The Criterion Collection

[retablo]

Originally Posted by J. J. Hunsecker

Actually, the first Maltese Falcon version from 1931 is also infereior, and it stuck closer to the book than did Satan Met a Lady.

All 3 versions are included on the SE DVD of Maltese Falcon, I think. Never watched the 1931 version though. Maybe I should, or I'll never know! lol

All I can think of seeing your reply is how much I want Sweet Smell of Success on blu. One of my all-time favorite films that, looking back, should've swept the Oscars in 1958, but didn't even get 1 nomination! As great as Bridge on the River Kwai is, nothing compares to JJ and Sidney. The DVD isn't even anamorphic, however I did DVR it in HD off one of the movie channels.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

Thank you thank you. Screenwriting is such a pain, I'm currently doodling between scripts right now because I need to produce a film for my transfer applications and it's been agitating and yes it's good to disagree when discussing film because it broadens your knowledge and makes you a little bit more understanding of the films you watch.



I think I'll have to check it out because of my respect for Malick and Bale. Though Colin Farrell as a lead? That's a huge turn off and wasn't the girl 14 when she made the movie?

I was never a huge Farrell fan until I saw this film and In Bruges (he was excellent in that). While I do not think he is a top-notch actor, he is very good in this film. One thing he does do well is convey emotion with his eyes. He does so very well in this film. Yes, Q'Orianka Kilcher was 14 when this movie was filmed and 15 when it was released. However, there is only a single kiss in the entire film (which is done on purpose) and the name "Pocahontas" is never used (note: when she is in the house at the settlers fort there is an excellent line of "She doesn't go by that name anymore"--very nice touch).

And yes, it is as far removed from the cartoon version as a film could be. The cartoon version is based on the myth of Pocahontas--this film is based on commonly accepted history. The film feels authentic at all times and is just so incredible. There were times in watching the film last nite (first time on blu, probably 30th time overall) that I teared up because of the intense beauty on the screen.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

I'm not saying that it ruins the film for me because of age but it just feels odd. You're right about the Malick thing, he made us believe James Caviezel is an awesome actor, so maybe Farrell does a great job. Would love to see Malick take Reeves and make an actor out of him. I'm very souped to see Tree of Life, in imax and the lead is one of my favorite actors, Pitt. and I did not know Jodie was 12 during Taxi Driver.

Trust me, it is not odd in this film--it is historically accurate that she was very young, 11 I believe. Take Kubrick's Lolita or Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet--the main characters were between 13 and 16, which made the film's very authentic.

The Jodi Foster thing creeps me out a bit but it was one of the main purposes of the film and one of the things that sets Bickle off.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Jodi Foster thing creeps me out a bit but it was one of the main purposes of the film and one of the things that sets Bickle off.

It set off John Hinckley Jr., too.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by retablo

It set off John Hinckley Jr., too.

haha very correct, and even creepier.

[goochspot]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Let me preface this by saying that I am completely biased...I spent two whole years working on a very well-received thesis entitled "Idealism in the Face of Nature: The Films of Terrence Malick." The thesis focused on Malick's use of nature and voice-over. I am waiting to add a chapter next year after the release of Tree of Life before publishing it in an extended book form. That being said, I coincidentally just finished watching my blu of The New World 10 minutes ago (ironic). Here is what I think of his four films:


Badlands--the least complex (by comparison) of his films but there is still so much there. It is a story we've seen before--murderers on the run--but the way Malick constructs the film is completely original. he never tries to find an answer to why these two ppl kill, but that is not his purpose. a great film and the most accessible of Malick's works.

Days of Heaven--an amazing film but my least favorite of Malick's four films. A very complex moral and religious tale, the problem with the film is sometimes there is a disconnect between the narration and the story, although I believe this is intentional (the use of an unreliable narrator, a la Catcher in the Rye). That being said, it is the most beautiful movie ever filmed and I had the pleasure to watch it in a movie theater three years ago while working on my thesis. Gorgeous, in a word.

The Thin Red Line--the most unique war movie ever made. this is also the most complex of Malick's films and his first foray into the use of multiple narrators. the questions Malick asked in this film are deep and are continued in The New World.

