British Film Institute (BFI) Discussion Thread

[Aardvark_DK]

Watched Ordet yesterday and it looked just as good as I remembered it from seeing it at the Danish Film Institute five years ago - practically pristine.

I know Dreyer's films are often considered a bit dour but there are a number of things that made me laugh: The old man getting offended that his youngest son isn't good enough for the tailor's daughter, the two young people having to stay at separate ends of the table (we can't have them getting too close to each other), and of course the scene where the vicar first meets Johannes (who believes he's Christ incarnate) and the vicar asks the older brother Mikkel what destroyed Johannes' mind...

Vicar: "Was it love?"
Mikkel: "No, it was Kierkegaard."



In case people don't know about the background for the film, the tailor and his ilk are members of the Inner Mission: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chu...ion_in_Denmark
While the Borgen family are adherents of Grundtvig: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._F._S._Grundtvig
They are two very different takes on Christianity (to put it mildly). Some guy on a different forum wrote a bit about it.

[jhird2007]

Some great releases today:

Vivre sa vie 1962 (Goddard)

The Roberto Rossellini & Ingrid Bergman Collection (1950-1954) - Stromboli, Journey to Italy, and La Paura

Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Around the World with Orson Welles (1955)

On Yer Bike (1899-1983)

How to Be Eccentric: The Richard Massingham Collection (1933-1951)

Britain on Film

[Ozu Teapot]

The "Britain on Film" section seems to be mainly films that have already been released under the Flipside banner. Does this mean the Flipside is over? I hope not.

[ijustblumyself]

Originally Posted by Ozu Teapot

The "Britain on Film" section seems to be mainly films that have already been released under the Flipside banner. Does this mean the Flipside is over? I hope not.

Was kind of confused by that. Is it a box-set?

[rapta]

Woo! Definitely up for the Bergman set (maybe even more so than The War Trilogy, but ideally get both), Godard and finally get Man With A Movie Camera on Blu-ray (glad I didn't buy the DVD in the end). Confused about a couple of them...like that Britain on Film thing (is it a DVD set) and is the Welles doc on Blu-ray or just DVD? Oh, and might get the Welles Blu-ray too, if it looks like it'll be any good - I wonder why they don't just release the doc in the same set?

EDIT: okay, seems the Amazon listings are starting to go up and the 'Britain on Film' seems to be a series of DVD reissues of some of their Flipside titles. I like the new covers, but there's no point in getting them for most collectors as the Flipside titles are Dual Format...looks like it's aimed at the DVD-only market.

[Aladinsane]

Great slate, although I do become increasingly concerned every time they release a "limited edition bu-ray" with DVD only to follow. I can understand if its some obscure/avant-garde film (riddles of the sphinx/GAZWRX), but these are people like Rossellini, Dreyer, Herzog. There will always be a market for them. I would really hate to be the cinephile who starts collecting/watching movies 5 years from now, when all he/she will have access to is either overpriced ebay scalper high definition versions or standard definition versions of these gloriously restored films which sort of defeats the purpose.

/rant over

[rapta]

Originally Posted by Aladinsane

Great slate, although I do become increasingly concerned every time they release a "limited edition bu-ray" with DVD only to follow. I can understand if its some obscure/avant-garde film (riddles of the sphinx/GAZWRX), but these are people like Rossellini, Dreyer, Herzog. There will always be a market for them. I would really hate to be the cinephile who starts collecting/watching movies 5 years from now, when all he/she will have access to is either overpriced ebay scalper high definition versions or standard definition versions of these gloriously restored films which sort of defeats the purpose.

/rant over

They're obviously doing it to cover production costs - the Herzog set isn't limited, is it? I kinda agree, it's frustrating to see them released is such quick succession and most of them be 'strictly limited' (probably 3000 copies), as most of us cinephiles can't afford to buy a new box set every month so will risk missing out! For example, I'm strongly considering getting the Dreyer set soon and prioritising it over The War Trilogy...but now the Rossellini-Bergman set has been announced so that too would be a priority over The War Trilogy for me. I wish they'd release them separately on Blu-ray eventually or something, but they clearly can't afford it.

[Yami]

It's a fantastic set of announcements, that's for sure. The BFI have been on fire.

The Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini Collection - This actually presents a bit of a problem as it doesn't include Europa '51/Europe '51, which is a pretty big omission. It could be that it was too expensive to licence from Criterion (for whatever reason, it wasn't part of the Rossellini Project that the BFI have been picking from) but, as it stands, to get both Europa '51/Europe '51 and La paura you need to buy both the BFI and Criterion box sets, which overlap with Journey to Italy and Stromboli. It also doesn't have Joan of Arc at the Stake, but that isn't on the Criterion set either and - as far as I know - hasn't been restored.

