The Criterion Collection

[MPerry_2000]

Thanks Pro B for the reply and others for the comments. Seems like at least some are in agreement that the reviews are a bit top heavy here in the aggregate.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by MPerry_2000

Thanks Pro B for the reply and others for the comments. Seems like at least some are in agreement that the reviews are a bit top heavy here in the aggregate.

What reviews do you personally think are too generous with the rating?

[MPerry_2000]

Hey Blu Titan

Looks like our posts crossed in at the same time. I mean no offense, but it's comments like "they are all very good/great films" that that make me shudder. Is every Beatles song great?

The technical restoration and special features are one thing. The fact that they exist is fabulous, and again, I'm beyond happy to support Criterion. But saying every film they release is very good/great is where I beg to differ and was the sentiment I was challenging in my original post.

[MPerry_2000]

Originally Posted by iScottie

What reviews do you personally think are too generous with the rating?

Hi I scottie - We could be here all night. And inevitably I would list 30 movies that would be in multiple people's favorite categories. It's all so subjective. There are literally some movies where I read gushing reviews on this site so I bought them or rented them, and they literally made me laugh (not in a good way).

Doesn't make me right or the reviewer wrong. Just a difference of opinion. Ultimately, Blu Ray Titan's post is probably what hit the nail on the head for me. I get the over-arching sense that Blu Ray.coms position on Criterion is that they can do no wrong, with very rare exception. And I wanted to have a healthy conversation about it.

Pro B was kind enough to respond in a way I can respect, whether I agree or not. Frankly, Titan's response is the one that strikes the nerve. Mind you, I'm not mad/concerned/worried anything. It's just a web site talking about movies. But since I frequent this site and rely on the reviews for many things, I thought it warranted bringing up.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by MPerry_2000

Hi I scottie - We could be here all night. And inevitably I would list 30 movies that would be in multiple people's favorite categories. It's all so subjective. There are literally some movies where I read gushing reviews on this site so I bought them or rented them, and they literally made me laugh (not in a good way).

Doesn't make me right or the reviewer wrong. Just a difference of opinion. Ultimately, Blu Ray Titan's post is probably what hit the nail on the head for me. I get the over-arching sense that Blu Ray.coms position on Criterion is that they can do no wrong, with very rare exception. And I wanted to have a healthy conversation about it.

Pro B was kind enough to respond in a way I can respect, whether I agree or not. Frankly, Titan's response is the one that strikes the nerve. Mind you, I'm not mad/concerned/worried anything. It's just a web site talking about movies. But since I frequent this site and rely on the reviews for many things, I thought it warranted bringing up.

Understandable.

I definitely have my least favorite films from them, but I think that almost all of the films that Criterion does choose to release are at least decent films to begin with.

They put a lot of work into their releases, which Pro-B incorporates into his rating of the release. Even if the film may not be THE BEST, the extras, such as the commentaries, can usually only help to make the overall experience better.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by MPerry_2000

Hi I scottie - We could be here all night. And inevitably I would list 30 movies that would be in multiple people's favorite categories. It's all so subjective. There are literally some movies where I read gushing reviews on this site so I bought them or rented them, and they literally made me laugh (not in a good way).

Doesn't make me right or the reviewer wrong. Just a difference of opinion. Ultimately, Blu Ray Titan's post is probably what hit the nail on the head for me. I get the over-arching sense that Blu Ray.coms position on Criterion is that they can do no wrong, with very rare exception. And I wanted to have a healthy conversation about it.

Pro B was kind enough to respond in a way I can respect, whether I agree or not. Frankly, Titan's response is the one that strikes the nerve. Mind you, I'm not mad/concerned/worried anything. It's just a web site talking about movies. But since I frequent this site and rely on the reviews for many things, I thought it warranted bringing up.

"Blu Titan's position" is my own and has nothing to do with the "site's position".
In fact, the site has no position at all. Pro-B is the reviewer who handles the Criterion releases and his expertise and experience stand on their own.

Funny how you expect people to acknowledge your opinion. Meanwhile you are dismissive of others? I have my opinion and you have yours...that is all. To be blunt if my position strikes a nerve with you then tough. I don't expect you to like it, just like I don't like yours.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I do not like every Criterion release...not even close but they are all very good/great film. Yes, all of them.

Maybe all except Heaven's Gate.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

Maybe all except Heaven's Gate.

Heaven's Gate is a pretty good example of, well, a lot of things actually.

Heaven's Gate is a very solid film. I would put it in the B/B+ range and would have no problem with somebody else bumping it up or down from there.

It's a great release. I don't see any reasonable basis to quarrel with PQ, AQ or the supplements.

