The Criterion Collection

[Al3xanderdelag]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

Excellent choice. One of my favorite blind buys and one of my favorite films.

Thanks! I remember watching it earlier and I just loved every minute and had to pick it up

[Ray Jackson]

All I really want right now is the Zatoichi set...and it’s still unavailable.

...dammit.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

One of these days my OCD is going to get the better of me during one of these flash sales, and I'm going to RE-BUY Days of Heaven, 8 1/2, and Wings of Desire. I supposedly own "at risk" copies of all three of these cherished and must-have movies, bearing the dreaded serial numbers of discs that have encountered "rot" issues. I haven't had any issues or sign of rot yet, but I can't stand knowing that they may one day disintegrate faster than my other titles.

One day I'll pull the trigger and use a flash sale to do that... but today is not that day.

Can't you get free replacements from Criterion?

[themp3000]

Going for the Godzilla set, WCP volume 2 set, Do The Right Thing and Polyester.

Just some small catching up.

[Ned Brainard]

I'm late to the conversation on It's a Madx4 World, but as a long time fan, I'd like to throw out a few remarks.

1. It's not a perfect movie. As much as I love the film, I can see that it has flaws.
2. It is very much a cult movie, but as with any cult movie, your mileage may vary with it. Before investing in the Criterion release, watch it first somehow - TCM airing, streaming, rental, etc.
3. I personally don't have a preference for either version. For first time viewers, the general release version is likely better. For me, I typically choose the extended version simply because it gives me the opportunity to spend a few additional moments enjoying the film's many great performers.
4. The optimal cut, for me at least, is something that is in between the general and extended versions. I can objectively look at the extended version and see why certain scenes were cut, but there are some bits that I think should have been kept in the film. The scene where Mike Mazurki strong arms Phil Silvers is one example as its absence renders Silvers inexplicably helpful and generous. There are also some earlier scenes that are choppy and abrupt in the general version but play much smoother in the extended. Other than that, much of the cut material is extraneous. Frankly, I would have cut out more of Sid Caesar in the hardware store basement as there is still too much of that in the general release cut. I'm still grateful that Criterion and Robert A. Harris were able to resurrect the longer cut, and if you find yourself a fan of the film you will definitely want to check it out.

[steel_breeze]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

Can't you get free replacements from Criterion?

I don't think so; not if the movie hasn't gone bad yet. There's not even visible discoloration. I just hate the idea that they MIGHT go bad... especially in the waning days of physical media. I don't want to be stuck without these titles, ten years from now.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

I don't think so; not if the movie hasn't gone bad yet. There's not even visible discoloration. I just hate the idea that they MIGHT go bad... especially in the waning days of physical media. I don't want to be stuck without these titles, ten years from now.

Assuming the title is on the list that Criterion posted, they will exchange it. I just got around to sending in a batch of bad and potentially bad titles (ones without "BVDL" on the underside of the disc) earlier this year and they exchanged them. Even the two OOP titles were exchanged.

[ilenewoodsfan99]

So I'm definitely getting Senso… That was amazing. I'm deciding between a few others as well. Namely, Ace in the Hole, Stagecoach, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Tokyo Story, Some Like It Hot, and It Happened One Night.

[steel_breeze]

Originally Posted by dwk

Assuming the title is on the list that Criterion posted, they will exchange it. I just got around to sending in a batch of bad and potentially bad titles (ones without "BVDL" on the underside of the disc) earlier this year and they exchanged them. Even the two OOP titles were exchanged.

It's actually a little tricky, 'cuz aside from the fact that my three "suspect" titles (Days of Heaven, 8 1/2, and Wings of Desire) are currently showing no signs of rot, NONE of them are listed on the official Criterion "exchanging defective discs" site. They have, however, been listed elsewhere (including these forums) and corroborated in a convincing enough manner that I'm concerned about them... but not sure they meet Criterion's criteria for exchange. So anyway... there's only three titles, so eventually during one of these flash sales I'm gonna bite the bullet and replace 'em. Just don't know when.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

Anyone have noir recommendations for this sale?

Originally Posted by octagon

Classic
Mildred Pierce
Gilda
The Asphalt Jungle
In a Lonely Place
Sweet Smell of Success
Rififi

Adjacent
Anatomy of a Murder
A Face in the Crowd
Diabolique
Pale Flower

Neo
Thief
House of Games

Under the Radar
Detour
Ride the Pink Horse

What? No The Killing?!?!

