Just read the review by Jason Bovberg and it has me very intrigued. I have only seen "The Fly" and "Dead Ringers". I liked "The Fly" a lot, but DR not so much at all and am not really interested in Cronenberg's others.
So will I like "Videodrome" if I like horror-ish movies that this seems to be? Thanks.
This is undoubtedly one of Cronenberg's most challenging films, so based on what you wrote, I would give a definite NO.
However, many consider it one of his best and one of the most important films of its kind.
Matt Millheiser
08-31-04, 12:07 AM
You will hate it!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:
No seriously, you'll hate it. A lot. But you should watch it anyhow, because it's one of the most haunting mindflurgs of a movie ever. Brilliant and serpentine.
Serpentine. And Haiku.
scott1598
08-31-04, 09:21 AM
Why will I hate it? It sounds different than his other efforts and one of his best...comments please.
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 09:32 AM
It's total-Cronenberg. Not different, just better realized than most of his films, with the exception of "Dead Ringers". If you don't dig Cronenbery, I don't see how you'll get into his most "Cronenbergian" film.
If you're so conflicted on the subject, why not simply rent it and see what you think?
scott1598
08-31-04, 10:05 AM
already checked...none of my vid stores have it.
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 10:59 AM
A full month's subscription to Netflix is less expensive than this disc. I'm not shilling for them, but they're better than any other rental service I've seen (selection, timing, value, etc.), and there's no way I could possibly watch all the movies I want to watch if I had to purchase them all (and only a few of 'em merit multiple viewings anyway).
There are two things that I'd argue are necessary for any movie-freak with a home theater: a subscription to Netflix and an all-region/PAL->NTSC converting DVD player. Fortunately, both come cheap.
scott1598
08-31-04, 11:24 AM
Can this movie be compared to any non-Cronenberg fare that I may have seen and hopefully liked?
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 11:39 AM
demonlover
scott1598
08-31-04, 11:44 AM
can you take a nod at my collection and see if any compares, beside "Brazil"? thanks for this help.
haven't seen demonlover
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 11:59 AM
Do yourself a favor and get a decent DVD rental subscription, and then you can have your own opinions about this and other movies (say "demonlover" or "eXistenZ") without paying a premium for the privilege!
scott1598
08-31-04, 12:15 PM
not worth it considering i don't hardly ever rent dvd's or care to.
can you simply answer my previous ?, if not no biggie and thanks anyway, i will manage.
Josh Z
08-31-04, 12:31 PM
Originally posted by scott1598
Why will I hate it? It sounds different than his other efforts and one of his best...comments please.
If you don't like Cronenberg, you won't like Videodrome. It's not different than his other efforts. It's probably the defining example of what his filmmaking style is all about.
That said, it sounds like you're not even sure what a Cronenberg movie is. Of the two you've seen, it's more like The Fly than like Dead Ringers. Have you seen Scanners? You know, the one with the exploding head? That's another one of his that Videodrome is most similar to.
Matt Millheiser
08-31-04, 12:56 PM
Put it this way:
Videodrome is the classic type of film which, when it ends after watching it for the first time, you turn to your friend who you were watching it with and say "Wanna be the pivot man?"
And also "Holy crap! What the FUCK was that all about?!?! That made NO sense!!"
But it's so intriguing and layered that you return to it, watch it again, pick up more, develop some theories, throw them out the window, rewatch over and over again, and you see a lot more going on. I personally think it's magically delicious. I'd say give it a shot, it's at least worth a perusal.
Johnny Zhivago
08-31-04, 01:03 PM
Man, that's just a tad expensive for a blind buy IMHO... On the other hand, you could probably unload it in the exchange forum for close to what you pay for it. Maybe. Or at least trade it for something else...
Cronenberg is one of those hit / miss - love / hate kind of directors for me... I do like Videodrome and I want to get it, but it's not in the budget right now (damn that Hitchcock box and DOTD set!). Of his films, I actually think that Dead Ringers is his best... So, there ya go... The Fly is fairly mainstream as is The Dead Zone, but I like both of those as well. Recently, I enjoyed Spider quite a bit (though it lacks in replay value). On the other hand... I didn't care much for eXistenZ, Naked Lunch, Scanners, The Brood, etc...
