Help me make a Criterion Purchase...

brizz · 01-26-04, 08:19 PM

I sold off a few stragglers in the collection this week and have about $75 sitting in my paypal account, which will allow me to buy two lower tiered and one higher tiered Criterions......I've narrowed the list down to the above choices, but am having a very hard time deciding..I want them all! and if, by those that i've listed, something else seems appropriate, by all means suggest something....any opinions of any choices are welcomed.

thanks

buckee1 · 01-26-04, 08:38 PM

I picked up Diabolique 3 months ago. Absolutey superb film! So, there's my vote!

brizz · 01-26-04, 08:41 PM

you can vote for three if you want....i'd prefer that too

And Diabolique is towards the top, along with Coup De Torchon right now....and Andrei Rublev for the higher one - that's what i'm leaning towards anyway.

LasVegasMichael · 01-26-04, 08:54 PM

I am no foreign film connesieur by any means, so I picked the three with the most interesting names.

Good luck!

--LVM

conscience · 01-26-04, 08:56 PM

Grand Illusion...

cause it is a damn fine film.

I couldn't get into Andrei Rublev so I had to sell that off about a year and a half ago (and I like foreign films a lot).

I don't have Coup De Torchon on dvd, but I have seen the film and it is pretty good too.

celluloidwisdom · 01-26-04, 09:08 PM

ANDREI RUBLEV - higher
QUAI DE ORFEVRES - lower
LE CORBEAU - lower

Of course, you can hardly go wrong with any of the choices.

FilmFanSea · 01-26-04, 10:32 PM

I'd go with:

Grand Illusion
Le Corbeau (though it hasn't been released yet)
Closely Watched Trains--an overlooked little masterpiece

cokeguy · 01-26-04, 11:43 PM

I haven't seen all of them, but I would definitely go with Diabolique and Bob Le Flambeur for the lower ones, although Closely Watched Trains is up there. I haven't seen Andrei Rublev, and I wasn't a huge fan of Grand Illusion (though I did enjoy it, just not enough to purchase), but I would stear clear of I Know Where I'm Going (certainly, in my opinion, a lesser Powell and Pressburger achievement). So, I guess this probably didn't help at all. Good luck.

Dan

darkside · 01-27-04, 02:32 AM

I have seen a few of those and Grand Illusion is my pick and one I own.

RevKarl · 01-27-04, 03:22 AM

Grand Illusion
Closely Watched Trains
Diabolique (especially if you liked Wages of Fear)

Of course, with the money in your PayPal account, you could pick up the Kurosawa Samurai Classics gift set
and get four Criterions instead of three (unless you're waiting for the "rumored" reissues of those titles.)

g · 01-27-04, 03:52 AM

Bob Le Flambeur and I know where I'm going are awsome disks

games03 · 01-27-04, 04:13 AM

Grand Illusion. The greatest film ever made. Right? right?

/right?

whaaat · 01-27-04, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by games03
Grand Illusion. The greatest film ever made. Right? right?

Definitely one of the greatest.

illennium · 01-27-04, 07:59 AM

The three films currently in the lead would be my three suggestions--Grand Illusion, Bob le Flambeur, and Diabolique.

brizz · 01-27-04, 10:27 AM

well crap, so I go ahead and muck things up by watching That Obscure Object of Desire (thanks again Netflix) and now I want that too....and it also makes me want to add Diary of A Chambermaid to the list for consideration......thoughts on Diary compared to Bob Le Flambeur or Coup De Torchon (the two vying for #3 - Grand Illusion and Diabolique are clearly the choices for the first two slots it seems...

anyone wanna weigh in on Bunuel vs. Clouzot/Coup de Torchon/Bob Le Flambeur? Incindentally, i'm extra curious to see BlF since seeing the Good Thief last month....

jough · 01-27-04, 10:32 AM

I'd suggest:

Grand Illusion (it's a must for any serious collector)

and
Quai De Orfevres
Diabolique

Just because they're so damned good.

