Midnight Cowboy (1969) - Page 15 - Blu-ray Forum

Cinema84 · 06-01-2018, 04:41 PM

This is $25 and some change on Amazon, which seems to be what they typically charge for most Criterions these days. I was on the fence with this pickup, and I could've waited for the B&N sale but decided to just grab it now. It's only a few bucks above what it would've cost during the sale.

English Patient · 06-01-2018, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinema74

This is $25 and some change on Amazon, which seems to be what they typically charge for most Criterions these days. I was on the fence with this pickup, and I could've waited for the B&N sale but decided to just grab it now. It's only a few bucks above what it would've cost during the sale.

You won't regret the purchase. I finished watching the hour-long documentary on the disc about the screenwriter, Waldo Salt, and it's fascinating, full of great biographical info as well as his approaches to the technical side of screenwriting (he says screenwriting has more in common with poetry than with narrative fiction). I've just started listening to the Schlesinger commentary and it's likewise packed with great info. This is one of Criterion's better releases.

GasmaskAvenger · 06-02-2018, 05:04 PM

Just got done watching this for the first time.

After being rather umimpressed with the super episodic, somewhat aimless/plotless yet talent brimming "King of Marvin Gardens" last night, I actually enjoyed Midnight Cowboy quite a bit.

Great performances from Voight and Hoffman, with some interesting uses of personal fantasies/flashbacks that ended up being nearly as chilling as the actual horror scenes in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I also liked seeing New York being depicted as dirty as it was shown in Combat Shock (super looking forward to seeing Severin's restoration of that cult gem).

PQ was pretty good (albeit a few scenes looked pretty ratty, but understandably so) and the mono track was immaculate in its quality. Will dip into the bonus features as soon as possible.

English Patient · 06-02-2018, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

Just got done watching this for the first time.

After being rather umimpressed with the super episodic, somewhat aimless/plotless yet talent brimming "King of Marvin Gardens" last night, I actually enjoyed Midnight Cowboy quite a bit.

Great performances from Voight and Hoffman, with some interesting uses of personal fantasies/flashbacks that ended up being nearly as chilling as the actual horror scenes in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I also liked seeing New York being depicted as dirty as it was shown in Combat Shock (super looking forward to seeing Severin's restoration of that cult gem).

PQ was pretty good (albeit a few scenes looked pretty ratty, but understandably so) and the mono track was immaculate in its quality. Will dip into the bonus features as soon as possible.

The opening title sequence of Midnight Cowboy seems to be in the roughest shape, but overall I thought the transfer looked very good. I was very pleased with this edition - many of the Criterions in my collection (like Heaven's Gate) are fairly sparse in the special features department, but Midnight Cowboy is a wonderful exception.

Also agree about Marvin Gardens. When I saw it at age 15, I thought it was spectacular - when I saw it again 30 years later, I thought it was mediocre at best.

RCRochester · 06-02-2018, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasmaskAvenger

Just got done watching this for the first time.

After being rather umimpressed with the super episodic, somewhat aimless/plotless yet talent brimming "King of Marvin Gardens" last night, I actually enjoyed Midnight Cowboy quite a bit.

Great performances from Voight and Hoffman, with some interesting uses of personal fantasies/flashbacks that ended up being nearly as chilling as the actual horror scenes in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I also liked seeing New York being depicted as dirty as it was shown in Combat Shock (super looking forward to seeing Severin's restoration of that cult gem).

PQ was pretty good (albeit a few scenes looked pretty ratty, but understandably so) and the mono track was immaculate in its quality. Will dip into the bonus features as soon as possible.

I envy you being able to watch it for the first time. I first saw Midnight Cowboy when I was about 16, back to back with Deliverance. It was the impact of watching those two films that made me truly become a film lover, particularly films of that era.

Fat Phil · 06-02-2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCRochester

I envy you being able to watch it for the first time. I first saw Midnight Cowboy when I was about 16, back to back with Deliverance. It was the impact of watching those two films that made me truly become a film lover, particularly films of that era.

Wow, great combo. That's a real one-two punch. Midnight Cowboy then Deliverance or Deliverance then Midnight Cowboy? Gotta be Deliverance second, right?

RCRochester · 06-02-2018, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Phil

Wow, great combo. That's a real one-two punch. Midnight Cowboy then Deliverance or Deliverance then Midnight Cowboy? Gotta be Deliverance second, right?

