I’m definitely addicted…. Because I’m on the prowl for Criterions DVD’s and Blu-ray at various stores at times, I recently had to create a spreadsheet list to keep in track on my cell phone. I don’t mind sharing it with others if it can be helpful (note: the ratings are based off of Leonard Maltin’s movie guide…it is of course subjective but it helps me decide which ones to prioritize at times). And yes, it is an expensive hobby but my feeling is I have friends who do the same for video games. That’s expensive too I suppose. And as for viewability, I truly understand where some people are coming from. But for me it’s the same with many non-Criterion titles I have.
As much as I would love to watch every title, I’m not rich…so, I’ll have to be selective. Although, I have a dozen or so Criterion titles in my collection, LD, DVD and Blu-ray…I realize a few I purchased over the years were commercially popular films (in the US) and definitely want to experience other titles of films around the world.
Here is my spreadsheet if anyone wants to utilize it on their cell phone: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list1_0.xls (MS Excel) / PDF Version: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list1_0.pdf
I haven’t really seen a bad Criterion title but my two cents on a few titles that people have mentioned. “Beastie Boys Anthology”, I sort of looked at that release as potential of Criterion getting into the music market at the time. I bought it and although it doesn’t contain their old material, I definitely thought at the time, that Criterion really utilized “angles” via DVD technology in an innovative way.
As for “Armageddon”, at that time…there was a regular release but a lot of us who were in it for the audio-side, just loved the the Criterion release mainly because during that moment, we were looking for “reference” titles for audio quality. And I emphasize, at that time, Criterion’s release of “Armageddon” was awesome and made those of us who were impressed by the release, feel that Criterion’s dedication to PQ and AQ was very well noted with that title. And if I recall, I think it was the same situation with the “The Rock”. I recall DVD websites going crazy because if “Armageddon” was that good in terms of PQ and AQ and special features, “The Rock” would also deliver.
As for “Chasing Amy”, I admit that I was surprise at the time to see it released via Criterion but at the same time, I can easily remember that moment in time that everyone on the DVD sites/forums wanted everything Kevin Smith. So, perhaps it was a wise-decision at the time. And also, when it came out I think people were gushing of how much special features were included (despite many being from the LD).
But I haven’t seen a worst Criterion release yet. But as of this time and seeing how Criterion has evolved from LD to DVD and now to Blu-ray, looking at things now, I can see how some may see those titles as unworthy to the collection. But I have to admit when they came out back then, I was just as guilty as many others who thought they were awesome releases given the Criterion treatment.
I gave the DVD a positive review. I enjoyed it but then again, I didn’t read the novel. But let me just say that the fact in the featurette on DVD, the director showed this to the original writer and the writer who was at first hesitant to watch the film had tears in his eyes and was happy to see the end result of the film.
It’s one of those 50/50 films where people either loved it or hated it.
Yes and no. Yes, I prefer Blu-ray and now getting close to 400.
I prefer watching a film on Blu-ray but I have not stopped buying DVD’s. I invested in a 7.2 setup, I enjoy seeing beautiful picture quality, immersed in the lossless soundtrack.
In fact, I’m looking to buy as many Criterion DVD’s that I can get for a great deal. Especially knowing how many Blu-rays are released from Criterion each month and the new releases vs. old releases ratio…
So, yeah I am still buying DVD’s (albeit used or via Criterion sales). Also, I’m an anime fan as well, so I don’t mind picking up certain older titles on DVD. With that being said, I will no longer buy any title on DVD new. From here on in, I’m committed to Blu-ray.
But overall, I have not felt the need to dump my collection. I still have my LD collection although I’m close to trashing a lot of my VHS. As they collect dust on the storage and I just couldn’t bare seeing how warped the quality was after long periods of non-use.
But I see quite a good number of friends who just abandoned physical media altogether and prefer to watch films via Netflix streaming or Hulu.com.
Criterion sales, trading forums or buying them used. For Blu-rays, I don’t mind waiting to get them around $15-20. For DVD’s, some I buy new (mainly if the price is really too good to pass) but I’m not going to lie, I like buying used Criterions DVD’s in lots via eBay (if they include everything) and I can get them for nearly $8-12 a title.
If you go the ebay route, you gotta be careful since some people who sell them used…they sell them disc only. You need to ask the seller before buying that everything is included.
After watching “The 400 Blows” on Blu-ray, I’m now wanting this set on DVD. So, I recommend getting the set and if you want t400B on HD, then get the Blu-ray afterward.
