The Criterion Collection

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

With regard to the new Criterion cases and such...

The Dual-Format plastic cases are slightly more flimsy as well, in the sense that they do not close as easily with the two discs and the big booklets inside. Sometimes, the cases are good, but there are a couple of mine (City Lights and Thief) that do not snap shut quite as tightly as I'd prefer. It's nothing catastrophic, and the discs are still protected from dust, but it's annoying in that first-world-problem sort of way that we Blu-ray enthusiasts know all too well. I might order a batch of replacement two-disc Scanavo cases from one of the cheap case websites at some point in the not-too-distant future, but there's no hurry.

On a different line of thought...

On the way home from work today, I decided to take a short break from my preoccupation with older movies (Criterions, noir films, etc.) by renting two 2013 movies, Captain Phillips and Prisoners, from the Redbox down the street. They're both good movies, and I'd rank them both in the neighborhood of 3.5 stars to 4 stars. They're both missing that special something that would have elevated them from good movies to great movies, though. That's par for course with newer movies...or, I suppose, with most flicks over the years. I guess that I've been spoiled by watching so many Criterion titles and other classic universally-acclaimed films lately.

I just don't think the quality or QC is up to snuff on these dual format releases. Initially, I was simply excited about the prospect of having DVDs to lend out to family and friend, something I was able to do this weekend.

But, things like terrible case design (Mad World), poor QC (I recd 2 Blu-ray Discs of Tokyo Story instead of 2 DVD, 1 blu... Anyone need a copy??) and excessive bulkiness make me less thrilled about it. For releases like City Lights, it's not that big of a deal, but you bring on those bugger releases... I mean, On the Waterfront is already a beast! What would it be like as a combo pack?

I think it's possible you might need a dolly to carry the darn things around with.

As for the other releases, I'm intrigued with Prisoners and the strength of the story. It's one I want to watch. Phillips, on the other hand, I will be passing on. I like hanks, but going into it with the knowledge that the real life captain was a moron who intentionally drove his boat into unsafe waters and risked the lives of every crew member just totally turns me off.

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I stumbled across this list tonight while I had the Val Lewton films on the mind, and am sharing it here, since it's heavily Criterion-related...

Slant Magazine's 100 Greatest Horror Films of All Time

Criterion inclusion spoilers...


95. The Phantom Carriage
60. M
45. The Night of the Hunter

Those are some of my favorite films of all time. I ended up with Phantom Carriage through pure luck, and I was astonished with the film. The soundtrack, alone, blew my mind. The film itself was equally astonishing, and then watching Wild Strawberries, especially knowing Bergman's love for it and Sjöström's part in shaping Bergman's filmmaking... Well, that alone makes me astonished that more people haven't seen it.

Night of the Hunter is another one that tends to be divisive, but it's easily on my top 10 list. I was knocked off my ass when I saw it. Another blind buy, and zero disappointment.

And then M... Peter Lorre. 'Nuff said.

Speaking of that, I'm sure it's fairly well known, but Lorre (along with Greenstreet) started with bogart on Falcon and then again in smaller parts in Casablanca). Lorre is never not amazing, ever. I would pay to bring him back to life. Robin Williams proved that a dead Lorre is still amazing.

Also, I remember being so bored by Casablanca when I was forced to watch it at school. God, how I wish I could kick my old self in the butt. So much I missed back then. At least I finally got into Kubrick as a teen, that was the start of a beautiful friendship.

Originally Posted by octagon

Since posting this a few weeks ago I've watched Blithe Spirit, This Happy Breed and several more supplements.

This is a really, really good set.

This Happy Breed was similar in tone and sentiment to In Which We Serve and at least as good if not a little better.

Blithe Spirit was a mixed bag but kind of in a good way. Some of the darker humor didn't mix seemlessly with some of the more romcom farce elements but the whole thing was pretty fun overall. And while Kay Hammond's makeup is every bit as ugly in motion as it is in the screenshots after a while it kinda starts to work. Or at least it stops being distracting.

And the Coward material in the supplements is absolutely fascinating. All of the supplements I've sample so far have been very interesting but I could have listened to hours and hours of Coward anecdotes.

On a bang per buck basis this set is hard to beat.

