The Criterion Collection

[Darkcritic]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Nice to see many others are interested in the Eclipse sets. I will be getting about 8 them, just been pushing these back all the time in order to get something else. Got myself ready this time, have the money for them and plan on getting them and just not wait any longer

Most of my wishlist is composed of Eclipse sets . Really, the more I think about how I will miss the sale for a day or two the sadder I get.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by smeesmay

Ok, let me preface by saying this remark is probably sacrilegious and totally ignorant to many of you... but I would love to know...

I love what Criterion does with releases, the PQ care and quality of ALL the restorations is top notch. Special features are complete and out of this world..some nearly 5 times as long as the actual feature presentation. Where I just can't seem to put total devotion to everything Criterion is the audio.

I know they almost always include the lossless original audio but its usually 1.0 or something of the such. I know most like this as it stays true to the roots of the movie and directors intent, but if Criterion is going to put so much effort into the restoration and charge a hefty fee per blu for it, the least they could do is offer a Remastered, maybe even sometimes new, additional channels to the original audio to really open it up and make full use of many peoples full surround sound. I know they could not get all directors to approve, but many they could and it would offer an entirely new way to experience some of the greatest movies of all time. And the soundtracks would be solely on Criterion releases, making them even more desirable...and to all hardcore original audio guys, this option would be one of several for you to hear. Your version would still be there. This question arises every time I see a perfect audio review of a Criterion on high definition in 1.0 mono.. this is the time of 7.1 or greater speaker configurations and I for one think Criterion needs to get on the ball with the newest high definition ways to experience movies.

Commence bashing me, and yes I know I have but one Criterion in my collection...but I have experienced a couple and have always been haunted by this burning question/wish.

First of all, I'm curious which is the one Criterion title you have in your large collection?

I doubt you're going to be bashed in this forum. How to present the audio of older movies with contemporary technology is a valid concern and one that is not limited to Criterion Collection titles.

My general (default) stance is that I will, at least, be satisfied with the technical qualities of a home video release of a given title as long as it replicates the picture and audio experience as close as possible to the filmmakers’ intent and/or the original theatrical exhibition and is of the highest quality possible (e.g., correct aspect ratio; no distracting print damage, excessive noise reduction or sharpening; no loud hissing, crackle or dropouts, etc.). I wouldn't expect a film from, say, the 1950s that was made with 1.0/mono audio to have its sound be redesigned and presented on blu-ray with a 7.1 or even a 5.1 surround system. Just because the technology has evolved, as it has and will continue to do, does not mean we should require all films made long before multichannel sound became commonplace be reworked to conform to the more advanced technology.

I myself finally upgraded a couple months ago to a 5.1 audio system and thoroughly love how much richer and submersive movies—especially those of recent vintage—sound. My personal feeling, based on my experience and also reading many reviews, is that, as far as audio goes, upgrading mono, and even 2.0 stereo soundtracks of old films, to a 5.1 or 7.1 track, tends not to make as big an impact on the overall presentation as upgrading the picture to high-def does. Rather, it tends to have the subtler effect of making the soundfield a little richer and more expansive; less “confined” and “boxy.” (Much like what high-quality 3D can do for the picture.) For that reason, I can certainly see the allure of converting a mono or two-channel stereo track to a 7.1 track, but still wouldn’t require it, as those 1.0 and 2.0 films likely sounded that way when they originally played in theaters.

It can be argued that changing a film’s soundtrack from, say, mono to 5.1 surround does not enhance the filmmaker’s original design as much as it is changes or deviates from it. It’s rather like the argument that arose back in the eighties when many classic films, which had originally been shot, presented and loved in black & white, were converted to color. Converting a soundtrack from mono to multichannel changes the actual design of that soundtrack and, by extension the film. This is unlike changing an analog mono track to a high-definition, uncompressed mono track, which enhances the soundtrack but without changing the design of the soundtrack. Theoretically, it is similar to changing a picture that was originally filmed in 35mm or larger and, instead of presenting it on analog video, like back in the days of VHS, taking the same design and presenting it in high-definition on blu-ray, as is the case now. The source may have been restored and scanned in high-definition, but the design is the same as it was originally. That’s how Criterion presents its films.

This type of approach does result in a richer sound experience in that the audio is far cleaner and more pleasant. With the high-definition audio presentation, listeners can hear details they likely would have missed otherwise. (Just as viewers can see details in a hi-def picture they would’ve missed otherwise.)