And the review was both thorough and balanced. "See it, think about it and form your own opinion" is the last line before VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and as advice goes that's pretty hard to argue with. I might not tell people 'omg, you have to run out and buy this' but I wouldn't have any problem telling people - particularly people who fancy themselves film enthusiasts - they should see it.

[edit: just to be clear, I'm not ignoring the smiley. For all its other charms Heaven's Gate is fun to poke at too. I definitely get that]

[MPerry_2000]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

"Blu Titan's position" is my own and has nothing to do with the "site's position".
In fact, the site has no position at all. Pro-B is the reviewer who handles the Criterion releases and his expertise and experience stand on their own.

Funny how you expect people to acknowledge your opinion. Meanwhile you are dismissive of others? I have my opinion and you have yours...that is all. To be blunt if my position strikes a nerve with you then tough. I don't expect you to like it, just like I don't like yours.

Not sure where you get the sense that I am coming across as feeling entitled to have people acknowledge my opinion. And where exactly did I dismiss other people's opinions. I expressedly said my opinions don't make me right or others wrong. I was being candid in my disagreement with you, but not in a hostile or antagonizing manner. I believe now is where I am supposed to insert the lowest common denominator of internet decorum and challenge your reading comprehension levels.. etc etc...

Instead I'll just use another sports metaphor and say it's fourth and ten and time to punt. If my intent is perceived as one of bad intent, my apologies to the board. I thought it was a subject worthy of discussion.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by Octagon

Heaven's Gate is a pretty good example of, well, a lot of things actually.

Heaven's Gate is a very solid film. I would put it in the B/B+ range and would have no problem with somebody else bumping it up or down from there.

It's a great release. I don't see any reasonable basis to quarrel with PQ, AQ or the supplements.

And the review was both thorough and balanced. "See it, think about it and form your own opinion" is the last line before VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and as advice goes that's pretty hard to argue with. I might not tell people 'omg, you have to run out and buy this' but I wouldn't have any problem telling people - particularly people who fancy themselves film enthusiasts - they should see it.

I bought Heaven's Gate for its unique historical place in studio history, curiosity in seeing all that extravagance on film (the set of the town was amazing), and for the extensive extras (which I haven't gone through yet). The PQ looks great and I enjoy the cinematography and the actual "western" scenes where there is action and confrontation. But most of the rest seems really drawn out, as if they were intentionally trying to kill time in the movie. Just looks like a movie in dire need of some serious cuts.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by MPerry_2000

Not sure where you get the sense that I am coming across as feeling entitled to have people acknowledge my opinion. And where exactly did I dismiss other people's opinions. I expressedly said my opinions don't make me right or others wrong. I was being candid in my disagreement with you, but not in a hostile or antagonizing manner. I believe now is where I am supposed to insert the lowest common denominator of internet decorum and challenge your reading comprehension levels.. etc etc...

Instead I'll just use another sports metaphor and say it's fourth and ten and time to punt. If my intent is perceived as one of bad intent, my apologies to the board. I thought it was a subject worthy of discussion.

Well, great. But what does my personal opinion have to do with the site? By implying that I am somehow a spokesman for the "site's opinion" you are being dismissive of my opinion.

For the record I do not care for some of the directors and films in the collection. That does not mean that their work is mediocre or bad. After all, anything I believe in reference to how a particular film is good or bad is my opinion, which is subjective in nature and cannot be proven either right or wrong...that is the point I was trying to convey.

[RipleyLV426]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

Usually on or around 16th

Guess, I'll wait then before I pull the trigger on some park circus Chaplin films to import from the UK... I'm waiting for Limelight and The Circus, seems like criterion is taking forever!

[BLOFELD]

perfectly happy with my criterion night of the hunter DVD. the DVD and the BR are shown in the exact same aspect ratio. IMHO there is hardly a difference in quality between the two.

Originally Posted by iScottie

Just a heads up, the new "The Night of the Hunter" release is a repackaging in a standard Blu-ray case (and photos of the new reissue of The 400 Blows).

[BLOFELD]

i don't know. i have over 40 criterions. i love them all. if i had to make a top 5 it would be some like:

1. la strada
2. on the waterfront
3. the lady vanishes
4. night of the hunter
5. the 39 steps

but these are just 5. i mean there are so many others like "lady eve" "badlands", "thief", "7 samauri" that i could put on the list.

Originally Posted by jw007

Hey folks, its been a while since I posted here (been traveling a lot lately) but I'm wondering what are your top 5 most re-watchable Criterions in your opinion?

You may include films in your collection if you wish but list 5 that you can watch the most over and over again.