Yeah, I think it was Midnight Cowboy first then Deliverance. I had also recently watched Taxi Driver around that time too, and for some reason I thought the "I'm walking here" scene was from that film. So when I asked my dad about it he said that it was from Midnight Cowboy, so I decided to check that out and my dad had also recommended Deliverance (we had recently watched Southern Comfort and he said they were similar) so I rented them both and had a Voight double feature. I still enjoy discovering great movies today but in those days watching films like that for the first time was just amazing.

JackLordsHair · 06-03-2018, 04:00 AM

Just finished watching my copy and overall the PQ looks stellar (the beginning and the party sequences looked roughest) this is probably my third time watching it and the final sequence is just so heavy, very similar to the Hackman/Pacino Scarecrow ending. Very pleased with what Criterion has done with this release. Now on to the supplements ....

koberulz · 06-03-2018, 07:04 AM

I still haven't got around to Deliverance. Nowhere here seems to sell it.

Never seen MC, either, but I do have the DVD in my United Artists Prestige Collection. Slowly getting there.

Dailyan · 06-03-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koberulz

I still haven't got around to Deliverance. Nowhere here seems to sell it.

Never seen MC, either, but I do have the DVD in my United Artists Prestige Collection. Slowly getting there.

Both great films. I looked up the United Artists Prestige Collection and hot damn if MGM released a 4K box set of that I'd die.

koberulz · 06-03-2018, 02:24 PM

There isn't even a Blu-ray set so I don't like our chances.

It also cost about a thousand bucks and is a ***** to store. But on a per-film basis it's pretty good; there's some in there I was interested in anyway, and a lot more I've become interested in since stumbling across this place and a wider knowledge of film.

Dailyan · 06-03-2018, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koberulz

There isn't even a Blu-ray set so I don't like our chances.

It also cost about a thousand bucks and is a ***** to store. But on a per-film basis it's pretty good; there's some in there I was interested in anyway, and a lot more I've become interested in since stumbling across this place and a wider knowledge of film.

The funny thing is that except for The Alamo and Pieces of April, all the titles have received a Blu Ray release.

nickpap7 · 06-17-2018, 02:58 PM

http://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?a=2&x=...4&l=0&i=4&go=1

Criterion obliterates the overblown magenta pushed MGM BD.

btulfan44 · 06-17-2018, 03:20 PM

After nearly 50 years, I'm starting to soften up and give in to this Criterion release. What's that you say, oh, I've never gotten over not being able to see this movie when it was first released as I was only 15 and it was rated X. I can't remember when I did first view this classic, but would have loved to have seen it in '69 at the Theatre. Have a great one....

CarlosMeat · 06-17-2018, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickpap7

http://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?a=2&x=...4&l=0&i=4&go=1

Criterion obliterates the overblown magenta pushed MGM BD.

No doubt I agree completely . The detail in the street scenes is just gorgeous. I like when he looks out of hotel window and the theaters show Dr Doolittle, and 2001 A Space Odyssey playing The only gripe, now the title is cyan pushed.

CarlosMeat · 06-17-2018, 08:03 PM

cash_black · 06-18-2018, 01:31 AM

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118578&i=1&l=0

is this a little edge enhancement on the criterion?

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118570&i=9&l=0

is the red pushed so far we lose detail?

other than those possible quibbles, this blows the old disc out of the water

Dailyan · 06-18-2018, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cash_black

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118578&i=1&l=0

is this a little edge enhancement on the criterion?

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118570&i=9&l=0

is the red pushed so far we lose detail?

other than those possible quibbles, this blows the old disc out of the water

I can't explain the first one but for the second one I feel that the old MGM is suppose to have detail we're not suppose to see. Bare in mind that the party sequence was going for a more "fly on the wall" 16mm-esque style.

