British Film Institute (BFI) Discussion Thread

[BAKA]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

It was originally a DVD-only release, and then upgraded to BD before they adopted Dual Format as a preferred method of releasing Blu-rays. So I imagine it would just be too much financial and logistical hassle to release it a third time, especially since the value of the previous releases woudl plunge.

The timing seemed odd to me, it being out of stock from the BFI, and Amazon also no longer directly selling it (only marketplace sellers were listed), but it seemingly has come back to Amazon (although listed as back-ordered). I had wondered if perhaps they were putting out a new release, with perhaps some content from the Gothic season. I was a bit mixed about ordering it. In the unlikely event they'd lost the rights (it didn't seem likely with it featuring so heavily during their Gothic season), I'd hate to miss out on it, but I'd hate to buy it if they were putting a re-release together. But that doesn't seem the case now. I did ask the BFI, but with Amazon now listing it again, it doesn't seem likely at all.

On an unrelated note, and I hope you don't mind me asking this here, but do you know if Sight & Sound are doing a best Blu-rays & DVDs of 2013 list? I had hoped it would be either online (perhaps it is, and I can't find it), or in the latest issue. Genuinely looking forward to it, I seem to recall it being mentioned in the last issue, but don't have it to hand currently.

[nitin]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

The shorter version, perhaps, but absolutely not the longer version!

In fact, that film is an object lesson in how different cuts can produce radically different viewing experiences - the shorter cut is a pretty good introduction to John Cassavetes' films, but the longer one is strictly for experienced viewers only.

I wouldnt call either version a thriller in the usual sense of the word. Dont get me wrong I quite like the film (especially the longer cut) but calling it a thriller sets up misleading expectations IMHO.

[cool hand bluke]

Originally Posted by nitin

I wouldnt call either version a thriller in the usual sense of the word. Dont get me wrong I quite like the film (especially the longer cut) but calling it a thriller sets up misleading expectations IMHO.

Well, as I'd hate to mislead anyone and as I do feel the OP is aware of the BFI's output on blu ray, I was offering what I thought were thrillers or close to thrillers for them to try out.
But on the subject of The Killing of A Chinese Bookie, I'll offer this quote from Philip Lopate's essay for the Criterion version of the movie (sorry BFI but it's freely available online so easy to grab) which says the following

Following up his success with A Woman Under the Influence, the director thought it might be interesting to try a gangster picture to stretch himself, in effect by exchanging the domestic suburbia of quarreling married couples for a more raffish milieu, and meeting the audience halfway with some traditional Hollywood entertainment values associated with the genre: suspense, murder, double crosses, topless dancers. An amiable, courtly nightclub owner, Cosmo Vitelli (Ben Gazzara), already in debt to loan sharks, indulges his unfortunate weakness for drinking and gambling, and ends up owing twenty-three thousand dollars to gangsters, who demand that he pay off the debt by executing a competitor of theirs, a mob boss whom they inaccurately describe as a Chinese bookie. The story obeys the step-by-step fatalism of an unfolding nightmare, whereby small mistakes and temptations lead to deeper consequences, such as can be found in classic film noirs with Edward G. Robinson, Glenn Ford, and Jean Gabin

Source : http://www.criterion.com/current/pos...and-the-cooked

[Buffalo66]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

Has there been confirmation from BFI that their edition of Nosferatu will include both English and German versions? No reason to think it wouldn't, but I hadn't heard anything official, and couldn't find an email contact on their website.

A BFI release of Nosferatu?

Edit: Just realised you were talking about Herzog.

[Yami]

Originally Posted by Yami

Not that I'm aware of. I'll send them a message.

They responded earlier today, saying "The Rossellini titles are still forthcoming on Blu-ray, and will be released in box sets. Watch this space!"

[BAKA]

Originally Posted by Yami

They responded earlier today, saying "The Rossellini titles are still forthcoming on Blu-ray, and will be released in box sets. Watch this space!"

I saw this and noticed the sets, rather than set. Which has me wondering what else they have on the way from Rossellini. Or if it was just a typo.

[Yami]

Originally Posted by BAKA

I saw this and noticed the sets, rather than set. Which has me wondering what else they have on the way from Rossellini. Or if it was just a typo.

There are the other, unannounced Rossellini/Bergman films - Europa '51, Joan of Arc at the Stake and Fear. I don't know if there are issues surrounding the latter two films because Criterion didn't include them in their set. Joan of Arc wasn't restored through the Rossellini Project anyway

[Chad Plainview]

Tokyo Story was incredible - BFI.

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Chad Plainview

Tokyo Story was incredible - BFI.

I would agree with your sentiment...if they hurried up with these Herzog releases! I'm getting impatient, but only because he's my favourite

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by Chad Plainview

Tokyo Story was incredible - BFI.

still the criterion release is much better.

[joie]

Originally Posted by Mansinthe

still the criterion release is much better.

You have both and have enough equipment to watch them side by side?

[Mansinthe]

Originally Posted by joie

You have both and have enough equipment to watch them side by side?

the criterion release uses a new 4k scan, has way more bonus features. just compare the review here and the one at DVD beaver.

and yes i have the BFI release, i do have 2 bluray players (region A and B) on a receiver, so i could easy switch from one to another. and i watch my movies on a sony hw30es with a 108 inch screen.

but i certainly will upgrade tokyo story in the next 50% sale, alone the bonus features are worth it. (another think bfi could overall do a better job)
i wonder why their seven samurai release cant beat the 3 year old criterion release

[tenia]

It's actually quite easy to tell that the Criterion is much better than the BFI, because it uses a new restoration which is, at least, much cleaner than what the BFI was using.
Also, it has a much better contrast, and a visibly less agressive picture, which might make it look like it's less defined, but in fact it's more detailed.

[Arkadin]

Bfi recently restored some very famous 20's travel footage, and another person decided to try and match the short film shot for shot in modern day London. You can see the results on Vimeo, and they are stunning--
vimeo film here-- http://vimeo.com/81368735

wonder if a bd could eventually be released of this restored film footage?

[Opdef]

The BFI released a DVD with the footage condensed into an hour long film - it's a fascinating thing to watch:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/blu-rays-dvds/open-road

I'd love it see it upgraded to Blu-ray, or even better to have the full 26 shorts shot around the country released in full.

[Arkadin]

good info.
thanks!

[Marcus Aurelius]

The description mentions a restored version of Night Of The Demon. Any chance that in the near future it may released onto blu ray ?

Peggy Cummins introduces Night of the Demon (August 2013) - YouTube

[Modman]

Originally Posted by Marcus Aurelius

The description mentions a restored version of Night Of The Demon. Any chance that in the near future it may released onto blu ray ?

Peggy Cummins introduces Night of the Demon (August 2013) - YouTube

Just had a French release on Blu-ray; link below:

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Curse...Blu-ray/79814/

But certainly worthy of UK release from the likes of Eureka.

[Ozu Teapot]

Originally Posted by Modman

But certainly worthy of UK release from the likes of Eureka.

Indeed! I could see Eureka, the BFI or Arrow doing a great job! Hopefully someone will!

[Judex]

Moviemail have listed the extras for Classe Tous Risques

Brand new restoration
Monsieur Ventura (Doug Headline, 1996/2014): documentary on the life and career of Lino Ventura
Original French and US trailers
Illustrated booklet with newly commissioned essay by the Guardian’s John Patterson.

I wonder how long the Monsieur Ventura is?