my first criterion kick... - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

joeykelley · 01-15-2002, 03:56 AM

... i found myself at a local media play on saturday with around $125 to spend. being fairly new to the whole dvd thing, most of my purchases are based on other peoples reviews and such. while i was looking, i suddenly remembered the name criterion when i picked up a copy of spartacus. i then came across notorious, rushmore, and rebecca.

needless to say, 3 days and $112 later, i'm addicted to criterion!

i can't get over how awesome these dvds are! the only problem now is that i need more. are there any "favorites" out there that i just have to pick up (kurosawa, fellini)? i get paid this week and plan on picking up 3-5 more the next time that i'm out... any insight as to what to get will be much appreciated!

smurdleman2000 · 01-15-2002, 04:04 AM

Get the OOP Dead Ringers if you can. Its a stunningly dramatic and highly emotional movie from the otherwise cold and calculating David Cronenberg.

Also, the Brazil DVD set is one of the best on the market, the only drawback being it's non-anamorphic video.

Indyphantom · 01-15-2002, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joeykelley
... i found myself at a local media play on saturday with around $125 to spend. being fairly new to the whole dvd thing, most of my purchases are based on other peoples reviews and such. while i was looking, i suddenly remembered the name criterion when i picked up a copy of spartacus. i then came across notorious, rushmore, and rebecca.

needless to say, 3 days and $112 later, i'm addicted to criterion! i can't get over how awesome these dvds are! the only problem now is that i need more. are there any "favorites" out there that i just have to pick up (kurosawa, fellini)? i get paid this week and plan on picking up 3-5 more the next time that i'm out... any insight as to what to get will be much appreciated!

Joey, you got some great picks there. If you can find a copy of BRAZIL by Gilliam, it is the best Criterion out there. You get 3 discs packed with stuff. It's just an amazing and astounding experience.

Also the 2-disc DO THE RIGHT THING has such a wealth of material, it's another one you have to pick up. And others I strongly recommend are THE RED SHOES, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, THE THIRD MAN, and THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS for Criterion editions with lots to offer.

Marty McFly · 01-15-2002, 04:08 AM

I'd go for the 'Chasing Amy' Criterion. It's by far my favorite one.

IKEA_boy · 01-15-2002, 04:54 AM

I recently picked up Beastie Boys Anthology... that is a MUST if you're a beastie fan.

What I would recomend (b/c they are good films):
Chasing Amy
Rushmore (but you already have that)
Brazil (awesome movie)
Do the Right Thing (just watched that again tonight on vhs :barf: but it's an awesome movie)
and silence of the lambs

I don't have any of those (except beasties) but they are all great flicks and i'm sure they're great criterions

Jellodyne · 01-15-2002, 05:15 AM

If you're looking for Criterion Akira Kurosawa flicks, I recommended Seven Samarai, Yojimbo and Sanjuro, or Hidden Fortress, in that order.

Of course I love my Brazil, Rushmore, Robocop, Time Bandits and Third Man as well, also in that order.

Fluffmygarfield · 01-15-2002, 05:32 AM

I'd reccomend The Seven Samurai which is one of the best films ever made. If you love Kurosawa, I'd also pick up The Hidden Fortress which is great fun. Yojimbo/Sanjuro have some problems (picture's a bit cropped and not anamorphic) so I'd wait and cross my fingers for a release.

The other criterion I'd definatley get is The Third Man which is also one of the greatest films ever.

If you like The Seven Samurai then consider picking up The Magnificent Seven which is a western remake. It's not from criterion but it is a great special edition for only about $13! The movie's obviously not as good as The Seven Samurai but it's quite good on it's own.

Avid · 01-15-2002, 05:32 AM

Chasing Amy is the One, only one, Criterion movie I own, and I

it.

I was going to grab Criterion's Do the Right Thing this month but instead bought some DVDs that are limited or going out of print. It is on my list to buy, great movie and from what I have read, very well done extras. (But then again, if I buy it I will no longer own One, ony One Criterion.:p)

I think that you should go with movies that you like, or have an interest in. As I learned from the first DVD I ever played, no matter how many extras are included, if you don't like the film it is not worth owning.

But then again, Criterion has so many good choices it is hard to wrong.

orko007 · 01-15-2002, 11:00 AM

yeah get the chasing amy one.. my other criterion ROBOCOP if you can find it anywhere is well worth it... the commentaries with Verhoeven are excellent

Prancer · 01-15-2002, 01:38 PM

If your into classics:

These are "chick flicks". The disc explains how these films were categorized when they were released. The were called MeloDramas. Just as all other Criterion these discs are full of extras like interviews with the director.
Written in the Wind(color) - Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall and Robert Preston (the guy from Unsolved Mysteries, not sure about his name).