Ultimately, the best solution for these films is to include both the original soundtrack (whatever the design, be it mono, 2.0 or something else) and redesigned 5.1 and 7.1 tracks—but only if the redesigned tracks are of a high quality. In other words, give viewers, when technically feasible, the option to select the design that best fits their own home theater setup and personal preferences. Not all films have the audio elements available (e.g., tracks that were originally recorded separately and that remain in good condition, etc.) to do that.

Interestingly, audiences back in the 1980s and before probably did not believe those films sounded boxy or the like at that time, just as we don’t tend to think theatrical releases of new films today sound all that bad—even though future generations, with their 22.5 surround systems, will undoubtedly think today’s films sound utterly flat, lol.

[tenia]

Originally Posted by shadedpain4

I'd like to find a solid Korean film that won't give my wife nightmares. Any one have any suggestions?

You should try some comedies, like My Sassy Girl. They are a bit over-the-top with silly humour, but are quite funny.

You can also try Shiri, which is a pure actioner like Die Hard. It's not a masterpiece, clearly, but it's much better than most of the US actioners I've seen lately.

But apart from these type of movies, if Poetry is almost too "hard" already for you, I'm afraid there might not be a lot of Korean movies that might fit your taste.

Maybe somewhere in Kim Ki-duk's filmography, like The Ark.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Oscar Rothman

Predictions for October?My are:Rosemary Baby,The Blob,Week End and Grey Gardens/The Beales of Grey Gardens.

I strongly suspect you're right on the money about Rosemary's Baby and probably The Blob. The others I don't know.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by smeesmay

I am thinking even something subtle would be a vast improvement. For instance a scene in a forest...add a couple faint birds chirping or some leaves rustling. Nothing major that totally changes or takes away from a scene, but if I pay $30+ for one freakin movie I want to be immersed and become part of the action, drama etc. Just an idea.

Consider waiting for a big sale on the title.

It's unfair to look at a film made long before a given level of technology evolved and modern styles were adopted and declare it should be made to conform with those of today just for the sake of it.

I know it's not the response you may be looking for but the real issue is these movies have become cherished for what they already are, not for what they could be with technical or stylistic changes.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by blkhrt

I fully agree with those who are saying that redoing sound would go against Criterion's mission and is unnecessary. The one exception that I always wonder about is silent films. After all, since many of the older films were performed with a live orchestra, any sound mix is untrue. I think it is interesting that some films (Modern Times) have only mono, whereas others (The General) have 5.1 tracks included. Obviously those come from different companies, but I do think silent films are the one place where there is room for debate on this issue.

For silent films I would also argue that there should be options for different sound mixes (mono, 5.1 and 7.1, for example). Viewers could select the version they prefer.

More importantly, for silent-era titles that are released with a completely new, modern style of music, like the recent A Trip to the Moon soundtrack by Air or Giorgio Moroder's version of the Metropolis soundtrack, I believe there should be options for the different styles of music. For example, one option could feature a soundtrack that is more in line with what audiences in the 1920s would have heard at the time and the other would feature the new, contemporary version.

Although the music was not embedded in the film stock or in the recording at the time, music, played by an orchestra, was an essential component of so-called silent films. In the spirit of the preservation of the filmmaker's intent, contemporary audiences really should be able to hear what the musical accompaniment would have sounded like back when the films were originally released.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Brad1963

My Predictions for October.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (Blu ray upgrade/DVD remaster)
Ministry of Fear
Rosemary's Baby
The Tenant (a surprise announcement for a Polanski Pair)
Grey Gardens/The Beales of Grey Gardens (Blu ray upgrade)
The Blob (1958) (Blu ray upgrade)
The Kid with a Bike

I would absolutely love to see The Tenant and The Kid with a Bike be issued on Criterion blu.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

My dream month would be

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Peter Weir
City Lights by Charlie Chaplin
In The Mood For Love by Wong Kar-wai
Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot by Jacques Tati
Late Autumn by Yasujiro Ozu

Eclipse set A Series Of Films by Eddie Romero

In the Mood for Love would be very welcome, too.

[ianungstad]

If you want accessible Korean cinema, Bong Joon-ho would be a pretty good place to start. His films are dark but are generally pretty mainstream. The Host in particular is a crowd pleaser. (and is available on netflix) Who doesn't love a well made Godzilla-esque Monster movie?