Now, about La paura: it was shot twice - once in English as 'Fear' and once in German as 'Angst'. The English version was dubbed into Italian for the Italian market as, initially, La paura and then recut as Non credo più all amore. It's not really clear which version has been restored, but if the BFI includes Fear and Angst as it hopefully will then the title on the cover really should be one of those rather than La paura.

The Man with a Movie Camera - My comments on the BFI announcement will be the same as my comments on the Flicker Alley - it would be good to get a choice of scores. I'm resigned myself to the fact that my personal favourite of those I've heard, The Cinematic Orchestra's, will probably never be released on Blu-Ray but the BFI themselves released a DVD that included both Alloy Orchestra's and In the Nursery's scores so it would be good to see them ported across so we can have 3 scores to choose from.

Around the World with Orson Welles - This really is the year of Welles! It will be good to get this on Blu-Ray, but seeing as it's his centenary it would be nice to have gotten a more expansive set of his television work. In the Land of Don Quixote is a travelogue Welles made for Italian TV where he travels round Spain, so it would make a perfect pairing with Around the World for Orson Welles. In addition, seeing as the BFI have recently released some BBC titles it would be good to see them release Orson Welles' Sketch Book, a six episode series he made for the BBC, and the terrific 3-hour Arena documentary on his career.

Vivre sa Vie - I already have the Criterion, but I would double dip if there were extensive extras. Or something like Une femme coquette.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by Aladinsane

Great slate, although I do become increasingly concerned every time they release a "limited edition bu-ray" with DVD only to follow.

As explained many times, it is currently the only way to see BD releases of these movies in a way where the label does not make a loss and takes 6 years to sell out the pressed copies.

Most likely, both this, the Bill Morrison set and the Dreyer set are pressed around 2500 copies. That should be enough for this material and the UK market, though indeed, it's always worrying to see such models being used.

[Aladinsane]

Originally Posted by tenia

As explained many times, it is currently the only way to see BD releases of these movies in a way where the label does not make a loss and takes 6 years to sell out the pressed copies.

Most likely, both this, the Bill Morrison set and the Dreyer set are pressed around 2500 copies. That should be enough for this material and the UK market, though indeed, it's always worrying to see such models being used.

Of course I understand it is a purely business driven decision (I know the BFI are not doing this on purpose to spite people who want to be able to buy these films on blu ray), and I am glad we are getting these fantastic films in the first place. I guess my real concern was that If there is no market for "big" films from "celebrated" directors like Dreyer and Rossellini, and they are forced to print only 2500 copies, what chance do smaller films from lesser known directors have? This is a worrying trend indeed.

[Vakulinchuk]

Originally Posted by jhird2007

Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Wait.. don't tell me they are going to release this alone.

Or, at least, someone tell me the Flicker Alley one is region B compatible

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by Yami

It's a fantastic set of announcements, that's for sure. The BFI have been on fire.

The Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini Collection - This actually presents a bit of a problem as it doesn't include Europa '51/Europe '51, which is a pretty big omission. It could be that it was too expensive to licence from Criterion (for whatever reason, it wasn't part of the Rossellini Project that the BFI have been picking from) but, as it stands, to get both Europa '51/Europe '51 and La paura you need to buy both the BFI and Criterion box sets, which overlap with Journey to Italy and Stromboli. It also doesn't have Joan of Arc at the Stake, but that isn't on the Criterion set either and - as far as I know - hasn't been restored.

Now, about La paura: it was shot twice - once in English as 'Fear' and once in German as 'Angst'. The English version was dubbed into Italian for the Italian market as, initially, La paura and then recut as Non credo più all amore. It's not really clear which version has been restored, but if the BFI includes Fear and Angst as it hopefully will then the title on the cover really should be one of those rather than La paura.

I admit I gave up on comparing this announcement to the CC as it seems there isn't even info enough at the time on La Paura and that both sets will be necessary to get all the contents. I already have the CC one so hopefulyl BFI can clear up exactly what they're delivering. I'd be one of those nuts to double dip if it made sense to. They sure are on a roll though, great stuff. I'm sort of blown away they've gotten these recent releases out without delaying anything.

[rapta]

Originally Posted by kuro_sawa

I admit I gave up on comparing this announcement to the CC as it seems there isn't even info enough at the time on La Paura and that both sets will be necessary to get all the contents. I already have the CC one so hopefulyl BFI can clear up exactly what they're delivering. I'd be one of those nuts to double dip if it made sense to. They sure are on a roll though, great stuff. I'm sort of blown away they've gotten these recent releases out without delaying anything.

Well, Rashomon has been delayed by 4 months (due to extras production apparently). And the Rossellini and Bill Morrison sets both had very minor delays (a week or so). And Eyes Without A Face has been delayed countless times to date...

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by rapta

Well, Rashomon has been delayed by 4 months (due to extras production apparently). And the Rossellini and Bill Morrison sets both had very minor delays (a week or so). And Eyes Without A Face has been delayed countless times to date...

