The Criterion Collection

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Scarface32

I never even considered that as a reason, I figured it was just to entice you into buying the BD.

In that case, why does Marvel only include the digital copy if you buy the more expensive release? For example: I'd rather have the cheaper version of Captain America, but the digital copy only came with the more expensive 3D version. So I bought the 3D one, despite having no desire to watch the film in 3D.

Disney is their own animal in a lot of ways, but since their 3D editions are super cheap on release I would guess it's just another incentive to pay the extra $5. Also I am sure in general it is a value-add for studios too, it's just also working into their long-term goal of an all-streaming future where they have full control and make more per-sale.

Criterion and Scream's long-term goals are "keep buying discs and paying niche prices."

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

A lot of Criterion's money comes from people wanting packaging and a physical collection, so I don't think it's in their best interests to support a switch to digital.

I've had this idea for a while, but I think it would benefit them if they offered 2 week or 1 month vouchers to Hulu Plus with their releases. I've watched several movies through there that I wouldn't have blind-bought, but will now purchase. I don't think the quality of the service would make anyone switch from disc to digital, especially considering the people buying Criterion discs are more likely interested in extras than the general customer. So I see mostly gains if they decided to do this. Of course some may think this is beneath Criterion to do.

[WonderWeasel]

Originally Posted by iScottie

This website will be selling some custom Andrei Tarkovsky prints of Andrei Rublev and Solaris tomorrow.

http://blackdragonpress.bigcartel.com/

I saw that in my Facebook feed today. The Solaris poster is absolutely beautiful:

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

One of the reasons studios include digital codes in their releases is they want you to sign up and switch over. That's their goal, because it makes them more money and gives them more control. Same reason is why digital versions come out two weeks earlier.

One reason Scream Factory, Kino, Twilight Time and Criterion release do not include a digital code is because they make their money from people who want a disc, and want to keep you wanting discs.

Also I am sure there are licensing issues.

Originally Posted by Scarface32

I never even considered that as a reason, I figured it was just to entice you into buying the BD.

In that case, why does Marvel only include the digital copy if you buy the more expensive release? For example: I'd rather have the cheaper version of Captain America, but the digital copy only came with the more expensive 3D version. So I bought the 3D one, despite having no desire to watch the film in 3D.

Very interesting back and forth. I am on the fence and love actually having a physical thing in my hand, but hate having to come up with more and more space for the physical.

Digital would be so much easier, but I love physically choosing a disc as well as the artwork and booklets. Also, I don't know how to get a server the way I like and no time to.

Disney really is an odd case with the movie club and the rewards double team. You can get the movies cheap with the club and get free movies and merchandise with the rewards. So far I ordered 2 movies totally free with their rewards points as well as the Mickey blanket through the movie club.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by Fat Phil

De Palma and Mamet screwed no pooch.

We'll just have to agree to disagree.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

I find it difficult to defend the artistic merit of the opening shower scene in Carrie, for example.

I never thought about it one way or the other. The most memorable aspect of that scene was discovering that De Palma shot it twice, the second time without the nudity so that it could air on broadcast television.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I don't have a problem of letting facts get in the way of a good story in movies. For example, My Darling Clementine is still great despite playing fast and loose with the facts of the shoot-out and especially Doc Holliday's fate. I guess it's just cases of movie makers using "artistic license."

I can understand that. I seem to get more annoyed by movies playing fast and loose with historical facts the closer the events shown are to the present day (i.e., I can more easily deal with the historical inaccuracies in Braveheart than I can with something set in the 1940s). I suppose it also depends on how familiar one is with the history in question or how much import one puts on the way the events are misrepresented.

I just know that the Ness/Nitti scene eroded whatever goodwill I felt about the movie as a whole.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

With nudity though I wouldn't say I see it as all the same, more just that I see it as unimportant. A naked body isn't something I feel you need to justify or use only when necessary, it's just a naked body to me. I could open a new tab right now and type "boobs" and see as many as I could every possibly need to see. I see my wife naked on a daily basis. I just don't share the common American mindset that the naked body is something we need to be justify showing in a movie.

I'm with you there. I once argued with someone about this, and said "No one ever says that too much eating is gratuitous, so why is too much nudity or sex gratuitous?"

(For an example of "too much eating", next time you watch Alien, note that virtually every time that Parker (Yaphet Kotto) is on screen, he's eating something.)

[AaronJ]

So, this month I think I'll only be getting Two Days, One Night. I've wanted to see it since I first heard about it, but just haven't managed it. Cotillard is just so utterly magnificent in everything she signs up for, and I've heard such great things about this.

Oh, and as to the 2 questions:

1. Three Colors

2. Mulholland Dr. -- I just don't know how much longer I can wait.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

With nudity though I wouldn't say I see it as all the same, more just that I see it as unimportant. A naked body isn't something I feel you need to justify or use only when necessary, it's just a naked body to me. I could open a new tab right now and type "boobs" and see as many as I could every possibly need to see. I see my wife naked on a daily basis. I just don't share the common American mindset that the naked body is something we need to be justify showing in a movie.

