The Criterion Collection

[broganreynik]

Do you guys think there's any chance Criterion picks up "Love" by Gaspar Noé?

With Alchemy going down the tubes, it looks like another distributor is going to have to release it if we want to have a region A release.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by llj

Coming from a movie buff, it would be considered quite annoying. You can make this kind of mistake on a message board, but I have to admit, if in the 'real world' I hung out with you and I heard you talk for days about movies and then you made this mistake, I'd be momentarily irritated.

A casual moviegoer making this mistake, though, less so.

But I seem to recall you saying before that you weren't very good with Asian cinema, at any rate. Time to level that weakness up!

I struggle the most with Chinese vs Hong Kong films. That trips me up sometimes. I also tend to use "Asian" when I really mean "East Asian" since I'm not usually thinking of Indian or Iranian films when I say "Asian".

[Namuhana]

I opened up my David Lean Directs Noël Coward set, which I picked up earlier this month, and I started with Blithe Spirit. There are some surprisingly fun and funny bits, but the film seems a bit uneven. Apparently even Coward wasn't that much of a fan of the adaptation of his own making. Still, it's generally entertaining, and the Technicolor, while not really necessary, is great to look at.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Has anyone seen Bitter Rice, is it worth getting?

It's very entertaining, well acted (the two lead women are incredible) and has some decent twists and turns in it. It's a steal for the price point.

----

Just watched The Vanishing again (this time with the wife). Wow. Hearing a females perspective on some of the actions made by characters (especially the Big One at the end of the film) had the result of making me appreciate the film in a new light. The movie really nails a theme that is more unique to the male experience: finding out the truth at all costs even when your intuition might have already made its mind...Or at least it appears that way because we violently disagreed about the ending.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by tama

Didn't realize how many CC films I already had. I've only picked up Fantastic Planet and Carnival of Souls so far this sale. That's the least amount since I've been collecting during the B&N sales.

You and me both.

With over 250 titles in my Criterion Collection, I've only purchased 2 during this sale so far too and one of them was Fantastic Planet as well.

I still hope to pick up a few more titles and one must-buy will def. be The New World.

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by mja345

"Popeye" is great. Altman was such a weird choice to direct that though. It would be like getting Paul Thomas Anderson now to direct a movie based on a children's cartoon. Very incompatible in terms of the target audience. "Ready to Wear" and "Dr. T and the Women" are my two least favorite Altman movies by a fair margin. Neither contained much I really liked.

Not quite the same, but:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hea...-robert-783978

[Edward J Grug III]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Has anyone seen Bitter Rice, is it worth getting?

It's fantastic! It's on Hulu if you have it.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Edward J Grug III

It's fantastic! It's on Hulu if you have it.

Yeah, been meaning to watch it forever. I have Hulu, so there's nothing stopping me. Now I have something to do tonight.

[moviecriticsonline]

Is it safe to say that Benjamin Button is the worst Criterion release, or does Armageddon take the cake?

Would be interesting to know what you guys think, or what personal choices you have that you would consider a bad Criterion release.

[malakaheso]

Rewatched Inside Llewyn Davis. It is a really good film and I enjoyed most of the extras on the Criterion disc. The Coens are really boring when they aren't talking film or pop culture though. I've always questioned that idea that they are serious philosophical film makers who prefer to make 'comedies'. Perhaps their understanding of these issues is more instinctual, but to me the strength of their films generally lies elsewhere. i.e in character, mood, comedy etc.

[Samantha]

Originally Posted by theater dreamer

Ok, I think I am officially done with the Criterion sale after two more buys today.

Here's my haul:






For those reading the forum on a tablet or smart phone: John Cassavetes: Five Films, 3 Films by Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman, Summer with Monika, Bicycle Thieves, La Jetée/Sans Soleil, Day for Night, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes, 3 Women, Wings of Desire, Only Angels Have Wings, Phoenix, The Bridge, Insomnia, Le silence de la mer, In the Mood for Love, Certified Copy, Autumn Sonata, Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion.