I’m proud of the Yankees, Matsui…great season, great team and definitely happy to see them win. I’ve waited ten years and those years they came close were so heartbreaking. But finally the championship is back at the Bronx!
Yeah, but for the Yankees who spent so much money getting so many different pitchers and players…and come up short so many times, it seemed like a long time. But yeah, I understand other teams who have waited a long time….Dodgers fans….Twins fans…., etc.
Definitely not dead. Especially now that they are being offered for a great price and Blu-ray players are now starting to be on sale for under a $100 (US). It’s becoming more affordable.
If anything, I stopped buying DVD’s for newer releases (although I still buy Criterion DVD’s that I missed and want to see and other classic films that I know will probably not make it on Blu-ray anytime soon) but Blu-ray is definitely the way I want to watch my films from here on in. It’s like night and day…
But I’m not going to get rid of my DVD’s…I have invested way too much on them (same as my LD collection).
This was so hard because of the Holiday season coming up but I figured with the 50% off and then the 20% off extra for a new member, it’s too good to pass up. My original goal was to buy the Blu-rays but since they are not 50% off today (maybe tomorrow?)…I wanted the better savings which were the box sets:
First Order using the new member 20% off Code:
- The Adventures of Antoine Doinel
- Simon in the Desert – was on sale for $12…couldn’t beat that.
- 4 by Agnes Varda
- Fassbinder’s BRD Trilogy
- Eric Rohmer’s Six Moral tales
Second Order using the 5% off Code:
John Cassavetes Five Films
Grey Gardens Set
I feel like I am not yet done as I want the Ingmar Bergman: Four Masterworks boxset, Eisenstein the Sound Years and the Stage and Spectacle: Three Films by Jean Renoir box sets and for DVD: Battle of Algiers, L’Avventura, The Spirt of the Beehive, The Bank Dick, Divorce Italian Style and Contempt. But I better stop… or else people in my family are just going to get Holiday popcorn and fruitcake for Christmas..hehe…
Hi Chris…it’s both online and at the stores. But online just started today…I think the stores start tomorrow. I think that’s why the Criterion Blu-ray’s have not been updated yet online.
Dan: Hi Dan, the new member codes (or actually those that just joined up) can get 20% off. There are two codes available and so, you will get the 20% off. So, I noticed for John Cassavetes…it removed like nearly $13.00 off while something like Adventures of Antoine, it removed $10 off.
Can it be “Shared”…the ones that you found online (the new account users) and the 5% off can be shared since its public. I’ve read that people who go to the stores will be printing the 5% off coupon and then reusing them so they can get the Blu-rays at $15 ($13 for paid membership). But really, I don’t know if that will work…(works at video game stores but I guess we will find out when people try it tomorrow).
Now the paid membership to B&N, that one is tied to your account and you can’t share that.
Filmy: Yeah, it starts tomorrow. I’ve read people who went to B&N today and no sale yet BUT they said that the stores they have visited have seem to restock and gotten more Criterion titles. So, knock on wood for those of you who intend to go to the stores.
I’m trying to decide if “Scenes From a Marriage” is worth it or go for other titles. Same with “Battle of Algiers”. I noticed the Larisa Shepitko Eclipse is cheap…I’ve never bought an Eclipse set, so at $14…maybe I’ll give it a try.
Right now I have Two Films by Chris Marker: La Jetee/Sans Soleil, Breathless and Amarcord on my cart. But I’m holding off to make my third purchase…because I would like to pick up some Blu-rays if they fix the prices on them. Been wanting “Playtime”, “The Seventh Seal” and “Pierrot Le Fou”.
My original plan was to pick up the Four Masterworks: Ingrid Bergman and “Scenes from a Marriage” but I keep reading that “La Jetee/San Soleil”, “Breathless” and “Amarcord” are must buys and I never these titles go down in price.
I was thinking of getting “The Red Shoes” but I read somewhere that Criterion has been teasing on Facebook that they may be bringing it to Blu-ray.
Kurt: I have the boxset of “Fanny and Alexander”, just finished watching the first episode of the TV series today in fact.
Hehe…I’ll read up on more reviews. The main thing is wanting to pick up titles that never go down “Amacord”, you see a lot of the first press but the re-release I see in the high $30’s or $40’s at times.
Originally had “L’Eclisse” but part of me tells me that “The Rules of the Game” is better and I can find the former much cheaper than the latter. I’m still on the fence with “Scenes of a Marriage”, I’ve wanted to see that for so long and the fact that it has three-discs is appealing but at the same time, I still have yet to upgrade my “Seven Samurai” to the 2006 release.