The New World--believe it or not, this is my favorite of Malick's films. The reason for this is because it feels like a continuation of The Thin Red Line and it really delves deeper into the questions asked in that film. The fact that Malick took such a cliche topic as the Pocahontas tale and made it into what he did is absolute genius. Like all of Malick's films, this film was shot almost exclusively at the "magic hours", which led to the unique look of the film. I think it his best film, although it is problematic.


For any that are interested, I would gladly send my 20+ page thesis for your consideration. It analyzes all four films.

Btw, the blu of The New World immediately places itself among the top 5 best looking blus ever released. The detail and depth of the picture are that good. The extended version also greatly improves upon the theater version, with the addition of 25-30 minutes. It makes the film more cohesive.

I've personally read his paper and it is very insightful. If you're a fan of Terrance Malick or of film in general--I'm assuming you are since you're in the Criterion Collection Thread--I highly recommend a read.

[Idioteque...]

I'll probably read it once winter vacation hits. Barely get any free time to myself these days and I think I'll watch New World after I see Che, Che's gotten me really excited.

Btw what directors do you think deserve Criterion blurays? I'm thinking Spike Jonze, Stanley Kubrick are 2 fresh in my mind.

[bygberbrown]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

I'll probably read it once winter vacation hits.

Do you mean his thesis or his posts?

And did you also know that Jodie's 18-year old sister was employed on Taxi Driver to body double for Jodie for anything that they didn't want to put 12-yr-old Jodie through? There isn't much in the final cut, but maybe there was in the rough cut, who knows.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by goochspot

I've personally read his paper and it is very insightful. If you're a fan of Terrance Malick or of film in general--I'm assuming you are since you're in the Criterion Collection Thread--I highly recommend a read.

That is very nice of you to say Gooch, thank you.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

I'll probably read it once winter vacation hits. Barely get any free time to myself these days and I think I'll watch New World after I see Che, Che's gotten me really excited.

Btw what directors do you think deserve Criterion blurays? I'm thinking Spike Jonze, Stanley Kubrick are 2 fresh in my mind.

I'm excited for Che too. When I think of Criterion, besides Malick's first two films, I think of 12 Angry Men, Judgment at Nuremberg, and To Kill a Mockingbird as three films that deserve the treatment and three films I potentially could see released on Criterion.

Other than that, I think the films of Bela Tarr or Andrei Tarkovsky would make great releases. And, of course, Kubrick. I'm hoping for Lolita myself.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by bygberbrown

Do you mean his thesis or his posts?

And did you also know that Jodie's 18-year old sister was employed on Taxi Driver to body double for Jodie for anything that they didn't want to put 12-yr-old Jodie through? There isn't much in the final cut, but maybe there was in the rough cut, who knows.

haha touche, you got me there!

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by bygberbrown

Do you mean his thesis or his posts?

And did you also know that Jodie's 18-year old sister was employed on Taxi Driver to body double for Jodie for anything that they didn't want to put 12-yr-old Jodie through? There isn't much in the final cut, but maybe there was in the rough cut, who knows.

hmm I didn't know that...interesting little tid bit.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I'm excited for Che too. When I think of Criterion, besides Malick's first two films, I think of 12 Angry Men, Judgment at Nuremberg, and To Kill a Mockingbird as three films that deserve the treatment and three films I potentially could see released on Criterion.

Other than that, I think the films of Bela Tarr or Andrei Tarkovsky would make great releases. And, of course, Kubrick. I'm hoping for Lolita myself.

My favorite Kubrick is Full Metal Jacket and I hear they released a pretty good version of it on bluray (deluxe edition) and nice coverart. For Kubrick criterion wise, I was thinking Barry Lyndon but I have yet to see Lolita so I can't really say. Hell release both of them on Criterion, Kubrick should be remembered!

I never enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird, I highly prefer the book to the movie. Many would disagree but who cares. It's an enjoyable book.

Originally Posted by bygberbrown

Do you mean his thesis or his posts?

And did you also know that Jodie's 18-year old sister was employed on Taxi Driver to body double for Jodie for anything that they didn't want to put 12-yr-old Jodie through? There isn't much in the final cut, but maybe there was in the rough cut, who knows.