You have a pretty diverse collection of films, with a lot of "horror-ish" DVDs, so it's absolutely possible that you will love Videodrome. On the other hand, it's still Cronenberg, and non-mainstream Cronenberg at that...
There is an alternative. Pick up the old Universal release instead of the Criterion. Satisfies your curiosity without the extra expense. The transfer isn't going to be as good and it's non-anamorphic, but it is an alternative.
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 01:07 PM
not worth it considering i don't hardly ever rent dvd's or care to.
And this is why you've seen so few movies.
Bottom line: from what little I can glean about your tastes and the lack of diversity of your viewing habits, I suspect you won't like "Videodrome" and encourage you not to waste your money.
Sessa17
08-31-04, 02:19 PM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
And this is why you've seen so few movies.
Bottom line: from what little I can glean about your tastes and the lack of diversity of your viewing habits, I suspect you won't like "Videodrome" and encourage you not to waste your money.
Totally agree, he is right.
Another vote that you will hate it, in fact from what little you've posted I am positive you will hate & probably not understand the movie at all.
The Fly is by far Cronenberg's most straight-foward, mainstream movie. And that is the one you like, yet Dead Ringers, my personal favorite Cronenberg movie, you didn't like at all & it's vintage Cronenberg.
Videodrome is as someone else said the most Cronenbergian movie he has ever done, so if you didn't like the substance & genius that is Dead Ringers, Videodrome will be worse.
I highly suggest you join netflix & broaded your horizon.
scott1598
08-31-04, 02:58 PM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
And this is why you've seen so few movies.
Bottom line: from what little I can glean about your tastes and the lack of diversity of your viewing habits, I suspect you won't like "Videodrome" and encourage you not to waste your money.
how can you make such a horrible, gross assumption just because i haven't joined netflix or seen some Cronenberg movies??
or are you joking...because that is one hell of a laughable statement "lack of diversity of my viewing habits"!
Who knows if I would like the movie or not, but c'mon man..how do you know my habits from not joining a rental service?
renaldow
08-31-04, 03:08 PM
After looking at your collection, I say go ahead and buy it. You may actually like it. And, if you don't, you can at least put it next to your other Criterions as part of the collection.
renaldow
08-31-04, 03:15 PM
:lol: At all the people trying to bust on scott1598 for not joining a rental service. What that has to do with anything other than movies go to your home instead of you picking them up is beyond me.
I don't have a rental service. I've probably seen more movies than most people here. What someone has in their collection has little to do with their knowledge of film. What movies someone may or may not rent has little to do with their knowledge of film.
A guy asks a simple question, you bust on him for all kinds of silly reasons, it's just funny.
:lol:
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 03:24 PM
Didn't mean to come off so crossly with my assumptions, Scott... much less "horribly" and "grossly"! But after viewing the titles in your collection and discovering that you haven't seen certain suggested films that are similar to "Videodrome" (not that there are many), I just don't think "Videodrome" will appeal to you.
And your collection is much more diverse than many, but probably not so diverse that a film like "Videodrome" will sit comfortably among them, particularly since you've already stated your aversion to most of Cronenberg's films.
Again, the solution is so simple it's stupid. Get a Netflix subscription and catch up on your viewing including "Videodrome". When it's only a rental, you won't need to go through these interminable and unreliable attempts at figuring out whether you'll like a film before you watch it. You just watch it and see.
Richard Malloy
08-31-04, 03:43 PM
At all the people trying to bust on scott1598 for not joining a rental service. What that has to do with anything other than movies go to your home instead of you picking them up is beyond me.
Let me try to make it real plain and simple: "Videodrome: CC" costs $28-35. A one-month subscription to Netflix costs $21.99. Should I do the math for you?
OK... over the last three months of my Netflix membership, I'm averaging a little over 15 rentals per month. That's well short of the 24 per month as demonstrated by the guy who did the "How to Maximize Your Netflix Rentals" article (http://www.wooba.com/archives/2004/08/26/secrets-of-netflix-how-to-maximize-your-netflix-rentals), but I think it's closer to how most of us watch DVDs (I know I rarely watch three in one evening). $22 divided by 15 rentals comes to $1.46 per DVD.