MrN · 01-27-04, 11:50 AM

I voted:
Grand Illusion
Le Corbeau
Bob Le Flambeur

QuiGonJosh · 01-27-04, 11:59 AM

Just get Red Beard or Ikiru...wont be disappointed...

Richard Malloy · 01-27-04, 12:30 PM

I consider "Rublev" to be the most jaw-dropping spectacular film on your list, though I've spun "Grand Illusion" nearly as much, and "I Know Where I'm Going" is sort of a sentimental favorite. I'd prefer these to any of the others on your list, though I have yet to see "Le Corbeau" (and it looks real good!).

slop101 · 01-27-04, 04:10 PM

If you liked Obscure Object... - check out Discreet Charm...

Same director, better movie and a much better dvd package.

Gyno Rhino · 01-27-04, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jough
I'd suggest:

Grand Illusion (it's a must for any serious collector)

and
Quai De Orfevres
Diabolique

Just because they're so damned good.

Same here.

cokeguy · 01-27-04, 05:39 PM

How many of these would be blind buys?

As far as Bunuel vs. Clouzot, etc.: They are two entirely different animals. Both good in their respective ways. Personally, I prefer Clouzot, but you mileage may vary. I do agree about Discreet Charm being better than Obscure Object, though. I would say Diary of a Chambermaid is better than both, but I really hate the ending (probably cause I don't get it, but then again, it's Bunuel).

Dan

Andalusia · 01-27-04, 06:29 PM

Of the ones listed, "I Know Where I'm Going!" is my fav, but you honestly couldn't go wrong with most of those films, esp. "Grand Illusion" and "Diabolique".

ckolchak · 01-27-04, 06:49 PM

Grand Illusion - i sold my copy after watching it once.
i enjoyed it, but not as much as i expected to-especially with so many people everywhere proclaiming it one of the 'landmarks' of world cinema.
part of that was due to expectations.
i'm sure some day i will take another look at this though.

Bunuell i've had both Diary Of a Chambermaid and That Obscure Object... and while i was excited at the chance of seeing both, i walked away each time disappointed.
people tell me Discrete Charm... is better than both of the previous films, but from what i've seen of his work so far, i'm just not very interested at this point.

Coup De Torcheon i picked this up in DDDs recent 20% off sale, and it was a pleasant surprise.
black humour, pulpish crime fiction (adapted from a Jim Thompson novel) fascinating characters.
unlike the other discs, this one i'll be keeping around for a little while and will definitely give it another viewing before selling it off.
it may be the 'slightest' of all the movies mentioned, but for me, it was the most entertaining.

shill66 · 01-29-04, 05:08 PM

Andrei Rublev is my second favorite film of all time, so that's my pick.

View Poll Results: Help me choose 1 Higher and 2 Lower MSRP Criterions!
Grand Illusion ($39.95)	49	47.12%
I know Where I'm Going! ($39.95)	7	6.73%
Andrei Rublev ($39.95)	20	19.23%
Le Corbeau ($29.95)	8	7.69%
Maitresse ($29.95)	6	5.77%
Bob Le Flambeur ($29.95)	22	21.15%
Closely Watched Trains ($29.95)	10	9.62%
Quai De Orfevres ($29.95)	8	7.69%
Coup De Torchon ($29.95)	10	9.62%
Diabolique ($29.95)	51	49.04%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 104. You may not vote on this poll

01-26-04, 08:19 PM	#1
brizz DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: kck Posts: 22,595	Help me make a Criterion Purchase... I sold off a few stragglers in the collection this week and have about $75 sitting in my paypal account, which will allow me to buy two lower tiered and one higher tiered Criterions......I've narrowed the list down to the above choices, but am having a very hard time deciding..I want them all! and if, by those that i've listed, something else seems appropriate, by all means suggest something....any opinions of any choices are welcomed. thanks __________________ Pavel Datsyuk on his coach saying he gives teammates extra room on the ice: "I think he meant that I am really small," Datsyuk explained. "So when I, a small slim person, am on the ice, there is more room for bigger guys. Maybe he said that to cheer me up that I look skinny!"

