God Bless You, Criterion
I too weary of the argument, but nevertheless as a movie buff, film student, Criterion devotee, and consumer, I have no use for this release whatsoever.
This is the first dvd release of the UCLA restoration.
This is the first dvd release of the UCLA restoration—-
Right. It’s been shown on TCM, but the Warner discs are video print held in the Castle Hill/Caidin Trust library. So it’s not a double dip like, for example, Days of Heaven where it’s just a new transfer. Don’t knock the Criterion until you try it.
I understand the argument for focusing more on obscure films, but galldurnit (!), I want a restored Bluray copy of Stagecoach and there’s nobody I’d rather have handle it than Criterion.
MIKE SPENCE:
I hope you’re not saying that there is a decent copy of BARRY LYNDON out there, because there isn’t unless they’ve released one without my knowledge. The current Dvd is a non anamorphic horrendous mess.
On the topic of Stagecoach, I think this is the first time it’s coming out on blu-ray, but I could be wrong there too.
The film Stagecoach can not be denied just as Citizen Kane connot be denied . When we talk to family and friensabout film they will say what is so great about this filn=m or that film and there are times I say I have no favorite and other times when i say this is my favorite with great conviction but i do not shut down the converstion and say oh that is a bad choice and can we talk about this or that movie instead . The Stagecoach cannot be denied so pure of elements yet the idea of the good man and the good woman is already being dismantled the white hat versus the black hat is not enough anymare we are lready tired of this the washed up drunk is still capable of getting in touch with his former self the whore can be a good personn. How can people deny this film red shadows this is the name fellini referd to it as when h met the cycloptic myth ford he was doing a literal italian translation, as not part of film discussion the hot core of film making. Stajecoach has the potent slime in it that we have crawled out of to make film. bah I so to you if you donot seeit
This is the reason Criterion has to put this film out because of the comments we see here if for no other reason Criterion is going to show you the reason. Ford is going to show how to see the world the world kissing your myopia with his visions and healing you.
That’s easy for you to say
@polaris
The pulse that is surrounding the upcoming release is that a great cinematic masterpiece is being added to the collection. I don’t care how many copies of Stagecoach are out there, its about having the one with a spine #. Most people don’t buy criterions because there are the only format they can buy them on, they buy them to add to their criterion collection. So your saying that movies that are readily available on DVD should never make the collection? C’mon, that would eliminate 80% of Criterions.
mr. strawdog watch out for flying monkeys
Yes, this is the UCLA restoration, and a very extensive one from what I’ve heard. It will be worth every penny. Not to mention, I’m sure the transfer is great… and Criterion typically does further digital restoration on the picture and sound.
I propose we start a new thread: “Complaints about Criterion”
And keep all of the naysaying thread hijackers in there. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again. Criterion can’t just pick and choose what they want to release.
I agree Polaris but I think it’s worth mentioning that Criterion is providing the first blu-ray of this film as well. If it takes Criterion to release a blu-ray of “Stagecoach” then I’m all for it.
“I hope you’re not saying that there is a decent copy of BARRY LYNDON out there, because there isn’t unless they’ve released one without my knowledge. The current Dvd is a non anamorphic horrendous mess.”
@Strawdawg
Is it? It’s been a while since I watched (a long while) so maybe you’re right. It may be in need of an update. I just have my own priorities that, even if I cared about the film, go like this:
1. Never been widely available even in theaters
2. Decent theatrical release, never released on VHS or any format
3. Released on VHS (and possibly hard to find laserdisc), never released on DVD
4. Released on DVD in less than stellar edition
5. Released on DVD, in perfect condition but not by Criterion
I may have mistakenly put Barry Lyndon in category 5, when it belongs in 4, but 1, 2, and 3 fuel my rage. Well, 5 fuels a different kind of rage when I see it posted here.
While its great that a masterpiece like Stagecoach has been given the criterion treatment, there are currently 3-4 versions of that film already available (the warners transfer is only average) there are so many films that have never ever been released on DVD period .Ken Russells The Devils and The Music Lovers, Michael Manns The Keep and Robert Aldrichs Twilights Last Gleaming just to name a few. And isnt it about time criterion re released some older titles anamorphically…Andrei Rublev anyone!!!
Lets hope this leads to a re-master on blu-ray of the John Ford/John Wayne classic “The Quiet Man”. The current version on DVD has a transfer which fills me with the urge to regurgitate. Seriously, it is so overdue for some TLC, and Criterion, we depend on you to do the right thing… Ron
I must say, I really like the cover!
I am greatly pleased by this.
I just saw this again recently (with the family) and I’d be delighted to get the Criterion version.
STAGECOACH is a classic deserving a Criterion release and upgrade and I hope this new edition will do justice to the film’s visuals. Past DVDs feature a watchable but less than satisfactory print compared to other Ford films. The only thing I can add is that STAGECOACH is without doubt a masterpiece, one of the greatest western films ever made.
STAGECOACH is a classic deserving a Criterion release and upgrade and I hope this new edition will do justice to the film’s visuals. Past DVDs feature a watchable but less than satisfactory print compared to other Ford films. The only thing I can add is that STAGECOACH is without doubt a masterpiece, one of the greatest western films ever made.
STAGECOACH is a classic deserving a Criterion release and upgrade and I hope this new edition will do justice to the film’s visuals. Past DVDs feature a watchable but less than satisfactory print compared to other Ford films. The only thing I can add is that STAGECOACH is without doubt a masterpiece, one of the greatest western films ever made.
tibber
i agree with polaris somewhat, but OTOH, a search of Amazon indicates that most DVDs of this film have gone OOP. so if it takes Criterion to step up and feel the void, god bless ’em.