So, if Scott rents movies at my rate-of-rental, it'll cost him $1.46 to rent "Videodrome", whereas it'll cost him $28-35 to buy it. If he loves this movie like I do, he'll feel comfortable shelling out the premium to own it forever and watch it whenever he likes. If he dislikes it like the other Cronenberg movies he's seen (except for "The Fly"), then he's only out $1.46.
Matt Millheiser
08-31-04, 04:18 PM
Yeah, some of you guys are coming off with a bit of elitist snobbery. And not a single one of you has commented on my "pivot man" line. For that you should all only have someone pee in your Ovaltine. :mad:
Sessa17
08-31-04, 06:17 PM
I don't get it, where does anyone in this thread "bust on scott1598". Almost everyone answered his question & a few, myself included were surprised by him not renting & suggested he do so for a movie like this. Isn't that the point of the thread.
renaldow
09-01-04, 11:23 AM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
Let me try to make it real plain and simple: "Videodrome: CC" costs $28-35. A one-month subscription to Netflix costs $21.99. Should I do the math for you?
The economics of it do not escape me, but I think the point that Scott (and many others) do not actually rent, and do not want to rent might be what you are missing. Some people go to the library, some people go to the bookstore. It's the same way with DVDs.
This is why some of us have very large collections, and buying 20+ DVDs a month has no more relative impact on the wallet than someone else getting those same DVDs through Netflix at $21.99. For instance, I only rent TV shows and insipid mainstream comedies, I put no value on those types of DVDs. Everything else I buy, mostly blind.
So, pushing Netflix over and over is a waste of time, no matter how much sense it makes to you, if you know what I mean. Your points are good, I'm just saying they do not apply.
Richard Malloy
09-01-04, 12:32 PM
I get what you're saying Renaldow, and I wish I had the money to purchase every DVD of every movie I wanted to see. I don't know where I'd store them all, but if I had that kinda money I guess I could also purchase some sort of storage facility.
But if you're not flush with piles of excess cash and are into watching lots and lots and lots of movies, including ones that you've never seen and might not ever want to see again, then you'd do well to consider these recommendations for the least expensive/most efficient means to do so.
And now a brief, somewhat unrelated tangent: I was just reading a thread about DVD Talkers "fessing up" to owning piles and piles of unopened, unwatched discs, and spending more time on purchases than actually watching films... and it's like a frickin' support group! If this describes you, don't fool yourself: you're not into film; you're into compulsive consumerism. It's a pathology you share with the ladies who spend all day and night glue'd to QVC, clutching their remaining non maxed-out credit cards. It's certainly not indicative of film-buffness. The "thrill of the purchase" for some of these folks provides a spark that's not otherwise available in their lives, but for most I think it starts as a real interest in something (say, film), but that initial interest mutates into what I call "the collector's mentality" where the thrill of the transaction and satisfaction of material ownership take the place of the original interest. Consider music lovers who become "record collectors", never ever removing the shrinkwrap from their precious vinyl trophies, much less placing needle in groove (those grooves wear down with every play!). They end up with a pile of records, but they aren't listening to the music.
renaldow
09-01-04, 01:04 PM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
But if you're not flush with piles of excess cash and are into watching lots and lots and lots of movies, including ones that you've never seen and might not ever want to see again, then you'd do well to consider these recommendations for the least expensive/most efficient means to do so.
No argument there, companies like Netflix make more sense than a premium cable channel. As you've shown you can burn through many movies quickly and cheaply.
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
And now a brief, somewhat unrelated tangent: I was just reading a thread about DVD Talkers "fessing up" to owning piles and piles of unopened, unwatched discs, and spending more time on purchases than actually watching films... and it's like a frickin' support group! If this describes you, don't fool yourself: you're not into film; you're into compulsive consumerism.
Yes, very true. It's like the old libraries you'll see in homes that haven't had a book cracked in years. If you're buying a lot of movies often, you always have something in the hopper ready to watch. But if you just keep buying and buying, without the watching; or worse yet buying something you know that you don't like because it's cheap, then there's definitely a problem or a disconnect somewhere with what you're actually trying to accomplish.