More or less agreed. It really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I'm no prude, however, I think like any normal scene, many will see it as exploitative if that's the only purpose of the scene, or that it takes away from the movie if that's all there is to it and it doesn't add to the plot or characterization. As a director, if it's a more prestigious film as opposed to some R-rated comedy or teenage slasher flick, the actors/actresses will often demand justification for it from you, maybe partly because they feel protective of their bodies and don't want to be used.

Originally Posted by jayembee

I never thought about it one way or the other. The most memorable aspect of that scene was discovering that De Palma shot it twice, the second time without the nudity so that it could air on broadcast television.

The duration, graphicness, slow motion...none of it felt excessive or male fantasy in any way? Just curious.

What would your guys' take on Blue is the Warmest Color be?

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

2. Mulholland Dr. -- I just don't know how much longer I can wait.

What it feels like waiting for Criterion to announce this movie...



You know it's just around the corner...

[OrlandoEastwood]

I want Goke, Body Snatcher From Hell on BD. I see that Criterion did a DVD set with it in 2012. There is a Japanese Blu-ray, I might get it even though there's no English subs.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

What it feels like waiting for Criterion to announce this movie...

[Show spoiler]

You know it's just around the corner...

LOL! Definitely. If I didn't know better, I'd think it were some perverse type of torture. Heh.

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by jlk5844

More or less agreed. It really isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I'm no prude, however, I think like any normal scene, many will see it as exploitative if that's the only purpose of the scene, or that it takes away from the movie if that's all there is to it and it doesn't add to the plot or characterization. As a director, if it's a more prestigious film as opposed to some R-rated comedy or teenage slasher flick, the actors/actresses will often demand justification for it from you, maybe partly because they feel protective of their bodies and don't want to be used.

Oh I definitely think women have to go with what is comfortable to them, and make the demands they want to make. It's their body. I just mean from a director perspective, if De Palma wants a lot of nudity in a movie I don't think he really needs to justify it to the audience.

[jlk5844]

Originally Posted by StingingVelvet

Oh I definitely think women have to go with what is comfortable to them, and make the demands they want to make. It's their body. I just mean from a director perspective, if De Palma wants a lot of nudity in a movie I don't think he really needs to justify it to the audience.

Ok that makes sense.

[Fabs]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Hey that's mine

That shot is one of most most fav. images from any movie. I have the UK release's screenshot of it as my profile backdrop here. The UK transfer is rather soft, and to me the colors feel a bit too muted. Hoping Criterion can remedy this.

Originally Posted by nondiatonic

I think I've changed my mind.

I believe my most wanted announcement would be an upgrade of Floating Weeds just so I could marvel at the exquisite 'across the street in the rain shot' in HD.

That movie is so full of moments like that. Just a beautiful film. And true, the MoC doesn't look as good as the Criterion IMO, even though it's a 10 year old DVD. I have a feeling they're going to release it eventually within a year or so. They may not be releasing new Japanese films, but one constant is Ozu and Kurosawa.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Hey that's mine

That shot is one of most most fav. images from any movie. I have the UK release's screenshot of it as my profile backdrop here. The UK transfer is rather soft, and to me the colors feel a bit too muted. Hoping Criterion can remedy this.

I think about those little transition shots that are in every Ozu film. They only last a few seconds but they're always interesting. Weather it's an alley, a hillside, or a building they're always there just like you're guaranteed a train shot or sequence.

[ijustblumyself]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I think about those little transition shots that are in every Ozu film. They only last a few seconds but they're always interesting. Weather it's an alley, a hillside, or a building they're always there just like you're guaranteed a train shot or sequence.

I'm fairly certain they're referred to as 'pillow shots'. I love them too, they're always slightly ambiguous but feel perfectly placed.

[Fabs]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I think about those little transition shots that are in every Ozu film. They only last a few seconds but they're always interesting. Weather it's an alley, a hillside, or a building they're always there just like you're guaranteed a train shot or sequence.

I'm glad others like them too. They just come off as beautiful. I especially when he does the shots of the alleys or signs. They're sort of like pauses in the story that allow you to take in what you just saw, by admiring something beautiful in passing. Especially when a sad or important moment happens - Those are the best.

[nondiatonic]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

I think about those little transition shots that are in every Ozu film. They only last a few seconds but they're always interesting. Weather it's an alley, a hillside, or a building they're always there just like you're guaranteed a train shot or sequence.

Originally Posted by ijustblumyself

I'm fairly certain they're referred to as 'pillow shots'. I love them too, they're always slightly ambiguous but feel perfectly placed.

Those are another aspect unique to Ozu that I love.

Yes, those shots are often called 'pillow shots' (a reference to a Japanese term apparently) or 'curtain shots'.

Maybe because I don't have a complete grasp on the reasoning behind the term 'pillow shot', but I prefer 'curtain shot'. It's been said they are like the closing of the curtain between scenes in a play. They build anticipation for what is to come next, and they allow the viewer time to reflect on the scene that has just ended. They are also places where Ozu sticks metaphoric images that reflect the situation.

There are certain directors who invoke a feeling unique to them. I have been known to mention "that Altman feel". And, when I was first discovering Woody Allen, my anticipation would always build during those black and white title cards with the swing jazz playing. However, there really isn't much that compares with the giddy feeling I get in my gut when I'm watching the slow drawn out title cards of an Ozu I am seeing for the first time.