DVD (especially Criterion) Discussion Thread

[MacGuffin]

So, yeah, favorite Criterions that I own right now you ask?

Breathless: Just for the packaging along; I haven't too many of the extras, except for the Rosenbaum essay, which was good, but they got some British guy to talk instead of Rosenbaum himself. But yeah, the 70 something page book included is just awesome.

Seven Samurai: Three discs, amazing transfer, and like two full length documentaries. A must have.

Contempt: I haven't even gotten to the extras on this out-of-print disc, which
includes audio commentary by Robert Stam, a 60 minutes conversation between Godard and Fritz Lang, and multiple interviews.

By Brakhage: The definitive experimental film DVD. With interviews with Brakhage and interpretations by Fred Camper.

Pierrot le fou: The packaging is awesome, and the extras are great.

What are your favorite Criterion covers/extras?

[megladon8]

In terms of pure content, the Quadrilogy and WB's Ultimate Superman Collection are both pretty amazing collections.

Ran was a divine Criterion release. Even though it wasn't badly damaged, it did receive a bit of water damage when I had that problem about 6 weeks back. I was pretty mad about that, especially because I received it as a gift from Jen, and it is going out of print.

[MacGuffin]

In terms of pure content, the Quadrilogy and WB's Ultimate Superman Collection are both pretty amazing collections.

Ran was a divine Criterion release. Even though it wasn't badly damaged, it did receive a bit of water damage when I had that problem about 6 weeks back. I was pretty mad about that, especially because I received it as a gift from Jen, and it is going out of print.

I heard a rumor that Criterion discontinued Ran because they're rereleasing it in a Kurosawa box set along with Madadayo and some others. Give me a second, and I'll find the link (I'm not joking, by the way).

[MacGuffin]

This isn't the link I saw yesterday, but it sums up some information that would certainly lead to the speculation of a box set:


While we're on the subject of Criterion today, we've learned that the first wave of catalog titles by legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa has just been announced for release on Blu-ray Disc in Japan. Rashomon, Ran, Madadayo and The Quiet Duel are all expected on 2/6/09 in a box set from Jesnet. So how does this relate to Criterion? Well, Criterion owns the U.S. release rights to many of the Kurosawa films, and was involved in the new HD transfers. So it's likely that we'll start to see some of them released on Blu-ray by Criterion here in the States next year as well. Here's the page over at CD Japan where the titles are listed, though keep in mind that the Japanese discs will likely NOT have English subtitles (so you don't want to go importing them unless you're fluent with Japanese - just wait for the eventual U.S. releases). We'll look into this and keep you up to date as any U.S. release news becomes available.

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/mytwocentsa162.html

[megladon8]

Ran on BluRay would be a wonder to behold.

[D_Davis]

My favorite DVD set I own is a Ghibli bootleg containing all of the Ghibli films up through Mononoke. 2 films per DVD, bootlegged from the Japanese LDs, with English subs. I got this years ago, long before the Disney/Ghibli deal, when it was the only available option. The packaging is nice, and the movies are great.

Up until this point I had to rely on my super expensive Japanese VHS casettes - without English subs. Man - I was hardcore. I watched films like Nausicaa and Laputa for years without ever being able to understand a word that was said.

So thankful for DVD.

[megladon8]

My favorite DVD set I own is a Ghibli bootleg containing all of the Ghibli films up through Mononoke. 2 films per DVD, bootlegged from the Japanese LDs, with English subs. I got this years ago, long before the Disney/Ghibli deal, when it was the only available option. The packaging is nice, and the movies are great.

Up until this point I had to rely on my super expensive Japanese VHS casettes - without English subs. Man - I was hardcore. I watched films like Nausicaa and Laputa for years without ever being able to understand a word that was said.

So thankful for DVD.


I guess this is a pretty good summation of the magic of Miyazaki's films.

Even not being able to understand the dialogue, they're still glorious, beautiful pieces.

[D_Davis]

I guess this is a pretty good summation of the magic of Miyazaki's films.

Even not being able to understand the dialogue, they're still glorious, beautiful pieces.

Exactly.

[Dukefrukem]

I could have sworn we had a Criterion thread already.

[Ivan Drago]

I'm still waiting for a Week End Criterion.

[MacGuffin]

I'm still waiting for a Week End Criterion.

Yeah, me too. :(

[balmakboor]

If Criterion/Eclipse would just get around to a box set of the first three features from Dusan Makavejev, I'd be happy.

My favorite Criterions? Slacker, By Brakhage, WR: Mysteries of the Organism, Berlin Alexanderplatz, BRD Trilogy, Five by Cassavetes, all of the Ozus, Ikiru, Chris Marker, ...

[Ezee E]

The best packaged DVDs were the Vista Series some time ago. Loved those covers.

