The Criterion Collection

[Mike0284]

So I decided to get the UK version of the The Essential Jacques Demy since it drops the dvds and is a better size.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by jw007

I've spent the past month compiling a list of my top 100 most influential soundtracks. I've included The Limits of Control on my top 100 list as I believe that is the best soundtrack in any Jim Jarmusch film. What would be your choice of favorite soundtracks from his films? Pick one!

Personally not a huge fan of Ghost Dog the film (relative to others by Jarmusch) but I would put that at top of he Jarmusch soundtrack pile for sure, tied with Dead Man.

[nitin]

Was patiently waiting for the WKW boxset to watch Days of Being Wild but gave in and just watched it for now via the Megastar HK blu. And what a dreamy film mood wise with a ‘lazy’ atmosphere that is contagious for the viewer too!

It’s nowhere near as polished as what ultimately followed but the themes he would continue to refine are present right here from very early on. But the most interesting aspect here for me is the relationship between Leslie Cheung’s character and his stepmother, it’s ambiguous enough but still fascinating, particularly for its shaping of Cheung’s character before the film.

The more familiar WKW beats of unrequited love and tragic romance are still handled well, Maggie Cheung’s arc in particular is heartbreakingly rendered and even more so in the context of what follows in In the Mood For Love.

And although it’s rougher around the edges than the later collaborations with Christopher Doyle, it still looks pretty great with some great use of pale green to render mood and give it a distinct period look.

Megastar’s blu is from an ancient master that still does justice to the film’s look but really looking forward to seeing this via the upcoming 4k restoration in the CC boxset (although the one I really really want to see in HD is 2046 so hopefully that is included).


I also saw Lynn Ramsay’s Ratcatcher via the CC DVD. It might sound like hyperbole but I am happy to declare this one of the best films of the last 25 years after my first viewing!

Set in 1973 in the Glasgow housing estates during the middle of the binmen strike, it is a remarkable depiction of the accelerated loss of childhood innocence in circumstances that could have been depicted with a miserablist viewpoint but are instead infused with great compassion and non-judgment.

Make no mistake, this is an uncomfortable viewing experience, and I imagine it would be even harder if you are a parent of young kids, but if you are not turned off by uncomfortable and challenging cinema (there is also very little in terms of narrative momentum here), this is a must watch.

The non-professional acting is also remarkable and Ramsay arrives fully formed in her first feature, her impressionistic style is a great fit for her obsession in exploring the disorienting effects of grief and trauma, especially on young children.

I would love to have this on blu ray and hopefully Criterion or one of the UK boutiques will oblige (is it possible for example for the BFI to release this rights wise?).

[Snicket]

Lynne Ramsay is just ridiculously talented, anything by her in the collection would be most welcome.

I would put Ratcatcher just under Spirit if the Beehive as my most wanted upgrades.

[yellowcakeuf6]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

1984/1985?? was their first releases (Citizen Kane and King Kong) and Laserdisc was basically where they made their reputation -- restored films, commentaries, educational material -- films as art/history and not just to watch for entertainment, OAR presentations, premium packaging, etc.

Citizen Kane is what I'm still waiting for from Criterion, with a massive supplemental disc 2. That spine #1 CAV Laserdisc set was phenomenal. How about Spine #1 UHD?

[FragnitoM]

Originally Posted by Snicket

Lynne Ramsay is just ridiculously talented, anything by her in the collection would be most welcome.

I would put Ratcatcher just under Spirit if the Beehive as my most wanted upgrades.

I think Morvern Callar would be the most likely. It definitely needs a Blu-ray. I’ve been waiting to upgrade Ratcatcher FOREVER

You Were Never.../We Need..Kevin probably not too likely only because they have currently available Blu-ray’s by companies who haven’t licensed with Criterion as far as I know (Lionsgate/Oscilloscope)

[bubbamoo]

Im probably in the minority but i think Bad News Bears (1976) would be a great release. Not yet on blu and would IMO be a good seller.

[jshaide]

Originally Posted by latehong

I don't dream big so for the upcoming Halloween, I'll just settle for Arsenic and Old Lace or a Blu upgrade of Jigoku.

ARSENIC would be clutch. FREAKS would be fantastic. I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE would be aces.

[Scholer]

Originally Posted by HipsterTrash

Saw that from the last guy.
I just meant his work just doesn't seem fit.

Sort of like Chasing Amy or Tiny Furniture.

I don’t buy that at all. First of all comparing Carpenter’s work to Chasing Amy or Tiny Furniture is almost ludicrous given his place in cinema history, certainly among cineastes he’s as respected or even more so than the likes of Monte Hellman and Alex Cox (both with films in CC).

I’m sure titles Big Trouble in Little China and Escape from New York would be under Criterion’s radar. Of course other of his more genre defined films may feel less likely, but still not out of the question (they’ve even released Night of the Living Dead!).

And Criterion hasn’t exactly been closed off to genre classics as of late, like what about: The Breakfast Club? Bill Durham? The Princess Bride? It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? Sisters?

So I for one am totally on the look out for Carpenter titles in CC Blu-ray.

