The Criterion Collection

[also]

Originally Posted by Sukuri

So you have to gain something positive from watching movies now?

I believe this is an odd question. But.....yeah.

[Nick At Now]

The Seventh Seal got a nice shout out on Jeopardy today

[Sukuri]

Originally Posted by also

I believe this is an odd question. But.....yeah.

why?

[neo_reloaded]

Originally Posted by Sukuri

why?

Because asking "So you have to gain something positive from watching movies now?" on the surface seems like some deep, pro-art statement, but is really fairly nonsensical when you think more about it.

Presumably you watch a movie because you have a reason to want to. You expect either entertainment, or education, or even just a unique experience. Even if the movie is bad and you know it will be an unpleasant experience going in, you still presumably expect to gain SOMETHING (even if just a deeper understanding of it). If you know the premise and reputation of a movie, and it doesn't sound entertaining or educational or enjoyable to you - what is your reason to watch it? Just to say you did? I've probably watched some films because of the sole motivation of curiosity. But if you're not even curious? Maybe you should just skip it.

I wouldn't judge anyone for thinking this way about a film like Salo. Not that this applies to everyone - certainly the film has something for people with certain tastes or more active curiosities. But for others, this is an easy skip. The same way something like "Sex and the City 2" is an easy skip for me - there's simply nothing in it I'm even curious to see.

[Sukuri]

My question isn't 'So you have to gain something from watching movies?', my question is 'So you have to gain something positive from watching movies?'

[Volume11]

Originally Posted by Sukuri

My question isn't 'So you have to gain something from watching movies?', my question is 'So you have to gain something positive from watching movies?'

I understand what you mean. <knuckle bump>

Also, since this is the Criterion/slash Mets fan thread I'd like to say kudos to the Mets! Two innings away from a sweep!

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by NiCK Crush

The Seventh Seal got a nice shout out on Jeopardy today

Do you remember how?

[neo_reloaded]

Originally Posted by Sukuri

My question isn't 'So you have to gain something from watching movies?', my question is 'So you have to gain something positive from watching movies?'

What is the difference? Or are you implying that gaining something NEGATIVE is desirable? Even if you HATE a movie, being able to know why you hate it or having sated your curiosity are both still positives.

[kndy]

Originally Posted by zahinn

Bought my first Criterion.. Whooooooooooooooo ~!!!!!

8 1/2 ...

Congratulations! You will now be assimilated. And once you start, you will never stop.

Originally Posted by BaronVH

To me, blind buying is not a good idea. It surprises me the number of people that do this. I also would not advise buying a Criterion just to collect. That said, the reason people like Criterion is that they always have a great product, and it tends to be non-commercial films.

I totally agree. It's definitely important to do your research. You'll see people who will recommend "Anti-Christ", "Sweet Movie", "Fat Girl", "Salo", etc. but before you buy them, do your research or else you may be scarred for life or have found something quite fascinating.

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

I like Antonioni and Rossellini, with Ferreri (even though he just has 1 film in the collection, he is in the collection, so he counts) rounding out my top 3 favs.

I enjoy each of the three but I will say for those who just started purchasing Criterion, and their first foray to Antonioni films will be "Il deserto rosso" (Red Desert) when it comes out, personally I would recommend watching "L'avventura" (Criterion) or "Blow Up" before watching "Red Desert".

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by kndy

I enjoy each of the three but I will say for those who just started purchasing Criterion, and their first foray to Antonioni films will be "Il deserto rosso" (Red Desert) when it comes out, personally I would recommend watching "L'avventura" (Criterion) or "Blow Up" before watching "Red Desert".

The Passenger would be good to start as well (cheap too), with Jack Nicholson in it, it would be a good start for someone to get into Antonioni. But I do agree Blow Up is prob the best way to go first.

I was just thinking how much movies Jack Nicholson was in during the 70's. He owned that period as an actor. Too bad he went into this character of himself and never appeared again after Batman.

[Sukuri]

Originally Posted by neo_reloaded

What is the difference? Or are you implying that gaining something NEGATIVE is desirable? Even if you HATE a movie, being able to know why you hate it or having sated your curiosity are both still positives.

I wouldn't associate 'Negative' with 'Hate'.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Just finished watching Hiroshima Mon Amour. Now one of my favorite Criterions', even though it's not on blu. Fantastic movie - there were spots that reminded me of Last Year at Marienbad (the memory conversations).

Glad to hear you liked it! The first 20 minutes of the film with the footage of the city and the music---- it's heartbreaking, tragic and at the same time beautiful. It's beautiful the way in which human spirit triumphs in such a bleak situation. The peaceful protest scene is simple yet powerful and thought provoking. Also, Emmanuelle Riva is sublime! Check her out in Leon Morin (Melville) if you can find a copy. She plays an atheist opposite Belmondo-- a priest. Not to be missed

[Nick At Now]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Do you remember how?

the current champion was asked what he was going to do with his winnings, and he said something along the lines of "I'm quite the movie buff, so I'm going to build my home theater and start with a big TV so I can watch Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal"

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by NiCK Crush

the current champion was asked what he was going to do with his winnings, and he said something along the lines of "I'm quite the movie buff, so I'm going to build my home theater and start with a big TV so I can watch Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal"

Oh thanks, I thought it was going to be one of the questions (answers for that show) or something.

[dahoover]

Last year when Criterion acquired IFC they mentioned a future release of Following. Does anyone know if they are still planning on releasing it? Now would be a perfect time with both Inception (in theaters) and Insomnia (on blu) coming out in July.

[rezpekt]

Originally Posted by dahoover

Last year when Criterion acquired IFC.

What? They only signed a deal for 12 films or so. Following is coming when it's ready. No need to hurry.

[sixteenvolt420]

If anybody is looking for either the Yojimbo/Sanjuro Collection on Blu-ray or Che on Blu-ray, buy.com has the best prices on these i've seen. Y/S Collection is $46.99 shipped and Che is $33.99 shipped. Picked them both up for my collection. Links are below, for your easy access


Y/S Collection: http://www.buy.com/prod/yojimbo-sanj...213643659.html

Che: http://www.buy.com/prod/che-blu-ray-...212710411.html

[Romulus]

Anybody think The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford would benefit tremendously from a Criterion release?

[zany6669]

I totally agree that The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford would make a great addition to the collection. A really wonderful film that seems quite complimentary to the Terrence Malick films in and coming to the collection (I hear director Andrew Dominic had been hanging out with Malick a bit before making the film).

The WB release is a joke, such beautiful cinematography squashed onto a BD25 disc, no lossless audio and a very slim extras package. I'd also love to see Criterion put out the director's first film, Chopper, one of my favourites and would again be a worthy addition to the collection I believe.

Originally Posted by Romulus

Anybody think The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford would benefit tremendously from a Criterion release?

[BasicGreatGuy]

I am really impressed with the PQ and AQ of "Stagecoach." Well done Criterion.