British Film Institute (BFI) Discussion Thread

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by rapta

and I would also consider Jan Svankmajer: The Complete Short Films and Lotte Reiniger: The Fairy Tale Films, both of which are DVD only at the moment (with no sign of being upgraded).

At least with the Svankmajer, SD materials were all that was available for the shorts, as explained by MichaelB who produced that set, and there has not been any announcement since of restoration projects or even discovery of 35mm sources for the material.

[rapta]

Originally Posted by ravenus

At least with the Svankmajer, SD materials were all that was available for the shorts, as explained by MichaelB who produced that set, and there has not been any announcement since of restoration projects or even discovery of 35mm sources for the material.

That's kinda what I meant by "no sign of being upgraded", though admittedly I don't know if the Reiniger shorts release could be upgraded one day. Like you say, it'll likely depend on restoration projects initiated elsewhere.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

So, most of you cancelled your pre-order for El Sur then? For me it's a beggars-can't-be-choosers situation, and even if the transfer is flawed, it is a considerable improvement over the dvd I saw almost 10 years ago.

Nope mine has been 'preparing for dispatch' for the past week at Amazon. I think they will ship in the next few days because Raising Cain and Vampires are also in the order and are out next week.

There is no way I am passing up more Erice, love both Cria Cuervos and Spirit of the Beehive.

[rapta]

Originally Posted by nitin

Nope mine has been 'preparing for dispatch' for the past week at Amazon. I think they will ship in the next few days because Raising Cain and Vampires are also in the order and are out next week.

There is no way I am passing up more Erice, love both Cria Cuervos and Spirit of the Beehive.

Cria Cuervos is Carlos Saura, not Victor Erice...

I do plan on getting it, but not rushing to get it since it was relegated to BD-25. Besides, I bought plenty of BFI releases on day one last year, a few of which were half the price within a couple of months (at HMV/Fopp).

[nitin]

Originally Posted by rapta

Cria Cuervos is Carlos Saura, not Victor Erice...

I do plan on getting it, but not rushing to get it since it was relegated to BD-25. Besides, I bought plenty of BFI releases on day one last year, a few of which were half the price within a couple of months (at HMV/Fopp).

And so it is, stupid me. I blame the Ana Torent connection. Also it's not the BD-25 that looks to be the issue, the source master is just problematic but the only one that exists.

[PaperThinWalls]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

I've read very good things about the Quay Brothers Collection Blu-ray, and this animation title is at the front of the queue with regards to the animation titles I've been wanting to get for a while. There are some anime titles I was thinking about getting as well. Do you recommend any other animation titles similar to the Quay Brothers Collection?

In addition to the Švankmajer films that have been mentioned, I would highly recommend:



(I recommend his non-animated feature-length films as well)

Originally Posted by ravenus

At least with the Svankmajer, SD materials were all that was available for the shorts, as explained by MichaelB who produced that set, and there has not been any announcement since of restoration projects or even discovery of 35mm sources for the material.

Not entirely true. MichaelB has mentioned that several shorts have been restored.

I believe this video showcases the restored shorts:

https://vimeo.com/47168605

[Fnord Prefect]

Originally Posted by PaperThinWalls

In addition to the Švankmajer films that have been mentioned, I would highly recommend:

And don't be put off by the 18 certificate as that's reserved for the final short on the set, the somewhat sexually explicit Scherzo Infernal. The rest is all safely in the U/PG/12A territory.

This set's main feature, The Theatre of Mr. and Mrs Kabal, is marvellous and was one of my favourite discoveries of 2015.

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by nitin

Nope mine has been 'preparing for dispatch' for the past week at Amazon. I think they will ship in the next few days because Raising Cain and Vampires are also in the order and are out next week.

There is no way I am passing up more Erice, love both Cria Cuervos and Spirit of the Beehive.

I've put off getting Spirit for yeaes because I was waiting for a blu-ray release but I might just have to pick up the dvd. I really want to see it again.

[OceanBlue]

Thanks for the above title suggestions. It is appreciated.

Has anyone got the BFI dual format edition release of Underground (1928)?

They're DVD-only, but some of the BFI titles I've been thinking about getting at some stage have been - Red Shift, Out of the Unknown, Children's Film Foundation Collection: Runaways and Roll Out the Barrel: The British Pub on Film.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

I've put off getting Spirit for yeaes because I was waiting for a blu-ray release but I might just have to pick up the dvd. I really want to see it again.

I understand that, I have the DVD because that was my first exposure to it. Really hoping Criterion upgrade it this year (well after they first upgrade Bergman's Faith trilogy).