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who enjoyed Blithe Spirit. Initially, due to the higher profile of Brief Encounter, I put Blithe on second and thought it was truly endearing. Watching the interview afterwards, and hearing how much the entire project seemed to be hated by... Well, everyone, I was surprised at how solidly it was made. Everyone played their parts amazingly. It was an excellent, enjoyable and fun film.

It's still hard to think that those films were made by the same person who created LoA. And, personally, I think Brief Encounter is a more enjoyable film to watch.

I preordered Jules and Jim. While there isn't as much love for Last Metro, I absolutely loved it and I'm thrilled I'll get my hands on it in a few weeks. 2 commentary tracks? Paint me pink and call me Sandy!

Combine that with the fact that Hidden Fortress, seriously... Anyone who doesn't like this film confused me. (my wife included), Fantastic Mr. Fox, Solaris and America Lost and found (both on the way) and now Jules and Jim?

It's a good time to love some movies. That's for sure.

My debt load? Not so much.

[Carletty]

Originally Posted by morg999

Check this out, emails I received from BN after I asked what the hold up was.

Jan 26th: Thank you for your inquiry regarding order...
After checking our inventory, we have confirmed the availability of your item. Your item is scheduled to ship on in 24 to 48 hours. As always, we will send you an e-mail order confirmation on the day your order is shipped..

Jan 27th: We want to give you an update about the pre-ordered item(s) listed below. We apologize, but due to an unexpected delay, we are unable to ship the item(s) listed below in the time frame we stated in our previous email. We expect to ship the item(s) soon and will email you when it is ready to leave our warehouse. If we cannot acquire the item(s) within 30 days, we will notify you by email..

And Today..!! :

We shipped your package by UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICES
If all of your items are not listed below, we will update you soon, so please watch for our next email....

Yeah they shipped mine today too.

[greekak229]

I found a brand new copy of Thief at Newbury Comics for $30, which I thought was a reasonable price, and man, am I glad I picked it up. I really loved the film. Such an amazing transfer by Criterion. It has such a cool look to it. I never saw the movie before but now I'm happy I can say it's on my shelf.

[Oblivion138]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

Universal did a good enough job with the major titles from the Hitchcock box set and Shadow of a Doubt is one of the best B&W transfers I've seen, so I'm sure these will be 4 stars or better for PQ.

That's a lot of faith, considering how bad some of those Hitchcock transfers looked. Not to mention a majority of Universal's other catalog releases. Every once in a while, they release something beautiful, like Jaws or High Plains Drifter....but I still break out in a cold sweat when I find out that Universal will be releasing one of my favorite films on BD.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

That's a lot of faith, considering how bad some of those Hitchcock transfers looked.

Eh, I dunno. We know these have gotten very good transfers. Could Universal overtinker the US releases? Sure.

But chances are pretty good these are going to be a lot closer to Shadow of a Doubt than Frenzy.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who enjoyed Blithe Spirit. Initially, due to the higher profile of Brief Encounter, I put Blithe on second and thought it was truly endearing. Watching the interview afterwards, and hearing how much the entire project seemed to be hated by... Well, everyone, I was surprised at how solidly it was made. Everyone played their parts amazingly. It was an excellent, enjoyable and fun film.

Heh, yes, that was really odd. I've watched a lot of movies that I thought were kind of meh only to be sort of won over by the enthusiasm and sincerity in supplements. I don't exactly do a 180 but when the people behind the film are genuinely into it that can make me at least see it in a more favorable light.

This was the first time that almost went the other way. I thought it was delightful (despite hitting a wrong note here and there) and that supplement almost had me second-guessing that

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by morg999

Check this out, emails I received from BN after I asked what the hold up was.

Jan 26th: Thank you for your inquiry regarding order...
After checking our inventory, we have confirmed the availability of your item. Your item is scheduled to ship on in 24 to 48 hours. As always, we will send you an e-mail order confirmation on the day your order is shipped..

Jan 27th: We want to give you an update about the pre-ordered item(s) listed below. We apologize, but due to an unexpected delay, we are unable to ship the item(s) listed below in the time frame we stated in our previous email. We expect to ship the item(s) soon and will email you when it is ready to leave our warehouse. If we cannot acquire the item(s) within 30 days, we will notify you by email..

