Criterion September: Algiers + Cassavetes 8 disc set! WOW

[manicsounds]

Damn, Criterion tops themselves again.......

First off..... (one of the most important films ever made IMO)

THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS
1965
125 minutes
Black and white
1.85:1 Anamorphic
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
French/Arabic
$49.95

SPECIAL EDITION THREE-DISC SET FEATURES:

DISC 1: THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS
-New high-definition digital transfer, supervised by cinematographer Marcello Gratti, with restored image and sound, and enhanced for widescreen televisions

-Return to Algiers (1992, 55 minutes): three decades following its emergence as a nation, director Gillo Pontecorvo and his son return to Algeria to talk with its people about independence

-Theatrical and re-release trailers
-Poster gallery
-New and improved English subtitle translation
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

DISC 2: PONTECORVO AND THE FILM

-The Making of The Battle of Algiers: an exclusive new documentary created for this release guided by Pontecorvo biographer Irene Bignardi and featuring interviews with the director himself, cinematographer Marcello Gatti, composer Ennio Morricone, editor Mario Morra, actors Jean Martin and Saadi Yacef, and film critic Tullio Kezich

-The Dictatorship of Truth: a 37-minute documentary narrated by Edward Said about the relationship between Pontecorvo's politics and filmmaking style

-Directors on The Battle of Algiers: a discussion about the film's influence, style, and importance featuring, Spike Lee, Mira Nair, Julian Schnabel, Steven Soderbergh, and Oliver Stone

DISC 3: THE FILM AND HISTORY

-The Battle of Algiers and History: a new documentary featuring interviews with historians Alistair Horne, Hugh Roberts and Benjamin Stora, former FLN members Zohra Drif-Bitat, Mohammed Harbi and Saadi Yacef, and writer and torture victim, Henri Alleg (The Question)

-A 30-minute excerpt from Patrick Rotman's 3-part documentary, Lennemi Intime, which focuses on the horror of the French-Algerian War. It features interviews with various members of the French military during the French-Algerian War, including General Jacques Massu, General Roger Trinquier, General Paul Aussaresses, and others

-How to Win the Battle But Lose the War of Ideas: a conversation about the contemporary relevance of The Battle of Algiers between former National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism and author of Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror, Richard A. Clarke, former State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Michael A. Sheehan, and Chief of Investigative Projects for ABC News, Christopher E. Isham

-Plus: a booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Peter Matthews, a reprinted interview with writer Franco Solinas, brief biographies on the key figures in the French-Algerian War,

AND MORE(!)



WOW,
and you thought THAT release sounds nice.....
check out my next post as soon as I put it all together......

[manicsounds]

and of course,
this one seems like one of Criterion's most ambitious sets,
up there with the Antoine Doinel Boxset.....

JOHN CASSAVETES: FIVE FILMS Boxset

-SHADOWS (1959)
-FACES (1968)
-A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE (1974)
-THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (1976)
-OPENING NIGHT (1977)

"Shadows"
81 minutes
Black and white
1.33:1
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
English

-New high-definition digital transfer, with restored image and sound
-Video interviews with actress Lelia Goldoni and associate producer Seymour Cassel
-Rare silent 16mm footage of John Cassavetes and Burt Lane's acting workshop rehearsals
-Restoration demonstration
-Stills gallery featuring dozens of behind-the-scenes production photos
-Trailer
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

"Faces"
1968
130 minutes
Black and white
1.66:1 Anamorphic
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
English

DISC ONE: THE FILM

-New high-definition digital transfer, with restored image and sound and enhanced for widescreen televisions
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

DISC TWO: THE SUPPLEMENTS

-Seventeen-minute alternate opening sequence, from the Library of Congress version of Faces
-Cinestes de notre temps (1968, 48 minutes): an episode from the French television series dedicated to Cassavetes, featuring rare interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
-New video interviews with actors Gena Rowlands, Lynn Carlin, Seymour Cassel, and director of photography Al Ruban
-Lighting and shooting the film: Ruban explains how he and the crew achieved the distinct look of Faces, featuring specific sequences from the film

"A Woman Under The Influence"
1974
147 minutes
Color
1.85:1 Anamorphic
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
English