01-26-04, 08:38 PM	#2
buckee1 DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Minding the precious things in the Local Shop Posts: 4,107	I picked up Diabolique 3 months ago. Absolutey superb film! So, there's my vote! __________________ Ciao'

01-26-04, 08:54 PM	#4
LasVegasMichael DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: 11.5 Miles from the Strip Posts: 2,353	I am no foreign film connesieur by any means, so I picked the three with the most interesting names. Good luck! --LVM __________________ "I love watching people lose. You LEARN* about people when they lose."* --Donald Trump

01-26-04, 08:56 PM	#5
conscience DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 1999 Posts: 8,262	Grand Illusion... cause it is a damn fine film. I couldn't get into Andrei Rublev so I had to sell that off about a year and a half ago (and I like foreign films a lot). I don't have Coup De Torchon on dvd, but I have seen the film and it is pretty good too. __________________ You can't take a picture of this. It's already gone. - Nate Fisher, Six Feet Under

01-26-04, 08:41 PM	#3
brizz DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: kck Posts: 22,595	you can vote for three if you want....i'd prefer that too And Diabolique is towards the top, along with Coup De Torchon right now....and Andrei Rublev for the higher one - that's what i'm leaning towards anyway. __________________ Pavel Datsyuk on his coach saying he gives teammates extra room on the ice: "I think he meant that I am really small," Datsyuk explained. "So when I, a small slim person, am on the ice, there is more room for bigger guys. Maybe he said that to cheer me up that I look skinny!"

01-26-04, 09:08 PM	#6
celluloidwisdom Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Right behind you. Posts: 294	ANDREI RUBLEV - higher QUAI DE ORFEVRES - lower LE CORBEAU - lower Of course, you can hardly go wrong with any of the choices. __________________ My DVD library. Well, more like a cyber representation of my DVD library, if you want the truth...

01-26-04, 10:32 PM	#7
FilmFanSea Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 788	I'd go with: Grand Illusion Le Corbeau (though it hasn't been released yet) Closely Watched Trains--an overlooked little masterpiece __________________ My DVD Collection

01-26-04, 11:43 PM	#8
cokeguy DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,891	I haven't seen all of them, but I would definitely go with Diabolique and Bob Le Flambeur for the lower ones, although Closely Watched Trains is up there. I haven't seen Andrei Rublev, and I wasn't a huge fan of Grand Illusion (though I did enjoy it, just not enough to purchase), but I would stear clear of I Know Where I'm Going (certainly, in my opinion, a lesser Powell and Pressburger achievement). So, I guess this probably didn't help at all. Good luck. Dan

01-27-04, 02:32 AM	#9
darkside DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: San Antonio Posts: 19,827	I have seen a few of those and Grand Illusion is my pick and one I own. __________________ DVDAF/DVD Profiler/Games Wii Code: 6061 0636 6661 8088 PSN & XBL: aagstn

01-27-04, 03:22 AM	#10
RevKarl DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,681	Grand Illusion Closely Watched Trains Diabolique (especially if you liked Wages of Fear) Of course, with the money in your PayPal account, you could pick up the Kurosawa Samurai Classics gift set and get four Criterions instead of three (unless you're waiting for the "rumored" reissues of those titles.) __________________ "Boy, this is the last time I listen to my penis for movie selection advice." - Opening line of Brian Orndorf's DVD Talk review for Blonde and Blonder.

01-27-04, 03:52 AM	#11
g DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 3,443	Bob Le Flambeur and I know where I'm going are awsome disks

01-27-04, 04:13 AM	#12
games03 Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedford, NY Posts: 76	Grand Illusion. The greatest film ever made. Right? right? /right?

01-27-04, 07:59 AM	#14
illennium DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 3,158	The three films currently in the lead would be my three suggestions--Grand Illusion, Bob le Flambeur, and Diabolique.

