There are rumors of an Oshima eclipse set containing his earlier films, but I haven’t heard anything definite.
I’m not sure what is and isn’t a Janus film (which would indicate potential future Criterion / Eclipse releases). I know Violence At Noon IS a Janus film, and a couple of the others. I don’t know who holds rights to Death By Hanging, Shinjuku Thief, The Man Who Left His Will…, Boy or Ceremony – they would all be great Criterion or Eclipse releases. Oshima retained ownership of most of his own films, so if Criterion was able to get any of those films, I would bet they have most or all of them. and thus begins the wait for them to all trickle out.
I hope so my curiosity has peaked and i am awaiting In The Realm Of Senses and Empire Of Passion like a rabid dog.
In the Realm of the Senses and Empire of Passion are two of his least compelling films. Ugh. Poop. Senses has always been and will again be a cash cow for Criterion. Criterion needs to stop putting out the same old shit and start living up to their supposed aim of putting out cinematic art. Right now, they’re just releasing whatever will make them money. I guess they are a business after all, but what really is the point of putting out well-known but mediocre works by directors who have done far more interesting and worthwhile stuff? Death by Hanging is just about Oshima’s least well-known film, at least outside of Japan, but it is also just about his finest film. Shape the fuck up, Criterion.
Oops, a double post. My apologies.
I actually really liked “In the Realm of the Senses” – at least it was well made. I do agree though that they need to release Oshima’s more obscure (and better) films – like “Diary of a Shinjuku Thief”, my favorite of his.
Aidan
Does anyone know if Criterion is planning on releasing any of his harder to find releases (i.e. Shonen, The Ceremony, Violence at Noon)? It’s odd that they would choose to release the two movies that are already most readily available.