-New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound, enhanced for widescreen televisions
-Audio commentary by longtime Cassavetes collaborators Mike Ferris (camera operator) and Bo Harwood (sound recordist/composer)
-New video interview with actors Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk
-Original TV spots
-Stills gallery featuring dozens of behind-the-scenes production photos
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

"The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie"
1976
135 minutes
Color
1.85:1 Anamorphic
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
English

DISC ONE: THE 1976 CUT

-New high-definition digital transfer of John Cassavetes・original 135-minute edit of the film, unavailable since 1976, with restored image and sound, enhanced for widescreen televisions
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

DISC TWO: THE 1978 CUT

-New high-definition digital transfer of Cassavetes' 108-minute edit, from the 1978 theatrical re-release, with restored image and sound, enhanced for widescreen televisions
-New video interviews with star Ben Gazzara and producer Al Ruban
-Stills gallery of dozens of behind-the-scenes photos
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

"Opening Night"
1977
144 minutes
Color
1.66:1 Anamorphic
Dolby Digital Mono 1.0
English

-New high-definition digital transfer with restored image and sound, enhanced for widescreen televisions
-New video interview with actors Gena Rowlands and Ben Gazzara
-Stills gallery featuring dozens of behind-the-scenes production photos
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition








Oh, but there is more to this Boxset......
believe it or not.......

[manicsounds]

Also inside the John Cassavetes boxset,
1 more special disc.....


A CONSTANT FORGE

a film about John Cassavetes directed by John Kiselyak,
a 200 (!) minute documentary/biography from 2000 featuring many collaborators, family members, John Cassavetes himself, and much much more. (I cannot comment since I have not seen this doc, but it must be terrific if Crit is including it on this set!)

SPECIAL FEATURES
-Biographical sketches of the actors Cassavetes used in many of his films, written by Tom Charity (John Cassavetes: Lifeworks)
-Poster gallery for Cassavetes・Faces, Shadows, A Woman Under the Influence, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night
-English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
-Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

(Sorry, no cover art yet......)

ALSO...........
Criterion lists "MORE" on the website.
Can there BE any more extras on here????????

Last but not least is the great Criterion booklet material that is great to read while on the toilet.....

-Booklet featuring new essays on Cassavetes and the films by writers/critics Jonathan Lethem, Gary Giddins, Stuart Klawans, Kent Jones, Philip Lopate, Dennis Lim, and director Charles Kiselyak, as well as reprinted writings by and interviews with Cassavetes, a tribute to Cassavetes by director Martin Scorsese, and more

and of course, boxset cover art



8 Disc boxset is retail $124.95

[pharoahdance]

Sorry, I won this race.

[manicsounds]

damn, i completely missed it. i don't know how.....
did all that hard work copying pasting and retyping....
oh well.
either nway, this is some amazing news

[93curr]

until I saw the scans.

proper names require the apostrophe AND the "s."

Cassavetes' Shadows is just not right. a professional organization like Criterion ought to know that it should be Cassavetes's Shadows, they ought.


sure hope the massive recall doesn't delay things too much.


ahem.



never mind. I need more sleep. :/

[manicsounds]

are you sure?
whenever I use my name in that context, I write...

James' not James's

i don't see it as a spelling mistake,
although Criterion is sometimes not the best at spelling

like in http://forums.dvdfile.com/showthread.php?t=45366

[NotaNumber]

There are no hard and fast rules, just so long as the apostrophe is there. Do a Google search on "possessive forms proper nouns".

For example this link to the American Heritage Book of English Usage (1996) states:

By convention, however, certain proper nouns ending in s form the possessive by adding just the apostrophe since adding -’s would make the pronunciation difficult or awkward: Jesus’ teachings, Moses’ children, Achilles’ heel Hercules’ strength, Ramses’ reign, Xerxes’ conquest.

[manicsounds]

Gena Rowlands......
(Cassavetes' widow) is blocking the release of the original 1957 cut of Shadows and the alternate cut of Faces from Criterion or anyone else.

Why? beats the shit out of me. I find it very selfish and unfair in a way.

check this please:
http://people.bu.edu/rcarney/shadows/chasing.shtml

and after Ray Carney recorded commentary and supervised the transfers with Criterion, he got this letter from them:

From: Peter Becker
President of Criterion Video
The Criterion Collection
Subject: Bad news

Dear Ray,

I'm sorry to have to tell you that we won't be including your commentary or essay in the Cassavetes box. Gena Rowlands feels that you have violated her rights and failed to respect John Cassavetes' wishes, and she has informed us that under the circumstances, she will not participate in or approve the release with you as a part of it. Cassavetes entrusted his legacy to Gena, so for us, her word is final. I wish it hadn't come to this.

