The Criterion Collection

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Sorry jhiggy23 for getting back so late. I was off the computer.

Now, you're talking about when he runs into the cafe? The purpose of that scene, your guess is as good as mine, but I know that it takes place on the outside of a window, which the film throughout refers to the outside from a window in it's shots as a place of freedom. But in this case, I'll make a guess as to (*Spoiler*) that it refers to things to come for her. I just know that the film is set up as a prostitution story but more focused on the betrayal and loss of love to her husband, or how Richard Brody says it, "a cautionary tale of the wages of infidelity". So that scene could just be how freedom on the "outside" is coming to an end? I love how the camera moves to the gun shots though.

Now for the way the film has it's music cuts, it might just be stylistic choices. I forgot what it said, but the commentary on the blu-ray explains this I believe. But jump cuts and music cuts has been in pretty much every Godard film from that era. I have read (in again Richard Brody's Everything is Cinema: The Working Life Of Jean-Luc Godard book) that unlike his first 3 films (which were in a rushed or handheld shots), this film was more "choreographed" with tracking rails and fixed focus shots. So this film actually was more, should I say "safe" in it's camera movements but again not so. He filmed conversations with the character's backs to us, which could be boring to some, but it actually shows how some conversations look as if you are just listening in on it from the other part of the room. I know this doesn't explain the music cuts in this film, but again the commentary I believe explains it.

Thank you very much for your response, CG. There's nothing I disliked about the film--I liked that scene and how the music was cut off. I also really liked the decision in the first chapter, with the conversation being seen from the back. Without a doubt, an excellent film. On a side note, how great would it be to get the Passion of Joan of Arc looking that good on blu?

[ShellOilJunior]

It's much too early in Blu-ray's life cycle to say a title will never be released on Blu-ray.

Its market share is around 14% and has been steadily rising for a couple years. I don't have the exact stats but I've read its growth is on par and/or ahead of where DVD was 4 years into its cycle.

[Arkadin]

there is not a way to be absolutely 100% about any one title, but to say that less than 10% of ALL titles released on dvd will never make it to bd is hardly a stretch.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

Just wanted to add my voice to the "You'd be missing too many great films" crowd. Wild Strawberries comes instantly to mind. I simply love that film. I've made 11 buys during this B & N sale including Haxan, Rashomon, Dillinger is Dead, and The Testament of Dr Mabuse on DVD. I'll never get them all, but I can try.

My only problem with DVD is whether to buy something now or wait and hope for a Bluray release. Ultimately it would be nice if the DVD market share would dry up and everything was released on Bluray. Until then I have no patience and just recently ordered Haxan, Kind Hearts and Coronets, and Testament of Dr Mabuse. I think there is no doubt that Rashomon will go Bluray. I'm also hoping The Lady Vanishes also sees a Blu release so I'm holding off on that. Trying to atleast.

[ShellOilJunior]

I haven't purchased a DVD in 2 years. If I need to see a DVD-only film then I borrow it from the library.

I'm down to only Blu-rays and Criterion DVD's (plus American Splendor, RIP Harvey).

[Volume11]

Originally Posted by sc1957

I'm thinking about buying a kayak. But I know that the manufacturer is doing a redesign and will have an updated model out sometime in the future... but it may be three years from now. Should I buy a kayak now and enjoy it for what it is, or should I deprive myself and wait for the new improved model? That's how I see the waiting-for-the-Blu-Ray debate. I can absolutely wait a month of two if I know for sure that an upgrade is coming. But I'm not going to wait a year to see something that's caught my attention now. I don't consider that double-dipping, because when the Blu-Ray appears, I'll give the DVD to my local public library.

PS... I'm amazed... I also bought Haxan and Testament of Dr. Mabuse during this sale! Silent films rule!

If you cheaply rent or stream said Kayak until then I would say yes, deprive yourself of the pleasure of "owning" something, which seems to be the disconnect with my argument...

