Carnal Knowledge (1971) 4K UHD - Indicator

[dallywhitty]

Originally Posted by Spiderwalk

I understand that all of your titles are justified to the left, but when you look at Carnal Knowledge when it's vertical on the shelf, the text and logo are off-centre.

It's particularly noticeable if you look at the Powerhouse Films logo at the top. I guess it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Terrific release btw.

Tbh it bothers me more that The Shiver of the Vampires is taller than the rest! It's the same with their Universial Noir sets, Vol #1 is taller than #2 for some reason.

[Spiderwalk]

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

Tbh it bothers me more that The Shiver of the Vampires is taller than the rest! It's the same with their Universial Noir sets, Vol #1 is taller than #2 for some reason.

If PH revised the packaging for The Shiver of the Vampires and Two Orphan Vampires to match the size of the rest of the Rollin films, I would actually buy them again.

[CineLinnephile]

Originally Posted by Spiderwalk

I understand that all of your titles are justified to the left, but when you look at Carnal Knowledge when it's vertical on the shelf, the text and logo are off-centre.

It's particularly noticeable if you look at the Powerhouse Films logo at the top. I guess it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Terrific release btw.

Ok, glad to know it’s not just me!

I asked about the spine alignment over on r/boutiquebluray, being that it’s my first Indicator release, and got roasted for it haha

Talked to someone else who got a copy and theirs looks the same, so it seems like this is just how the release is.

Appreciate you sharing yours as well!

[willyumm]

I just received the copy that I pre-ordered from Indicator and everything looks great, but it did not include the “exclusive one-sided poster” that was advertised as coming with pre-orders. Did anyone else not receive this? (Or I suppose I should also ask, did anyone receive this?) I’m in the US, I’m not sure if that makes a difference, though I don’t see any indication that the US was excluded from this offer. Thanks

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by willyumm

I just received the copy that I pre-ordered from Indicator and everything looks great, but it did not include the “exclusive one-sided poster” that was advertised as coming with pre-orders. Did anyone else not receive this? (Or I suppose I should also ask, did anyone receive this?) I’m in the US, I’m not sure if that makes a difference, though I don’t see any indication that the US was excluded from this offer. Thanks

I got the poster. Maybe shoot them an email.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

Tbh it bothers me more that The Shiver of the Vampires is taller than the rest! It's the same with their Universial Noir sets, Vol #1 is taller than #2 for some reason.

That’s what I first noticed!

[saltburn]

As someone else mentioned, I really love the newer slim slipcover design with the digipak style disc holder. Not sure which release this started with as I haven't bought indicator in a couple years.

I was back and forth on importing or going with criterion. Looks amazing. Haven't viewed the criterion disc, but I think I made the correct choice to import.

[gkolb]

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

Hold up, "Art" is short for "Arthur"!?

Art, Artie, Arthur. All the same dude.

[HundredYearLurker]

Originally Posted by willyumm

I just received the copy that I pre-ordered from Indicator and everything looks great, but it did not include the “exclusive one-sided poster” that was advertised as coming with pre-orders. Did anyone else not receive this? (Or I suppose I should also ask, did anyone receive this?) I’m in the US, I’m not sure if that makes a difference, though I don’t see any indication that the US was excluded from this offer. Thanks

I also didn't get the poster, am in the US, and purchased from Amazon UK. Are we the only two who didn't get it?

[cgurley]

Originally Posted by HundredYearLurker

I also didn't get the poster, am in the US, and purchased from Amazon UK. Are we the only two who didn't get it?

I'm guessing you needed to order direct to get the poster.

[HundredYearLurker]

You are correct, thanks! (From Indicator's site: "Pre-orders placed through Powerhouse Films will also come with an exclusive one-sided poster.")

willyum, I think you should have received one though given that you preordered from Indicator.

[OnlyJapantown]

Just listened to the commentary on this one, but turned it off after half an hour or so. I don't like to criticise but the film scholar commenting on the movie spent half the time talking about the use of colour, which while not unimportant is certainly not interesting to listen to. Blue = frigidity, red = passion, yes OK but I could have told you that.

I wonder whether the LaBute commentary on the Criterion is better, anyone been able to listen to it?

[nicwood]

Originally Posted by OnlyJapantown

Just listened to the commentary on this one, but turned it off after half an hour or so. I don't like to criticise but the film scholar commenting on the movie spent half the time talking about the use of colour, which while not unimportant is certainly not interesting to listen to. Blue = frigidity, red = passion, yes OK but I could have told you that.

I wonder whether the LaBute commentary on the Criterion is better, anyone been able to listen to it?

Chris Galloway from Criterionforum did a review of the commentary:

Criterion packs quite a bit onto this edition, including a newly recorded audio commentary by filmmaker Neil LaBute, available on both the 4K disc and the Blu-ray. I’ll admit I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this one, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Unsurprisingly, given both his own body of work and this film’s unflinching portrayal of toxic masculinity, Carnal Knowledge has been a major influence on LaBute, and his appreciation for it comes through clearly.

He covers the film’s production history and touches on Mike Nichols’ career at that point, coming off the commercial and critical failure of Catch-22 (LaBute even recommends checking out the Nichols/Soderbergh commentary on that film’s DVD). He’s especially eager to break down individual sequences, highlighting the editing, performances, and how much is conveyed through subtle gestures and interactions. He also admires the simplicity of the structure and takes time to point out small but effective visual details, from subtle camera movements to the understated way the characters age over time.

LaBute also addresses long-standing accusations of misogyny, both toward this film and his own work, arguing that no one in their right mind would walk away from Carnal Knowledge thinking, I want to be just like Jonathan! His defense is passionate, and his deep engagement with the material—its construction, editing, performances, and camerawork—allows him to speak fluidly and at length, with barely a moment of dead air.

That said, this also leads to one of the more frustrating aspects of the track: he has a tendency to leave thoughts unfinished as he jumps ahead to comment on the next moment or thing, only occasionally circling back to wrap things up. Still, that’s a minor quibble in what’s otherwise a strong, thoughtful commentary, one that makes for an engaging listen whether you're revisiting the film or approaching it fresh.

[jackranderson]

3.5 for the extras is nuts for such a stacked release. Dr strikes again.

[Deadend45]

Originally Posted by OnlyJapantown

Just listened to the commentary on this one, but turned it off after half an hour or so. I don't like to criticise but the film scholar commenting on the movie spent half the time talking about the use of colour, which while not unimportant is certainly not interesting to listen to. Blue = frigidity, red = passion, yes OK but I could have told you that.

But all the actors are dead so they had to use somebody who had nothing to do with film, at least that what gets posted when I comment I dont care these commentary clowns that keep getting trotted out.

At least the UK ones are not as obnoxious as the american ones....

[Cat Vision]

Originally Posted by Deadend45

But all the actors are dead

You might want to tell Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Art Garfunkel, and Ann-Margret they are dead.

[BobSimms]

Originally Posted by Cat Vision

You might want to tell Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Art Garfunkel, and Ann-Margret they are dead.

He was being sarcastic.

[chas speed]

Originally Posted by BobSimms

He was being sarcastic.

That still doesn't make any sense.

[chas speed]

Originally Posted by jackranderson

3.5 for the extras is nuts for such a stacked release. Dr strikes again.

He also called Jack Nicholson "terrible" in the film and writes that Garfunkel looks "odd". Dr. Svet doesn't even mention that the UK 4K has the original white out transition toward the end of the film that has been cut out of the Criterion version. Dr. stinks again.

[Kubrick DeLarge1989]

Haha Nicholson and terrible don't go in the same sentence. Am I tripping but I thought this was a better video transfer than the Criterion one?