I tried reading that thread, I couldn't make it through most of it.
aspikes
09-01-04, 07:59 PM
Richard Malloy is right. How do I know this? It's because I am guilty as charged. The fact that I don't have a clue who Cronenberg is and I read this whole thread has convinced me that I need to spend more time watching movies and less time at DVDTALK.COM. I going to try to talk the wife into watching Lawrence of Arabia with me instead of being at dvdtalk for the next 2 hours and have her O.D. on more episodes of Law and Order on TnT. Peace out!
DonnachaOne
09-01-04, 08:12 PM
Originally posted by Matt Millheiser
Serpentine. And Haiku.
Woods runs a station
Weird, eerie, pervy TV
VCR stomach
Lokimok
09-02-04, 01:07 AM
Geez - Reading this thread is like buying something at Best Buy. Enough with the netflix talk!
...Oh, ok. One question: Let's say he did sign up for netflix tomorrow. Videodrome is a new release. How long do you think he'd have to wait before it showed up in his mailbox? I haven't been a member in a long time & have no idea how many copies they might have.
Richard, I'd bet there are a few people who would be just as critical of someone who watched dozens & dozens of movies that didn't "merit multiple viewings" as you are of someone who hasn't seen certain movies, doesn't rent, and/or buys more DVDs than you.
Scott, I think you can tell this is a tough call. It's very possible you will like it. Being such a unique movie with little to compare to & such a pricey set, makes it tough to recommend. I probably shouldn't be replying because I'm not very familiar with the film. I saw it once maybe a dozen years ago one rainy Friday night as part of a double feature with The Hitcher on WSBK. Even edited for tv, it was a powerful & haunting film. I actually bought the barebones version RIGHT BEFORE the Criterion was announced. I never opened it. Once I have the spare cash, I do plan to purchase, open, & enjoy the Criterion set. I have a feeling it'll hold up well.
naitram
09-02-04, 03:41 AM
Originally posted by Lokimok
Geez - Reading this thread is like buying something at Best Buy. Enough with the netflix talk!
No kidding - you'd swear some of you guys work for netflix. :rolleyes:
On topic, personally I'd stay away from buying it if I were you. I really can't stand Cronenberg myself, including Dead Ringers and The Fly (geesh, the original owns this), and really wouldn't spend money on any of his stuff besides possibly Dead Zone or Spider.
You asked my opinion! ;)
renaldow
09-02-04, 10:44 AM
I bought it yesterday, and Scott, you need to go buy this. Even if you don't end up liking this movie so much it's worth watching it once and owning the DVD. I usually don't care much for packaging, but this one is just plain cool. It's a 2 disc keep case that looks like a bootleg betamax copy of Videodrome (the one from the movie, not the movie it's named for.)
auto
09-02-04, 01:09 PM
Do not buy Videodrome. You will not like it.
Oh yeah, and you should get Netflix! ;)
punkmonkey
09-02-04, 02:32 PM
Videodrome is quintessential Cronenberg. If you generally don't like Cronenberg, you almost certainly won't like Videodrome.
Jippy
09-02-04, 04:42 PM
Originally posted by DonnachaOne
Woods runs a station
Weird, eerie, pervy TV
VCR stomach
:lol:
Josh Z
09-02-04, 06:47 PM
Originally posted by aspikes
I going to try to talk the wife into watching Lawrence of Arabia with me instead of being at dvdtalk for the next 2 hours and have her O.D. on more episodes of Law and Order on TnT.
2 hours, huh? Well, you'll see half of it.
renaldow
09-03-04, 07:15 PM
Originally posted by Josh Z
2 hours, huh? Well, you'll see half of it. :lol:
Matt Millheiser
09-04-04, 12:40 AM
You know, butter.
scott1598
09-05-04, 07:33 PM
Originally posted by renaldow
I bought it yesterday, and Scott, you need to go buy this. Even if you don't end up liking this movie so much it's worth watching it once and owning the DVD. I usually don't care much for packaging, but this one is just plain cool. It's a 2 disc keep case that looks like a bootleg betamax copy of Videodrome (the one from the movie, not the movie it's named for.)
ren..thanks for sticking up for me and you did get my point exactly. now, with your purchase, you have me thinking again and will prob get it. the one sticking point was that packaging i heard so much about and i do like the cool ones and i can just put with other crits and who knows i may even LIKE IT!!!
which is what the underlying point of this thread was in the first place until it got all convuluted and twisted up. anyway, i got some paypal stashed away and have enuf for this and star wars so i think a purchase is eminent. thanks to all, sincerely! all of this stuff was exactly what i was looking for sans netflix stuff, but we won't bring up that again!!! also, ren...are you a Cronenberg fan and liked his others? i don't think you mentioned that preference in earlier posts. just wondering.
