The Criterion Collection

[Brad1963]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

Yes.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

No.

It's much too dependent on the day of the week for me.

[Criterion Collector]

Thanks for the kind welcome all.

I find myself renting more and more these days. I was one to make a lot of impulse buys, but I (finally) decided to subscribe to Netflix and found that there really is quite a bit of stuff streaming.

I live in a small town, we have one rental store and two Redbox kiosks here. The video store is nearly $5.00 to rent a new release BD and Redbox has a very limited selection on BD.

Prior to getting Netflix, I had to purchase almost everything if I really wanted to see it. Especially older or obscure films. Now I can just watch them streaming (if available) when I feel like it.

A lot of Criterions are actually on there, as well as some of the bigger Kino titles. I told my GF that "You would be surprised by what they have on there...but you would also be surprised at what they don't have on there."

For $8.00, I feel it's a great deal.

[ccfixx]

Originally Posted by Criterion Collector

Thanks for the kind welcome all.

I find myself renting more and more these days. I was one to make a lot of impulse buys, but I (finally) decided to subscribe to Netflix and found that there really is quite a bit of stuff streaming.

If your player allows it, you might also want to sign-up for Hulu Plus, or, at least, the 7-day free trial. If you're not aware, Criterion struck a deal with Hulu and they have their own channel so that you can view quite a few of the films they currently have licenses for, including films that Criterion hasn't released on disc, yet. It's another $7.99/month, if you can swing it.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

Depends on what you consider to be a loud action blockbuster, as the term has evolved, with 1975, in particular, being the turning point of the definition:

Before Jaws set box office records in the summer of 1975, successful films such as Quo Vadis (1951 film), The Ten Commandments (1956 film), Gone With the Wind, and Ben-Hur were called blockbusters based purely on the amount of money earned at the box office. Jaws is regarded as the first film of New Hollywood's 'blockbuster era' with its current meaning, implying a film genre. It also consolidated the 'summer blockbuster' trend, through which major film studios and distributors planned their entire annual marketing strategy around a big release by July 4.

Arguably, the "early" blockbusters can be loud and full of action too. However, there is a marked difference in quality between early blockbusters compared to later ones.

[exolstice]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

To be perfectly honest, for me it would depend on the blockbuster, the b&w movie, and the day of the week. For example, I'd rather re-watch Raiders of the Lost Ark than Seven Samurai on most days of the week.

[Criterion Collector]

Originally Posted by ccfixx

If your player allows it, you might also want to sign-up for Hulu Plus, or, at least, the 7-day free trial. If you're not aware, Criterion struck a deal with Hulu and they have their own channel so that you can view quite a few of the films they currently have licenses for, including films that Criterion hasn't released on disc, yet. It's another $7.99/month, if you can swing it.

I will have to check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

Even if I do still enjoy mindless, fun, action pack, cheesie movies I do not rush out and buy them anymore like I use to. The main trouble is that for me (can't speak for others) many of these new ones just don't hold much in wanting to see them again. There is always some exception but in general, I will see them once and I don't have much interest in seeing them again. Over the last 4 or 5 years I have cut down a lot of new releases buy. I rent them or catch them on the movie network and very few I wish to buy.

[italy12]

Originally Posted by BohemianGraham

Depends on what you consider to be a loud action blockbuster, as the term has evolved, with 1975, in particular, being the turning point of the definition:



Arguably, the "early" blockbusters can be loud and full of action too. However, there is a marked difference in quality between early blockbusters compared to later ones.

Well, I was really referring to the "Transformers" and "comic book" and other slam-bang soundtrack films released within the last 10 or so years.

Lately, within the last year, year and a half, I'd rather sit and watch a Criterion film or some old Alfred Hitchcock Presents/The Twilight Zone shows instead. And I enjoy it immensely.

[BohemianGraham]

Originally Posted by italy12

Well, I was really referring to the "Transformers" and "comic book" and other slam-bang soundtrack films released within the last 10 or so years.

Lately, within the last year, year and a half, I'd rather sit and watch a Criterion film or some old Alfred Hitchcock Presents/The Twilight Zone shows instead. And I enjoy it immensely.

In that case, unless it's Harry Potter, I'll watch the old black & white film.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by italy12

Well, I was really referring to the "Transformers" and "comic book" and other slam-bang soundtrack films released within the last 10 or so years.

Lately, within the last year, year and a half, I'd rather sit and watch a Criterion film or some old Alfred Hitchcock Presents/The Twilight Zone shows instead. And I enjoy it immensely.

I never watched any of the stuff past the age of 10 or so..... and certainly never read a comic or "Graphic Novel" (sounds like a new way to say comic to me ) but I have quite a few of those movies, mostly because friends/family like to watch them. I must admit however, I have TWICE now, been compelled late-night to turn up and thoroughly enjoy the sound-track and many other aspects of the movie "The Watchmen" Aside from much of the ridiculousness of it all, there is a real dark side to it that I enjoy.

I mostly watch it for the great soundtrack though

[italy12]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Even if I do still enjoy mindless, fun, action pack, cheesie movies I do not rush out and buy them anymore like I use to. The main trouble is that for me (can't speak for others) many of these new ones just don't hold much in wanting to see them again. There is always some exception but in general, I will see them once and I don't have much interest in seeing them again. Over the last 4 or 5 years I have cut down a lot of new releases buy. I rent them or catch them on the movie network and very few I wish to buy.

I can relate to that statement. I do enjoy a good, loud, action fest. I own all 3 Transformers films, the new Batmans, 3 of the 80's and 90's Batmans, Bond films, and a boatload more.