I will start with my top 5 most re-watchable Criterions:

1. Naked (1993)
2. The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
3. The Ice Storm (1997)
4. Slacker (1991)
5. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Notice something? These are all films that have come out in the last 25 years. Yes, I'm a sucker for newer films when it comes to re-watchability.

[biglou114]

My choices (in no order)

1. Brazil
2. M. Hulot's Holiday
3. The Royal Tenenbaums
4. The Third Man
5. City Lights

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by RipleyLV426

Guess, I'll wait then before I pull the trigger on some park circus Chaplin films to import from the UK... I'm waiting for Limelight and The Circus, seems like criterion is taking forever!

Criterion seems to release a new Chaplin every 6-8 months. July might be an excellent time for a new one as it (along with November) is a big month for Crit Co.

I read somewhere a reason Werner Herzog's films are being released by Shout Factory is because they're releasing them all at once and not over a span of several years. It's a good bet Criterion would've most likely released them over 5-6 years and included some of the films as extras on a disc.

Shout Factory has them and will do a good job. Meanwhile, Criterion will continue to give us the quality we've come to expect. The more films on blu-ray the better.

[The Stick]

Currently my most rewatched:

Black Narcissus
Heaven's Gate (well, I like it )
Ivan's Childhood
Seven Samurai
The Red Balloon (c,mon - waiting for an upgrade)

[oildude]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

You did not ask for it but here are my top 5 most regrettable blindbuys:

1. Brazil - just do not get the parade for this at all. It is so dated and there is nothing engaging at all about the story or the characters. Will be selling this one shortly.

2. Wages of Fear - Another one of these I do not get the praise for. The ending is just one of the worst i have seenion well forever. So unbelievable and hokey. I have yet to watch Sorceror But I would guess it is better as long as they did not have the same ending. The blueprint for the story is defiantly there and I love the concept but the original failed in execution in my opinion.

3. Seconds - Very disappointing and not only because it is a third rate Twilight Zone episode stretched to a feature length but there is just so much wrong with it. The fast forward scenes ala old 1930s films. What was Frankenheimer thinking of when he did this in 67? And most of the characters were so wooden to me. Overall I would say this is one of the most overhyped releases that have come out (overhyped on this forum anyway).

4. Eyes Without a Face - I liked this better then Seconds because I appreciate the creepy tone and atmosphere (along with the execution) but now wish I just watched it on Hulu vs. blindbuying.

5. Anatomy of a Murder - A very good film that is completely degraded with its "aww shucks / Andy Griffith" style ending.

Lol. Wow, talk about different strokes for different folks. Some of your choices are waaaay different from mine.

Seconds and Eyes Without a Face - can't comment on these. They are on my shelf but I have not watched them yet.

Brazil - can understand your reasons for not liking it, but not enough to sell it off. Very bleak film, but that is the whole point. Agree it is not a good blind buy, but disagree it is dated or there is nothing engaging about the characters. It is precisely that the characters are so engaging that makes the film so bleak and brilliant.

Wages of Fear - I had the opposite reaction to the ending. The ending was not at all what I was expecting or wanted, and I did not like it, but I found it very true to life and respect Clouzot all the more for it.

Anatomy of a Murder - Simply one of the greatest films in the Criterion Collection. Extraordinarily good. Do not agree with your Andy Griffith comment at all.

My worst Criterion blind buy by far is White Material. I dislike that film all the more because it is about a subject I find very intriguing in film and history. Extremely disappointed with it, considering what it could have been compared to what it actually turned out to be.

[tenia]

I thought Seconds to be tremendous. While some sequences (the grapewine orgy, especially) could have benefitted being shorter, I loved the style and atmosphere of it. It was broadcasted on Paramount Channel last week in France. I found myself drawn again to it, and couldn't turn it off.

I saw White Material in theaters and found it very stiff and not really interesting. I went to see it because I just love Trouble Every Day, but was quite disappointed with it.

I also was disappointed by The Wages of Fear, not by the 2nd half though, but by the overlongly boring 1st half.

For the rest (Brazil, Eyes Without a Face and Anatomy of a Murder), I think these are marvelous movies.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Understandable.

I definitely have my least favorite films from them, but I think that almost all of the films that Criterion does choose to release are at least decent films to begin with.

They put a lot of work into their releases, which Pro-B incorporates into his rating of the release. Even if the film may not be THE BEST, the extras, such as the commentaries, can usually only help to make the overall experience better.

I have a fairly good handle on whether I think I'll like a film or not. Sometimes I'm in error, most times I'm not. So when reading a review on this site (no matter who it's by) I tend to skim (or even skip entirely) any comments about the movie itself.

My interest in reading the reviews purely concerns the quality of the A/V presentation. And quite frankly, Criterion can rarely be faulted when it comes to A/V presentation, even if one doesn't like the film itself.