Most of the movies that are on here that aren’t on Criterion are on here because The Autuers has decided that they are important enough to be discussed. Altman definitely deserves his filmography to be released, an to be done so with gusto. My money says that somebody already owns the rights and is working on a good set right now. I’ve been waiting for a killer print of Brewster McCloud, The Player, & Nashville. The Criterion treatment of Short Cuts is AMAZING.
I too, would kill for a great copy of Brewster McCloud. It’s a shame more of these weren’t put out before his death, especially with his penchant for recording audio commentaries on nearly every one of his films that did get released.
And how about some Altman stuff that has never seen the light of day, like HEALTH or That Cold Day in the Park? If there’s not a market there, I’ll make one.
I found a really awesome copy of Brewster Mccloud on DVD. What an amazing movie. I had it on laserdisc before and i’m pretty sure this is just a digitized version of that, but it turned out really well.
I agree with Rob, the image does have a very Criterion-esque quality to it. I’d love a few more Altman titles in the CC personally. His movies are always great to sit back and enjoy no matter what kind of mood you may be in. My personal #1 is The Player…that opening tracking shot defines Altman’s brilliance to me in many ways. Of course besides that it would be virtually impossible to rank his films as each one is flawless as a standalone film.
Criterion should release NASHVILLE in both Blu ray and DVD. It is Paramount so licensing it should not be a problem. Even though Altman is gone a majority of the cast is around to produce a great documentary.
Anything. I’ll take ANYTHING. At least half his work can be described as undervalued, COOKIE’S FORTUNE being one of the most, along with BREWSTER McCLOUD and THAT COLD DAY IN THE PARK (the latter film was the one that got me completely hooked – when you watch it, you’re actually seeing Altman work out nearly all of his stylistic trademarks).
An Eclipse series box featuring his theatre pieces from the 1980s would be interesting (JIMMY DEAN, STREAMERS), although SECRET HONOR has already received full-scale treatment.
I’d even pay full-price for a bluray of O.C. & STIGGS.
Criterion has already been very generous with Altman – much appreciated.
Nashville would be nice to see added to the collection. I always thought that one went nicely alongside of Short Cuts
No reason why, if anything it would be the overabundance of familiar actors. I don’t know, I just like Altman movies and I don’t care who knows it!
Sorry – my enter key got stuck from all my excitement over Altman – won’t happen again!
TCM showed a letterboxed Brewster McCloud a while back and I missed it. It’s a crime that some movies aren’t on the DVD.
And I concur to Nashville added to Criterion.
Rob Frenay
I’m speaking here specifically of the ‘98 Altman film Cookie’s Fortune, whose Auteurs profile is accompanied by a piece of art I’ve never seen associated with the film that looks like something that might grace the cover of a Criterion DVD. Additionally, Cookie’s Fortune is an ideal candidate for release as the only copy on DVD is out of print and I think usually only available in Canada. Now, The Auteurs also lists Nashville and McCabe & Mrs. Miller under their Altman profile and I haven’t heard any rumors about Criterion releasing them…
So I guess my overall question is this: Are The Auteurs and the Criterion Collection that closely associated that the inclusion of films in The Auteurs could hint at future additions to the CC? Or am I just reading too much into this?