The Criterion Collection

[gbm82]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

Yeah, come September I'll probably have broken that pledge and grab a few extra films. But I'm going to try to be strong and not go overboard.

https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/how...this-year.html

(I didn't actually read it...enter at your own risk)

[StarDestroyer52]

Originally Posted by WeeBey

What do you guys think spine #2000 will be? Wong Kar-wai?

Hopefully, an WKW boxset will be way before that.

[Rzzzz]

Originally Posted by horroru

Don't even Rzzzz you're jinxing it!!!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping they release Gargantuas and Rodan as a double feature, or even better in another box set with the other Toho films. Time will tell....

Ha ha, did you see this?


https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=434

[koberulz]

The thing I find most hilarious about the outrage is that we've known this set was coming for what, a year now? We knew it was going to be spine 1000 over a week ago. This isn't a surprise, nobody should be disappointed here.

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by RockzillaXD

I wish I could say I was excited for the Godzilla set but the lack of English dubs for most of the films pisses me off.

What am I missing here? English dubs on foreign films are quite rightly pilloried....why are the Godzilla films an exception?

[gbm82]

Originally Posted by jw007

I've been on this forum for 7 years now (since July 2012), and I've read a lot of exciting and sometimes not exciting posts from people in this thread.

After reading some of the comments over the last day or so, it makes me wonder if Criterion collectors indeed live up to the rumors that they're often arrogant, self-entitled, snobby people.

I'd like to think that's not the case, but on the other hand I've noticed less and less tolerance from people on both sides. Nobody should be afraid of speaking an opinion on whether or not a Criterion release is "worthy" or not, that's what makes a forum a forum, right? At the same time, nobody should bully others regarding their opinion on how politically correct it might be to dismiss a new Criterion release, no matter how silly or sarcastic their point is.

I think we've become a bit spoiled actually. We're a bit spoiled from all the amazing titles that Criterion works hard to restore and release every month out of the year. It gives me hope that the film community still has a lot of reverence for older cinema and that includes 15 old Godzilla movies from the 1950s-1970s.

Let's be grateful that Criterion is still doing what they're doing, but let's also not forget that we all can dismiss whatever release we don't like without consequence of getting threatened or intimidated.

There are PLENTY of Criterion releases I'll never see myself buying, the Godzilla box set included. But I'm really, REALLY happy that Criterion took the effort and care to put together a box set like this for Japanese horror fans (and horror fans worldwide). The Godzilla Shōwa series from Toho is a big part of Japanese film history, and it would be cool to also compare these to the Heisei, Millennium, and Reiwa series as well.

To each their own.

There are sooo many "important" films that aren't for everyone.... Criterion is one of the few labels that I will blind-buy anything from; as I trust them. At the same time I know I'll never own them all and buy the ones I think sound interesting first...

[Rzzzz]

Originally Posted by lemonski

What am I missing here? English dubs on foreign films are quite rightly pilloried....why are the Godzilla films an exception?

Because they are funny as hell...

[gbm82]

Originally Posted by Rzzzz

Because they are funny as hell...

You clearly missed your bus stop... This place is for serious business only...

The Donnas - Take It Off (Official Video) - YouTube

[lemonski]

Originally Posted by Rzzzz

Because they are funny as hell...

I've never seen any of these movies (except Gz 54 in Japanese)....how are the English dubs funny? And this dubbing gag is presumably as funny as hell on the 15th movie as it is on the first?

[AaronJ]

I really don't get all the negativity swirling around. If you're not into the title, then you're not into it. Why is this a big deal?

[Dragon Ranger]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

What happened to that guy that posted the Godzilla gif after every announcement?

He must be on cloud 9 today.
________________

Very interested in which film might be getting a UHD by the end of the year if the rumor from Digital Bits is correct. Do they go with an evergreen title (The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, Days of Heaven, etc) or something contemporary (Grand Budapest Hotel, Roma) ?

Hi; I'm that guy

Yes very happy though my bank manager is weeping.

[WeeBey]

Originally Posted by StarDestroyer52

Hopefully, an WKW boxset will be way before that.

Ideally, Criterion holds on to Wong kar-wai until spine #2046. We will be able to enjoy it more that way.