And Today..!! :

We shipped your package by UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICES
If all of your items are not listed below, we will update you soon, so please watch for our next email....

Mine also FINALLY shipped today.

[TJS_Blu]

Originally Posted by morg999

And Today..!! :

We shipped your package by UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICES
If all of your items are not listed below, we will update you soon, so please watch for our next email....

My shipping notice was delivered at 12:53 am.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who enjoyed Blithe Spirit. Initially, due to the higher profile of Brief Encounter, I put Blithe on second and thought it was truly endearing. Watching the interview afterwards, and hearing how much the entire project seemed to be hated by... Well, everyone, I was surprised at how solidly it was made. Everyone played their parts amazingly. It was an excellent, enjoyable and fun film.

It's still hard to think that those films were made by the same person who created LoA. And, personally, I think Brief Encounter is a more enjoyable film to watch.

Originally Posted by octagon

Heh, yes, that was really odd. I've watched a lot of movies that I thought were kind of meh only to be sort of won over by the enthusiasm and sincerity in supplements. I don't exactly do a 180 but when the people behind the film are genuinely into it that can make me at least see it in a more favorable light.

This was the first time that almost went the other way. I thought it was delightful (despite hitting a wrong note here and there) and that supplement almost had me second-guessing that

thanks, Octagon, for your follow up about the Lean box set. it sounds like something I'd enjoy. now to wait and try for a good price!

[Trekkie313]

Originally Posted by MasturB

Even Michael Bay classics such as The Rock and Armageddon! Speaking of those two... I think I know which covers to skip in line and do neeeeexxxxxttttttt!

[Ausjdm]

Originally Posted by Trekkie313

Throw in robocop, alphaville and the two old Woo covers also they all need new CC covers IMO! I'd use all of them in my collection. I like that vanishing one is it ok to print it?

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by octagon

But chances are pretty good these are going to be a lot closer to Shadow of a Doubt than Frenzy.

If Universal pulls a Weird Science job on Double Indemnity or Touch of Evil, then I'll be disappointed. I do not imagine that will happen, though, since everyone knows that good high definition transfers are out there.

[Scottie]

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet, but I saw this on FaceBook.

It looks like Phase 4 Studios has signed an agreement with Criterion.

Phase 4 Films, a leading full service independent studio, today announced that it has acquired ESI Distribution, one of the leading home entertainment distributors in the U.S. market, and has signed a distribution agreement with The Criterion Collection, consisting of some of the greatest films from around the world published in the highest technical quality.

This announcement comes soon after Phase 4's December 2013 notice of a signed distribution agreement with Shout! Factory, LLC. Combined, these agreements strengthen Phase 4's position as a leading North American content distributor, adding thousands of titles to a consistently expanding library.

"Criterion and Shout! enhance our ability to offer consumers a broad selection of high quality content, while ESI brings a perfect blend of content and vendor relationships, particularly with Costco in the U.S." said Berry Meyerowitz, President & CEO of Phase 4 Films. "We are thrilled to be collaborating with these new partners to further exploit our brands through an expanded and direct distribution network across all media in both Canada and the United States."

"We needed a partner that could maximize our opportunities in Canada while simultaneously servicing some of our key U.S. accounts," remarked Jonathan Turell, CEO of The Criterion Collection. "Our alliance with Phase 4 is an important next step that brings The Criterion Collection's library of classic and contemporary films into even more households in North America."

"Phase 4 lives the credo of being a true service oriented company. They are the perfect transition partner to continue the legacy of providing great service to all 3rd party suppliers," stated ESI co-owners Kirk Andreasen and Brien Culver. "The synergy in our business model with Phase 4 was a natural catalyst to join forces."

Phase 4 Films is also releasing The Criterion Collection's The Great Beauty on VOD February 25th. The film recently won a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is nominated for an Academy Award in the same category.

About Phase 4 Films: Phase 4 Films (http://www.phase4films.com) is one of the leading full service independent studios. With offices in nine cities in the U.S. and Canada, Phase 4 provides a full range of services relating to the sales, marketing, licensing and distribution of feature films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. Phase 4 is unique in the independent space as it maintains direct distribution relationships with major and secondary accounts across all content channels. Its recent releases include The Baytown Outlaws, starring Eva Longoria and Billy Bob Thornton, Shana Betz' Free Ride starring Anna Paquin, and Lucy Walker's critically-acclaimed The Crash Reel. Upcoming releases include Goodbye World, starring Adrian Grenier, and the Jay-Z documentary Made in America, directed by Ron Howard. Its dedicated kids & family label, kaboom! Entertainment, is one of the most recognizable brands in the market.