Right now, all I do is watch the movie. Hardly even buy any. I'd like to sell mine, but can't bring myself to do it.

[MacGuffin]

If Criterion/Eclipse would just get around to a box set of the first three features from Dusan Makavejev, I'd be happy.

My favorite Criterions? Slacker, By Brakhage, WR: Mysteries of the Organism, Berlin Alexanderplatz, BRD Trilogy, Five by Cassavetes, all of the Ozus, Ikiru, Chris Marker, ...

I still need to see WR. And Sweet Movie, for the matter. I turned Sweet Movie off after impatience, but probably owe it another go. Netflix doesn't carry WR unfortunately.

[balmakboor]

I still need to see WR. And Sweet Movie, for the matter. I turned Sweet Movie off after impatience, but probably owe it another go. Netflix doesn't carry WR unfortunately.

I liked Sweet Movie a lot, but not nearly as much as WR which is an absolutely amazing movie.

I'm still waiting for Montenegro as well.

[megladon8]

I really want to see WR.

[MacGuffin]

I just realized it's balmakboor's #1 ever.

[megladon8]

I just realized it's balmakboor's #1 ever.


Yeah, that's got me particularly intrigued.

[balmakboor]

I just realized it's balmakboor's #1 ever.

Yes. Recent viewings of WR and Sans Soleil have finally unseated Slacker.

[MacGuffin]

Yes. Recent viewings of WR and Sans Soleil have finally unseated Slacker.

Man, I need to see Sans soleil again. First viewing just didn't mesh with me because I was unprepared for the rambling style; but I love La jetée. Edit: How are the Criterions for these, by the way? I didn't really look at the features and of course couldn't see the packaging (tho I've heard the booklet is quite thick; upper tier pricing, etc.).

[balmakboor]

Man, I need to see Sans soleil again. First viewing just didn't mesh with me because I was unprepared for the rambling style; but I love La jetée.

I've always been one to see movies at least twice. I've seen my top three about six times each -- and they honestly get better every time.

[balmakboor]

How are the Criterions for these, by the way? I didn't really look at the features and of course couldn't see the packaging (tho I've heard the booklet is quite thick; upper tier pricing, etc.).

The Criterion for the Marker films is very nice. I've watched the two films numerous times, but haven't really paid attention to the bonus materials.

WR is a great package with two very valuable interviews with Makavejev.

They're both in that $30-something range.

By the way, another great Criterion is Peeping Tom with an interesting and quite dense commentary by Laura Mulvey.

[MacGuffin]

By the way, another great Criterion is Peeping Tom with an interesting and quite dense commentary by Laura Mulvey.

That's a decent movie, but I'd never consider buying it.

[balmakboor]

That's a decent movie, but I'd never consider buying it.

Oh I did. I own too damn many dvds though.

[Ivan Drago]

I had completely forgotten that Breathless has a Criterion DVD. Now I'm tempted to pick it up.

[MacGuffin]

I had completely forgotten that Breathless has a Criterion DVD. Now I'm tempted to pick it up.

It's sooo good. It's not even my favorite Godard, but I'm sure it may become one of them with the sets' (yes, set, this thing is packed unlike any ordinary DVD or even Criterion DVD, for that matter) enticing extras. It even contains a made-for-television full-length documentary called Chambre 12, Hôtel de Suéde, about a man obsessed with the making of the movie and the hotel it was filmed in. Supposedly in the movie, he calls Godard and asks him to talk about the movie, to which Godard replies, "Dream on." :lol:

[Dukefrukem]

Criterion Collection now streaming on Hulu Plus! (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/criterion-collection-now-streaming-on-hulu-plus-maybe-sanjuro-a/)

[Kurosawa Fan]

Holy shit, that's fantastic.

[D_Davis]

Why does it say that it's exclusive to Hulu? I'm pretty sure all of the Criterion films are streaming on Netflix already. Or did they just mean the special features?

[Raiders]

Shit, Hulu just kicked Netflix's ass.

Well, Netflix did also recently strike a deal with Disney to start streaming ABC network programs (in addition to rumors that some networks pulling some of their free content off Hulu).

[Dukefrukem]

Why does it say that it's exclusive to Hulu? I'm pretty sure all of the Criterion films are streaming on Netflix already. Or did they just mean the special features?

Not all are streaming on Netflix. I just did a quick search and the The Circus isn't streaming on Netflix. That was the 2nd movie I tried.

[D_Davis]

So there are 150 titles available on Hulu, and 142 on Netflix
http://mubi.com/lists/1917

Man, they sure do make in confusing to be a consumer these days with cable and the various on demand/streaming services. I wish the content providers would just settle on one.

[Raiders]

The deal with Hulu is exclusive. Which means that when the Netflix deal with Criterion expires this year, those titles will disappear from Netflix.