[Scholer]

Originally Posted by yellowcakeuf6

Citizen Kane is what I'm still waiting for from Criterion, with a massive supplemental disc 2. That spine #1 CAV Laserdisc set was phenomenal. How about Spine #1 UHD?

Wouldn’t be my bet as it’s not the kind of film which could showcase UHD’s merits to the fullest on account of it not having any good primary source (the excellent WB 4K restoration was a mixmatch of various secondary sources, and even after all the effort the final result is still a bit too grainy in places and inhomogenous to reflect what the film would have looked like originally).

Grand Illusion on the other hand would be an excellent choice as it has an excellent existing nitrate source and a 4K transfer of even the current SC restoration is bound to blow our socks off.

[DimitriL]

Originally Posted by bubbamoo

Im probably in the minority but i think Bad News Bears (1976) would be a great release. Not yet on blu and would IMO be a good seller.

I don't think that's a minority view at all. Michael Ritchie's career is due for some fresh eyes, and that and The Candidate would be especially outstanding additions.

[DaBargainHunta]

The Harder They Fall (1956)



This is a beautiful looking film about a very ugly sport. The lush black and white widescreen visuals are a sight to behold. Humphrey Bogart, in his final film role, plays a washed up sportswriter who gets hired by a fixer - Rod Steiger, who chews through so much scenery that you'd think the scenery was trying to chew him first - to promote a giant Argentinian boxer. The only problem is, the big "freakshow attraction" can barely take a punch from his aging sparring partner, much less real fighters. Bogie and Steiger are in fine form here, bolstered by a superb supporting cast. It's a shame Bogie died young, but he went out on top! (Subtitles: Yes.)

Captains Courageous (1937)



A spoiled little rich boy falls overboard a yacht and ends up on a much smaller fishing boat. It's a tale as old as time. While the movie is a bit long and slow, it works because of the central performances - Freddie Bartholomew as the loathsome little tyke who learns how the "other half" lives and Spencer Tracy as a humble foreign fisherman. Who the hell knows what Tracy's accent is supposed to be - his character is Portuguese but he speaks Foreign Hollywoodese - he basically invented an accent for the role. It doesn't matter, because the character is still somehow completely convincing. He won an Oscar, and deservedly so. Mickey Rooney is also in it and must've been taking the wrong notes when he decided to play a foreign character himself in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Tracey got away with it. Rooney didn't (for obvious reasons). (Subtitles: No. )

[Sommerswerd]

Would be awesome if Criterion got the rights to the Shinobi no Mono film series and release a blu-ray box-set similar to Zatoichi.
Classic Japanese Ninja films are extremely overlooked by media companies and even film historians. In the US, outside of a few titles released on DVD many years ago, most of the films are only available via bootlegs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC1UcB7Xyjg

[belcherman]

God Told Me To is, as Mick Garris says, an audacious movie. I actually started watching it because I thought it was going to be one of those gritty, 70s, low-budget, police procedurals that I love, but it quickly becomes obvious that there's more to it than that. I'm not much of a sci-fi/horror fan, but by the time became obvious to me that that's where it was going, I was already sucked in. The stunts are cheesy, and the plot is bizarre, but the acting is first-rate and Tony (The Honeymoon Killers) Lo Bianco acquits himself well as the detective. He is supported by Deborah Raffin as his girlfriend, Sandy Dennis as his ex-wife and the great Sylvia Sydney as his birth mother. Andy Kaufman also appears briefly in his first film role as a homicidal cop.

Anyway, it's an interesting if not a great film. Mick Garris refers to it as a masterpiece. I'm not sure that I'd go that far, but it is certainly one of a kind. Written, produced and directed by Larry (It's Alive) Cohen.

https://youtu.be/G0d46bZOIHQ

[HipsterTrash]

Originally Posted by Scholer

I don’t buy that at all. First of all comparing Carpenter’s work to Chasing Amy or Tiny Furniture is almost ludicrous given his place in cinema history, certainly among cineastes he’s as respected or even more so than the likes of Monte Hellman and Alex Cox (both with films in CC).

I’m sure titles Big Trouble in Little China and Escape from New York would be under Criterion’s radar. Of course other of his more genre defined films may feel less likely, but still not out of the question (they’ve even released Night of the Living Dead!).

And Criterion hasn’t exactly been closed off to genre classics as of late, like what about: The Breakfast Club? Bill Durham? The Princess Bride? It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? Sisters?

So I for one am totally on the look out for Carpenter titles in CC Blu-ray.

I would like to defend myself and say how I am in no way comparing the tone nor quality of Carpenter's work to the likes of a dated Kevin Smith comedy and a horrid "edgy" indie comedy from a fake-feminist.

Carpenter's work is probably the most stuff that I come back to and watch the most, whether it be the literal movies or the special features.

There's just something that I don't find that would be on a mesh for both Carpenter and Criterion.
And yes, I know there's the likes of Cox, Hellman and even Waters on the label. But for some reason, the titles they picked from them belong there (again, imo).