Still no change to the Blu-ray prices. Only “Wings of Desire” is the only Blu-ray on sale.
Tommy: You can have an account and still get the 50% off….creating a new account you also can use the 20% off code: C3X7J9K or F4B9F7R to take off another $10-$13.00 off. [you don’t have to be become a member]
Benjamin: I bought the Cassavetes box yesterday. Actually, most of all the expensive box sets, I would take advantage of with the 50% off and then the additional 20% off.
And in case you want to buy online a second time, you can use the additional 5% off code: F7C3H7F
These codes can be used only once.
Just an FYI: Someone has posted on another forum (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/9827119-post225.html) that they went to B&N today and used seven of the printed coupons on Criterion Blu-rays in one day and got them each for $13.00 (he must have been a member to get the additional 10% off).
Those who are going to take advantage of Blu-ray are those who want to take advantage of their HDTV and home theater surround system or own a PS3 and figured why not try Blu-ray.
Personally, I love Blu-ray but I do know that my friends and even my brother are more towards video streaming and could care less about video and audio quality.
In their minds, I have spent a lot of money which they can’t comprehend. For me, I can’t comprehend why they would want to watch video on their computers (granted, my brother did show me his netflix box on his TV) but quality was good enough for him and I suspect a lot of people feel the same. As long as it’s good enough…they’re content.
As for my friends in Japan, because of the closed quarters and thin walls and the cost of living in Japan, home theater is a moot point. And also, the trend is now moving towards video through cell phones.
I know a few in Europe who do purchase Blu-ray but they are cinemaphiles and want the best picture quality in films.
But companies are taking a different approach…for example, Disney wanted to educate consumers of Blu-ray, so they sold two versions of Snow White Blu-rays. The Blu-ray came with the DVD but a few weeks later, a DVD came out afterward. They are also doing Blu-ray, DVD, digital copy.
Also, Blu-rays are cost effective as department stores such as Wal-Mart, Fry’s, Best Buy and online stores like Amazon have sales on Blu-rays all the time. Sure, online its easier to find but even going into the stores, you’ll notice sales. Also, video rental shops like Blockbuster are putting out their previously rented Blu-rays for 2 for $25 and the good thing is even though it’s been rented many times, Blu-rays don’t scratch as easily as DVD’s.
The threat to Blu-ray in my opinion is not DVD and their low prices. It will be video streaming. I was listening to one show and they said why go through all the problems of getting up and changing a Blu-ray and paying so much when you can pay $9.99 and watch any film you want via streaming. But the people who loved it admit they could care less of picture and audio quality, as long as it’s “good enough” and they also mentioned, they don’t care as much for special features. Granted the appeal is monetary savings and in this economy for various countries, it is logical.
But if you are purchasing receivers, have a 5.1-7.2 set up and love the clarity and crystal clear picture of High Definition and the immersive lossless audio quality of Blu-ray, HD is the way to go.
Contacted Barnes & Noble right now and right now speaking to them and just informed them of the pricing problem with the Blu-rays. They just caught it right now.
Dan: I was in the same situation and purchased it. The lowest I have seen it was $59-$64…so I got it for $39 with the 20% off coupon. And many fans have said the box set for “The Adventures of Antoin Doinel” is definitely worth it. Also, it’s one thing to enjoy the film “The 400 Blows” but would feel incomplete if I haven’t watched the sequels. But yeah, all box sets are on sale!
Strawdawg: I think a lot of older players had that problem. Mine is only a year old but it depends on the creator of the Blu-ray and how much they put into the menus. I think the longest I have had was the “LOST” Season 4 Blu-ray but there is a wait time with the maximum I had around 2-3 minutes (in fact, some Blu-rays show that message that depending on your player – wait time varies up to 2-3 min.) and some that are quick as DVD. So, it varies.
Personally, it’s ok…it gives me time for pee break, trying to find the 500 remotes I have (kidding) that are hidden under the cushions of the couch or get something to drink and eat.
Expect a lot of Blu-ray players to go cheap during the holidays especially from Magnavox and Sony and personally, my opinion is you can do fine with a profile 1.1 player and do away with 2.0 Blu-ray player (2.0 is for BD-Live Internet Connectivity if you want to download trailers, cast info., extra content, share video clips or chat while watching a film which none of those I feel like doing while watching a film).
Hey guys…if you’re going to the store, here are the printable coupons if you haven’t done it already. Print the $5 ones as many as you want from what I’m reading:
http://bit.ly/2bbZid
JULES: Well, Barnes & Noble is a major book chain, so I would expect that you shouldn’t have problems with missing or damaged items. But hopefully everything gets to you perfectly.