01-27-04, 10:27 AM	#15
brizz DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: kck Posts: 22,595	well crap, so I go ahead and muck things up by watching That Obscure Object of Desire (thanks again Netflix) and now I want that too....and it also makes me want to add Diary of A Chambermaid to the list for consideration......thoughts on Diary compared to Bob Le Flambeur or Coup De Torchon (the two vying for #3 - Grand Illusion and Diabolique are clearly the choices for the first two slots it seems... anyone wanna weigh in on Bunuel vs. Clouzot/Coup de Torchon/Bob Le Flambeur? Incindentally, i'm extra curious to see BlF since seeing the Good Thief last month.... __________________ Pavel Datsyuk on his coach saying he gives teammates extra room on the ice: "I think he meant that I am really small," Datsyuk explained. "So when I, a small slim person, am on the ice, there is more room for bigger guys. Maybe he said that to cheer me up that I look skinny!"

01-27-04, 10:32 AM	#16
jough Suspended Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: You have moved into a dark place. It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue. Posts: 4,533	I'd suggest: Grand Illusion (it's a must for any serious collector) and Quai De Orfevres Diabolique Just because they're so damned good.

01-27-04, 11:50 AM	#17
MrN DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: B.W.I. Posts: 3,699	I voted: Grand Illusion Le Corbeau Bob Le Flambeur __________________ "Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man." My DVD Collection My CD Collection

01-27-04, 11:59 AM	#18
QuiGonJosh Banned Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,220	Just get Red Beard or Ikiru...wont be disappointed...

01-27-04, 12:30 PM	#19
Richard Malloy DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 2,428	I consider "Rublev" to be the most jaw-dropping spectacular film on your list, though I've spun "Grand Illusion" nearly as much, and "I Know Where I'm Going" is sort of a sentimental favorite. I'd prefer these to any of the others on your list, though I have yet to see "Le Corbeau" (and it looks real good!). __________________ "Support our Tropes"

01-27-04, 04:10 PM	#20
slop101 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Cali Posts: 17,084	If you liked Obscure Object... - check out Discreet Charm... Same director, better movie and a much better dvd package.

01-27-04, 05:39 PM	#22
cokeguy DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,891	How many of these would be blind buys? As far as Bunuel vs. Clouzot, etc.: They are two entirely different animals. Both good in their respective ways. Personally, I prefer Clouzot, but you mileage may vary. I do agree about Discreet Charm being better than Obscure Object, though. I would say Diary of a Chambermaid is better than both, but I really hate the ending (probably cause I don't get it, but then again, it's Bunuel). Dan

01-27-04, 06:29 PM	#23
Andalusia DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2002 Location: Where haven't I lived? Posts: 1,515	Of the ones listed, "I Know Where I'm Going!" is my fav, but you honestly couldn't go wrong with most of those films, esp. "Grand Illusion" and "Diabolique". __________________ Listen Betty, don't start up with your "white zone" shit again.

01-27-04, 06:49 PM	#24
ckolchak DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: chicago Posts: 2,647	Grand Illusion - i sold my copy after watching it once. i enjoyed it, but not as much as i expected to-especially with so many people everywhere proclaiming it one of the 'landmarks' of world cinema. part of that was due to expectations. i'm sure some day i will take another look at this though. Bunuell i've had both Diary Of a Chambermaid and That Obscure Object... and while i was excited at the chance of seeing both, i walked away each time disappointed. people tell me Discrete Charm... is better than both of the previous films, but from what i've seen of his work so far, i'm just not very interested at this point. Coup De Torcheon i picked this up in DDDs recent 20% off sale, and it was a pleasant surprise. black humour, pulpish crime fiction (adapted from a Jim Thompson novel) fascinating characters. unlike the other discs, this one i'll be keeping around for a little while and will definitely give it another viewing before selling it off. it may be the 'slightest' of all the movies mentioned, but for me, it was the most entertaining.

01-29-04, 05:08 PM	#25
shill66 DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: City of Chicago Posts: 1,583	Andrei Rublev is my second favorite film of all time, so that's my pick. __________________ Steve Hill at shillpages.com My DVDs - My collection of movie title screens If you are interested in classic horror films or early Hollywood history, you will be interested in my new books, out soon: Silver Scream, Volume 1 Silver Scream, Volume 2