The Criterion Collection

[evilive]

Finally made a trip to B&N:

[ilenewoodsfan99]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

If it's The Great Escape hopefully that means it won't be too long before a release. Crosses finger for a March 2020 release. When the Temple Drake newsletter clue came out it was a short time before they announced it for a release.

The Temple Drake clue was my favorite. I felt so good figuring that out by myself.

[theater dreamer]

Thank God they’re going to reissue All About Eve with improved packaging. The review at Criterion Forum notes how nice looking it is from a design percpective.

Here I was worried I’d gave to start looking for come custom artwork to do it in a standard Scanavo, as I did for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The PQ and AQ might not represent massive upgrades, but the extras that weren’t originally on the Fox digibook are must haves, for me. All About Eve is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, and it’s worth double dipping on.

I’m pumped to get Now, Voyager. That will be in my order tomorrow.

[Professor Echo]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by yoloswegmaster420

A typically professional, courteous, productive response from Criterion. They are not always forthcoming on mistakes, of course, but it's nice to see them not snarkily blaming the customer as sometimes happens with studio insiders. I've never had any issues with Criterion customer service and that's becoming a rather rare occurrence with customer service anywhere these days.

[AaronJ]

OK, major question which I am asking myself right now, and which I can't seem to find an answer for:

How on god's green Earth is it possible that I not only do not own, but also and even worse (MUCH worse!) have not even seen Design For Living?!

This is shameful. I just ordered it, and thus am putting an end to both of those problems. But wow.

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by evilive

Finally made a trip to B&N:

Real nice selection there, evilive!

[theater dreamer]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

OK, major question which I am asking myself right now, and which I can't seem to find an answer for:

How on god's green Earth is it possible that I not only do not own, but also and even worse (MUCH worse!) have not even seen Design For Living?!

This is shameful. I just ordered it, and thus am putting an end to both of those problems. But wow.

I'm only slightly less guilty, Aaron. I've owned it since last Fall's B&N sale, but haven't watched it yet. And I'm dying to. I really am.

I keep meaning to go to my physical media collection to knock out a large portion of movies I've bought. But TCM keeps playing so many films that I've not seen-movies that aren't available on blu-ray, and they're selections that I feel are musts for the base of knowledge I'm working so diligently to build. Plus, they're a lot of fun. It's not like a premium channel, or a movie showing on Netflix-I've got to grab it when I can, and either watch it right away, or store it. TCM will show most of these films from time to time, but if I miss a showing, it could be months until it pops up again, assuming it's not on Watch TCM, or On Demand.

I'm pressing forward with my plans to write books and do a blog, and the only thing slowing me down, of late, has been how I've felt. Chronic pain is difficult to manage, at times, and I won't watch one of these classics unless I'm able to devote my full attention to it. Between the movies and documentaries I'm watching, the discussions I take part in, the books and articles I read, I'm putting myself through my own version of film school.

It's a lot of work, but it's really a labor of love for me.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

You're not the only one; totally pointless and just one of many reasons why it's the worst thing he's ever done.

Nah Death Proof still has it covered.

[AaronJ]

I understand the TCM point quite well, though lately -- well, more than "lately" -- I've been watching so much news and political coverage every day that movies have almost taken a back seat. That may end soon, because I'm just getting tired of it all. Anyways ...

I'm sorry to hear about the physical problems you are dealing with. You have my best wishes. Good luck with your plans and your health.

[bonehica]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

OK, major question which I am asking myself right now, and which I can't seem to find an answer for:

How on god's green Earth is it possible that I not only do not own, but also and even worse (MUCH worse!) have not even seen Design For Living?!

This is shameful. I just ordered it, and thus am putting an end to both of those problems. But wow.

I actually had that in my hands last night and was mulling over the purchase. I know I will get it eventually...but had to have that Von Trier first

[bwdowiak]

To those who have seen both films, which do you think is better? Morituri (Twilight Time release on sale now) or The Fugitive Kind (forthcoming Criterion release.)

I've always been a big fan of Marlon Brando, but had been under the impression that his career was colored with a lot of stinkers. Morituri sounds more interesting to me, but I don't know. He was really good in The Chase, I thought (another TT release,) but that movie was pretty bad.

[ilenewoodsfan99]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

OK, major question which I am asking myself right now, and which I can't seem to find an answer for:

How on god's green Earth is it possible that I not only do not own, but also and even worse (MUCH worse!) have not even seen Design For Living?!

This is shameful. I just ordered it, and thus am putting an end to both of those problems. But wow.

Design for Living is an absolute favorite

[CQD84]

I just bought All About Eve at B&N. I got home, opened it, and I was shocked at how bad the packaging is.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by CQD84

I just bought All About Eve at B&N. I got home, opened it, and I was shocked at how bad the packaging is.

I think Criterion will offer a replacement package/program eventually when they switch to plastic hubs, or a plastic case in general for the movie. Thankfully, this will be the first, and last release to have this packaging.

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by CQD84

I just bought All About Eve at B&N. I got home, opened it, and I was shocked at how bad the packaging is.

My All About Eve digibook is fantastic. And I picked that up for $9.99 in 2012.

[Grimfrost]

Some in store love for Canadian residents with a Sunrise Records close by

[jgogg]

Originally Posted by Grimfrost

Some in store love for Canadian residents with a Sunrise Records close by

This would be great but my local Sunrise has only ever carried The Virgin Suicides and no other Criterion title for some reason.

[JasonMichael]

Originally Posted by jgogg

This would be great but my local Sunrise has only ever carried The Virgin Suicides and no other Criterion title for some reason.

Yeah, the ones in Ottawa pulled all their Criterions about six months ago, even having signs around the stores at the time saying they were going out of Criterion so we had better buy what we want while they were there (I believe there was a change in distributor at the time in Canada) and then I haven't seen any since. I was in a couple of their stores yesterday and even looked to see if they had any, but nada. So I'm surprised that they are advertising this sale.
I did see a bunch of Arrow titles at about 30% off, however.

[Movie shy]

Just got my copy of David Lean directs Noel Coward that I got from Amazon. It came in a bubble mailer but was in perfect condition. Brief Encounter is one of my all time favorite films. Considering you get 4 films for 49.99 (I had a 5 dollar credit from Amazon so 47 plus change that included tax) was well worth the price. This will be my only Criterion pickup until next November sale.

[nitin]

I saw Masahiro Shinoda’s Assassination last night, a movie which I believe has played on the Criterion Channel previously and may also be able to be released by them on blu ray (they have other Shinoda in the collection including the fabulous Pale Flower).

It’s a very complicated (and for a non Japanese person like me, quite confusing) mix of samurai film and political drama with a Citizen Kane like structure. I got enough of the plot to stay engaged but the flashback editing, which doesn’t always go back to where the flashback started, did make it somewhat difficult to keep track of what was happening and in what order.

But what is not at all difficult to see is the stunning mise en scene from Shinoda, the black and white scope cinematography is really something and Toru Takemitsu contributes another moody and fitting score to complement the imagery on show.

A bit like Kane, I dont think we are that much closer to knowing the main character by the end, but this film also plays it much more ambiguously than Kane (which to be fair can be read in a way, particularly the final scenes, in a more reductive character portrait fashion if one wishes to).

I saw it off the Eureka DVD which has an ok print but this would look amazing on blu ray with a new master so I hope Criterion does look into it.

If resident Japanese films expert duketogo84 has seen this film, I would be interested to hear where he places it in his Japanese film echelon.