<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_12_6.gif' alt='Psychedelic' border=0></a>
Richard Malloy
09-06-04, 09:39 AM
Looking forward to hearing what you think, Scott! :)
renaldow
09-07-04, 10:25 AM
Originally posted by scott1598
also, ren...are you a Cronenberg fan and liked his others? i don't think you mentioned that preference in earlier posts. just wondering.
Not really, not that I have anything against the guy. :) Generally I watch something for the movie first, actors second, and director/producer/writer third. I had to go to IMDB to see all the movies he made, and I will say I liked the ones I've seen.
There are only a handful of filmmakers that make movies I consider to be 'must sees' on their merit alone. Off the top of my head and in no order: Lars Von Trier, Terry Gilliam, Akira Kurosawa, Luc Besson and M. Night Shyamalan. An admittedly strange mix.
There are many more that will raise my attention and make me think, 'hey, that's probably going to be pretty good,' but that's mainly because they seem to have a higher standard than most, or have proven they have a somewhat unique twist on things. The Coen brothers or Quentin Tarentino would be a good example of this.
So, when I was posting before it wasn't as a Cronengberg fan, it was as a fan of the movie. Which you should get, watch it once, wait awhile, watch it again, and wait awhile again then watch it. Even if you hate the first 2 viewings, I'm giving you a 75% chance of loving the 3rd.
This is one of the reasons I'll buy over renting; some movies need to be seen 3 times to either fully appreciate or dismiss altogether. I don't know what my movie tastes would be like if I didn't do that.
Richard Malloy
09-07-04, 10:43 AM
I got my copy of "Videodrome" and watched it this weekend... phenomenal! I was constantly surprised at just how good this movie looks and sounds, and how well the subject matter has held up.
I also listened to the director/cinematographer commentary and the first half of the actors' commentary, and both are absolutely top-notch. Cronenberg is, as always, focused and articulate. I've found his commentaries to be among the best of the director variety (Soderbergh, Minghella, Scorsese also tend to be very good IMO). James Woods' effort is also quite good, and he seems surprisingly familiar and fluent in the themes of the film even after all these years. Not at all one of those "first time I've seen it in ages... what's going on here?" yak-tracks. Quite in-depth, and, like Cronenberg, quite articulate and focused. Deborah Harry has just a bit less to add, but is nonetheless very engaging and interesting. She acknowledges her amateur status as an actor, and understands full-well the persona she was bringing to the role and why Cronenberg wanted her. She's an astute, culturally aware person, which should come as no surprise to those who've followed her career even a little bit. In fact, the next day I dug out my DCC gold disc of Blondie's "Parallel Lines" and reminded myself what a brilliant album that is, start to finish... and it is absolutely brilliant, and holds up every bit as well as "Videodrome"!
I feel like I've spent a lot of time with this film over the weekend, though I've still got some actors' commentary, the short film "Camera", and the entirety of disc 2 to take in. So far, this easily ranks as one of the best special editions I've seen this year. As for the subject of this thread, namely whether to buy the disc, I say go for it. It's got an immense rewatchability factor, and excels in all areas: film quality, audio-video quality, in-depth and meaningful extras, appealing/interesting packaging. I suppose this film won't appeal to some, and obviously it didn't appeal to everyone back when it was released, but if you're one to take big chances on blind-buys, I say go for it. Especially if that's the only way you'll ever see this film. If you don't like it, big deal I guess... more profit to help Criterion to continue their good work! :)
mjlukich
09-12-04, 10:53 PM
Originally posted by DonnachaOne
Woods runs a station
Weird, eerie, pervy TV
VCR stomach
S&M channel
Harry in a hot red dress
Fall into TV
Notice the classical inclusion of a seasonal theme via the clever double entendre.
scott1598
09-15-04, 02:15 PM
well, i got it glad to say. haven't watched it yet, but the packaging is just awesome! one of the creative and best ever anyone?