For those who bought the “Complete Monterey Pop Festival” before….Is the complete version pretty much both Monterey Pop and Jimi Plays Monterey for $55.99 (at 50% off)
Seeing that the single Monterey Pop is on sale for 50% off ($24.99) online and that the Jim Plays Monterey has not been price adjusted (yet)…but if it was…and goes down to $14.99 for both titles that would be → $39.98 much cheaper than the Complete Monterey Pop Festival.
Or is there more to the complete than these two discs?
Personally, I’m proud to meet more and more Criterion owners and the same for those who look for Kino and other titles of classics and have opened their minds and their life to classics that millions of people in this world will never ever try or attempt to watch in their lifetime.
I like yourself don’t watch a lot of the DVD’s or Blu-rays and LD’s I own more than once but that happens when you tend to buy too much. Sometimes many of us get into those spur of the moment purchases that in your mind, you feel you must own it.
But many people have their vices, there are friends who absolutely buy plenty of video games or books that they never get to play completely or read.
But then some people buy things because their life is full of repetitiveness and they purchase things to get out of that same repetitiveness. You work, you eat, you sleep, spend time with your significant other and kids and rarely get to do something on the weekend because of obligations and thus, some people need to break that repetition by doing things that make them happy.
But for me it goes beyond the Criterion DVD or Blu-ray, it’s the ability to appreciate something special that only a percentage of people still alive in this world who want to appreciate these classics (or some modern films) not by being forced to but because they want to expand their horizons of cinema worldwide.
The logo does nothing for me but knowing that the company behind it share the same passion or wants to introduce people to something that others regard as classic, unique or bold…and experiencing that for myself, that’s what I enjoy. And if I introduce others to that similar passion or to something new, it’s all good. :)
Earlier in the year when I went all Blu-ray, I said to myself I will not buy anymore DVD’s. But then I started seeing what kind of releases Criterion and other companies started to release and realized…these will probably never be released on Blu-ray and if it released on a future medium…it will be stored on some server and we would be forced to watch it via streaming video (not my preference, but I realize many people are going towards this).
But I have started buying DVD’s again…particularly Criterion or classics that will not be out on Blu-ray anytime soon.
But I enjoy Blu-ray… to see picture quality that is vibrant, dark sections that on DVD or other previous media that you were unable to see but now you can in high definition. Audio quality that is clear and for those who have a good receiver and a 5.1 or 7.2 set up, sometimes that immersiveness of hearing that crystal clear sound around you is incredible.
Here in the US, I understand its different than Europe and Asia. Blu-rays are becoming as cheap or cheaper than blu-rays, because they don’t scratch as easily as DVD…you can buy them used at a local video rental store. And Blu-ray players can be purchased under $100 during sales.
But moving to Blu-ray is not going to be quick for some people. The cost of a TV, speakers, subwoofer, center speakers, surround speakers may be out of the budget for some. Some may feel why buy when we can just download it via bit-torrent.
But by no means am I 100% abandoning DVD and nor will I sell or trash my DVD’s. But for newer purchases, I choose Blu-ray over the DVD.
Criterion junkies here? over 2 years ago
I’m definitely addicted…. Because I’m on the prowl for Criterions DVD’s and Blu-ray at various stores at times, I recently had to create a spreadsheet list to keep in track on my cell phone. I don’t mind sharing it with others if it can be helpful (note: the ratings are based off of Leonard Maltin’s movie guide…it is of course subjective but it helps me decide which ones to prioritize at times). And yes, it is an expensive hobby but my feeling is I have friends who do the same for video games. That’s expensive too I suppose. And as for viewability, I truly understand where some people are coming from. But for me it’s the same with many non-Criterion titles I have.
As much as I would love to watch every title, I’m not rich…so, I’ll have to be selective. Although, I have a dozen or so Criterion titles in my collection, LD, DVD and Blu-ray…I realize a few I purchased over the years were commercially popular films (in the US) and definitely want to experience other titles of films around the world.
Here is my spreadsheet if anyone wants to utilize it on their cell phone: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list1_0.xls (MS Excel) / PDF Version: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list1_0.pdf
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Worst Criterion DVDs over 2 years ago
I haven’t really seen a bad Criterion title but my two cents on a few titles that people have mentioned. “Beastie Boys Anthology”, I sort of looked at that release as potential of Criterion getting into the music market at the time. I bought it and although it doesn’t contain their old material, I definitely thought at the time, that Criterion really utilized “angles” via DVD technology in an innovative way.