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by jaredc

Thinking about a blind buy on The Night of the Hunter. Any thoughts on that one? It was more expensive than most, but it looked pretty interesting.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable film, in my opinion, and so are the supplements that accompany it. I highly recommend it. Wait until the Barnes & Noble 50% off sale and you'll save some money on it.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I hear you, it's so hot and sweaty here even my tongue is all wet

I'll have to keep that line in mind. It's just too precious. And a little sleazy.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Darkcritic

I just got some of the worst news I have had this week (Apart from the incredible fraud that took place last Sunday in my country's elections which I am still fighting against, doing activism and such but I know this forum is politics-free so I will keep this mess from you ), my family is planning a trip to the US and do you know when we are going? August 3. No B&N sale for me . I am hoping I can get some stuff because I like to pick my titles in-store. Will get less stuff or will need to try Amazon again (Which I am starting to hate because my orders take around 2 months to get here ).

Does Barnes & Noble not ship to your location when order online from them?

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Everyone is listing Blu-ray, no one going for Eclipse sets at all during the sale? I think I am the only one who is more interested by some of the movies in these sets than the Blu-ray

Oh, no, you're definitely not the only one. I myself am thinking (though not completely certain) of buying the following Eclipse sets, in addition to the blu-rays.

Eclipse Series 17: Nikkatsu Noir
Eclipse Series 30: Sabu!
Eclipse Series 32: Pearls of the Czech New Wave

I've already bought a couple Eclipse sets during past sales. They're a good value, if you ask me. I do wish a few of the individual films would make it to blu-ray though. Or that a few Eclipse sets would be issued in blu-ray versions.

I especially like the films Victim and Black Sun which are available only via Eclipse sets on DVD.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

Anyone else who got the replacement discs for White and Carlos who STILL hasn't received their $25 account credit?

Actually, I received replacement discs but haven't yet tried to buy anything direct from Criterion since. I should do that soon. Thanks for reminding me.

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by Jef Costello

Eyeing The Complete Monterey Pop set. Will this be a good buy?

I've been thinking of blind buying this myself, so any comments from people who have seen it would be welcome.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by tenia

You should try some comedies, like My Sassy Girl. They are a bit over-the-top with silly humour, but are quite funny.

That is a great suggestion, very funny movie. It's not always easy to find good Asian movies if you are not too much into horror or gangster movies as it's two style of movies they really seem to enjoy. Their romantic comedies can be a bit silly but are usally fun to watch and seem to avoid some to the usual "cliche" American movies have.

[BluPix]

Just yesterday, I finished watching the three-hour period drama

The Leopard (Il gattopardo) by Luchino Visconti

I found it to be quite intriguing. It's about the changing of an era, specifically about the end of a particular aristocracy as a new type of government comes to power in Italy during 1800s. And it's about romance, class and, ultimately, disillusionment and even feelings of irrelevancy.

It's an interesting contrast to Federico Fellini's Amarcord, which I had seen almost immediately prior to this film and is also about Italy during a particular time and place (though not the same time and place). While Fellini's film is more personal, passionate and, I would say, casual, The Leopard, which was made about a decade earlier, is much more formal, but still quite intriguing.

On a technical note, The Leopard has to be one of the sharpest-looking, best-detailed blu-ray discs in my collection, especially among my older catalogue films. But it's even comparable to many of the newer films, in terms of razor sharpness. I have yet to delve into its massive collection of supplements, which includes a spoken-English American version (I watched the original Italian-language version), a feature-length making-of documentary and a feature-length audio commentary among other extras.

If you enjoy period or costume dramas, visually relishing films that take their time to tell their stories, fantastic cinematography, costumes, production design and settings, films with much old-fashioned (in a good way) spectacle, solid acting (Burt Lancaster is especially memorable as the title character) and, frankly, a lot of good-looking men and women, then you should give The Leopard a try. It's a really fine package.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by BluPix

Oh, no, you're definitely not the only one. I myself am thinking (though not completely certain) of buying the following Eclipse sets, in addition to the blu-rays.

Eclipse Series 17: Nikkatsu Noir
Eclipse Series 30: Sabu!
Eclipse Series 32: Pearls of the Czech New Wave

The first two are a sure think, been pushing them back for to long. as for the Czech set I might just get it now as well, still not sure

[BluPix]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

The first two are a sure think, been pushing them back for to long. as for the Czech set I might just get it now as well, still not sure

I feel more or less the same as you on this.

[ianungstad]

Originally Posted by BluPix

I've been thinking of blind buying this myself, so any comments from people who have seen it would be welcome.

One of the things I didn't like about Monterey Pop is the truncated musical numbers. You'll only get snippets of a song before cutting to something else.

I suppose that including the full songs would lead to an unwieldy running time but it's a pet peeve. It's annoying when your enjoying a musical number and 2/3 of the way through it cuts to some random footage of hippies waiting to use the port-a-potty.