However, the urge to watch these on a more consistent basis has dwindled; I am more at home with an old 1.33:1 aspect ratio, monaural soundtrack, black and white film.

While I was excited about my home theatre set up years ago when I moved in to my new home, I don't mind using only the center channel speaker for the majority of my viewings, and less of my screen

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I never watched any of the stuff past the age of 10 or so..... and certainly never read a comic or "Graphic Novel" (sounds like a new way to say comic to me ) but I have quite a few of those movies, mostly because friends/family like to watch them. I must admit however, I have TWICE now, been compelled late-night to turn up and thoroughly enjoy the sound-track and many other aspects of the movie "The Watchmen" Aside from much of the ridiculousness of it all, there is a real dark side to it that I enjoy.

I mostly watch it for the great soundtrack though

Killer movie. I did enjoy that one. Have you seen the director's extended cut version, with the Tales of the Black Freighter integrated back into the film? It's pretty bad ass.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by italy12

Killer movie. I did enjoy that one. Have you seen the director's extended cut version, with the Tales of the Black Freighter integrated back into the film? It's pretty bad ass.

I'm not sure what one I have..... I think it makes me select a version prior to watching.... not sure though. Been awhile

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I'm not sure what one I have..... I think it makes me select a version prior to watching.... not sure though. Been awhile

Standard BD case, or big box with magnetic flap?

[Criterion Collector]

The problem I have found with modern blockbuster films is that they are initially exciting to watch (over stimulating the senses), however I find they just do not hold up as well over multiple viewings (for the most part). Once you get past the explosions...the stories themselves aren't as strong as better films.

For me, an interesting premise that is well executed (Fritz Lang's "M" for example) is more captivating than watching Ryan Reynolds make sarcastic comments with a green mask on his face. When I talk about films that I recommend to my friends I have a tendency to steer them toward classic, or more obscure stuff.

I feel like they already know what "big movies" are out there. I try to expose them to stuff they probably have no idea exists. There is an entirely different level of film making that has been done (and currently being done) that is vastly superior to the usual weekend foul mouthed gross out comedy and most people don't even know these films exist. Sure, no one is saving the world in most of my recommendations, but perhaps they are saving themselves...and isn't that important as well.

Don't get me wrong here, I do like to indulge in guilty pleasures from time to time. Especially comic book films, which are the "worst offenders" when it comes to over the top action and sensory overload, I suppose. Some days I don't feel like using my brain, but instead, I just wanna give my home theater a "workout".

[italy12]

Originally Posted by Criterion Collector

The problem I have found with modern blockbuster films is that they are initially exciting to watch (over stimulating the senses), however I find they just do not hold up as well over multiple viewings. Once you get past the explosions...the stories themselves are as strong as better films.

For me, an interesting premise that is well executed (Fritz Lang's "M" for example) is more captivating than watching Ryan Reynolds make sarcastic comments with a green mask on his face. When I talk about films that I recommend to my friends I have a tendency to steer them toward classic, or more obscure stuff.

I feel like they already know what "big movies" are out there. I try to expose them to stuff they probably have no idea exists. There is an entirely different level of film making that has been done (and currently being done) that is vastly superior to the usual weekend foul mouthed gross out comedy and most people don't even know these films exist. Sure, no one is saving the world in most of my recommendations, but perhaps they are saving themselves...and isn't that important as well.

Don't get me wrong here, I do like to indulge in guilty pleasures from time to time. Especially comic book films, which are the "worst offenders" when it comes to over the top action and sensory overload, I suppose. Some days I don't feel like using my brain, but instead, I just wanna give my home theater a "workout".

Give Frankenheimer's "Ronin" a spin if you want a great action flic, but not mindless in the least.

[Louisville Slugger]

So from 01/29/2011 to 11/18/2011 I bought 17 Criterions:

01.	Cronos [Blu-ray]
02.	Days of Heaven [Blu-ray]
03.	Army of Shadows [Blu-ray]
04.	Double Life of Véronique, The [Blu-ray]
05.	House [Blu-ray]
06.	M [Blu-ray]
07.	Yi Yi [Blu-ray]
08.	Insignificance [Blu-ray]
09.	Modern Times [Blu-ray]
10.	The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter [Blu-ray]
11.	Amarcord [Blu-ray]
12.	Killing, The [Blu-ray]
13.	If… [Blu-ray]
14.	The Red Shoes [Blu-ray]
15.	Dazed and Confused [Blu-ray]
16.	Island of Lost Souls [Blu-ray]
17.	Night of the Hunter, The [Blu-ray]

Anyone want to guess my total $?

[jcs913]

Originally Posted by italy12

Would anyone else rather watch a nice black and white movie over a loud action blockbuster any day of the week like me?

My how I've changed. Thanks Criterion.

You know, I jumped on that X-Men first class deal for $10 yesterday from Amazon. I was a big X-Men fan when I was a kid, so it has mildly crossed over. The 3 movies they came out with earlier were acceptable. I had Blockbuster send me the rental disc when it came out and was frankly the best of the 4 they put out. Michael Fassbender is in the film and he gives another fantastic performance, so it will be a title I revisit. So to answer your question Italy, sometimes NO.....

By the way, got my Criterion shipment of Rushmore and 12 Angry Men, but still waiting for my 3 Colors and Rules from B&N....

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Louisville Slugger

So from 01/29/2011 to 11/18/2011 I bought 17 Criterions:

Anyone want to guess my total $?

$273 because you're better at working the coupons than I am