As for “Armageddon”, at that time…there was a regular release but a lot of us who were in it for the audio-side, just loved the the Criterion release mainly because during that moment, we were looking for “reference” titles for audio quality. And I emphasize, at that time, Criterion’s release of “Armageddon” was awesome and made those of us who were impressed by the release, feel that Criterion’s dedication to PQ and AQ was very well noted with that title. And if I recall, I think it was the same situation with the “The Rock”. I recall DVD websites going crazy because if “Armageddon” was that good in terms of PQ and AQ and special features, “The Rock” would also deliver.
As for “Chasing Amy”, I admit that I was surprise at the time to see it released via Criterion but at the same time, I can easily remember that moment in time that everyone on the DVD sites/forums wanted everything Kevin Smith. So, perhaps it was a wise-decision at the time. And also, when it came out I think people were gushing of how much special features were included (despite many being from the LD).
But I haven’t seen a worst Criterion release yet. But as of this time and seeing how Criterion has evolved from LD to DVD and now to Blu-ray, looking at things now, I can see how some may see those titles as unworthy to the collection. But I have to admit when they came out back then, I was just as guilty as many others who thought they were awesome releases given the Criterion treatment.
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blindness (2008) : what are your opinions ? over 2 years ago
I gave the DVD a positive review. I enjoyed it but then again, I didn’t read the novel. But let me just say that the fact in the featurette on DVD, the director showed this to the original writer and the writer who was at first hesitant to watch the film had tears in his eyes and was happy to see the end result of the film.
It’s one of those 50/50 films where people either loved it or hated it.
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ANYONE ELSE STARTING TO ABANDON DVD FOR BLU-RAY? over 2 years ago
Yes and no. Yes, I prefer Blu-ray and now getting close to 400.
I prefer watching a film on Blu-ray but I have not stopped buying DVD’s. I invested in a 7.2 setup, I enjoy seeing beautiful picture quality, immersed in the lossless soundtrack.
In fact, I’m looking to buy as many Criterion DVD’s that I can get for a great deal. Especially knowing how many Blu-rays are released from Criterion each month and the new releases vs. old releases ratio…
So, yeah I am still buying DVD’s (albeit used or via Criterion sales). Also, I’m an anime fan as well, so I don’t mind picking up certain older titles on DVD. With that being said, I will no longer buy any title on DVD new. From here on in, I’m committed to Blu-ray.
But overall, I have not felt the need to dump my collection. I still have my LD collection although I’m close to trashing a lot of my VHS. As they collect dust on the storage and I just couldn’t bare seeing how warped the quality was after long periods of non-use.
But I see quite a good number of friends who just abandoned physical media altogether and prefer to watch films via Netflix streaming or Hulu.com.
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Criterion too pricey for you? over 2 years ago
Criterion sales, trading forums or buying them used. For Blu-rays, I don’t mind waiting to get them around $15-20. For DVD’s, some I buy new (mainly if the price is really too good to pass) but I’m not going to lie, I like buying used Criterions DVD’s in lots via eBay (if they include everything) and I can get them for nearly $8-12 a title.
If you go the ebay route, you gotta be careful since some people who sell them used…they sell them disc only. You need to ask the seller before buying that everything is included.
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The Adventures of Antoine Doinel over 2 years ago
After watching “The 400 Blows” on Blu-ray, I’m now wanting this set on DVD. So, I recommend getting the set and if you want t400B on HD, then get the Blu-ray afterward.
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What was the first Criterion movie you watched? over 2 years ago
On LD, “Supercop”. On DVD, I think it was “Seven Samurai”. On Blu-ray, “Chungking Express”.
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Yankees over 2 years ago
I’m proud of the Yankees, Matsui…great season, great team and definitely happy to see them win. I’ve waited ten years and those years they came close were so heartbreaking. But finally the championship is back at the Bronx!
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Yankees over 2 years ago
Yeah, but for the Yankees who spent so much money getting so many different pitchers and players…and come up short so many times, it seemed like a long time. But yeah, I understand other teams who have waited a long time….Dodgers fans….Twins fans…., etc.
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List/Order all Criterions you own over 2 years ago
For those who have extensive collections, would love to see photos of your Criterion Collection.
I just started and have nowhere near what many of you have but here is my photo:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/4088103507_5ef97ea225_b.jpg
On single DVD cases, I swap the black cases with clear cases (I have to find a bigger clear case for the two-disc items). OCD thing I guess…hehe…
But I’ll update again in a few months with a new photo.