All That Heaven Allows(color) - Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman

Classic thriller romance:
Charade(color) - Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. This is a great film. The Criterion is not Anamorphic but other than that boy is it awesome!

I don't know what to categorize this one:
Black Narcissus ( color) - Deborah Kerr. The disc is so great. It has a documentary on the making of the film. And of course the film contains amazing COLORS!COLORS!COLORS!

Comedy:
Life of Brian - if your into that type of humor. Its monty python. Love IT!

Drama:

The Taste of Cherry: I think its an Iranian film. This movie is definitely not for everyone. This movie really was amazing. Very intelligently put together. THe interview with the director is simply amazing. He is such AN ARTIST!

Here is their website: www.criterionco.com

Goodluck and ENJOY!!!

marty · 01-15-2002, 01:51 PM

Seven Samuraii is excellent, Yojimbo and Sanjuro has some video problems - the sources deteriorated and theres only so much you can do. Hidden Fortress is a good release. Rashomon comes out soon.

Beastie Boys is great for fans of the band, and it's the only DVD I've seen that actually uses the multi angle and audio track features to the fullest. The number of combinations you can play is huge.

Nexus 6 · 01-15-2002, 02:01 PM

I have the aforementioned Robocop, Chasing Amy, and Brazil discs from Criterion, which are all good, (although MGM is putting out an anamorphic Robocop SE soon), and I also have Spartacus, which is a very nice 2-disc set. The movie looks great for being over forty years old, and the commentary is very informative. Also, disc 2 is full of cool stuff, such as a couple of deleted scenes, an interview with Peter Ustinov, and various text-based features.

joeykelley · 01-15-2002, 03:04 PM

thank you all for your suggestions!

has anyone seen or heard of 8 1/2... if so, how is it?

egman · 01-15-2002, 05:26 PM

The new 8 1/2 DVD is excellent. It is high on my list of best black and white video transfers. The supplements are very good. There's a very nice doc on Nino Rota and a bizzare film for TV that Fellini made in the late 60's. The commentary is spliced together, but there are plenty of insights, especially by Fellini confidante Gideon Bachman who was there during the whole prodcution of 8 /12 and who also provided the stills and behind the scene pictures that are on the second disc. If you have a hankering for Fellini, you will not go wrong with this release.

Also, in March watch for the Criterion release of Juliet of the Spirits. Image already produced a DVD for this one, but the Criterion edtion should offer some large improvements.

If you want more info on the releases try Criterion's website
criterionco

And also this site
criteriondvd

Enjoy your DVDs. '

'

Prancer · 01-15-2002, 05:37 PM

joeykelley,

Here is a link to a review of 8 1/2

http://www.dvdshrine.com/criterion/show.shtml?id=347

SolidSnakeASS · 01-15-2002, 09:41 PM

8 1/2 =

It is for Fellini fans only. Rent first.

Get Monty Python's Life of Brian, since it is one of the funniest films of all time and has some cool extras.

dvds'r'us · 01-15-2002, 10:20 PM

THE ROCK

my favorite Criterion!!!

interfxrence · 01-15-2002, 11:06 PM

that's funny, cuz i just picked up 8½ today. i just skimmed it and the transfer looks pretty good. i've never seen the movie itself, so i can't comment on that. the documentary looks horrible, like a car wreck. picked it up based on the reviews i read, and i figured i should get it before it goes back up in price [got it for $48CAD]. as for other criterion discs, seven samurai is an essential. i bought that blindly, and it became my fav film of all time. i tried sitting through the commentary, but i thought it was a bit boring. other than that, i don't think there's anything else on the disc. the only other kurosawa disc i have is the hidden fortress, which i also have to recommend.

as for other criterion discs: brazil, lord of the flies, spartacus, and insomnia (which is being remade by christopher nolan).

SolidSnakeASS · 01-16-2002, 12:33 AM

Well I bought 8 1/2 for $45 CND and I traded it a week later. Got Spartacus for it! Now that is a good film/DVD.

kantboy · 01-16-2002, 03:42 AM

I LOVE criterion DVDs. My favorites are (in no particular order) The Killer, The Third Man, Robocop, Brazil, Andrei Rublev, Silence of the Lambs, Life of Brian, Seven Samurai and Hard Boiled.

I'm waiting for Wild Strawberries, Rashomon and the release dates for the two other movies by Tarkovsky.

I'm hoping they get the rights for Kagemusha and Ran by Kurosawa and other movies by Ozu. Well, they confirmed they're going to release Man bites Dog so you know there's something good coming in the future.

As for DVDs that I can recommend but don't own. Do the Right Thing, Spartacus, Passion of Joan Arc and L'Aventura.