[hendersd]

Picked up Gimme Shelter, Last Year at Marienbad, and Red Desert. I'd never seen the Antonioni film; enjoyed it. BD is the only way to watch such things. LYAM also looks good; nice black and white on blu. May pick up something else this week. "M" is also on my short list, but I'm trying to budget for October's releases (Psycho, etc.)!

[Beta Man]

I still buy DVDs, but nowhere near the extent I once did, and supplement the vast majority of viewing via Netflix streaming.... which is fantastically-convenient.... Even if the quality ever really "gets there" I'll still prefer physical media, but it is a great service to have..... Renting the actual disc in store is nice, or from Netflix through the mail..... but I have often found films on the instant-streaming, started watching them, after 15 minutes said "this one is a stinker" and started watching something else..... Many times I've started watching something I never would have committed to renting (even given up the 'slot' where I could have a different disc sent to me in the mail) just because of the lack of commitment involved in streaming.

The fact that Netflix has a great number of auteur films available to stream is great.

[Banned User]

Originally Posted by sc1957

PS... I'm amazed... I also bought Haxan and Testament of Dr. Mabuse during this sale! Silent films rule!

Agree!! I also picked up Vampyre. Nice package for the price!!

Many of the films I'm buying on DVD are must have titles and titles I'll gladly purchase again on Bluray.
Otherwise they are titles I don't see getting a BLluray release because the condition of their negative prevents them from benefiting from it. Which is why Criterion said they only released Night Train to Munich on DVD.

[kndy]

Two more minutes until Amazon's Criterion lightning deal for "Days of Heaven"...wonder how low the price will be...

UPDATE: Ahh...it wasn't "Days of Heaven" but it was "Wings of Desire" for Blu-ray for $19.99.

[Dr.Mirakle32]

I really want the Great Adaptations set, but I'm affraid of buying and having two or more of the titles released within the next year.

[Dragon Lee]

Just bought Chungking Express. Not liking the digipack. Does Criterion still offer replacement cases?

This is the second time ive asked this.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Dragon Lee

Just bought Chungking Express. Not liking the digipack. Does Criterion still offer replacement cases?
.

yes

[BAMJoe]

Hi,

I need some help picking the 4 movies that I will be buying. Which does everyone recommend from this list:
Che, Close-Up, The Leopard, Vivre Sa Vie, Stagecoach, Revanch, Bigger than Life, Mystery Train, and Gomorrah.

Thanks.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Amazon is losing a lot of money to B & N, by not matching or beating their Criterion prices.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by BAMJoe

Hi,

I need some help picking the 4 movies that I will be buying. Which does everyone recommend from this list:
Che, Close-Up, The Leopard, Vivre Sa Vie, Stagecoach, Revanch, Bigger than Life, Mystery Train, and Gomorrah.

Thanks.

This is simple:

Vivre sa vie
Bigger Than Life
Close-Up
The Leopard/ or Stagecoach

in that order too.

Though if you want newer films, CHE and Revanche is great.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by BAMJoe

Hi,

I need some help picking the 4 movies that I will be buying. Which does everyone recommend from this list:
Che, Close-Up, The Leopard, Vivre Sa Vie, Stagecoach, Revanch, Bigger than Life, Mystery Train, and Gomorrah.

Thanks.

I nominate "Stagecoach," "Vivre Sa Vie," and "The Leopard." I haven't seen the other movies.

[SpiderBaby]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

On a side note, how great would it be to get the Passion of Joan of Arc looking that good on blu?

Would be great. Also another Criterion film, Pandora's Box.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by BAMJoe

Hi,

I need some help picking the 4 movies that I will be buying. Which does everyone recommend from this list:
Che, Close-Up, The Leopard, Vivre Sa Vie, Stagecoach, Revanch, Bigger than Life, Mystery Train, and Gomorrah.

Thanks.

From that list, in order my top 4 would be:

1) Vivre Sa Vie
2) The Leopard
3) Revanche
4) Che

[BasicGreatGuy]

Originally Posted by CassavetesGodard

Would be great. Also another Criterion film, Pandora's Box.

I had my eye on "Pandora's Box" over the weekend. I may pull the proverbial trigger on that title before the sale is over. So many titles. lol