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Is Blu-ray dead? over 2 years ago
Definitely not dead. Especially now that they are being offered for a great price and Blu-ray players are now starting to be on sale for under a $100 (US). It’s becoming more affordable.
If anything, I stopped buying DVD’s for newer releases (although I still buy Criterion DVD’s that I missed and want to see and other classic films that I know will probably not make it on Blu-ray anytime soon) but Blu-ray is definitely the way I want to watch my films from here on in. It’s like night and day…
But I’m not going to get rid of my DVD’s…I have invested way too much on them (same as my LD collection).
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Hey everyone, the Criterion B&N Sale just went live right now! 50% off on Criterion Collection titles:
http://video.barnesandnoble.com/u/DVD-The-Criterion-Collection-of-Special-Edition-DVDs/379000756/?cds2Pid=16642&linkid=1402269
For those who need a spreadsheet on Criterion titles for their cell phone (or online use), I went ahead and created one:
MS Excel: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list-1_1.xls
PDF: http://www.nt2099.com/downloads/criterion-list-1_1.pdf
Hope everyone gets what they want! :)
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
For those who never purchased from B&N, here are the coupon codes for this sale:
http://bit.ly/2aYj0S
You can use one coupon per order one time. So, you can use the 20% off coupon and then if you purchase again, use the 5% off coupon.
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions over 2 years ago
This was so hard because of the Holiday season coming up but I figured with the 50% off and then the 20% off extra for a new member, it’s too good to pass up. My original goal was to buy the Blu-rays but since they are not 50% off today (maybe tomorrow?)…I wanted the better savings which were the box sets:
First Order using the new member 20% off Code:
- The Adventures of Antoine Doinel
- Simon in the Desert – was on sale for $12…couldn’t beat that.
- 4 by Agnes Varda
- Fassbinder’s BRD Trilogy
- Eric Rohmer’s Six Moral tales
Second Order using the 5% off Code:
John Cassavetes Five Films
Grey Gardens Set
I feel like I am not yet done as I want the Ingmar Bergman: Four Masterworks boxset, Eisenstein the Sound Years and the Stage and Spectacle: Three Films by Jean Renoir box sets and for DVD: Battle of Algiers, L’Avventura, The Spirt of the Beehive, The Bank Dick, Divorce Italian Style and Contempt. But I better stop… or else people in my family are just going to get Holiday popcorn and fruitcake for Christmas..hehe…
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions over 2 years ago
Hi Chris…it’s both online and at the stores. But online just started today…I think the stores start tomorrow. I think that’s why the Criterion Blu-ray’s have not been updated yet online.
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions over 2 years ago
Dan: Hi Dan, the new member codes (or actually those that just joined up) can get 20% off. There are two codes available and so, you will get the 20% off. So, I noticed for John Cassavetes…it removed like nearly $13.00 off while something like Adventures of Antoine, it removed $10 off.
Can it be “Shared”…the ones that you found online (the new account users) and the 5% off can be shared since its public. I’ve read that people who go to the stores will be printing the 5% off coupon and then reusing them so they can get the Blu-rays at $15 ($13 for paid membership). But really, I don’t know if that will work…(works at video game stores but I guess we will find out when people try it tomorrow).
Now the paid membership to B&N, that one is tied to your account and you can’t share that.
Filmy: Yeah, it starts tomorrow. I’ve read people who went to B&N today and no sale yet BUT they said that the stores they have visited have seem to restock and gotten more Criterion titles. So, knock on wood for those of you who intend to go to the stores.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Hi Peter… Checked various forums and no end date. Does anyone know how long the last B&N Criterion sale lasted?
Oh…in addition to the online coupons, printable coupons are here: http://bit.ly/2bbZid
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List/Order all Criterions you own over 2 years ago
Hi Mike,
Well, with Flickr, you can get 20 mb I think with the free account. But yeah, definitely want to see everyone’s collection via photos!
(btw…if you are the person who has this collection→ http://bit.ly/LyJ3i – Very cool!)
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
I’m trying to decide if “Scenes From a Marriage” is worth it or go for other titles. Same with “Battle of Algiers”. I noticed the Larisa Shepitko Eclipse is cheap…I’ve never bought an Eclipse set, so at $14…maybe I’ll give it a try.
Right now I have Two Films by Chris Marker: La Jetee/Sans Soleil, Breathless and Amarcord on my cart. But I’m holding off to make my third purchase…because I would like to pick up some Blu-rays if they fix the prices on them. Been wanting “Playtime”, “The Seventh Seal” and “Pierrot Le Fou”.