01-15-2002, 03:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
joeykelley Banned Join Date: Nov 2001	my first criterion kick... ... i found myself at a local media play on saturday with around $125 to spend. being fairly new to the whole dvd thing, most of my purchases are based on other peoples reviews and such. while i was looking, i suddenly remembered the name criterion when i picked up a copy of spartacus. i then came across notorious, rushmore, and rebecca. needless to say, 3 days and $112 later, i'm addicted to criterion! i can't get over how awesome these dvds are! the only problem now is that i need more. are there any "favorites" out there that i just have to pick up (kurosawa, fellini)? i get paid this week and plan on picking up 3-5 more the next time that i'm out... any insight as to what to get will be much appreciated!

01-15-2002, 04:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Marty McFly Moderator Emeritus Geezer Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Somewhere Between Hell and Hill Valley	I'd go for the 'Chasing Amy' Criterion. It's by far my favorite one. __________________ Marty McFly - Forum Moderator Emeritus Granny, I'm gonna catch me some Vietcong! Well I ain't cookin' 'em!

01-15-2002, 05:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jellodyne Actor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minneapolis, MN, US	If you're looking for Criterion Akira Kurosawa flicks, I recommended Seven Samarai, Yojimbo and Sanjuro, or Hidden Fortress, in that order. Of course I love my Brazil, Rushmore, Robocop, Time Bandits and Third Man as well, also in that order. __________________ DO NOT SIT NEXT TO DENIS!

01-15-2002, 05:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
Avid Actor Join Date: Nov 2001	Chasing Amy is the One, only one, Criterion movie I own, and I it. I was going to grab Criterion's Do the Right Thing this month but instead bought some DVDs that are limited or going out of print. It is on my list to buy, great movie and from what I have read, very well done extras. (But then again, if I buy it I will no longer own One, ony One Criterion.:p) I think that you should go with movies that you like, or have an interest in. As I learned from the first DVD I ever played, no matter how many extras are included, if you don't like the film it is not worth owning. But then again, Criterion has so many good choices it is hard to wrong. __________________ OAR or :barf:

01-15-2002, 11:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
orko007 Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AUSTRALIA	yeah get the chasing amy one.. my other criterion ROBOCOP if you can find it anywhere is well worth it... the commentaries with Verhoeven are excellent __________________ BLU-RAY THE CHOICE OF THE NEXT GENERATION!

01-15-2002, 04:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
smurdleman2000 Actor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Allendale, MI	Get the OOP Dead Ringers if you can. Its a stunningly dramatic and highly emotional movie from the otherwise cold and calculating David Cronenberg. Also, the Brazil DVD set is one of the best on the market, the only drawback being it's non-anamorphic video.

01-15-2002, 04:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
IKEA_boy Director Emeritus ~~Persista~~ Persistent Student Join Date: Oct 2001	I recently picked up Beastie Boys Anthology... that is a MUST if you're a beastie fan. What I would recomend (b/c they are good films): Chasing Amy Rushmore (but you already have that) Brazil (awesome movie) Do the Right Thing (just watched that again tonight on vhs :barf: but it's an awesome movie) and silence of the lambs I don't have any of those (except beasties) but they are all great flicks and i'm sure they're great criterions

01-15-2002, 05:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
Fluffmygarfield Actor Join Date: Oct 2001	I'd reccomend The Seven Samurai which is one of the best films ever made. If you love Kurosawa, I'd also pick up The Hidden Fortress which is great fun. Yojimbo/Sanjuro have some problems (picture's a bit cropped and not anamorphic) so I'd wait and cross my fingers for a release. The other criterion I'd definatley get is The Third Man which is also one of the greatest films ever. If you like The Seven Samurai then consider picking up The Magnificent Seven which is a western remake. It's not from criterion but it is a great special edition for only about $13! The movie's obviously not as good as The Seven Samurai but it's quite good on it's own.

01-15-2002, 01:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Prancer Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD-USA	Criterion If your into classics: These are "chick flicks". The disc explains how these films were categorized when they were released. The were called MeloDramas. Just as all other Criterion these discs are full of extras like interviews with the director. Written in the Wind(color) - Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall and Robert Preston (the guy from Unsolved Mysteries, not sure about his name). All That Heaven Allows(color) - Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman Classic thriller romance: Charade(color) - Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. This is a great film. The Criterion is not Anamorphic but other than that boy is it awesome! I don't know what to categorize this one: Black Narcissus ( color) - Deborah Kerr. The disc is so great. It has a documentary on the making of the film. And of course the film contains amazing COLORS!COLORS!COLORS! Comedy: Life of Brian - if your into that type of humor. Its monty python. Love IT! Drama: The Taste of Cherry: I think its an Iranian film. This movie is definitely not for everyone. This movie really was amazing. Very intelligently put together. THe interview with the director is simply amazing. He is such AN ARTIST! Here is their website: www.criterionco.com Goodluck and ENJOY!!! __________________ "I hope that when the world ends, I can breathe a sigh of relief because there will be so much to look forward to…”

01-15-2002, 01:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
marty Actor Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Massachewsets	Seven Samuraii is excellent, Yojimbo and Sanjuro has some video problems - the sources deteriorated and theres only so much you can do. Hidden Fortress is a good release. Rashomon comes out soon. Beastie Boys is great for fans of the band, and it's the only DVD I've seen that actually uses the multi angle and audio track features to the fullest. The number of combinations you can play is huge.