As JC's work is already mostly on Scream, so what would be the point, especially considering Criterion wouldn't do a 4K release of his work.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by Scholer

I’m sure titles Big Trouble in Little China and Escape from New York would be under Criterion’s radar. Of course other of his more genre defined films may feel less likely, but still not out of the question (they’ve even released Night of the Living Dead!).

FWIW, The Criterion Channel briefly had Escape from New York. (It's gone now, but that's how I watched it for the first time.) So, yeah, it's definitely possible IMO.

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

Escape from New York

I've somehow never seen John Carpenter's Escape from New York - until last night. I know, I know...

In a word: BADASS! As you all probably know, a whispering, sullen, beyond cool Kurt Russell with an eye patch - Snake Plissken - has to save the President inside a "future" NY that has become a giant prison. A wrestling match with the great Ox Baker breaks out in the middle of the movie because...why wouldn't it? Adrienne Barbeau and her GIGANTIC "Barbs" show up too.

Awesome action, sets, art design, effects, and cast - Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Donald Pleasence, Ernest Borgnine, Isaac Hayes, Harry Dean Stanton, and Adrienne Barbeau! It's plain-as-day how many other movies and games this one influenced.

DaBargainHunta's Decree: I'm not sure what took me so long to watch it, but I'm glad I finally did.

[Scholer]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

FWIW, The Criterion Channel briefly had Escape from New York. (It's gone now, but that's how I watched it for the first time.) So, yeah, it's definitely possible IMO.

Yeah, I had noticed that, also the fact that it was the clearly the new SC 4K restoration (which I had the good fortune of seeing in the cinema, projected in a brand new 4K DCP).

Originally Posted by HipsterTrash

As JC's work is already mostly on Scream, so what would be the point, especially considering Criterion wouldn't do a 4K release of his work.

Yes, I’m the US it’s already out under Shout with a serviceable 2K transfer, but the 4K redo completely blows that out of the water. It’s one title I hesitated to get on UHD though as I feel that HDR and the higher resolution wouldn’t do the effects any favours (though they did hold up like fireworks in the 4K DCP), also I was not a fan of the artwork on the Studio Canal 4K Collector’s Set or their Steelbook release.

So a Criterion BD release of the new restoration with hopefully really good artwork and new special features along with most of the SC produced ones would be wonderful. Of course, there’s no saying if it’s on the horizon (the Elephant Man release gives a glimmer of hope).

Originally Posted by HipsterTrash

There's just something that I don't find that would be on a mesh for both Carpenter and Criterion.
And yes, I know there's the likes of Cox, Hellman and even Waters on the label. But for some reason, the titles they picked from them belong there (again, imo).

I felt the same way back when Repo Man was released, I do like Alex Cox in general and am still waiting for a Walker upgrade, but I did feel a bit off with what I felt was a choice that went against Criterion’s image. Nowadays though I can somewhat appreciate more how the release fits in.

But my point would be that in keeping with Criterion’s mission of “publishing important classic and contemporary films”, if Repo Man is indeed Criterion material, along with literally anything subpar Wes Anderson can come up with, the John Carpenter’s output is certainly even more so.

I am sure it’s well accepted (even among more “art-house/non-mainstream” cinephiles) that at least Carpenter’s 80s output starting from Escape from New York and ending with Big Trouble in Little China resulted in one of the most spectacular runs of consecutively excellent films from a director in cinema history. To me if that doesn’t “mesh” with Criterion, I don’t know what does.

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by DaBargainHunta

The Harder They Fall (1956)

[Show spoiler]

This is a beautiful looking film about a very ugly sport. The lush black and white widescreen visuals are a sight to behold. Humphrey Bogart, in his final film role, plays a washed up sportswriter who gets hired by a fixer - Rod Steiger, who chews through so much scenery that you'd think the scenery was trying to chew him first - to promote a giant Argentinian boxer. The only problem is, the big "freakshow attraction" can barely take a punch from his aging sparring partner, much less real fighters. Bogie and Steiger are in fine form here, bolstered by a superb supporting cast. It's a shame Bogie died young, but he went out on top! (Subtitles: Yes.)

Someone needs to get this to BluRay. I keep hoping Criterion or Indicator will release this because it's a very top-notch noir about the often corrupt world of boxing. Bogie went out on top with this performance even while he was coping with esophageal cancer in which he would succumb to in January of 57.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by Sommerswerd

Would be awesome if Criterion got the rights to the Shinobi no Mono film series and release a blu-ray box-set similar to Zatoichi.
Classic Japanese Ninja films are extremely overlooked by media companies and even film historians. In the US, outside of a few titles released on DVD many years ago, most of the films are only available via bootlegs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC1UcB7Xyjg

That would be great, but unfortunately, AnimEigo still has the rights to the series according to their website. Still, once the rights expire (which should be soon) I'm pretty sure they won't renew them as they haven't renewed anything in long time.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by revoloution

I would love for Criterion to release the Theatrical edition of Michael Mann's The Keep for Halloween. I know Mann has lost interest in it but I can see someone like Guillermo Del Toro doing a commentary for it as he's a big fan of the film.

One can dream right?

I think the odds are higher for Scream Factory to release this title on Blu-ray.