The Criterion Collection

[Bates_Motel]

Originally Posted by Carlosg777

I have already posted a similar question on the 'official' Dekalog thread, but since that one has irrevocably derailed into an embittered dispute over its technical aspects, I'm reposting it here. For a (mostly) first time viewer, can anyone suggest whether I should watch the 10 films as they were released on television, or if I should jump into the longer, theatrical versions of episodes 5 and 6? Would it perhaps be too jarring a contrast, compared to the work as a whole, or would I benefit from watching those versions, even if it will be my first time watching them? Your suggestions would be most appreciated.

I would personally watch the hour-long TV versions first, then go back to watch the longer expanded editions of Killing and Love. Love, especially, has a completely different ending and vibe that doesn't mesh as well in the context of the 10 films, but its better as a stand-alone movie.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by Disturbed Blu 1

Okay, guys. My second FS order was delivered yesterday (originally scheduled for tomorrow), but it's not at my house. Do I contact Criterion or USPS? Or both?

They do this all the time and it amounts to fraud imo. They will probably deliver it today.

[Donnie D]

Originally Posted by deepbreathsanddeath

Has anybody else had a really nice dream that involved punching Gary Tooze (of DVDbeaver) in the face while he's half way through saying "robust"? Am I all alone in this world?

No bad dreams yet, but aaaah, power of suggestions, I may now. My version would be him say "indulge".

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by AaronJ

Well, that's probably because it isn't really about story, but, well, mood.

And, you know, the fleeting nature of life, time, loss, momentary happiness, regret, etc. All that good stuff.

[shadedpain4]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

They do this all the time and it amounts to fraud imo. They will probably deliver it today.

My guy seems to mark things as "delivered" around noon, but then doesn't actually put in my porch until about 7:30pm.

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by KubrickKurasawa

It is my favorite film of all time. My personal number 1.

Proof that Criterion could do better with releases, but when I look through peoples collections here I see very few people have any Mizoguchi and Kurosawa films in their collection. I consider these two and their cinematogmasters
complete masters.

I might buy 2 copies of Ugetsu blue ray if ever 4eleased. The first time I watched it on Youtube 240p I was in transported to that magical film place only a handful of movies have ever put me in. I realized a blue ray version would be awhile and have been waiting patiently since. The story of type last chrysanthemum has me believing Ugetsu will arrive in 6 months or so. I really want Street of Shame and Portrait of Madam Yuri. On criterion blue ray. Such amazing films. Mizoguchi, Kurosawa, Kubrick, Zemekis.....I love them guys.....

I have most of the Kurosawa Blu releases in the US. I only have Sansho by Mizoguchi, many of his other movies are not on Blu as far as I've seen.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

And, you know, the fleeting nature of life, time, loss, momentary happiness, regret, etc. All that good stuff.

Which Happy Together still does best.

Speaking of Masters of sensual cinema: Hou Hsiao-Hsien is long overdue for a Criterion release. I recently saw Millennium Mambo and, boy, would that look incredible on HD.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Which Happy Together still does best.

Speaking of Masters of sensual cinema: Hou Hsiao-Hsien is long overdue for a Criterion release. I recently saw Millennium Mambo and, boy, would that look incredible on HD.

you know who is a master of sensual cinema?

Tommy Wiseau

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Speaking of Masters of sensual cinema: Hou Hsiao-Hsien is long overdue for a Criterion release. I recently saw Millennium Mambo and, boy, would that look incredible on HD.

I've had Millennium Mambo on my watchlist for a few weeks now. My Hulu subscription expires on November 2 and I should try to squeeze it in once I finish my Ju-on and Return of the Living Dead marathons.

The Assassin and Dust in the Wind are also available for rental on Amazon, so I'll definitely check those out as well.

[Popcorn_Bliss]

Originally Posted by RobertLuketic

It didn't met my high expectations, sadly. It's an eye candy for sure; great visuals, costumes, but story wise I found it a little flat.

Well, I tend to be more of a cinematography/colors/framing kind of guy, so if it succeeds on those levels I'll hopefully be happy. A good story never hurts, but I'm usually more wowed by visuals than narrative.

I'm excited to check it out though. I've always heard great things about it, by and large.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I've had Millennium Mambo on my watchlist for a few weeks now. My Hulu subscription expires on November 2 and I should try to squeeze it in once I finish my Ju-on and Return of the Living Dead marathons.

The Assassin and Dust in the Wind are also available for rental on Amazon, so I'll definitely check those out as well.

The Assassin is so beautiful. I have the Blu, and it's just a gorgeous film. Sadly, it's the only one of his films I've seen.

