The Criterion Collection

[spargs]

Originally Posted by SlickDamian

I've been collecting Criterion blu-rays for years and consider myself a serious film fan, even if I don't get a chance to watch as many as I'd like. However, I don't own any samurai films in my Criterion collection, and I feel that this is the one area where my collection is lacking. Can you guys recommend the best Criterion blu-ray as a starting point for samurai films? For whatever reason, I've never felt the desire to buy Seven Samurai, which I'm sure is where I should probably start.

I suggest Yojimbo and its companion sequel Sanjuro as a good starting point, as both are fairly accessible. Likewise, The Hidden Fortress would also be a good entry point.

[MifuneFan]

I started with Seven Samurai as both my first samurai film and Criterion in the DVD days and I've never looked back . Yojimbo and Sanjuro are very safe choices too, though they don't feel as traditionally samurai as Seven Samurai. They're formatted more like westerns, which Kurosawa was inspired by (and in turn, Leone inspired by Kurosawa to make the Dollars remakes). The Hidden Fortress is my fav. Kurosawa film, but I like it more for the action/adventure feel of it, rather than anything particularly to do with samurai action. Harakiri is another fine choice that you can't go wrong with.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I don't know if this a bit grim or weird but what are the best films in collection that revolve around suicide or the degradation of the human spirit?

If its a spoiler just put in spoiler tags but I'm ok to be spoilt.

I can only think of Breaking the Waves in terms of the destruction of the soul. But off the top of my head I can't think of many that focus on suicide or true misery.



I know its a weird thing to request, I just find the subject fascinating and very close to heart.

It's dvd only and I think I mentioned it to you before but Ratcatcher is just soooooooo depressing.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

It's dvd only and I think I mentioned it to you before but Ratcatcher is just soooooooo depressing.

Ah yeah Love Lynne Ramsay! I do hoep this gets an upgrade with C, hopefully if they do they can include 'Swimmer' short!

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Josh B

I was in Books-A-Million yesterday and noticed a CC titled The Samurai Trilogy. Was going to pick it up but idk anything about the series, also it was a little steep in price.

re: Shallow Grave came in the mail yesterday. It's dark, humorous and has a certain charm to it. Recommended, if anyone is into that sort of drama. Cronos should be in this afternoon. Clean, Shaven is another good one, if anyone is interested.

The Samurai Trilogy is very good. It has Mifune as the main protagonist throughout the 3 films named Musashi Miyamoto. Miyamoto was a real ronin born in 1584.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Better than her performance in Possession!?

I can't wait to check this out, I adore her.

I was amazed to discover she is in Herzog's Nosferatu which I'm excited to check out. But Her performance in Possession was mind blowing.

On subject of Possession, EVERYONE must see this masterpiece of horror, one of my favourites! (don't judge film based on the awful trailer)

My wife very rarely watches what she calls "Your Movies!" so I was really amazed when she joined me to watch this on TCM Underground some time ago. She watched without comment and, to my great surprise, sat there for the whole film. Her only comment afterwards was "Wow, that certainly was some movie!" in a somewhat incredulous tone. I could tell that she wouldn't be sticking around for the second feature that night-Repulsion; and she didn't!

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

My wife very rarely watches what she calls "Your Movies!" so I was really amazed when she joined me to watch this on TCM Underground some time ago. She watched without comment and, to my great surprise, sat there for the whole film. Her only comment afterwards was "Wow, that certainly was some movie!" in a somewhat incredulous tone. I could tell that she wouldn't be sticking around for the second feature that night-Repulsion; and she didn't!

Wow, that was gutsy of her to watch if she's not keen on your films :P - it definitely takes it out of you haha! incredible film!

Maybe she would have gotten on better with Repulsion lol

[octagon]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Also, I notice that Criterion posted this to Instagram recently. It seems likely that we'll see The Lady Eve in the future, too.

They posted a Drunken Angel film canister like four or five years ago.

Fool me once...

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by octagon

They posted a Drunken Angel film canister like four or five years ago.

Fool me once...

Aww shucks. That refutes my theory.