My original plan was to pick up the Four Masterworks: Ingrid Bergman and “Scenes from a Marriage” but I keep reading that “La Jetee/San Soleil”, “Breathless” and “Amarcord” are must buys and I never these titles go down in price.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
I was thinking of getting “The Red Shoes” but I read somewhere that Criterion has been teasing on Facebook that they may be bringing it to Blu-ray.
Kurt: I have the boxset of “Fanny and Alexander”, just finished watching the first episode of the TV series today in fact.
Hehe…I’ll read up on more reviews. The main thing is wanting to pick up titles that never go down “Amacord”, you see a lot of the first press but the re-release I see in the high $30’s or $40’s at times.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Originally had “L’Eclisse” but part of me tells me that “The Rules of the Game” is better and I can find the former much cheaper than the latter. I’m still on the fence with “Scenes of a Marriage”, I’ve wanted to see that for so long and the fact that it has three-discs is appealing but at the same time, I still have yet to upgrade my “Seven Samurai” to the 2006 release.
Still no change to the Blu-ray prices. Only “Wings of Desire” is the only Blu-ray on sale.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Tommy: You can have an account and still get the 50% off….creating a new account you also can use the 20% off code: C3X7J9K or F4B9F7R to take off another $10-$13.00 off. [you don’t have to be become a member]
Benjamin: I bought the Cassavetes box yesterday. Actually, most of all the expensive box sets, I would take advantage of with the 50% off and then the additional 20% off.
And in case you want to buy online a second time, you can use the additional 5% off code: F7C3H7F
These codes can be used only once.
Just an FYI: Someone has posted on another forum (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/9827119-post225.html) that they went to B&N today and used seven of the printed coupons on Criterion Blu-rays in one day and got them each for $13.00 (he must have been a member to get the additional 10% off).
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Is Blu-ray dead? over 2 years ago
Those who are going to take advantage of Blu-ray are those who want to take advantage of their HDTV and home theater surround system or own a PS3 and figured why not try Blu-ray.
Personally, I love Blu-ray but I do know that my friends and even my brother are more towards video streaming and could care less about video and audio quality.
In their minds, I have spent a lot of money which they can’t comprehend. For me, I can’t comprehend why they would want to watch video on their computers (granted, my brother did show me his netflix box on his TV) but quality was good enough for him and I suspect a lot of people feel the same. As long as it’s good enough…they’re content.
As for my friends in Japan, because of the closed quarters and thin walls and the cost of living in Japan, home theater is a moot point. And also, the trend is now moving towards video through cell phones.
I know a few in Europe who do purchase Blu-ray but they are cinemaphiles and want the best picture quality in films.
But companies are taking a different approach…for example, Disney wanted to educate consumers of Blu-ray, so they sold two versions of Snow White Blu-rays. The Blu-ray came with the DVD but a few weeks later, a DVD came out afterward. They are also doing Blu-ray, DVD, digital copy.
Also, Blu-rays are cost effective as department stores such as Wal-Mart, Fry’s, Best Buy and online stores like Amazon have sales on Blu-rays all the time. Sure, online its easier to find but even going into the stores, you’ll notice sales. Also, video rental shops like Blockbuster are putting out their previously rented Blu-rays for 2 for $25 and the good thing is even though it’s been rented many times, Blu-rays don’t scratch as easily as DVD’s.
The threat to Blu-ray in my opinion is not DVD and their low prices. It will be video streaming. I was listening to one show and they said why go through all the problems of getting up and changing a Blu-ray and paying so much when you can pay $9.99 and watch any film you want via streaming. But the people who loved it admit they could care less of picture and audio quality, as long as it’s “good enough” and they also mentioned, they don’t care as much for special features. Granted the appeal is monetary savings and in this economy for various countries, it is logical.
But if you are purchasing receivers, have a 5.1-7.2 set up and love the clarity and crystal clear picture of High Definition and the immersive lossless audio quality of Blu-ray, HD is the way to go.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Contacted Barnes & Noble right now and right now speaking to them and just informed them of the pricing problem with the Blu-rays. They just caught it right now.
Hopefully they will fix it now!
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Dan: I was in the same situation and purchased it. The lowest I have seen it was $59-$64…so I got it for $39 with the 20% off coupon. And many fans have said the box set for “The Adventures of Antoin Doinel” is definitely worth it. Also, it’s one thing to enjoy the film “The 400 Blows” but would feel incomplete if I haven’t watched the sequels. But yeah, all box sets are on sale!