Originally Posted by Popcorn_Bliss

Well, I tend to be more of a cinematography/colors/framing kind of guy, so if it succeeds on those levels I'll hopefully be happy. A good story never hurts, but I'm usually more wowed by visuals than narrative.

I'm excited to check it out though. I've always heard great things about it, by and large.

Yeah, I'm not big on narrative either. I generally look for films to find that very powerful, impactful mixture of cinematography, music, visual construction that transports me. That might explain why I am such a big Malick fan, for instance.

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I've had Millennium Mambo on my watchlist for a few weeks now. My Hulu subscription expires on November 2 and I should try to squeeze it in once I finish my Ju-on and Return of the Living Dead marathons.

The Assassin and Dust in the Wind are also available for rental on Amazon, so I'll definitely check those out as well.

The Assassin is also available as part of the Netflix streaming package.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Which Happy Together still does best.

Speaking of Masters of sensual cinema: Hou Hsiao-Hsien is long overdue for a Criterion release. I recently saw Millennium Mambo and, boy, would that look incredible on HD.

I've seen you say that numerous times in response to In the Mood for Love, as if it somehow negates the quality of the other. I don't agree with your assessment (both films operate on a different level, I think, and I generally find Love to be more successful with its aesthetic.) I think Love is better, but that doesn't mean I don't care for Happy Together - hell, I have a poster of it in my bedroom. It's like faulting Fallen Angels because Chungking Express exists.

Agreed with Hou. Anything, really - but if they start out with Mambo, I will be ecstatic and probably flood this place with gifs, Polaroid style.

[AaronJ]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

I've seen you say that numerous times in response to In the Mood for Love, as if it somehow negates the quality of the other. I don't agree with your assessment (both films operate on a different level, I think, and I generally find Love to be more successful with its aesthetic.) I think Love is better, but that doesn't mean I don't care for Happy Together - hell, I have a poster of it in my bedroom. It's like faulting Fallen Angels because Chungking Express exists.

Agreed with Hou. Anything, really - but if they start out with Mambo, I will be ecstatic and probably flood this place with gifs, Polaroid style.

OK, that was funny.

[SammyJankis]

Originally Posted by iScottie

I've had Millennium Mambo on my watchlist for a few weeks now. My Hulu subscription expires on November 2 and I should try to squeeze it in once I finish my Ju-on and Return of the Living Dead marathons.

The Assassin and Dust in the Wind are also available for rental on Amazon, so I'll definitely check those out as well.

I would recommend starting with Dust. It's a nice entryway point and won't feel like you're diving headfirst into the deep end like the Shu Qi pictures. Starting from the beginning with whatever you can get your hands on and moving forward works best, I think.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

you know who is a master of sensual cinema?

Tommy Wiseau

John Waters is defo the master of sensual films... look at Pink Flamingos....

Very sensual........

[Gambit1138]

Hey, everyone. According to a representative at Criterion, the company does not provide subtitles for the English Language portions of Foreign films if English does not make up 30-40% of the Dialogue. This prevents members of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community from fully enjoying these films. In response, I wrote this open letter encouraging the inclusion of fully-accessible captioning on their upcoming streaming website, FilmStruck. I encourage you to take some time out of today to read this, and share this if you agree that film should be accessible to Cinephiles everywhere. Thank you for your time.

http://imgur.com/a/xvAoL

[bwdowiak]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Anything, really - but if they start out with Mambo, I will be ecstatic and probably flood this place with gifs, Polaroid style.

I sorta miss those days of unbridled enthusiasm. Every now and then someone would come along and try to break their spirit, but Polariod, Ray J, and filmmusic definitely keep the conversation going.

We've still got Ray J, though!

[The Great Owl]

I think that In the Mood for Love is a perfect film in so many ways.

In all honesty, though, it's one of those films that I heap praise upon after my initial viewing, but that I'm not compelled to revisit on a frequent basis.

I feel the same way about Ozu's films in my collection. They're mind-blowingly good, and I always feel as though I've been through a personal journey after I see them for the first time, but I have to be in a really really specific mood to revisit them.

It's funny how certain Criterion titles in my collection, namely In a Lonely Place, The Night of the Hunter, The Vanishing, or Paris, Texas, seem to be on near constant rotation at my place, but there are others that I'll probably only revisit once a decade.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by bwdowiak

I sorta miss those days of unbridled enthusiasm. Every now and then someone would come along and try to break their spirit, but Polariod, Ray J, and filmmusic definitely keep the conversation going.

We've still got Ray J, though!

Hey I can go back to that - I just backed off cause I got more hate than love and I do have some personal problems so don't need the dramaaaaaaaa, my life started to feel like a Lars Von Trier film....

Show me the love!