I'm absolutely thrilled to have gotten every single movie I wanted during this sale. Now that the work is done, the fun begins. I have no idea what to watch first, though. I guess my mood tonight will dictate my first selection.

By the way, I want to thank you guys, once again, for your invaluable input as to my rapidly-expanding collection. I bought my first Criterion (On The Waterfront) fourteen months ago; since then, I've added 114 more films in 94 releases. I also picked up a few films that I hadn't planned on, namely The Bridge, and Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion. I've seen people speaking so highly of the two films, I figured what the hell. I read the synopsis of each, and they seemed right up my alley. They add quite nicely to what I think is a real diverse set of films.

Now, to start planning for the next Flash sale!

Can I come live with you? Some of your haul I'm familiar with, others I've never heard of. I will make a comment on Wings of Desire. I saw this when it was released in the theatre even though I was not a huge fan of Peter Falk. I think because it was a Wim Wenders film I really wanted to see it. I had seen Paris, Texas, and loved that also. I know there are a plethora of films with beautiful cinematography, but this film has remained one of my most treasured films. I saw it twice in the theatre and impatiently waited til I could get a copy of my own. It is a gem. I don't know if you've seen it before you bought it but I hope you will like, even love it.

Just a few gushing thoughts I couldn't stop myself from sharing.

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Is it safe to say that Benjamin Button is the worst Criterion release, or does Armageddon take the cake?

Would be interesting to know what you guys think, or what personal choices you have that you would consider a bad Criterion release.

Border Radio is my least favorite. I see Jellyfish Eyes getting a lot of votes in that catagory but I haven't seen it myself to comment.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Is it safe to say that Benjamin Button is the worst Criterion release, or does Armageddon take the cake?

Would be interesting to know what you guys think, or what personal choices you have that you would consider a bad Criterion release.

My adoration for Fincher is beyond explanation. So, no, I don't believe it's the worst. And I actually think Armageddon is a fun -- but obviously flawed -- film. It still has a lot of entertainment and re-watchability factors.

I have no idea what the "worst" is. To be honest, I spend way more time considering what the best is.

[Samantha]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

That's true.

Then again, I just watched Blue Valentine for like the 10th time the other night. And that's not exactly the most uplifting film ever made.

There may be something very, very wrong with me.

Not blu-ray news, and don't shun me ya'll, but I put Blue Valentine on my Amazon wishlist the other day. It's on sale for $5, but I couldn't decide if I wanted to get it. I know, $5 should be a no brainer, but I've spent so much on movies the last few months I put myself on probation, with the exception of the Criterion sale. Since you've watched it 10 times, I think I'm going to go ahead and get it before the price jumps back up. Thanks.

[moviecriticsonline]

Originally Posted by hoytereden

Border Radio is my least favorite. I see Jellyfish Eyes getting a lot of votes in that category but I haven't seen it myself to comment.

I have yet to see Border Radio, but now I'm tempted to see why it's not good.

Originally Posted by AaronJ

My adoration for Fincher is beyond explanation. So, no, I don't believe it's the worst. And I actually think Armageddon is a fun -- but obviously flawed -- film. It still has a lot of entertainment and re-watchability factors.

I have no idea what the "worst" is. To be honest, I spend way more time considering what the best is.

I agree, it's hard to dislike Fincher's films. I mean, The Game, Se7en, Fight Club and many others. What an immensely talented director.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by Samantha

Not blu-ray news, and don't shun me ya'll, but I put Blue Valentine on my Amazon wishlist the other day. It's on sale for $5, but I couldn't decide if I wanted to get it. I know, $5 should be a no brainer, but I've spent so much on movies the last few months I put myself on probation, with the exception of the Criterion sale. Since you've watched it 10 times, I think I'm going to go ahead and get it before the price jumps back up. Thanks.

You'll be glad you made that choice.

It's just a a very ... depressing and hurting film. Gosling and Williams are simply spectacular, and the script is amazing. Watching it is like watching a building crumble to the ground in super-slo-motion.

I'm doing a great job selling it, eh?

But it really is a terrific film.