[nitin]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Thanks for the above title suggestions. It is appreciated.

Has anyone got the BFI dual format edition release of Underground (1928)?

They're DVD-only, but some of the BFI titles I've been thinking about getting at some stage have been - Red Shift, Out of the Unknown, Children's Film Foundation Collection: Runaways and Roll Out the Barrel: The British Pub on Film.

I have Underground, did you want to ask something about it?

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by nitin

I have Underground, did you want to ask something about it?

What is the Blu-ray transfer like on Underground (1928), and how do the newly commissioned and alternative scores sound?

[nitin]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

What is the Blu-ray transfer like on Underground (1928), and how do the newly commissioned and alternative scores sound?

It's quite decent but there is a fair bit of damage that was unable to be removed. But considering the age of the title and the fact that it was almost lost, I have no hesitation in recommending the transfer.

I have not watched the film yet (as opposed to just skimming through the disc) so I cannot comment on the quality or suitability of the scores.

There is a review with screenshots here:

http://www.criterionforum.org/DVD-re...ition/bfi/1184

[malakaheso]

Originally Posted by nitin

I understand that, I have the DVD because that was my first exposure to it. Really hoping Criterion upgrade it this year (well after they first upgrade Bergman's Faith trilogy).

Sure, but there are already plenty of Bergman films available on blu-ray. I'd prefer Beehive to the Faith trilogy at this point, but I'd love to see the Faith trilogy on blu because all of his other 'important' films have already been released on the format except those ones.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by malakaheso

Sure, but there are already plenty of Bergman films available on blu-ray. I'd prefer Beehive to the Faith trilogy at this point, but I'd love to see the Faith trilogy on blu because all of his other 'important' films have already been released on the format except those ones.

I just adore Winter Light, hence the desire to see it hit blu soon and if they do that, the other two may as well be done at the same time.

[Gerby]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Thanks for the above title suggestions. It is appreciated.

Has anyone got the BFI dual format edition release of Underground (1928)?

They're DVD-only, but some of the BFI titles I've been thinking about getting at some stage have been - Red Shift, Out of the Unknown, Children's Film Foundation Collection: Runaways and Roll Out the Barrel: The British Pub on Film.

I have all the Children's Film Foundation releases and i recommend them all!

[oddbox83]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

What is the Blu-ray transfer like on Underground (1928), and how do the newly commissioned and alternative scores sound?

Really enjoyed this disc. If you like silents, you'll be appreciative of the restoration (it's stunning considering) rather than distracted by what they couldn't fix.

[Fnord Prefect]

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Thanks for the above title suggestions. It is appreciated.

Has anyone got the BFI dual format edition release of Underground (1928)?

They're DVD-only, but some of the BFI titles I've been thinking about getting at some stage have been - Red Shift, Out of the Unknown, Children's Film Foundation Collection: Runaways and Roll Out the Barrel: The British Pub on Film.

I loved Red Shift, an interesting tale of predestination and history repeating itself. If you enjoyed the earlier ITV adaptation of Garner's Owl Service you'll have an idea what to expect. Sure both are based on books aimed at teens but this adaptation takes the content a little further into adult territory.

Really must get around to buying Out of the Unknown as I like what I've seen of it.

Despite them being DVD only the CFF discs all look great as unlike the earlier now long OOP Network CFF releases each title has been properly restored. My two personal favourites from the collection are London Tales and Scary Stories, though all six are worth picking up and enjoying if you like what you see on your first. They're all brisk, well written, fun quality family viewing material, if a occasionally a little let down by the budget or not great child actor.

However the two CFF Famous Five serials they saw fit to release on DVD are a bit of a dated bore with horrible 50's stage school brats in the lead roles (as she had a hand in the casting we can possibly blame Enid Blyton herself for that). Not seen Masters of Venus but I don't hold much hope for that either. Best to stick to the movies.

Also the BFI's On Yer Bike Collection of cycling related films features a stray CFF movie from 1953 entitled Skid Kids.

Roll Out the Barrel like most non-director specific non-fiction BFI collections is an absolute mixed bag. If you're interested in the subject I say go for it as while you might not like every film you'll probably find something in there to entertain, intrigue, inform and amuse.

[OceanBlue]

Thanks nitin, for posting the link to that Underground (1928) Blu-ray/DVD review. It was a very good, interesting, informative read. Along with film noirs, I'm hoping the BFI release further silent films (on Blu-ray if possible).

[tenia]

The Crying Game is now down to £10.99 on Amazon.