Sincerely,
Peter

We'll have to wait until Rowlands croaks until those 2 films can be released now.

[NotaNumber]

Orson Welles' daughter did the same with the restored version of "Chimes at Midnight". As with the restoration of "Othello" the soundtrack was cleaned up and resync digitally, correcting many of the major problems.

What a pity.

[asphodel5]

Great Adaptations box set 99.95

Just in time for the start of the school year, Criterion presents four classic literary adaptations together in a single set at a special price:

Great Expectations—David Lean brings Charles Dickens’ masterpiece to life, realizing the timeless characters of Pip, Magwitch, Miss Havisham, and Estella in a beautifully photographed and designed triumph of page-to-screen realization

Lord of the Flies—Theater director Peter Brook’s daring translation of William Golding’s brilliant novel is a fascinating anti-Hollywood experiment in location filmmaking and an all-too-real embodiment of the author’s terrifying thesis

The Most Dangerous Game— Before making history with 1933’s King Kong, filmmakers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack adapted Richard Connell’s chilling story of a big-game hunter with a taste for the world’s most exotic prey, resulting in one of the best and most literate movies from the great days of horror

Oliver Twist—Alec Guinness is the quintessential Fagin in David Lean’s powerful, gorgeously rendered telling of Dickens’ tale of an orphan’s search for a true home in cruel 19th-century London.

The Criterion Collection is proud to present Great Adaptations, a great resource for students reluctant to do the assigned reading!



The Home Vision releases are up now.

Chihuly: Gardens and glass- 19.95

Dale Chihuly’s decades of exploring the relationship of glass and nature reach a zenith at Chicago’s historic Garfield Park Conservatory. Follow behind the scenes as Chihuly and his team create and install glass sculptures among the plants at the revitalized urban conservatory. Ultimately over 600,000 people visited what may be the perfect setting to experience Chihuly’s organic work.

Chihuly Gardens & Glass trailer
Potatoes & Bamboo, a 30-minute expansion of the 2002 Pino Signoretto blow
Tour the Exhibition, a focus on the installations of Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass
Postcard Collection, a collection of vintage hand-colored glasshouse postcards

His work is pretty amazing. www.chihuly.com

Graveyard of Honor- 29.95
Action director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale, Tora! Tora! Tora!) created one of his most unusual yakuza films with Graveyard of Honor, a highly stylized account of the life of Rikio Ishikawa, a strong arm man who works for one of Japan's biggest crime families. In one brutal scene after another, Fukasaku documents the downward spiral of a sociopathic thug who will do anything to survive in Japan's decadent underworld of drugs, murder for hire, and prostitution. Graveyard of Honor is a brutal and unsparing look at the modern Japanese yakuza—men who live without a code of honor.

New 16x9 anamorphic digital transfer
A Portrait of Rage: A 20-minute video essay
On the Set with Fukasaku: An interview with assistant director Kenichi Oguri
Original theatrical trailers
Liner Notes by Tom Mes
Kinji Fukasaku filmography


Street Mobster 29.95

In the tradition of Takeshi Kitano, Sergio Leone, and George Romero, Japanese action director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale I and II, The Yakuza Papers) brings to life Street Mobster, the story of a violent killer who will stop at nothing to satisfy his lust for blood.

Released from prison, gangster Isamu Okita plans to start his own gang and begins a reign of terror using beatings, prostitution, stabbings, and murders to fight his way to the top of the gangland world. Street Mobster is a look into the dark realm of Japan's criminal underworld, where anything can be had for a price.

New 16x9 anamorphic digital transfer
Interviews with former yakuza
Original theatrical trailers
HVE Fukasaku trailer
Kinji Fukasaku filmography

Epidemic- 29.95

From controversial director Lars von Trier (Breaking the Waves, Dogville, Dancer in the Dark) comes the bizarre story of a director (played by von Trier himself) and a writer who create a script about a mysterious plague that engulfs Europe, only to find their horrific scenario coming true in real life. Featuring Udo Kier (Andy Warhol's Frankenstein, Suspiria, Armageddon), Epidemic is a dark and original horror film with a twist: Is the epidemic real, or is it only a dark figment of von Trier's imagination?