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

I agree, it's hard to dislike Fincher's films. I mean, The Game, Se7en, Fight Club and many others. What an immensely talented director.

The only Fincher-directed film I don't own on BD is Panic Room -- which is not only my least favorite of his films, but it also happens not to be on BD.

If it were on BD, I'd get it even though I really didn't like it a great deal when I saw it in the theater. But it wasn't bad. It was mediocre, I thought; and for Fincher, mediocre is bad.

It's scary. Now NWR is beginning to inch up there with my level of love for Fincher. When will we get our first NWR in the Collection? It really should be The Neon Demon as I posted in this very thread soon after returning from the theater. But I doubt it will be.

I think if I had to pick 5 present directors whose work I appreciate more than anyone else's right now, it would have to be:

Fincher
NWR
Aronofsky
Nolan
Malick

Spike Jonze and Steve McQueen are definitely up there, just missing out.

[moviecriticsonline]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

You'll be glad you made that choice.

It's just a a very ... depressing and hurting film. Gosling and Williams are simply spectacular, and the script is amazing. Watching it is like watching a building crumble to the ground in super-slo-motion.

I'm doing a great job selling it, eh?

But it really is a terrific film.



The only Fincher-directed film I don't own on BD is Panic Room -- which is not only my least favorite of his films, but it also happens not to be on BD.

If it were on BD, I'd get it even though I really didn't like it a great deal when I saw it in the theater. But it wasn't bad. It was mediocre, I thought; and for Fincher, mediocre is bad.

It's scary. Now NWR is beginning to inch up there with my level of love for Fincher. When will we get our first NWR in the Collection? It really should be The Neon Demon as I posted in this very thread soon after returning from the theater. But I doubt it will be.

I think if I had to pick 5 present directors whose work I appreciate more than anyone else's right now, it would have to be:

Fincher
NWR
Aronofsky
Nolan
Malick

Spike Jonze and Steve McQueen are definitely up there, just missing out.

I completely forgot Fincher directed Panic Room. I guess it's one of those films even he would want to forget about. Just like Spielberg not wanting to talk about Hook and Crystal Skull. Although, Hook is a fun film for nostalgia purposes and the late great Robin Williams.

I gotta check out The Neon Demon this week, sounds amazing.

Great picks on your favorite directors.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

I completely forgot Fincher directed Panic Room. I guess it's one of those films even he would want to forget about. Just like Spielberg not wanting to talk about Hook and Crystal Skull. Although, Hook is a fun film for nostalgia purposes and the late great Robin Williams.

I gotta check out The Neon Demon this week, sounds amazing.

Great picks on your favorite directors.

The Neon Demon will easily be my favorite film this year, and I can say that even though it's only July.

It's SERIOUSLY messed up, beautifully shot, wonderfully directed, and has excellent performances throughout. I think when I started to really get into film back in the 70s, this was the sort of film that I somehow imagined would eventually be made for me.

[mja345]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Is it safe to say that Benjamin Button is the worst Criterion release, or does Armageddon take the cake?

Would be interesting to know what you guys think, or what personal choices you have that you would consider a bad Criterion release.

"Border Radio" is unwatchable. The "I Am Curious" films are absolutely awful as well. The Norman Mailer movies in the Eclipse set are really bad, but good for an unintentional laugh. "A Safe Place", in the America Lost and Found box, is often mentioned as the worst film in the collection. "Chasing Amy" is definitely up there for me. I remember thinking that film was so profound when I first saw it (I was about 12) and I watched my old Criterion DVD about a year ago and it was just cringe-inducing. The dialogue is so Kevin Smith-y. It's Smith at his Smithiest. That speech he gives as Silent Bob made me want to punch the TV.

[I KEEL YOU]

Originally Posted by moviecriticsonline

Is it safe to say that Benjamin Button is the worst Criterion release, or does Armageddon take the cake?

Would be interesting to know what you guys think, or what personal choices you have that you would consider a bad Criterion release.

It's easily hands down A Safe Place by far, and it's not even remotely kind-of close.