[Dukefrukem]

Hate to say it, but this exclusive Hulu deal isn't gonna bring many subscribers to Hulu.

[DavidSeven]

Uh yeah, looks like you're going to want to stream as many Criterion titles as possible in the coming months.

[Derek]

Will Netflix still be able to ship Criterion DVDs or is the exclusive not just for streaming?

[DavidSeven]

Will Netflix still be able to ship Criterion DVDs or is the exclusive not just for streaming?

I wouldn't think it would affect the DVDs. Netflix is allowed to do whatever they want with the physical discs once they obtain ownership of them (like a library buying a book). The only way Criterion could get them to stop renting the DVDs is by agreement with Netflix, not Hulu. Streaming works a little differently since it's considered more of a license than a purchased copy.

[Derek]

I wouldn't think it would affect the DVDs. Netflix is allowed to do whatever they want with the physical discs once they obtain ownership of them (like a library buying a book). The only way Criterion could get them to stop renting the DVDs is by agreement with Netflix, not Hulu. Streaming works a little differently since it's considered more of a license than a purchased copy.

That's what I assumed - I work in digital media so I know about the licensing. :) It's still somewhat of a big deal, but as for scoring a huge batch of new customers for Hulu, I don't see that happening. But it does show Netflix has legit competition now, which should hopefully mean they'll get more streaming content up ASAP.

[D_Davis]

It's just another movie by the networks to kill Netflix, another example of the current industries biting the hands that feed. And now that one of them is bed with Comcast, you'll see Netflix die much sooner. And the real loser will be the consumer, because we will again be without another choice. The networks don't like not being in control of the content and the way in which we watch. They see Netflix as a threat, rather than a new potential source and partner.

I won't be following Criterion any where.

Don't play their games.

[number8]

Maybe I should've posted here...

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hulu will never really threaten Netflix until they get rid of commercial interruptions. I hate AMC for a reason. Well, also because they play shit, but still.

[number8]

Hulu will never really threaten Netflix until they get rid of commercial interruptions. I hate AMC for a reason. Well, also because they play shit, but still.

There's small solace: they don't interrupt these movies by playing the commercials before the video starts.

[MadMan]

I'll use and enjoy Netflix until it finally gets run out of business. When that happens, I'll sign, die a little inside, and crawl back to my local video store. Only two are left in this shitty city. I'm surprised that the local Blockbusters haven't been closed down, yet.

[Dukefrukem]

I'll use and enjoy Netflix until it finally gets run out of business.

http://i.imgur.com/2uvaU.jpg

[Ivan Drago]

So the Blockbuster in my college town closed down today, and over the span of 4 weeks, as the prices for DVDs kept getting lower and lower, I got these:

(500) Days of Summer
Adam (haven't seen)
Angels in America: Part 2 (stupidly thought I picked up the whole thing)
Greenberg
Happy-Go-Lucky (haven't seen)
Hard Boiled
The Informant!
JCVD (haven't seen)
Munich
Once
Revolutionary Road
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original; haven't seen)
Valkyrie
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (haven't seen)
W.

[MadMan]

http://i.imgur.com/2uvaU.jpgYeah cause the cable and satillite companies totally aren't trying to kill off Netflix....:rolleyes:

[eternity]

Yeah cause the cable and satillite companies totally aren't trying to kill off Netflix....:rolleyes:
Just as good a chance Netflix kills off the cable and satellite companies, if you think about it that way.

[MadMan]

Just as good a chance Netflix kills off the cable and satellite companies, if you think about it that way.I would hope that would happen. If only net neturality wasn't in endless danger of being gutted like a fish.

[number8]

In case you missed their April Fool's prank:

http://www.criterion.com/films/27656-c-h-u-d

[Derek]

In case you missed their April Fool's prank:

http://www.criterion.com/films/27656-c-h-u-d

:lol:

I love Kent Jones.

[megladon8]

It should be a Criterion release.

[D_Davis]

Just as good a chance Netflix kills off the cable and satellite companies, if you think about it that way.

They don't have the money (ie: lawyers and congressmen) to do that. It'll be a war of attrition, and NBC + Comcast will win because they have way more money to see it to the end.

[Spinal]

In case you missed their April Fool's prank:

http://www.criterion.com/films/27656-c-h-u-d


•Downloadable MP3 of the 1987 radio dramatization, featuring Eric Bogosian.

:lol:

[SirNewt]

Ran on BluRay would be a wonder to behold.

I think that was supposed to happen. But someone contested their rights to put the flik on blu-ray so we got blu-ray Kagemusha instead. Which is still awesome.

[number8]

I have Ran on Blu-ray. It's actually a really good release.

[number8]

The picture quality, that is. For the extras, the Criterion DVD had better stuff.