I did not know that but did she really need one? I honestly was disappointed with Taxi Driver only because it began to focus on the Bickle/Jodie relationship in the second half. Had that been the main focus of the movie and of course with Travis's cynical views on life, I would have enjoyed it more. It took too long to kick in.

In other news, Kevin Smith has been removed from Criterion. The Chasing Amy blu is now a regular blu hahaha. I stopped liking him as a director a little while ago and Chasing Amy was just a really dumb movie.
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releas...ollection.html

[HumanMedia]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

Lol interesting, I guess I'll just stick with Disney version of Pocahontas anyway, what's the point of owning 2 different movies of the same story?

And you better not get Avatar either (same story)

[anomynous]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

My favorite Kubrick is Full Metal Jacket and I hear they released a pretty good version of it on bluray (deluxe edition) and nice coverart. For Kubrick criterion wise, I was thinking Barry Lyndon but I have yet to see Lolita so I can't really say. Hell release both of them on Criterion, Kubrick should be remembered!

I never enjoyed To Kill a Mockingbird, I highly prefer the book to the movie. Many would disagree but who cares. It's an enjoyable book.



I did not know that but did she really need one? I honestly was disappointed with Taxi Driver only because it began to focus on the Bickle/Jodie relationship in the second half. Had that been the main focus of the movie and of course with Travis's cynical views on life, I would have enjoyed it more. It took too long to kick in.

In other news, Kevin Smith has been removed from Criterion. The Chasing Amy blu is now a regular blu hahaha. I stopped liking him as a director a little while ago and Chasing Amy was just a really dumb movie.
http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releas...ollection.html

Chasing Amy was never going to be a Criterion blu-ray

Hopefully El Norte & Bottle Rocket replacement cases are up for sale soon

[Tyger]

Originally Posted by anomynous

Chasing Amy was never going to be a Criterion blu-ray

Hopefully El Norte & Bottle Rocket replacement cases are up for sale soon

Didn't Criterion say maybe a Blu-ray when Kevin Smith wanted to release a 10th anniversary version of Chasing Amy?

I'm hoping Bottle Rocket is released in the plastic case soon, I wouldn't know what to do with the digipak if I bought it now

[anomynous]

I know Citerion didn't want to do a 10th Anniversary for the DVD, don't know about the blu

[Tyger]

Sorry, that's what I meant, he wanted to do a 10th anniversary DVD and they said they didn't want to double dip on the DVD, but maybe a Blu-ray...at least that's what I remember reading a couple years ago.

I'm a little sad that it's not Criterion, but it looks like they did well enough without them and it gives Criterion the time and money to handle releases that need it more.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

I'll probably read it once winter vacation hits. Barely get any free time to myself these days and I think I'll watch New World after I see Che, Che's gotten me really excited.

Btw what directors do you think deserve Criterion blurays? I'm thinking Spike Jonze, Stanley Kubrick are 2 fresh in my mind.

Only Kubrick that shoud come through Criterion IMO is his early work (The Killing, Paths of Glory, etc.) and maybe Barry Lyndon. Everything else is out in alot of editions.

I want Criterion to release:

1. Silent films
2. Godard's "Weekend" and "King Lear" and some short films.
3. Cassavetes' "Love Streams" and re-release one of Criterions' "Five Films" on Blu-ray (Opening Night or A Woman Under the Influence)
4. Kubrick's "The Killing"
5. Charles Laughton's "The Night of the Hunter"

I am going to stop there for now. I might get sad.

[edo9125]

I've found something for all you Visconti fans!

I was looking online and I stumbled upon a Blu-ray release for The Leopard in the UK on Nov 3rd. Its an HMV exclusive.

http://hmv.com/hmvweb/directQuery.do...8&Ntk=Products

This one of my all time favorite films! Visconti & Alain Delon
I just hope Rocco & His Brothers makes it to Blu-ray some day.

I have already placed an order, I will report if its region free once I get. But I am still keeping my Criterion 3-Disc Set

Its being released by BFI which has some region free and some region coded movies.