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Is Blu-ray dead? over 2 years ago
Strawdawg: I think a lot of older players had that problem. Mine is only a year old but it depends on the creator of the Blu-ray and how much they put into the menus. I think the longest I have had was the “LOST” Season 4 Blu-ray but there is a wait time with the maximum I had around 2-3 minutes (in fact, some Blu-rays show that message that depending on your player – wait time varies up to 2-3 min.) and some that are quick as DVD. So, it varies.
Personally, it’s ok…it gives me time for pee break, trying to find the 500 remotes I have (kidding) that are hidden under the cushions of the couch or get something to drink and eat.
Expect a lot of Blu-ray players to go cheap during the holidays especially from Magnavox and Sony and personally, my opinion is you can do fine with a profile 1.1 player and do away with 2.0 Blu-ray player (2.0 is for BD-Live Internet Connectivity if you want to download trailers, cast info., extra content, share video clips or chat while watching a film which none of those I feel like doing while watching a film).
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
Hey guys…if you’re going to the store, here are the printable coupons if you haven’t done it already. Print the $5 ones as many as you want from what I’m reading:
http://bit.ly/2bbZid
JULES: Well, Barnes & Noble is a major book chain, so I would expect that you shouldn’t have problems with missing or damaged items. But hopefully everything gets to you perfectly.
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Criterion B&N November 2009 Sale now Live! over 2 years ago
For those who bought the “Complete Monterey Pop Festival” before….Is the complete version pretty much both Monterey Pop and Jimi Plays Monterey for $55.99 (at 50% off)
Seeing that the single Monterey Pop is on sale for 50% off ($24.99) online and that the Jim Plays Monterey has not been price adjusted (yet)…but if it was…and goes down to $14.99 for both titles that would be → $39.98 much cheaper than the Complete Monterey Pop Festival.
Or is there more to the complete than these two discs?
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Irrationality of Buying DVDs over 2 years ago
Personally, I’m proud to meet more and more Criterion owners and the same for those who look for Kino and other titles of classics and have opened their minds and their life to classics that millions of people in this world will never ever try or attempt to watch in their lifetime.
I like yourself don’t watch a lot of the DVD’s or Blu-rays and LD’s I own more than once but that happens when you tend to buy too much. Sometimes many of us get into those spur of the moment purchases that in your mind, you feel you must own it.
But many people have their vices, there are friends who absolutely buy plenty of video games or books that they never get to play completely or read.
But then some people buy things because their life is full of repetitiveness and they purchase things to get out of that same repetitiveness. You work, you eat, you sleep, spend time with your significant other and kids and rarely get to do something on the weekend because of obligations and thus, some people need to break that repetition by doing things that make them happy.
But for me it goes beyond the Criterion DVD or Blu-ray, it’s the ability to appreciate something special that only a percentage of people still alive in this world who want to appreciate these classics (or some modern films) not by being forced to but because they want to expand their horizons of cinema worldwide.
The logo does nothing for me but knowing that the company behind it share the same passion or wants to introduce people to something that others regard as classic, unique or bold…and experiencing that for myself, that’s what I enjoy. And if I introduce others to that similar passion or to something new, it’s all good. :)
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ANYONE ELSE STARTING TO ABANDON DVD FOR BLU-RAY? over 2 years ago
Earlier in the year when I went all Blu-ray, I said to myself I will not buy anymore DVD’s. But then I started seeing what kind of releases Criterion and other companies started to release and realized…these will probably never be released on Blu-ray and if it released on a future medium…it will be stored on some server and we would be forced to watch it via streaming video (not my preference, but I realize many people are going towards this).
But I have started buying DVD’s again…particularly Criterion or classics that will not be out on Blu-ray anytime soon.
But I enjoy Blu-ray… to see picture quality that is vibrant, dark sections that on DVD or other previous media that you were unable to see but now you can in high definition. Audio quality that is clear and for those who have a good receiver and a 5.1 or 7.2 set up, sometimes that immersiveness of hearing that crystal clear sound around you is incredible.
Here in the US, I understand its different than Europe and Asia. Blu-rays are becoming as cheap or cheaper than blu-rays, because they don’t scratch as easily as DVD…you can buy them used at a local video rental store. And Blu-ray players can be purchased under $100 during sales.
But moving to Blu-ray is not going to be quick for some people. The cost of a TV, speakers, subwoofer, center speakers, surround speakers may be out of the budget for some. Some may feel why buy when we can just download it via bit-torrent.
But by no means am I 100% abandoning DVD and nor will I sell or trash my DVD’s. But for newer purchases, I choose Blu-ray over the DVD.
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