With those you mentioned, I expected The War Trilogy and Dreyer Collection to be pushed honestly! It had just seemed like the norm lately on my end, so I am still a bit shocked that one is sitting on my shelf and the other in transit to me!

[charnier]

Originally Posted by rapta

EDIT: okay, seems the Amazon listings are starting to go up and the 'Britain on Film' seems to be a series of DVD reissues of some of their Flipside titles. I like the new covers, but there's no point in getting them for most collectors as the Flipside titles are Dual Format...looks like it's aimed at the DVD-only market.

i.e. as it has been suggested on another forum, it would appear that the Flipside strand is no more.

[EddieLarkin]

Originally Posted by Vakulinchuk

Wait.. don't tell me they are going to release this alone.

Or, at least, someone tell me the Flicker Alley one is region B compatible

BFI press release: "includes a selection of little-seen Vertov films as extra features."

The Lobster and Flicker Alley sets both include the same collection of films, and there's no reason to think the BFI set won't.

[Dan8700]

Originally Posted by Yami

It's a fantastic set of announcements, that's for sure. The BFI have been on fire.

The Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini Collection - This actually presents a bit of a problem as it doesn't include Europa '51/Europe '51, which is a pretty big omission. It could be that it was too expensive to licence from Criterion (for whatever reason, it wasn't part of the Rossellini Project that the BFI have been picking from) but, as it stands, to get both Europa '51/Europe '51 and La paura you need to buy both the BFI and Criterion box sets, which overlap with Journey to Italy and Stromboli. It also doesn't have Joan of Arc at the Stake, but that isn't on the Criterion set either and - as far as I know - hasn't been restored.

Now, about La paura: it was shot twice - once in English as 'Fear' and once in German as 'Angst'. The English version was dubbed into Italian for the Italian market as, initially, La paura and then recut as Non credo più all amore. It's not really clear which version has been restored, but if the BFI includes Fear and Angst as it hopefully will then the title on the cover really should be one of those rather than La paura.

The Man with a Movie Camera - My comments on the BFI announcement will be the same as my comments on the Flicker Alley - it would be good to get a choice of scores. I'm resigned myself to the fact that my personal favourite of those I've heard, The Cinematic Orchestra's, will probably never be released on Blu-Ray but the BFI themselves released a DVD that included both Alloy Orchestra's and In the Nursery's scores so it would be good to see them ported across so we can have 3 scores to choose from.

Around the World with Orson Welles - This really is the year of Welles! It will be good to get this on Blu-Ray, but seeing as it's his centenary it would be nice to have gotten a more expansive set of his television work. In the Land of Don Quixote is a travelogue Welles made for Italian TV where he travels round Spain, so it would make a perfect pairing with Around the World for Orson Welles. In addition, seeing as the BFI have recently released some BBC titles it would be good to see them release Orson Welles' Sketch Book, a six episode series he made for the BBC, and the terrific 3-hour Arena documentary on his career.

Vivre sa Vie - I already have the Criterion, but I would double dip if there were extensive extras. Or something like Une femme coquette.

The Cinematic Orchestra are one of the most creative bands around, and yes their score is great indeed! Here's hoping the BFI Blu will include that...
About Rossellini, I think Europa '51 has not been included because a proper restoration has yet to be done (the print in the CC set is far from being amazing). Wise to wait for a new resto.

[Yami]

Originally Posted by Dan8700

The Cinematic Orchestra are one of the most creative bands around, and yes their score is great indeed! Here's hoping the BFI Blu will include that...

They only mentioned the Nyman, which I wasn't really a fan of despite being a lover of his other scores but it's interesting. I've suggested the Cinematic Orchestra's score to the BFI, so fingers crossed but I'm not optimistic.

If push comes to shove, I might manage to sync the lossless recording to the Blu-Ray though that's obviously not ideal.

[rapta]

Release dates for upcoming BFI Blu-ray titles according to Amazon UK...

Rossellini & Bergman Collection (Limited Numbered Edition) - July 20th
Man with a Movie Camera - July 20th
Vivre Sa Vie - August 24th
Around the World with Orson Welles (Limited Numbered Edition) - August 24th

And I don't know if it's an error, but they also have listings for Blu-ray reissues of Saturday Night, Sunday Morning and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner set for June 22nd.

Some special features are listed too in each listing for those interested!

[Yami]

Judging by the DVD specs, The Machine That Kills Bad People will be sharing a disc with "La Paura" - and how they're presenting the latter isn't clarified. However, I'm guessing it would list the alternate German version if they were going to include it so it seems likely that's not going to be on there. Which is disappointing - I said it on the previous page but it was filmed once in English (as 'Fear') and once in German (as 'Angst') so they are both equally valid versions of the film.