AnamorphicWidescreen · 06-18-2018, 04:58 AM

Since I'm such a huge fan of this film, I decided to check out Criterion's new MC Blu from my local library. I didn't want to purchase this (yet) since I wanted to see it ahead of time, especially given my reservations re: the green/teal coloring in the screen shots in this thread.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by this disk! This Criterion MC print has, overall, superb PQ - very impressive. For the most part, it's unquestionably better than any previous version of the film - what a revelation. In fact, I've seen this film numerous times & noticed some things in this viewing that I hadn't before. Notably, the scene when Joe Buck is leaving Brenda Vacarro's apt. after spending the night: As she is sitting down & talking on the phone, there is some smoke (from a cigarette) coming from the table in the lower right-hand corner of the screen (your right as you're facing the screen). This smoke was not evident to me in previous prints; I'm not saying it wasn't there, just that I hadn't seen it before. I know that she's smoking at one point & does put the cigarette on the table, but - again - in past viewings I didn't see the cigarette smoke from the unseen cigarette (on the table) prior to this viewing.

The teal/green that I was concerned about is definitely evident in the film itself - but it's made more obvious when looking at comparisons to the MGM Blu. That being said, my preference would have been more natural colors. I find it extremely unnecessary, and doesn't add anything to the film at all.

Also, with regards to PQ, this Criterion print is not perfect. There were several scenes in Ratso's condemned apartment that were way too dark; these were much lighter/clearer on the MGM Blu.

Do I prefer this over the 2011 MGM Blu?! Overall, yes. And, if I do end up buying this Disk it will definitely be my go-to copy when I want to see the film. That being said, even if I end up buying this new Criterion Disk I will keep the MGM Blu because there were certain aspects of this print that I prefer - i.e. more natural lighting/color, etc.

Though I didn't have a lot of time to go through the special features, I did read the pamphlet/insert that came with the Disk. This was a great article/analysis of the film, and made me think of MC in ways I hadn't before. I agreed completely with the analysis of the friendship/bond that Joe Buck had with "Ratso" Rizzo. Great write-up; Kudos to the author & to Criterion for including this. It was nice to get an fresh perspective on an (almost) 50-year old film.

Trivia: I did not know that MC was filmed in the Spring/Summer of 1968; I thought it was filmed in the Fall/winter, since some of the film does appear to take place during cold weather. There is even one scene where it's snowing & another where pipes freeze (in Ratso's condemned apartment).

Bates_Motel · 06-18-2018, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cash_black

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118578&i=1&l=0

is this a little edge enhancement on the criterion?

https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118570&i=9&l=0

is the red pushed so far we lose detail?

other than those possible quibbles, this blows the old disc out of the water

No, and no.

06-17-2018, 08:03 PM	#296
CarlosMeat Expert Member Member since:Jun 2009	Last edited by CarlosMeat; 06-17-2018 at 08:24 PM.

06-18-2018, 04:58 AM	#299
AnamorphicWidescreen Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2014	Since I'm such a huge fan of this film, I decided to check out Criterion's new MC Blu from my local library. I didn't want to purchase this (yet) since I wanted to see it ahead of time, especially given my reservations re: the green/teal coloring in the screen shots in this thread. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this disk! This Criterion MC print has, overall, superb PQ - very impressive. For the most part, it's unquestionably better than any previous version of the film - what a revelation. In fact, I've seen this film numerous times & noticed some things in this viewing that I hadn't before. Notably, the scene when Joe Buck is leaving Brenda Vacarro's apt. after spending the night: As she is sitting down & talking on the phone, there is some smoke (from a cigarette) coming from the table in the lower right-hand corner of the screen (your right as you're facing the screen). This smoke was not evident to me in previous prints; I'm not saying it wasn't there, just that I hadn't seen it before. I know that she's smoking at one point & does put the cigarette on the table, but - again - in past viewings I didn't see the cigarette smoke from the unseen cigarette (on the table) prior to this viewing. The teal/green that I was concerned about is definitely evident in the film itself - but it's made more obvious when looking at comparisons to the MGM Blu. That being said, my preference would have been more natural colors. I find it extremely unnecessary, and doesn't add anything to the film at all. Also, with regards to PQ, this Criterion print is not perfect. There were several scenes in Ratso's condemned apartment that were way too dark; these were much lighter/clearer on the MGM Blu. Do I prefer this over the 2011 MGM Blu?! Overall, yes. And, if I do end up buying this Disk it will definitely be my go-to copy when I want to see the film. That being said, even if I end up buying this new Criterion Disk I will keep the MGM Blu because there were certain aspects of this print that I prefer - i.e. more natural lighting/color, etc. Though I didn't have a lot of time to go through the special features, I did read the pamphlet/insert that came with the Disk. This was a great article/analysis of the film, and made me think of MC in ways I hadn't before. I agreed completely with the analysis of the friendship/bond that Joe Buck had with "Ratso" Rizzo. Great write-up; Kudos to the author & to Criterion for including this. It was nice to get an fresh perspective on an (almost) 50-year old film. Trivia: I did not know that MC was filmed in the Spring/Summer of 1968; I thought it was filmed in the Fall/winter, since some of the film does appear to take place during cold weather. There is even one scene where it's snowing & another where pipes freeze (in Ratso's condemned apartment). Last edited by AnamorphicWidescreen; 06-24-2018 at 02:19 AM.