New digital transfer, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
Director filmography
Audio commentary by Lars von Trier
Documentary Freedogme, featuring Lars von Trier and Wim Wenders
Liner notes include an interview with Lars von Trier about the making of Epidemic


Jane Austen in Manhattan 19.95

Rival theater companies compete to produce their own unique versions of Jane Austen's childhood play, Sir Charles Grandison, in this delightful film from Merchant Ivory Productions. George Midash (Michael Wager) buys the play's manuscript at Sotheby's for Pierre (Robert Powell), the head of an avant-garde theater group. Another troupe, headed by the very traditional Lilianna Zorska (Anne Baxter), strives to produce their own version of the play. In her first film role, Sean Young co-stars as a young actress being manipulated by Pierre to join his company. When Lilianna decides to match wits with Pierre, events begin to mirror those occurring within the play itself. A brilliant ensemble cast, a witty screenplay by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and an inventive score by Richard Robbins all contribute to make Jane Austen an elegant entertainment.

New high-definition digital transfer
English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired

Roseland 19.95
Three interlocking stories set in New York City’s legendary Roseland dance palace make up this charming film, the third to be shot by Merchant Ivory Productions in America. In the first segment, The Waltz, Teresa Wright is a widow who comes to the Roseland in order to sustain the memory of her late husband, but meets Stan (Lou Jacobi), a man who offers her an opportunity for happiness in the present. In The Hustle, Christopher Walken stars as a gigolo with three women in his life, all of whom depend on him for different degrees of romance and companionship. In the final segment, The Peabody, an older Viennese woman (Lilia Skala) sets out to win a dance competition despite warnings that it could imperil her health. Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s understated screenplay delivers an uncharacteristic bit of sentiment not present in other Merchant Ivory efforts.


The Demon 19.95

Famed director Nomura Yoshitaro (Castle of Sand, The Incident) and bestselling Japanese mystery author Seicho Matsumoto combine forces on The Demon (Kichiku), a chilling and complex tale of betrayal and murder. A strange relationship develops between a man, his wife, and his mistress, and a young boy becomes the pawn in a dangerous game of passion and intrigue that ends in a shocking climax. Photographed in sumptuous color, The Demon will keep the most avid mystery buff guessing as it weaves an unforgettable tale of greed, lust, and obsession.

New digital transfer, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
Select director filmography
Select actor filmographies
Original theatrical trailer
HVe's Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman series trailer
Liner notes by Japanese film expert and author Patrick Macias

Zero Focus 19.95
From Yoshitaro Nomura, the director of The Incident and Castle of Sand, comes the compelling mystery, Zero Focus (Zero no shoten), in which a young woman hides a dark secret from those around her with devastating consequences. Photographed in moody black and white in near documentary style and based on a bestselling novel by Seicho Matsumoto, one of Japan's most famous mystery writers, Zero Focus is a brooding tale of intrigue and suspense that will hold the viewer spellbound until the final shocking minutes

New digital transfer, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
Select director filmography
Original theatrical trailer
Liner notes by film critic and author Ed Halter


It looks like a prolific month. I'm mainly interested in "Battle of Algiers" and the Von Trier, but their Japanese releases are almost always entertaining. Before anyone complains about "Epidemic" not being a Criterion, just think about the money that you'll save. With a commentary and a documentary it would surely be in the $39.95 retail range. This way, you get the same disc (sans spine number) for considerably less.

[manicsounds]

Criterion or not, who cares?
Home Vision always puts out quality material.
Just doesnt have that 'name brand' status.

Yes, the Fukasaku films and Von Trier are awesome they are getting released.

September will be expensive....
THX-1138, Star Wars, Cassavetes, Algiers, Fukasaku, Von Trier, Warner Hitchcock, The Clash.... oh dear... there goes my paycheck(s)

[Phreak]

Even though the Battle of Algiers set was a forgone conclusion, it's nice to hear it confirmed. Especially since THE DAY the theatrical re-release is coming to Charlotte (July 9th) is the same day I'm moving. I hope the packaging is similar to the Brazil 3-disc set.

