The Criterion Collection

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by caiman

They released a Japanese film literally two days ago.

They only released two Japanese releases in the entire year. Yes, two. There was a time where they would release multiple Japanese titles a month.

So yes, while they did release a title a few days ago, we have literally only gotten two Japanese made films in the past year, while they have the rights to over a hundred that don't have Blu-ray releases.

[dwk]

I have to imagine with next year being Criterion's 35 anniversary and spine #1000 they are working on some special releases (maybe a complete/almost complete Truffaut or a complete/almost complete Kurosawa.) That could explain the relatively light first two months.

[DukeTogo84]

Also, I'm thinking that maybe Criterion might release Ran since StudioCanal made a few deals this month according to Kino.

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Man, Criterion really doesn't care much about Japanese cinema anymore with their releases.

A Story from Chikamatsu is getting released next week. And its almost a certainty we get some Ozu next year

[Reddington]

Death in Venice and La vérité for me. And maybe Berlin Alexanderplatz come sale time.

[professorwho]

I like to think I'm knowledgeable with the history of cinema and knowing famous films I've never seen, but then Criterion always comes up to me, says "hold my beer", and proceeds to shatter that image I had.

So yeah. Never heard of any of these, but they sound good.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by DeyoreW

wow that's a bad month...lol

How? Explain.

Have you ever seen Berlin Alexanderplatz or Death in Venice?

How can a month with titans - Fassbinder, Visconti, Clouzot, and Bergman along with a film that never had a disc release in the U.S. with the Burnett film be a bad month? Need some explanation and your opinion on what a 'great' month would be to you.

Originally Posted by Jexes23

Overall I agree, however I will be getting La vérité based on my experience with Clouzot's other films. But the others, blah.

Have you ever seen Berlin Alexanderplatz? Blah would never be a word to describe it.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

A Story from Chikamatsu is getting released next week. And its almost a certainty we get some Ozu next year

Absolutely. The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice, and/or Floating Weeds are very likely. Plus we're due for another Kurosawa movie. And there's also the Godzilla set coming out likely next year too.

[MifuneFan]

"I haven't heard of many of these, therefore it's a bad month"

[jw007]

Nothing here for me is screaming out for "MUST BUY!"

I feel underwhelmed. Some classic films but nothing that is super popular. Do I see myself buying 15 hour long Berlin Alexanderplatz and rewatching it more than once? Probably not.

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

"I haven't heard of many of these, therefore it's a bad month"

“Why didn’t my wishlist be real.”

[Bandit Tajomaru]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

They only released two Japanese releases in the entire year. Yes, two. There was a time where they would release multiple Japanese titles a month.

So yes, while they did release a title a few days ago, we have literally only gotten two Japanese made films in the past year, while they have the rights to over a hundred that don't have Blu-ray releases.

Criterion has access to mainstream Hollywood movies now. So they will release less niche titles now. We also haven’t gotten a Chaplin or Lloyd film in years.

[willtopower]

I (like some others) don't understand the complaining. It seems it's because these films aren't known to those disappointed? But for me, the more films I don't know, the better! How can any film lover get tired of discovery?

For these, I'm pretty stoked Berlin Alexanderplatz was announced as I'm getting the rest of the Fassbinder titles this sale. There was, maybe, a 15% chance I was going to grab the dvd release!

And I've never seen Death in Venice, but I really really love that cover.

[professorwho]

I don't get it either. I rarely blind buy titles, but new announcements make me curious about titles, which may lead to me renting it from a library if it's available.

I like hearing about titles I've never heard of. Berlin Alexanderplatz sounds great, but expect a Dekalog style debate over the release due to it being a 25fps film/mini-series.

[willtopower]

Originally Posted by professorwho

I like hearing about titles I've never heard of. Berlin Alexanderplatz sounds great, but expect a Dekalog style debate over the release due to it being a 25fps film/mini-series.

Yea, I saw one comment already. Luckily, I'm not too bothered by those debates.

[caiman]

I haven't seen any of these and I've only heard of three of them. That's five new - possibly great - movies that are now on my watchlist. If that's not Criterion fulfilling its purpose I don't know what is.

[Scottie]

Some of you are reacting as if Criterion just announced The Room or Freddy Got Fingered.

[senseabove]

Originally Posted by professorwho

I don't get it either. I rarely blind buy titles, but new announcements make me curious about titles, which may lead to me renting it from a library if it's available.

I like hearing about titles I've never heard of. Berlin Alexanderplatz sounds great, but expect a Dekalog style debate over the release due to it being a 25fps film/mini-series.

Not to , but the Dekalog debate was over whether it was filmed at 25fps or 24fps, and thus which release was more accurate. That's why it was contentious. Alexanderplatz, like Eight Hours Don't Make a Day, was only ever intended for TV, and there's nothing to debate: they were filmed at 25fps, and that's accurate. There wasn't any debate over last month's Fassbinder TV set and there shouldn't be for this one, as Criterion doesn't have any choice but to release it at 24fps, even though it was filmed at 25fps.

The only "debate" for US folks is whether to pick up the UK set, if your equipment can play it.

[professorwho]

My bad. I mis-remembered a little. I could go for either release, but I’m hoping Criterion uses a new transfer, but I think they’ll use the same one as the UK BD- right?

[gregmtl92]

Originally Posted by Scottie

Some of you are reacting as if Criterion just announced The Room or Freddy Got Fingered.

I'd probably pick up Freddy Got Fingered to be honest..