The Criterion Collection

[SuperFlyHighGuy]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I like a few of Wes Anderson's films but not all. It comes down to style and sense of humor.

I give him a lot of credit for making the movies he wants to make.

I'm the same way. I used to watch Rushmore and Tenenbaums a lot, really enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom, but just couldn't get into Life Aquatic or Grand Budapest Hotel. I don't blind-buy his stuff but I wish I was living his life.

[Sifox211]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The studio releases are usually fine as far as the transfer goes, but they are sorely lacking when it comes to extras, which is where the Criterion editions really shine ...

This hits the nail on the head: I had the studio release [Moonrise Kingdom] until the Criterion came along. The combination of supplements and great packaging adds a whole new level to the experience on home video. The commentary is particularly good and is very funny, and having the booklet in the form of Indian Corn was a stroke of genius. I came out of my viewing of this set with a huge smile on my face.

[mja345]

I gave Louis Malle's "Zazie dans le Metro" a rewatch last night. I enjoyed the film the first time I saw it a few years ago, wasn't completely sure how to process it, but I found the film to be a borderline masterpiece on the second viewing. The film's visual prowess is simply stunning and the way the initial silliness devolves into unadulterated anarchy is completely brilliant, all while young Zazie has that grin on her face, which belies what a complete shitshow everything around her has devolved into. The last 30-40 minutes are amazingly wild, particularly given when it was made.

It's a great film, full of humor and insight, that has much more depth than it appears to initially have. I also found Malle's short but trenchant interview about the film to really explain his motivation for taking on the project.

[FragnitoM]

I’m a “His first 3 films are great and everything since is only mildly amusing” Wes Anderson fan. I’m glad they all get a Criterion release though

It is curious when critics bash Tarantino for being self indulgent but give Anderson a pass

[The Sovereign]

Originally Posted by mja345

I gave Louis Malle's "Zazie dans le Metro" a rewatch last night.

That and Black Moon have been on my blind buy wish list for some time now, but you've pushed me to pick up Zazie this July. Thanks!

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

It is curious when critics bash Tarantino for being self indulgent but give Anderson a pass

Surely it's an oxymoron to call any auteur self-indulgent?

[Akibiyori]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

It is curious when critics bash Tarantino for being self indulgent but give Anderson a pass

They did bash Anderson for that reason. Remember The Life Aquatic and Darjeeling Limited?

But I wouldn’t say they were. Anderson never did anything as dumb as the “I ran out of ideas, so let’s make a bad rap video” ending of Django (and I’m generally forgiving of Tarantino’s excesses.)

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by SuperFlyHighGuy

I'm the same way. I used to watch Rushmore and Tenenbaums a lot, really enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom, but just couldn't get into Life Aquatic or Grand Budapest Hotel.

I'm the other way around. I like Life Aquatic and Grand Budapest Hotel, but wasn't wild about Rushmore and Tenenbaums (or any of his other earlier films that I've seen). Haven't seen Moonrise Kingdom yet.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Akibiyori

They did bash Anderson for that reason. Remember The Life Aquatic and Darjeeling Limited?

But I wouldn’t say they were. Anderson never did anything as dumb as the “I ran out of ideas, so let’s make a bad rap video” ending of Django (and I’m generally forgiving of Tarantino’s excesses.)

I would say that the difference is that, like Anderson's films or not, they are original. But Tarantino, for the most part, seems to be more into imitating earlier films that he's a fan of, and putting his own spin on them. But he does so with (IMHO) pizzazz.

[FragnitoM]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I would say that the difference is that, like Anderson's films or not, they are original. But Tarantino, for the most part, seems to be more into imitating earlier films that he's a fan of, and putting his own spin on them. But he does so with (IMHO) pizzazz.

original if you’ve never seen movies by Fellini, Ashby, Truffaut, etc

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by Reddington

Surely it's an oxymoron to call any auteur self-indulgent?

An oxymoron is combining two things that are contradictory. I think the word you are looking for is tautology.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

original if you’ve never seen movies by Fellini, Ashby, Truffaut, etc

I've watched some of Ashby's movies, and quite a few by both Fellini and Truffaut. Nothing about Anderson's films seemed more than vaguely similar.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by jayembee

I've watched some of Ashby's movies, and quite a few by both Fellini and Truffaut. Nothing about Anderson's films seemed more than vaguely similar.

With Ashby, I feel like it’s Harold and Maude specifically. That’s the one I’ve seen most people point to. I think it’s the tone around Harold and his suicide attempts and the humor around it.

[moviebuffed]

Originally Posted by belcherman

An oxymoron is combining two things that are contradictory. I think the word you are looking for is tautology.

As in jumbo shrimp.

[IanTheCool]

Any word on Bringing Up Baby yet?

[f451]

David Lean's GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Please. Thank you.

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by f451

David Lean's GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Please. Thank you.

The ITV region-free disc is very good indeed. There are no supplements, but the Criterion DVD has only the trailer. There is room for improvement in respect to PQ, but I'd say not by much. I'd love to see a Criterion upgrade, but this is a fine edition to have while waiting.

[ArmyOfDarknessAW]

Just watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Hulu today and damn I’m excited for the Criterion release. I get the hype behind that movie. One of the most beautiful looking films I’ve seen in recent memory.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Reddington

The ITV region-free disc is very good indeed. There are no supplements, but the Criterion DVD has only the trailer. There is room for improvement in respect to PQ, but I'd say not by much. I'd love to see a Criterion upgrade, but this is a fine edition to have while waiting.

While it is a fine transfer for its time, I suspect a new scan and mastering of hopefully well-preserved material will produce appreciably better results (with less sharpening and more organic appearance). But as you say, the ITV is a fine disc to have while waiting for a better one.

[zoodermin]

Originally Posted by ArmyOfDarknessAW

Just watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire on Hulu today and damn I’m excited for the Criterion release. I get the hype behind that movie. One of the most beautiful looking films I’ve seen in recent memory.

I just saw it as well. All the hype was deserved. Fantastic film. Beautiful in every single regard. I'm definitely getting it either on the next flash sale or the B&N sale.