As for the Home Vision releases, I'd be interested to see the Fukasaku movies. I've wanted to see more of his work since I first saw BR.

[manicsounds]

Great Adaptations:



i didnt think it was real since it is a silly sounding boxset,
but since i dont have any of the 4 titles, i might go for it.

[Chaddoli]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

September will be expensive....
THX-1138, Star Wars, Cassavetes, Algiers, Fukasaku, Von Trier, Warner Hitchcock, The Clash.... oh dear... there goes my paycheck(s)

I guess I'm out of the loop, but what's coming from Fukasaku and von Trier (I believe Dogville is out in August).

[asphodel5]

Originally Posted by Chaddoli

I guess I'm out of the loop, but what's coming from Fukasaku and von Trier (I believe Dogville is out in August).

You're not too out of the loop. The three HVE releases were just announced a few days back.


Graveyard of Honor- 29.95
Action director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale, Tora! Tora! Tora!) created one of his most unusual yakuza films with Graveyard of Honor, a highly stylized account of the life of Rikio Ishikawa, a strong arm man who works for one of Japan's biggest crime families. In one brutal scene after another, Fukasaku documents the downward spiral of a sociopathic thug who will do anything to survive in Japan's decadent underworld of drugs, murder for hire, and prostitution. Graveyard of Honor is a brutal and unsparing look at the modern Japanese yakuza—men who live without a code of honor.

New 16x9 anamorphic digital transfer
A Portrait of Rage: A 20-minute video essay
On the Set with Fukasaku: An interview with assistant director Kenichi Oguri
Original theatrical trailers
Liner Notes by Tom Mes
Kinji Fukasaku filmography


Street Mobster 29.95

In the tradition of Takeshi Kitano, Sergio Leone, and George Romero, Japanese action director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale I and II, The Yakuza Papers) brings to life Street Mobster, the story of a violent killer who will stop at nothing to satisfy his lust for blood.

Released from prison, gangster Isamu Okita plans to start his own gang and begins a reign of terror using beatings, prostitution, stabbings, and murders to fight his way to the top of the gangland world. Street Mobster is a look into the dark realm of Japan's criminal underworld, where anything can be had for a price.

New 16x9 anamorphic digital transfer
Interviews with former yakuza
Original theatrical trailers
HVE Fukasaku trailer
Kinji Fukasaku filmography

Epidemic- 29.95

From controversial director Lars von Trier (Breaking the Waves, Dogville, Dancer in the Dark) comes the bizarre story of a director (played by von Trier himself) and a writer who create a script about a mysterious plague that engulfs Europe, only to find their horrific scenario coming true in real life. Featuring Udo Kier (Andy Warhol's Frankenstein, Suspiria, Armageddon), Epidemic is a dark and original horror film with a twist: Is the epidemic real, or is it only a dark figment of von Trier's imagination?

New digital transfer, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
Director filmography
Audio commentary by Lars von Trier
Documentary Freedogme, featuring Lars von Trier and Wim Wenders
Liner notes include an interview with Lars von Trier about the making of Epidemic

[manicsounds]

Graveyard of Honor is Classic!

Forget the Takashi Miike remake version and start with the first!

[manicsounds]

here is "A Constant Forge" coverart,
a little different in style from the movie discs,
i like it. Seriously cant wait for this set in September
(along with star wars, the clash, thx 1138 and everything else......)

[MooglePorn]

I've been staying away from Criterion (and most movies in general) for a while... trying to spend more money on new furniture and other things. I can think of no better way to get back into it that the previously announced Renoir boxset, and this new Cassavetes box... Great looking stuff.

[asphodel5]

I just finished watching "Graveyard of Honor" and "Street Mobster". I don't have time to write up reviews tonight, but I did go ahead and post the screen captures. I'll elaborate tomorrow or Sunday, but I really enjoyed both of them. They were two of the best yakuza films that I've seen. They have style and a brisk pace, but they are also coherent. Not that I dislike the Suzuki style of filmmaking, but it was nice to see a yakuza film that made sense the first time through. More on that later.

In short, I highly recommend them if you have any interest in the genre. Now I'm officially excited about "The Yakuza Papers"!

http://www.wehateyouandyourhorrendou...t-mobster.html

http://www.wehateyouandyourhorrendou...-of-honor.html

[Mikado]

I will be picking up Battle of Algiers. wow that looks good.