About The Criterion Collection: Since 1984, the Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films headquartered in New York City, has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements. The foundation of The Collection is the work of such masters of cinema as Renoir, Godard, Kurosawa, Cocteau, Fellini, Bergman, Tarkovsky, Hitchcock, Fuller, Lean, Kubrick, Lang, Sturgess, Dreyer, Eisenstein, Ozu, Sirk, Buñuel, Powell and Pressburger. Criterion is noted for setting the standard for film supplements that enable viewers to appreciate Criterion films in context, through audio commentaries by filmmakers and scholars, restored director's cuts, deleted scenes, documentaries, shooting scripts, early shorts, and storyboards. To date, more than 150 filmmakers have contributed to Criterion's library of Director Approved DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and laserdiscs, making it the most significant archive of contemporary filmmaking available to the home viewer.

About ESI Distribution Ltd.: Started by Kirk Andreasen and Brien Culver in 1989, ESI Distribution Ltd. has brought a wide variety of DVD content and consumer electronics to a strong marketplace developed through time and trusting relationships. Brien, who resides in Texas, manages the corporate office and product distribution located centrally in a historic facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Kirk, a Washington state native, conducts the sales of the company from an office on picturesque Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. ESI has a strong 25 year history of selling consumer goods to the membership warehouse clubs, including CD's, VHS, DVD's, books, computer software, musical instruments and fitness equipment.

About Shout! Factory, LLC: Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory's DVD and Blu-Ray offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials in lavish packages crammed with extras. Shout's audio division boasts GRAMMY-nominated box sets, Broadway cast albums, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable "best of" compilations. In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast digital distribution network which delivers video and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America. Shout! Factory also owns and operates Timeless Media Group, Biograph Records, Majordomo Records, HighTone Records and Video Time Machine. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Read more about Phase 4 Films Inks Alliance with The Criterion Collection - BWWMoviesWorld by http://www.broadwayworld.com

http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmovi...ction-20140127

[ShellOilJunior]

The Great Beauty is not listed among Phase 4's holdings on IMDB. Most of the films listed are 2009 to current and films you wouldn't expect CC to go for...

[Yami]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

The Great Beauty is not listed among Phase 4's holdings on IMDB. Most of the films listed are 2009 to current and films you wouldn't expect CC to go for...

From the phrasing, it sounds like Phase 4 will be distributing Criterion titles not that Criterion will be distributing Phase 4 films

[tylergfoster]

Originally Posted by Yami

From the phrasing, it sounds like Phase 4 will be distributing Criterion titles not that Criterion will be distributing Phase 4 films

Didn't they just ink that multi-year deal with Sony, though? Or is that only manufacturing?

[ianungstad]

Originally Posted by tylergfoster

Didn't they just ink that multi-year deal with Sony, though? Or is that only manufacturing?

Phase 4 is a Canadian based company. The press release specifically mentions the deal is to distribute Criterion discs in Canada. Sony distributes in the USA. In Canada; Criterion's were previously distributed by eOne. (and grossly overpriced.)

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by iScottie

It looks like Phase 4 Studios has signed an agreement with Criterion.

I'd like to see this Phase IV released by Criterion.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ianungstad

Phase 4 is a Canadian based company. The press release specifically mentions the deal is to distribute Criterion discs in Canada. Sony distributes in the USA. In Canada; Criterion's were previously distributed by eOne. (and grossly overpriced.)

That was my take as well but the wording does raise questions.

We needed a partner that could maximize our opportunities in Canada while simultaneously servicing some of our key U.S. accounts," remarked Jonathan Turell, CEO of The Criterion Collection. "Our alliance with Phase 4 is an important next step that brings The Criterion Collection's library of classic and contemporary films into even more households in North America."

Obviously none of us know the details of this deal or their deal with Sony but there does seem to be at least a little overlap.

[cash_black]

Review of the new blu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu6SC2SkLJ4