[shadedpain4]

How much I trust that Criterion will release something, on a scale from 1 to 10:

Officially announced with releases date - 9.5
Said they are going to release it at a Wexner chat - 8
Obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 7.5
Someone connected to a film says Criterion is releasing it - 6.5
Less than obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 5
Any picture Criterion posts on social media - 1

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

How much I trust that Criterion will release something, on a scale from 1 to 10:

Officially announced with releases date - 9.5
Said they are going to release it at a Wexner chat - 8
Obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 7.5
Someone connected to a film says Criterion is releasing it - 6.5
Less than obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 5
Any picture Criterion posts on social media - 1

The only images that they've used as Facebook covers that have not been released are Symbiopsychotaxiplasm and Onibaba. Hmm...

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I just came here to post this. It pretty much confirms the release.

Also, I notice that Criterion posted this to Instagram recently. It seems likely that we'll see The Lady Eve in the future, too.

Thanks for posting, I don't do Instagram so I've not seen either. But pretty excited about seeing these!

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

How much I trust that Criterion will release something, on a scale from 1 to 10:

Officially announced with releases date - 9.5
Said they are going to release it at a Wexner chat - 8
Obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 7.5
Someone connected to a film says Criterion is releasing it - 6.5
Less than obvious newsletter or new year's clue - 5
Any picture Criterion posts on social media - 1

Additional factors that might lead me to suspect a Criterion blu ray release might be imminent:

1. Is it a movie that Criterion has already released on LaserDisc or DVD?
2. Does Criterion have a working relationship with the rights-holder?
3. Does a high quality digital image of the film exist already?
4. Is the film currently available in HD from streaming outlets (Hulu, Netflix or Amazon)?
5. Has the film already been released on blu in other markets?

For The Lady Eve, the answers would be yes, yes, yes, yes and no. As science, this is about as reliable as Punxsutawney Phil, but I'm hopeful.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by belcherman

As science, this is about as reliable as Punxsutawney Phil, but I'm hopeful.

I'm going to kill that groundhog if it's the last thing that I ever do.

On the subject of Criterion predictions, your current avatar photo compels me to hope that the Pre-Code title that Criterion has been hinting at will be a film starring Joan Blondell.

[Scottie]

I watched The Third Man tonight for the first time in almost a couple of years. I recall posting extensively about how I was severely let down by it and found it to be a challenge. Boy, has my opinion changed.

Awesome, awesome film. Great camera placements, great build-up of mystery, great conclusion. Total 180º

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I watched The Third Man tonight for the first time in almost a couple of years. I recall posting extensively about how I was severely let down by it and found it to be a challenge. Boy, has my opinion changed.

Awesome, awesome film. Great camera placements, great build-up of mystery, great conclusion. Total 180º

This has happened to me with several movies. For me, it's either been the mood I was in the first time I saw the film, or my age/film maturity age.

I remember I hated Boogie Nights the first time I saw it... I almost walked out of the theater. I was with a gf at the time, who really wasn't into it, and she just kept complaining and eventually walked out, so that didn't help either. But moreso, it was the first PTA movie I had seen and I just wasn't ready for it. But now, it's a film I love.

[Paul.R.S]

Was surprised to find Rosemary's Baby and 8 1/2 at Costco yesterday priced at $19.99.

[filmmusic]

Well, not Criterion releated, but for anyone that didn't see it, Network will release The Nightcomers with Marlon Brando, which is like a prequel story to Criterion's The Innocents!

[D.I.T.C.]

Hey folks, long time lurker here. I hope to be a contributor from here on out.

Quick question: I understand Barnes & Noble is starting a B1G1 DVD/BD sale starting tomorrow. Does that typically include Criterions? I think I've taken part in one of their B1G1 sales in the past (not their Criterion sale) and I can't remember if they include Criterions or not.

[belcherman]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I'm going to kill that groundhog if it's the last thing that I ever do.

On the subject of Criterion predictions, your current avatar photo compels me to hope that the Pre-Code title that Criterion has been hinting at will be a film starring Joan Blondell.

Yeah, there are so many great ones, but Footlight Parade would be terrific.