01-15-2002, 02:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
Nexus 6 Actor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Anaheim, CA	I have the aforementioned Robocop, Chasing Amy, and Brazil discs from Criterion, which are all good, (although MGM is putting out an anamorphic Robocop SE soon), and I also have Spartacus, which is a very nice 2-disc set. The movie looks great for being over forty years old, and the commentary is very informative. Also, disc 2 is full of cool stuff, such as a couple of deleted scenes, an interview with Peter Ustinov, and various text-based features. __________________ --"It's a condition of mental divergence. I find myself on the planet Ogo, part of an intellectual elite, preparing to subjugate the barbarian hordes on Pluto."

01-15-2002, 03:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
joeykelley Banned Join Date: Nov 2001	thank you all for your suggestions! has anyone seen or heard of 8 1/2... if so, how is it?

01-15-2002, 05:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
egman Actor Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Lawrenceville, GA	The new 8 1/2 DVD is excellent. It is high on my list of best black and white video transfers. The supplements are very good. There's a very nice doc on Nino Rota and a bizzare film for TV that Fellini made in the late 60's. The commentary is spliced together, but there are plenty of insights, especially by Fellini confidante Gideon Bachman who was there during the whole prodcution of 8 /12 and who also provided the stills and behind the scene pictures that are on the second disc. If you have a hankering for Fellini, you will not go wrong with this release. Also, in March watch for the Criterion release of Juliet of the Spirits. Image already produced a DVD for this one, but the Criterion edtion should offer some large improvements. If you want more info on the releases try Criterion's website criterionco And also this site criteriondvd Enjoy your DVDs. '' Last edited by egman : 01-15-2002 at 05:31 PM.

01-15-2002, 05:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
Prancer Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD-USA	joeykelley, Here is a link to a review of 8 1/2 http://www.dvdshrine.com/criterion/show.shtml?id=347 __________________ "I hope that when the world ends, I can breathe a sigh of relief because there will be so much to look forward to…”

01-15-2002, 09:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
SolidSnakeASS Actor Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Winterpeg, Manitobaugh, Canada	8 1/2 = It is for Fellini fans only. Rent first. Get Monty Python's Life of Brian, since it is one of the funniest films of all time and has some cool extras.

01-15-2002, 10:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
dvds'r'us Actor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: St. Louis Area	THE ROCK my favorite Criterion!!! __________________ Dave Matthews Band Forever! 31 Shows And Counting! 20,000 Miles travelled...Shows Seen

01-15-2002, 11:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
interfxrence Actor Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto, Ontario	that's funny, cuz i just picked up 8½ today. i just skimmed it and the transfer looks pretty good. i've never seen the movie itself, so i can't comment on that. the documentary looks horrible, like a car wreck. picked it up based on the reviews i read, and i figured i should get it before it goes back up in price [got it for $48CAD]. as for other criterion discs, seven samurai is an essential. i bought that blindly, and it became my fav film of all time. i tried sitting through the commentary, but i thought it was a bit boring. other than that, i don't think there's anything else on the disc. the only other kurosawa disc i have is the hidden fortress, which i also have to recommend. as for other criterion discs: brazil, lord of the flies, spartacus, and insomnia (which is being remade by christopher nolan).

01-16-2002, 12:33 AM	#19 (permalink)
SolidSnakeASS Actor Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Winterpeg, Manitobaugh, Canada	Well I bought 8 1/2 for $45 CND and I traded it a week later. Got Spartacus for it! Now that is a good film/DVD.

01-16-2002, 03:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
kantboy Supporting Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: PR	I LOVE criterion DVDs. My favorites are (in no particular order) The Killer, The Third Man, Robocop, Brazil, Andrei Rublev, Silence of the Lambs, Life of Brian, Seven Samurai and Hard Boiled. I'm waiting for Wild Strawberries, Rashomon and the release dates for the two other movies by Tarkovsky. I'm hoping they get the rights for Kagemusha and Ran by Kurosawa and other movies by Ozu. Well, they confirmed they're going to release Man bites Dog so you know there's something good coming in the future. As for DVDs that I can recommend but don't own. Do the Right Thing, Spartacus, Passion of Joan Arc and L'Aventura.

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