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06-01-2018, 04:41 PM	#281
Cinema84 Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Jun 2012 Location:NJ 4K collection:493 Blu-ray collection:4444 DVD collection:496 Trading Score:135	This is $25 and some change on Amazon, which seems to be what they typically charge for most Criterions these days. I was on the fence with this pickup, and I could've waited for the B&N sale but decided to just grab it now. It's only a few bucks above what it would've cost during the sale.

06-02-2018, 05:04 PM	#283
GasmaskAvenger Blu-ray Baron Top contributor Member since:Jul 2014 Location:Fresno, California, USA 4K collection:646 Blu-ray collection:4017 DVD collection:618 Trading Score:33	Just got done watching this for the first time. After being rather umimpressed with the super episodic, somewhat aimless/plotless yet talent brimming "King of Marvin Gardens" last night, I actually enjoyed Midnight Cowboy quite a bit. Great performances from Voight and Hoffman, with some interesting uses of personal fantasies/flashbacks that ended up being nearly as chilling as the actual horror scenes in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I also liked seeing New York being depicted as dirty as it was shown in Combat Shock (super looking forward to seeing Severin's restoration of that cult gem). PQ was pretty good (albeit a few scenes looked pretty ratty, but understandably so) and the mono track was immaculate in its quality. Will dip into the bonus features as soon as possible.

06-03-2018, 04:00 AM	#288
JackLordsHair Active Member Member since:May 2016 Location:PA	Just finished watching my copy and overall the PQ looks stellar (the beginning and the party sequences looked roughest) this is probably my third time watching it and the final sequence is just so heavy, very similar to the Hackman/Pacino Scarecrow ending. Very pleased with what Criterion has done with this release. Now on to the supplements ....

06-03-2018, 07:04 AM	#289
koberulz Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:May 2016 Location:Australia 4K collection:118 Blu-ray collection:1565 DVD collection:280 Trading Score:13	I still haven't got around to Deliverance. Nowhere here seems to sell it. Never seen MC, either, but I do have the DVD in my United Artists Prestige Collection. Slowly getting there.

06-03-2018, 02:24 PM	#291
koberulz Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:May 2016 Location:Australia 4K collection:118 Blu-ray collection:1565 DVD collection:280 Trading Score:13	There isn't even a Blu-ray set so I don't like our chances. It also cost about a thousand bucks and is a ***** to store. But on a per-film basis it's pretty good; there's some in there I was interested in anyway, and a lot more I've become interested in since stumbling across this place and a wider knowledge of film.

06-17-2018, 02:58 PM	#293
nickpap7 Member Member since:Dec 2010	http://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?a=2&x=...4&l=0&i=4&go=1 Criterion obliterates the overblown magenta pushed MGM BD.

06-17-2018, 03:20 PM	#294
btulfan44 Junior Member Member since:Jan 2012 Blu-ray collection:82	After nearly 50 years, I'm starting to soften up and give in to this Criterion release. What's that you say, oh, I've never gotten over not being able to see this movie when it was first released as I was only 15 and it was rated X. I can't remember when I did first view this classic, but would have loved to have seen it in '69 at the Theatre. Have a great one....

06-18-2018, 01:31 AM	#297
cash_black Power Member Top contributor Member since:Nov 2012 4K collection:162 Blu-ray collection:886 DVD collection:48 Blu-ray reviews: 94 Trading Score:45	https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118578&i=1&l=0 is this a little edge enhancement on the criterion? https://www.caps-a-holic.com/c.php?g...118570&i=9&l=0 is the red pushed so far we lose detail? other than those possible quibbles, this blows the old disc out of the water

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