[octagon]

The Story of Temple Drake
My Man Godfrey
Klute
When We Were Kings (very happy to finally cross this off my wish lists)
Stranger Than Paradise
The Fugitive Kind
Fail Safe
La verite
A Raisin in the Sun

I'll still have a lot of catching up to do but that should hold me for a while.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by jayembee

What? No The Killing?!?!

Yeah, I was on the fence about that and Kiss Me Deadly and Elevator to the Gallows and Night of the Hunter but I was already dangerously close to just listing all the noirs they have.

[koberulz]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

It's actually a little tricky, 'cuz aside from the fact that my three "suspect" titles (Days of Heaven, 8 1/2, and Wings of Desire) are currently showing no signs of rot, NONE of them are listed on the official Criterion "exchanging defective discs" site. They have, however, been listed elsewhere (including these forums) and corroborated in a convincing enough manner that I'm concerned about them... but not sure they meet Criterion's criteria for exchange. So anyway... there's only three titles, so eventually during one of these flash sales I'm gonna bite the bullet and replace 'em. Just don't know when.

Just contact them. Worst that can happen is they say no.

[SuperFlyHighGuy]

I'm $117 away from the free 50, trying to decide if I should go for it tomorrow or save it for fall...might depend if some of the stuff I want sells out early.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

It's actually a little tricky, 'cuz aside from the fact that my three "suspect" titles (Days of Heaven, 8 1/2, and Wings of Desire) are currently showing no signs of rot, NONE of them are listed on the official Criterion "exchanging defective discs" site. They have, however, been listed elsewhere (including these forums) and corroborated in a convincing enough manner that I'm concerned about them... but not sure they meet Criterion's criteria for exchange. So anyway... there's only three titles, so eventually during one of these flash sales I'm gonna bite the bullet and replace 'em. Just don't know when.

I sent in at least two of those, and maybe all three. I can't remember if Days of Heaven was one I had to send in or not, but it was on the list I printed up to check. (and for some reason I can't find the list I used.)

[kvnbhovis]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

Elevator to the Gallows was -- for whatever unknown reason -- in my Unwatched Pile for the longest time. For I don't know how long, I had wanted to see this film. Finally, I buy the Blu-ray, and it sits there untouched forever. Classic me.

When I, at long last, get around to watching it -- OMG! What a movie! Now I'm just angry at myself for having taken so long. So, yes, that's a terrific recommendation. For sure.

Due to the recommendations here. I just watched Elevator To the Gallows as it had been stuck in my pile of bought but yet unseen movies. It has a lot going for it. It is very stylish with the smooth Davis score and excellent cinematography BUT boy was it contrived and unbelievable. The man leaves the the grappling hook, then leaves the car running and then decides to take the elevator. Then a conscientious objector to war, steals said car and then kills a couple when he is attempting to steal another car, a car that he dented. What surprised me is that the German couple weren't mad at being rear-ended. As a matter of fact, they were happy and invited the kids for drinks!!

Outside of that the film held my attention and the ending wasn't predictable from my vantage point. I really can't give it more than a 6 out of 10 because of all the improbabilities.

[SteelyTom]

Originally Posted by steel_breeze

It's actually a little tricky, 'cuz aside from the fact that my three "suspect" titles (Days of Heaven, 8 1/2, and Wings of Desire) are currently showing no signs of rot, NONE of them are listed on the official Criterion "exchanging defective discs" site. They have, however, been listed elsewhere (including these forums) and corroborated in a convincing enough manner that I'm concerned about them... but not sure they meet Criterion's criteria for exchange. So anyway... there's only three titles, so eventually during one of these flash sales I'm gonna bite the bullet and replace 'em. Just don't know when.

Do you have a link to a list of potentially damaged discs?

[bonehica]

Currently in the cart awaiting Noon O'Clock:

[Show spoiler]

This order will trigger a $50 gift card, which will cause a second purchase. Not sure yet what those will be. Trying to remember...can you combine orders at the Criterion shop?

[FragnitoM]

It’s today? Didn’t get an email. Glad I looked here

[DVD Josh]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

Detour

Detour is a bit of an acquired taste IMHO.