TommyMc
09-15-04, 05:23 PM
I didn't care for Dead Ringers very much at all...barely remember it...The Fly was just a tad better.
But, I loved Videodrome as a kid, and young adult, and am looking forward to seeing the unedited version. It is a bit pricey, but I think they did an excellent job on the packaging, from when i handled it at the store last night.
There are certain movies that just creep me out, and leave a lasting impression in my mind. Especially from when I was younger. The Thing, The Changelling, Mullholland Drive (more recently), Dawn of the dead (well at least the first time), and many more.
Video drome was also one of those movies that just creeped me out. And I loved it. In some ways, the storyline reminds me a bit of The Ring, well at least the first 1/2 of the ring.
And anything that comes out of your TV does as well (ala Demons 2)....
My recommendation is its definatally worth watching. Try and rent it...if you love it, get the critereon edition. If you just like it, buy the regular edition. If you hate it, then you are just out the couple bucks for a rental.
I'll be buying the criterean edition soon enough. Just looking around for the best deal.
renaldow
09-16-04, 10:20 AM
Originally posted by scott1598
well, i got it glad to say. haven't watched it yet, but the packaging is just awesome! one of the creative and best ever anyone?
:up: Watch it and let us know what you think!
TommyMc
09-17-04, 02:21 PM
hmm, i bought this last night, and was dissapointed after i got home to find out it was in DD 1.0 mono? wow, 35 bucks for fancy packaging? I watched about half of it, but it was very late, so i went to bed. I sure hope the extra unedited scenes make up for it, otherwise I will have paid an extra 20 bucks for a fancy case. still a great movie, but i think critereon collection is making some big bucks off of movies these days.
The only thing i can think of as to why its in mono is they wanted to feel of the movie in respects to the crappy satallite pirate transmissions, etc., so that is barely exceptable, if i think about it that way.
FunkDaddy J
09-17-04, 03:32 PM
The original soundtrack is mono. That's the way it was in theaters. I think the DVD preserves the presentation expertly.
Josh Z
09-17-04, 04:02 PM
Originally posted by TommyMc
The only thing i can think of as to why its in mono is they wanted to feel of the movie in respects to the crappy satallite pirate transmissions, etc., so that is barely exceptable, if i think about it that way.
The movie was a low-budget Canadian production from 1983. If you were expecting a zinging rock 'em sock 'em DTS 6.1 soundtrack, you're watching the wrong movie.
Richard Malloy
09-17-04, 05:08 PM
hmm, i bought this last night, and was dissapointed after i got home to find out it was in DD 1.0 mono? wow, 35 bucks for fancy packaging? I watched about half of it, but it was very late, so i went to bed. I sure hope the extra unedited scenes make up for it, otherwise I will have paid an extra 20 bucks for a fancy case.
Sucker! :)
Obviously, I couldn't disagree more with your assessment, which is both wrong-headed and indicative of having no idea whatsoever regarding an item you're laying down long green for, but I'm glad you contributed to the Criterion coffers so that those of us who appreciate a great release like "Videodrome" can expect many more to come!
PS: those extended scenes? Available on every home video release of "Videodrome" since the VHS days!
DonnachaOne
09-17-04, 05:11 PM
Originally posted by TommyMc
hmm, i bought this last night, and was dissapointed after i got home to find out it was in DD 1.0 mono? wow, 35 bucks for fancy packaging? You always buy DVDs before you find out its specs?
TommyMc
09-18-04, 03:21 AM
Ok people, looks like you're on the bash-wagon. It's not the end of the world for me, and while I'm no video conosour like you fine fella's here, I do feel like I have every right to voice my opinion on this matter, such as you folks do to.
Let me get this out frint: I do love this movie alot, as i mentioned a few posts above, i think its fantastic and a great piece of filmmaking for the period it was created in.
However, i hadn't done extreme homework to find out all of the differences between the regular version, and the critereon version, and like i said i was a LITTLE dissapointed that they didn't bother to at least bump it up to stereo. I didn't say it was the end of the world or anything, or that it ruined the whole thing for me.
