going forward. Some people maintain a fairly even love for particular genres, eras, countries, or even just directors and actors, throughout their life. Others see their likes and interests change dynamically (myself falling into this category) over time. As far as my love of film is concerned, I am not the same enthusiast I was even a year ago. My tastes, and collecting habits, have change radically. For this reason, I don't want to assume.

The Bergman box set is a great place to start. As you'd see by perusing my collection, I am a big fan of his. I'll be getting the box set, but since I already have a number of his films, it's not my highest priority. It's up near the top, but there are other things I want first.

Firstly, are you focused on more modern films, or will you consider films from the classic Hollywood era? Or, do you not have a particular preference? What about domestic releases versus films from overseas (beyond Mr. Bergman)?

About three years ago, or so, shortly after I started my blu-ray collection (I was a real late starter!), I was introduced to the Criterion Collection when I purchased Elia Kazan's On The Waterfront. I was already a huge fan of Marlon Brando's, and buying the Criterion issue was a revelation. Within a few months, I found myself buying The Seventh Seal, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor, and Federico Fellini's 8 1/2. I was off to the races, and discovered I had a real love for foreign films. Then, I bought Charlie Chaplin's City Lights, and that marked my first real foray into silent pictures. Criterion has exposed me to a whole other world, and in doing so, my life has been enriched exponentially. So, fire away! The more information, the better we can help you. Don't be shy.

And yes, I do find that the booklets are occasionally dinged up. Usually, I just take them out, stack a few on top of each other, and put the booklets between some heavy books, and that smooths out the rough edges. I've only had a few that were noticeably damaged. I contacted Criterion directly, and ordered replacements. My On The Waterfront packaging was actually a bit dinged up (I bought it through Amazon), and Criterion were good enough to send me replacement packaging for free. The two or three times the booklets were really severely damaged, Criterion replaced them. I just sent them pictures, and proof of purchase (or told them the order number through their site). They're very good about standing behind their product. The few times the booklets were more just an annoyance to me than anything, I plopped down the $5 to replace each.

I've got to hand it to you, TD. Many (myself being one of them) have gone quiet on this thread; some have disappeared entirely. But your enthusiasm for the CC and these films never wanes. Keep living the good life.

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Speaking of Brando and Bertolucci, what are everybody's thoughts on Criterion getting the rights to distribute Last Tango in Paris?



It's probably been about five years since I've seen the film. I was going to buy it this weekend, but when I looked at the current blu-ray, I was more than a bit surprised to see that the domestic issue had no extras whatsoever. Chalk this up as another film that has to have a veritable treasure trove of bonus features just waiting to be disseminated. I have to think that there's at least one video interview with Pauline Kael recounting her now famous review of the film.

I wonder to what extent Criterion consider the contemporary zeitgeist of media/arts politics because I imagine there'd be a big backlash releasing Last Tango now. Criterion seems to differ from other labels in that they are really popular (in a still admittedly niche way - but in fact almost to the extent of being the only identifiable home video brand) among young people involved in cinephilia and arts criticism - and they are typically the biggest proponents of moral revisionism and whatnot. I know Criterion too were speculated to be potentially doing something with Annie Hall and Manhattan - I wonder if they'll hold off for similar reasons?

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

I wonder to what extent Criterion consider the contemporary zeitgeist of media/arts politics because I imagine there'd be a big backlash releasing Last Tango now. Criterion seems to differ from other labels in that they are really popular (in a still admittedly niche way - but in fact almost to the extent of being the only identifiable home video brand) among young people involved in cinephilia and arts criticism - and they are typically the biggest proponents of moral revisionism and whatnot. I know Criterion too were speculated to be potentially doing something with Annie Hall and Manhattan - I wonder if they'll hold off for similar reasons?

What elements of Last Tango would result in such a backlash exactly?

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by bsend

Agreed. I bought "In the Mood for love" since I thought that would be the definitive edition of the movie. Now I have a sealed copy that will be inferior. Hopefully it's a once in a while thing and not a continuous process. There are so many movies that need to be upgraded to blu ray in the collection.

Their release of In the Mood for Love was based on a dated master even for 2012, and if they get access to a new scan / restoration, they should not feel inhibited from doing a new version. ITMFL is a very popular movie among cinephiles, attracting new fans every year and would attract good sales. No one's being forced to multi-dip if they're happy with how their existing purchase looks. And Criterion have done in this in the DVD era as well, eg. upgrading their DVD's of Seven Samurai and Yojimbo / Sanjuro releases 3-4 years before they put them out on blu-ray.

[hariseldon]

It appears Some Like It Hot just got pushed back to Nov 20 with all the other releases -- has Criterion ever had 4 new Blurays release simultaneously?

Makes me a little more worried about the rest of the titles being delayed

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Doctorossi

Absolutely. It's in my top 20.

Mine too.

(I like your avatar, too )

Thanks!

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

What elements of Last Tango would result in such a backlash exactly?

It was a huge deal last year https://www.theguardian.com/film/201...ion-bertolucci

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

It was a huge deal last year https://www.theguardian.com/film/201...ion-bertolucci

Should we boycott it?

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by ravenus

Their release of In the Mood for Love was based on a dated master even for 2012, and if they get access to a new scan / restoration, they should not feel inhibited from doing a new version. ITMFL is a very popular movie among cinephiles, attracting new fans every year and would attract good sales. No one's being forced to multi-dip if they're happy with how their existing purchase looks. And Criterion have done in this in the DVD era as well, eg. upgrading their DVD's of Seven Samurai and Yojimbo / Sanjuro releases 3-4 years before they put them out on blu-ray.

Criterion should take it to the next level and issue the film on UHD and BR. That movie would be eye popping in 4k.

Originally Posted by hariseldon

It appears Some Like It Hot just got pushed back to Nov 20 with all the other releases -- has Criterion ever had 4 new Blurays release simultaneously?

Makes me a little more worried about the rest of the titles being delayed

Amazon said my copy will arrive on 11/16.