[logboy]

Originally Posted by lemonski

What am I missing here? English dubs on foreign films are quite rightly pilloried....why are the Godzilla films an exception?

for some, dubbed english versions were their first experience, and they may not have seen them with the original dialogue.

for others, the reason adjustments away from original versions are hated is that they become some people’s impression of what the film is, rather than just their first experience of it.

notice how these attitudes and acceptance of them varies wildly with films from different countries, and levels of popularity, when they became widely accessible and so on.

[Moj]

Originally Posted by muchogris

I mean... you can tell Criterion is in for cashing money. This boxset has the most impractical design, evident cheap traced unfinished vector stills and horrible pop color choices. It doesn't relate to the other movies released to the point you can tell they tried to make it to appease comic fans. It sticks out from the whole collection... It is the perfect example of a serious dropout in quality in all aspects. So much it sticks out from the curated titles (except for the whole filmographies of living directors). This is a further precedent, the fan phenomena impulsed by the anonymity of internet and fake trends will make some fervent (suspiciously) loyal brand users to attack me and say how influential they have been. But their motto is long dead. The company is no longer releasing as much diverse important titles, and those who care about cinema know the joys of discovering something new resides on diversity, not big boxsets.

I know it's a business, and im not entitled to say release this or that. They will release what they want that makes them earn cash. But see, other consumers will need to see this fake veil of demand and let them know they're abandoning the diverse classic standards (those with academic status) they did for years to satisfy the democratic cult retro trends that invade all boutique labels.

The thing is, I generally think you're right about the cash-grab aspect of this release, but there's a particularly elitist, hand-wringing element when it comes to these genre film's in particular. Where was the outrage when Criterion re-released movies with perfectly good discs like Election? Where was this post when they put out puff piece docs for David Lynch?

The fall of Rome already happened. Releasing golden-age Japanese science fiction films that need restorations isn't some great offence to art cinema.

[DaBargainHunta]

Godzilla is a worldwide phenomenon, many people's first exposure to a Japanese film, and it birthed or at least popularized an entire genre. If that's not worthy of Criterion, what is?

[Lt_Cobretti]

Originally Posted by muchogris

I mean... you can tell Criterion is in for cashing money. This boxset has the most impractical design, evident cheap traced unfinished vector stills and horrible pop color choices. It doesn't relate to the other movies released to the point you can tell they tried to make it to appease comic fans. It sticks out from the whole collection... It is the perfect example of a serious dropout in quality in all aspects. So much it sticks out from the curated titles (except for the whole filmographies of living directors). This is a further precedent, the fan phenomena impulsed by the anonymity of internet and fake trends will make some fervent (suspiciously) loyal brand users to attack me and say how influential they have been. But their motto is long dead. The company is no longer releasing as much diverse important titles, and those who care about cinema know the joys of discovering something new resides on diversity, not big boxsets.

I know it's a business, and im not entitled to say release this or that. They will release what they want that makes them earn cash. But see, other consumers will need to see this fake veil of demand and let them know they're abandoning the diverse classic standards (those with academic status) they did for years to satisfy the democratic cult retro trends that invade all boutique labels.

[FragnitoM]

I’m remembering now why I had walked away from forums years ago...

[MifuneFan]

I don't see Criterion releasing a Godzilla set as any different from them releasing the Zatoichi set. Both are niche, genre specific films that range in campiness, and are definitely not considered high art (original Gojira excluded). Similarly, the Zatoichi set came in unconventional packaging, had vivid artwork from various artists, and used disc slots.

I looked back to 2013 when it was announced, and everyone seemed excited for it. No one questioning whether it belongs in the collection or not. I don't see why it should be any different for one of the most iconic Japanese franchises of all time. You can debate the practicality of the packaging, but in no way does the collection feel out of place with Criterion.

[DaBargainHunta]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

I’m remembering now why I had walked away from forums years ago...

There's a whole forum outside this thread. Don't give up on it so easily.

For the most part, I enjoy the posts and posters in this thread, but there are definitely some instances of buffoonish snobbery rearing its ugly head. You're going to find cases of that on any Criterion forum though. This thread is actually one of the better ones...

[Rzzzz]

Originally Posted by lemonski

I've never seen any of these movies (except Gz 54 in Japanese)....how are the English dubs funny? And this dubbing gag is presumably as funny as hell on the 15th movie as it is on the first?

They are all great. It is something you have to see and experience for yourself.

Do you like grown men in rubber suits?