Stagecoach and Chungking Express on Blu-Ray.
I haven’t watched either but I couldn’t resist owning a blu of one of Wong Kar-Wai’s most acclaimed films and with Stagecoach I haven’t watched near enough Ford so I figured I might as well grab one of his first critical successes.
And before those two I bought Make Way for Tomorrow. I had to mention this as it is just a marvelous film and package from Criterion that doesn’t get the widespread recognition it deserves. Easily one of the greatest essays Criterion has put out and it should be used as a model for the rest of their releases. Using the frames to explain the film more in depth is something so simple but under utilized.
@Bon Jovi: I bought stagecoach right around the time it came out on DVD. I hadn’t seen it before the purchase and I loved it, it does get a bit slow in the middle, but it’s a classic. Did you like the transfer? I really like it, but I hear alot of people hate it. I also just saw Chungking Express last month but not on criterion, the rolling thunder addition. Are the special features any good on the criterion edition?
Also I haven’t seen Make way for tomorrow, and I’m wondering if I should see this before Tokyo Story?
@Erik I haven’t watched Stagecoach yet but I always check this site for DVD and Blu quality before I buy anything generally. www.blubeaver.ca Here is the direct link to Stagecoach for you though http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews22/stagecoach_dvd_review.htm
I haven’t watched Chungking yet either (I know, I’m not sure why yet either) but the features, while sparse, seem great. Episode excerpt from the BBC Television series Moving Pictures, featuring Wong and cinematographer Christopher Doyle. I’ll definitely watch it soon and get back to you on it.
I also haven’t watched Tokyo Story yet (it’s on my PC so I should watch it soon) but Make Way was easily one of the best films I have ever seen. I recommend it full heartedly and I doubt seeing either one first will effect either experience majorly.
Yeah I’ve been holding back on watching it for a while for some reason
The most recent purchase I’ve watched was Hunger. I haven’t watched the features yet but they look great. I don’t believe there is a commentary on the dvd though which disapointed me a little. I had watched it before the purchase but hadn’t seen it for about 6 months or so, and I have to say it really holds up on a second viewing. Great release, Great film.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Found it in a record shop for 10 bucks, and I couldn’t turn it down.
I pre-bought THE MAGICIAN, which I’ve been looking forward to for some time.
The von Sternberg set. Absolutely essential.
Last Year at Marienbad (Blu), Vivre Sa Vie (Blu), and the Fanny and Alexander Box Set. I’m really excited to see the extended TV version.
@Josh Harper: How is the transfer on the criterion Life of Brian. I own the non-criterion edition and the transfer is fantastic, same with the special features.
Dillinger is Dead (I’ve waited a long time to see it was NOT disappointed)
@Erik Villasenor: I don’t know, I havent gotten a chance to watch it. Im sure you could find that out on a site like DVDBeaver though.
I picked up Chungking Express and it was a lot better than i remembered it being. I thought it was just ok in the mid 90’s, then it became a huge cult hit so i felt obligated to revisit it and again, didn’t hit me. But i really enjoyed it when i saw it just recently.
I still think 2046 is W.K.W’s best film, mostly because it’s his most ambitious, and i never got on with ‘Happy Together’, but overall i’m coming around on this director.
Vivre Sa Vie
L’Enfance Nue
The Red Shoes in Bluray
Playtime is on its way!
Sansho the Bailiff
The Royal Tenenbaums (re purchase)
Black Orpheus.
I’ve seen them all previously. I rarely blind buy anymore. Simply can’t afford it. Especially Criterions! I’m thinking of blind buying the Sternberg boxset though, as their not on Instant Play in Netflix and it sounds pretty promising from what I’ve read.
Sansho the Bailiff is amazing. What can I say about it that hasn’t already been said? Every second from beginning to end is beautiful and powerful, as well as moving. The cinematography is superb. The scene where Zushio frees the slaves from the house of Sansho still brings me to the brink of tears.
Royal Tenenbaums…I’ve said it a million times, I friggin love this movie. I’ve already watched it twice since I re-bought it.
Black Orpheus, beautiful, powerful filmmaking. A great romance set to that neverending beat in wonderful color. The scene where (spoilers!) Orpheus carries her throughout the city in his arms is still as touching as when I first saw it.
I really only buy films that either move me emotionally or affect me in some way, or ones that really just entertain the hell outtta me.
Next purchases I plan on are the essential art house Grand Illusion and La Haine, which I just watched a few minutes ago.
I just recently found a new copy of Alphaville at my local HMV, bought it on sight and I plan I keeping it in the packaging for a little while.
@Hidden Behind the Screen: Is Royal Tenenbaums your favorite Wes Anderson film?
I picked up Slacker at half price recently. I prefer the box sets, when I can afford them.
Yes it deffinately is. Rushmore and The Darjeeling Limited are tied for second. Wes is just in top form with Tenenbaums in my opinion. I also find it one of the most re watchable films ever made. I still find myself smiling and laughing at my favorite parts after god knows how many viewings.
I feel the same way, but for some reason I always prefer to watch Rushmore over Tenenbaums. I’ve watched both many times. Both are just so charming.
Rushmore does have some really great moments. All Wes films are great about “great moments” though, hehe.
I’ve… actually never bought a Criterion to my great shame. Or is it shame? I’ve just never bought one.
Yeah Wes’ films really are filled with great moments, I own all his current criterions (except The Life Aquatic, it took me a while to like that film).
@Anonymouse: Go to the criterion website, I’m sure there will be at least one film available that you’ll be interested in.
The George Bernard Shaw Eclipse collection. If that counts. If not, then There Once Was A Father and The Only Son by Yasujiro Ozu
I’ve been on a big dvd splurge lately. I just bought 2 or 3 things I know about her and Jules and Jim. I own very few french films in comparison to my Japanese or American dvds. I loved Vivre sa vie, and I’ve been in love with Pierrot le fou for a while, So I’m really starting my fascination with Godard. I heard about the coffee scene and I needed to own “2 or 3.” I bought Jules and Jim because I loved the 400 blows, and I wanted more french films so I thoughtthis would be a nice addition to my collection. I’ll Talk about them both apon viewing.
Last Days of Disco and Loves of a Blonde (in the same order) from B&N’s sale
Erik Villasenor
If you’ve watched the film, descibe what you like about the release and the film itself. Is there anything you wish criterion did differently? Do you believe this film belongs in the collection? Did you blind buy the DVD, and if you did what attracted it to you? Start disscusions on the film and ask other people’s opinions. I think this will be a good way to disscuss and understand in depth the films of the collection.