Also, I was buying 5 other dvd's at the same time, so I guess i missed the little part on the packaging and from online reviews that it was still Mono...after all it says dolby digital on it...but you have to look harder to see "mono"...it could happen to anyone. I was also just so hyped to finally own one of my fav movies that it was one of those "snatch it up and movie on" kinda deals...guess I just assumed that for 35-40 bucks I was gonna get at least stereo sound...lol, I guessed wrong! Again, not the end of the world.
And again we come down to this, I guess I wasn't so clear in my last message: My biggest gripe is about the cost of the DVD, compared to what you get vs. the regular version, and while it is a better video transfer, and has the nice fancy packaging and written material, plus disk #2 of extra's (which I am definatally looking forward to watching). My main point, which I think folks missed, is that I just don't think they should be charging that much for a DVD like this, when with so many other films that are not a critereon collection, you get the same amount of extras (disk #2, booklets full of info, etc), or sometimes even fancy packaging, BUT you don't have to fork out that kind of cash...it seems like the critereon collection creators are taking advantage of their logo/endorsments just to be able to tack an extra 10 bucks onto a film.
Also, I did back up my comments with my speculation of the "trying to keep the original feel for the movie" with the mono audio. There are many other films where they have redone the audio and moved it from mono to stereo or more. I guess I was just expecting a bit more for the cash, but I can understand how they would want to keep it more in the original feel that the director and producters/editors wanted it to be.
I still endorse the movie, just think its too expensive. I like seeing the videodrome "VCR" look on the side of the spine in my collection.
OK, take jabs at me some more, I can take it....I have my opinions, you have yours...thank you, and good day.
Jepthah
09-18-04, 01:02 PM
So you think it would be perfectly acceptable for a video company to alter the original soundtrack of the film, which the filmmaker himself took great pains to get right, just so it sounds more 'modern'?
I know there are instances where the filmmaker wishes to remix the sound himself and cooperates in the process--but overall I think your idea is wrong. At any rate the original formatted unaltered mix should always be provided.
I think people's sense of entitlement just because they have 6, 7 or 8 speakers is really sad sometimes. Your hardware is designed to as accurately as possible reproduce a film experience as intended by the filmmaker. It is NOT designed to be a demo for films just because they have the capability to deliver multi-channel.
If you are so concerned about multi-channel sound then don't buy older films.
TommyMc
09-18-04, 01:39 PM
Again my main point is missed here, i said i was a little dissapointed about the sound...it's not the end of the world!
And sure an alternate stereo track may have been cool, and keep the original for purests...that would have been nice as well.
I don't feel i have a right to make sure people who release movies use all of my speakers to do so, thats just plain silly
The MAIN and ONLY point I am trying to make here is I think C. Collection makers are charging too much for their work, when other companies can do the same enhancements for 10-15 dollars cheeper to the consumer. And I had used the example of the soundtrack as just ONE example of why this DVD was too expensive for what I got. Take a look at Dawn of the Dead...that runs about the same price, and I get 4 full disks of movies and extras, and fancy packaging. That, I can understand, I just think C. collection is making some extra bucks off of you, and me...thats all.
renaldow
09-18-04, 03:39 PM
TommyMc,
I do get your point. Yeah, CC's are usually a bit more expensive but usually that's because they are spending extra for the DVD release rights. Say they take an MGM film like Robocop, MGM already owns the release rights and can do what they please with it and release it much cheaper. CC doesn't have that luxury. In addition to doing their own thing with the movie they have to pay MGM (or whoever) royalties to release the film. This is one of the reasons some CC's are limited run only, they only have a limited license. CC isn't really that big of a movie house, they're actually pretty small and fulfill a niche market, so they're going to have higher costs than a major studio releasing a film that they own.
Yeah, I don't doubt that there's a few extra $$ tossed in there for the CC name, but new movies like Chasing Amy and Royal Tenenbaums that have been released under the CC label only have been priced inexpensively.
No, I know that doesn't make you feel any better about shelling out the extra cash for a cool case and some extras you may or may not enjoy, but hopefully it explains why they cost more. On the flipside, CC Brazil is only around $39, is multi disc and has multiple versions of the movie on it. Priced quite nicely, IMHO.
