Would the Red Desert Criterion DVD be worth a blind buy when it comes out...

considering L’Eclisse and L’Avventura are two of my favorite films.

Don’t hesitate. Sure, Red Desert has a different tone and feel to it, but it is worth watching just for the vivid color – and seeing Monica Vitti in color, too. Don’t get bogged down by the story tangentially spiralling off into different tracks that don’t always seem to fit together.

I will definitely be picking this up. I watched an old library video copy of it awhile back (all they had) – hadn’t seen it in years – and was shocked that the ending was missing! Thank you Criterion!

Emphatic YES. IMO, the only truly essential Antonioni film.

I don’t see why one should not rent or borrow from a library at all times instead of blind buying. You get it at minimum cost or free and never end up with buyers remorse in the worse case situation; one can always buy it after finding it worth it. All this said, I don’t know your personal tastes on film but I am very pleased that this film will get the criterion treatment. I have been thinking about this films ever since I was first mesmorized by it. This is no action packed film but intelectually, visually, sonically, and kinetically the film creates and elusive but widely rewarding experience.

Absolutely brilliant film. Years ahead of its time. Visually it’s a undisputed expressionist masterpiece.

I’m definitely picking it up.

Yes. Especially if L’Eclisse and L’Avventura are favorites.

If you like Antonioni’s other films, it is definitely worth adding to your collection. If you are not familiar with Antonioni, I would recommend seeing “L’Avventura” or “Blow-Up” first.

Hell, I like Zabriskie Point. I didn’t appreciate it the first time I saw on a shitty VHS tape back in the 80s, but I recently saw it on the MGM DVD and it really hit home that a movie like that wouldn’t be made today. Nicholas Roeg’s Performance (made the same year as Zabriskie Point) was the same way. It took 20 years for me to respect those two films.

I kinda wonder what I missed the first time. lol…

Since you have seen and love those other Antonionis, then YES. He starts playing around with color for the first time with this one.

saw it on the big screen twice. probably my favorite Antonioni. do it!

just picked up the blu-ray at best buy they put it out a few days early!!

^^excellent. report back on the quality of the transfer please!! many of us are dying to know! :-)

People keep talking about the vivid color and all that I see in the screen shots are dull greys and subdued reds.

^^Jason, watch the movie. don’t judge by the stills. for some reason the stills on the net are horrible. There are many ‘dull grey’ shots too, but they work in the context of the film.

I think Red Desert is worth a “blind buy”, but I agree with Brian Courtney.. why blind buy when you can rent or get from the library first? The only times I’ll do a “blind buy” is when I absolutely can’t find the film anywhere to watch first.. But I’d say if you’re a fan of L’Eclisse, L’Avventura, or La Notte you will like it..

I’m patiently waiting for my Red Desert blu-ray to arrive in the mail.. :)

There are two excellent reviews, with screen captures, for the Red Desert at DVD Beaver and Criterion Forum.

Transfer is awesome. Crisp and Clean!! Even the supplements are in HD 1080p/1080i. Buy this ASAP!

I just blind bought it today online. Can’t wait for it to arrive!

about halfway through on the criterion dvd, there was a green line down the center of the screen, Was that something that could not be removed during the restoration?

criterion blu ray sorry

/\/\/\ I just watched it last night and wondered the same thing… Thought I’d give this a bump to see if anybody knows.