why not? criterion releases all kinds of b movies. that monsters and madmen box set is terrible but you dont hear anyone complaining
ps. i mean the monsters madmen movies in the set, the actually box is really cool and stylishly put together
The Blob was co-written by Kate Phillips (also known as Kay Linaker), Kate Phillips was one of my screenwriting professors, therefore The Blob being in the Criterion collection is tons of awesome.
B-Movies are amazing. They add the spice and variety to life. Film does not always have to bee serious, spiritual or profound to be good.
I’m thinking it’s in the collection due to the fact some of it’s scenes appeared in “Grease”. That’s got to be it! Maybe a lot of it has to do with it being McQueen’s first film.
I would imagine that some people with decision making powers at Criterion consider it a fine film and perhaps even an important part of cinematic history. That would be my guess. If it were up to me, all movies would be released by Criterion.
don’t be hating on The Blob, it’ll get you. But seriously, as a film, I think it holds up, and is a great example of what America was watching in the 50’s.
I have more of a problem with Armageddon being in the Criterion collection than The Blob (as I’m sure a lot of others do). But I love cult and b-movies. If you want to know ones worth seeing, you should start with some of the basics: Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Freaks, Evil Dead, Pink Flamingos. Cult is really such a broad term and there is plenty to explore in it. They aren’t always low budget drive-in movies either.
I agree with Withnail, the Blob is more of a cult b-movie that should get a bit of respect for being an outlier in the genre and being a hugely popular film in 1950s culture. Armageddon was a huge mistake and I would take the Blob as criterion before that any day. The Blob has grown to be an American culture phenomenon.
Why was Armageddon a “huge mistake”?
The Blob is on Criterion to save it from the clutches of public domain hell. No seriously i wish criterion would release more horror and b movies, they are fun and and a lot of the time more thoughtful and valid than people want to give credit for.
I thought Criterion did a fabulous job with THE BLOB, and an even more impressive one with CARNIVAL OF SOULS and FIEND WITHOUT A FACE (the latter a great example of extras comprehensively trumping the main feature). And if it’s not your sort of thing (just as ARMAGEDDON isn’t mine), just don’t buy it!
Just read the back cover copy to see a legit case built for why The Blob is included in the collection. Transcending its genre categories, strong performances, ingenious special effects. Non-Hollywood production made by cinematic outsiders, launched the careers of Steve McQueen and Burt Bacharach. What more can a person want for justification?!? :o) I also really like the Blob-abilia special feature – it fits in well with other “exploitation” features (such as in the Monsters and Madmen and The Killers DVDs) that provide ample demonstrations of the cultural impact that these films had on American audiences (and eventually other societies as well.) I enjoy learning more about how these films were received in their original contexts as well as how they speak to us today.
duh!!!! because it’s awesome???
Brian Courtney, how about this- you don’t belong in this forum!
Why was Michael Bay even considered for The Collection?
Why The Blob is on Criterion: The blob is to be seen as an existential extension of the prevailing angst that was besetting America during the mind-numbing conformity of the 50s. It is a symbol of the blatant conformism that is creeping, just like the blob, into the lives of the small town. This is typified by the bad movies showing in the movie theatre – the place the blob must finally go into and dispose. Just kidding, folks. As all have stated, it is a classic b type s-f movie, significant as well, for Steve McQeen’s acting debut. Don’t knock anything that is red, amorphous, and always hungry. Think I will now get something to eat.
The blob just rolled through their offices one day and engorged them in its ectoplasmic ooze.
I think Criterion put The Blob into their catalogue hoping the monster would absorb Kevin Smith and Michael Bay, redeeming The Collection from those earlier, greater mistakes.
But seriously, to the earlier posters who mentioned Fiend Without A Face and the films in the Monsters And Madmen set: don’t all of the aforementioned share the same producer or production company as The Blob? I’m pretty certain, but I don’t own any of those, and I’m too lazy to go over to the Criterion site to confirm.
And as a PS: I think The Blob is just fine.
Ivan-Revenue. The profits from a Michael Bay release can help make possible other movies with a smaller audience. If Criterion can’t make money they would cease to exist.
Bob-I bet there is some Professor of film studies somewhere that would probably argue that point.
Actually,from what I read the lady at Criterion who selects the titles for restorations (unfortunately I can remember her name) was Bay’s mentor, so I’m guessing she did it as a favor or just to kiss his ass.
@Steve O:
Not an attack at all, but just wondering—does it really beef up their revenue when they put out mainstream films in $40.00 versions? I can see the logic in thinking so at the onset, but ultimately, how many fans are there of stuff like Bay’s that would pay that price tag for the Criterion version. Are there really more than would pay for a quality Fellini—or even Clouzot?
Chasing Amy is an exception, especially as the price tag ended up dropping drastically—to the point of affordability,even. And I’m sure MGM made tons more from Spinal Tap’s cult following at $15.00 than the beloved Criterion did at $40.00
Ultimately, to me, it seems more likely that they elicited puzzled looks from both sides of the fence on some of those early releases.
NO.T.HANKS-Good point-I didn’t realize they were higher priced. I know Wes Anderson’s Royal Tannenbaums was sold cheaper than the normal Criterion.
nothing but a bunch of elitist attitudes. THE BLOB and CHASING AMY are great.
Brian – If you actually studied film history and knew about genres, you would know why this film is in the Criterion Collection. I suggest you do your homework.
The Criterion Collection covers all genres of film. You could ask the same question about the films of Seijun Suzuki. They were mass entertainment but have made their way into the history of classic film. That “The Blob” has stood up as a “well-loved” film compared to many similar themed films of the 50’s era show’s that it meets Criterion criteria.
Whenever someone has a question that takes the form “Why is ______ in the Criterion Collection?” that person should read the essay that accompanies the movie, that is what those essays are there for. That usually has all the answers you need in regard to why the Criterion Collection considered it worthy refurbishing and re-releasing. The Criterion Collection covers all genres, whether mainstream or experimental, whether the movie survives on its qualities as a film viewing experience, good example as an established genera, or exists simply as a historical curiosity.
It just so happens that one of the essays that accompanies The Blob was written by my former film theory professor, Bruce Kawin. I don’t think I have ever met anyone more knowledgeable on film and film history. The man written books on Godard, Bergman, Stan Brakhage and generally “How Movies Work”.
I would have to disagree with the merits of the Blob with your professor Bruce Kawin. This is also a common logistica fallacy of appealing to authority. It’s nice to know so many npeople like the blob though.
it is one of few pre 1970s monster movies that isn’t considered silly
Brian Courtney
I do not think the blob belongs on criterion next to all the other important films criterion has. I do not think my view is elitist but if anyone can persuade me why such a film is worthy to be discussed seriously I would like to know. Also being that I am somewhay apprehensive about cult films in general is there any that you guys could tell me about that I might like seeing?