Josh Z
09-18-04, 05:14 PM
Originally posted by TommyMc
The MAIN and ONLY point I am trying to make here is I think C. Collection makers are charging too much for their work, when other companies can do the same enhancements for 10-15 dollars cheeper to the consumer. And I had used the example of the soundtrack as just ONE example of why this DVD was too expensive for what I got. Take a look at Dawn of the Dead...that runs about the same price, and I get 4 full disks of movies and extras, and fancy packaging. That, I can understand, I just think C. collection is making some extra bucks off of you, and me...thats all.
Tommy, since you're new I suppose we should give you the benefit of the doubt that you've simply missed the dozens of previous Criterion-bashing threads where their pricing structure was thoroughly explained.
In a nutshell, Criterion does not own any of the movies they release. They have to pay the original owners a licensing fee for the rights to distribute the movies on DVD. In addition, they tend to release movies that are in need of extensive clean-up and restoration, work that is not cheap to do. On top of all this, the titles they release are usually not those that will sell in Star Wars quantities. A DVD like Videodrome will not sell 8 millions copies on street day. They aren't going to be able to make a profit through sales volume. They are a small operation, and in order to recoup their expenses they have to charge more for the work they do.
If this bothers you, no one is forcing you to buy their product. We just ask that you don't try to equate the number of channels the soundtrack has with some perceived "value" that the DVD represents, because the two things have nothing to do with one another.
DonnachaOne
09-18-04, 06:20 PM
Tommy, just to clarify, I meant no offense with my comment.
Jepthah
09-20-04, 12:05 AM
Just watched the feature disc tonight and wow...stunning film, more relevant than it ever has been. If it doesn't disturb you and provoke questions, seek help. ;)
And Criterion did an excellent job on the transfer, both picture and sound. I may have to pick up a copy for myself, the extras sound good too--I still haven't had the chance to hear a Cronenberg commentary.
bboisvert
09-20-04, 10:21 AM
I think the sound and picture quality is pretty darn fantastic... and the extras are great.
And, although there may be an exception or two for recent films, Criterion does not alter the soundtrack of films at all. If it was released in mono, the DVD is in mono.
TommyMc
09-20-04, 01:58 PM
wow, what a turn around from from Friday's posts. I didn't realize that the CC folks didn't own the rights to the films they transfer into "god status". I love this film, and I do agree that brazil is a good deal. I'm done griping about the cost of the film, and after watching the extra's, commentaries, etc. I retract my too expensive statement...partly by what i saw, and party from what you folks have said around here...thanks for bringing the light to my eyes, and I will look through the old threads for more info about CC pricing, and films.
Matt Millheiser
09-20-04, 02:58 PM
Hey guys!
Nothing too much to add here, except that I watched Videodrome for the first time in what is probably about 10-15 years. I first caught this on cable in the 80s when I was 12 or 13, and it completely disturbed me back then.
Watching it now, I realize the film hasn't lost a single iota of its prescience and evocative potency. The single most nightmarish scene (and this really isn't much of a spoiler, in case yer a newbie..) has to be when Max is "speaking" with Brian O'Blivion, with Brian delivering that beautifully monotone speech while being strapped to a chair and prepped for strangulation.
Cronenberg really tapped the vein on that one...
Richard Malloy
09-21-04, 10:49 AM
wow, what a turn around from from Friday's posts. I didn't realize that the CC folks didn't own the rights to the films they transfer into "god status".
They actually do "own" the Janus collection, which is the single greatest film collection in the history of the world and comprises the bulk of the Criterion Collection. But they supplement these titles with films they license from the major studios, like "Videodrome".
You should blind-buy them all. Renting is for suckers.
DonnachaOne
09-21-04, 10:57 AM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
You should blind-buy them all. Renting is for suckers. Wait... renting is for suckers? Um...
Richard Malloy
09-21-04, 11:53 AM
Just being facetious.
renaldow
09-21-04, 01:44 PM
Originally posted by Richard Malloy
You should blind-buy them all. Renting is for suckers.
That's right, and Netflix sucks!!! ;)
TommyMc
09-21-04, 03:39 PM
I never rent...too much hassle, i usually get free PPV, that helps me screen, then if I go out to buy, i pretty much know what I am looking for ahead of time...although lately i've been taking advise from this board and others to enhance my collection with sci-fi and horror flicks, which has turned out to be pretty good...my horror selection was pretty stale for a little while there, but it's improved greatly lately...ok too much off topic...
Buy: