The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
#101
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I wish we had the ability to "like" posts in this forum software. Often, I'd love to acknowledge a poster for their excellent post or funny line, but quoting everything just to say "lol" or "I support this view" would get messy and show my lack of communication skills.
This annual thread especially would get a lot of from me. Carry on.
This annual thread especially would get a lot of from me. Carry on.
#102
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
#103
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
EDIT: I see no captain's films in the CC. Lots of remakes and semi-s in the rest of the cast's films... Takei was in Return to River Kwai and Godzilla Raids Again; Wil Wheaton was in a TVM remake of The Man Who Fell to Earth; Majel was in Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (which is in Eureka's MoC, but not the CC); Shatner was in The Naked City TV show... there are Trek people in CCesque films like Rocky, Ali, MASH and Judgment at Nuremberg; DeForest is in a slew of westerns, but none of CCs. Then I found out that...
RENE AUBERJONOIS in McCabe and Mrs Miller.
Good enough?
EDIT 2: Haven't dug through the episode guide since it seems unlikely, but Shatner was in episodes of the US Steel Hour, and IMDb has the CC "Golden Age of TV" picture up for the whole show. Which is a kinda-sorta Captain link to the Collection.
Last edited by ntnon; 09-06-16 at 11:36 PM.
#105
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
If you type any actor's name into the search bar on Criterion's website, there will be an "Explore" result if they are listed in any film.
#106
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Here I go into more uncharted territory. I hope this isn't as awful as Head.
#28 Andy Warhol's Dracula
#28 Andy Warhol's Dracula
#107
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Criterion is batting 100% awful so far.
This movie has the least sexy nudity I have ever seen. I have never seen so many bored people have sex boringly. Everyone has a different accent. For all the ridiculously-overdone blood-withdrawal seizures Dracula goes through, he sure likes to let mouthfuls of blood pour out for no reason when he does get a chance to feed. He literally breaks free of the girls' necks, throws his head back and silently gargles as it all runs out down his chin. He accidentally drinks a non-virgin's blood in one scene (he does this twice, btw) and literally turns green - as in they used a green filter over his face - as he jerks all over and vomits into a bathtub.
There are no protagonists here. I guess(?) what passes for the hero likes to take his time raping two incestual sisters before telling them they're trash and bring him the virgin. Oh, and let us not forget the epic "chokes her on his dick" throat rape scene. This movie is horrible in every way - the cinematography is good, I guess, but you have a feeling that was done on purpose to make sure you can see this garbage clearly.
I know Criterion is better than this, but from now on, no more experimental-"art"-over-my-head bullshit.
This movie has the least sexy nudity I have ever seen. I have never seen so many bored people have sex boringly. Everyone has a different accent. For all the ridiculously-overdone blood-withdrawal seizures Dracula goes through, he sure likes to let mouthfuls of blood pour out for no reason when he does get a chance to feed. He literally breaks free of the girls' necks, throws his head back and silently gargles as it all runs out down his chin. He accidentally drinks a non-virgin's blood in one scene (he does this twice, btw) and literally turns green - as in they used a green filter over his face - as he jerks all over and vomits into a bathtub.
There are no protagonists here. I guess(?) what passes for the hero likes to take his time raping two incestual sisters before telling them they're trash and bring him the virgin. Oh, and let us not forget the epic "chokes her on his dick" throat rape scene. This movie is horrible in every way - the cinematography is good, I guess, but you have a feeling that was done on purpose to make sure you can see this garbage clearly.
I know Criterion is better than this, but from now on, no more experimental-"art"-over-my-head bullshit.
Last edited by Whiskey Warfield; 09-06-16 at 09:22 PM.
#108
#109
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I forget if it was the Criterion-y Dracula or Frankenstein (or both) that was/were on Amazon Prime a couple of years ago, but I watched it/them then. Mostly because I like Pop Art and I like monsters, but it seems doubtful I'll be able to find affordable copies of either disc.
And, subsequent to watching either/both (I should look it up, but I can't find the energy), I now don't mind as much probably never owning them... I was underwhelmed.
(Though curiosity will draw me back one of these days, and reappraisal has been known to change my mind..)
And, subsequent to watching either/both (I should look it up, but I can't find the energy), I now don't mind as much probably never owning them... I was underwhelmed.
(Though curiosity will draw me back one of these days, and reappraisal has been known to change my mind..)
#110
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Thread Starter
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
My most recent viewing, Man Bites Dog. From my Letterboxd diary:
SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAIL
Man Bites Dog
-X- Decade - 1990 (1992)
-X- Spine range - #101-200 (#165)
-X- Theme - Cult Movies
-X- Theme - First Films
-X- Language - French
-X- Essay - -X- Man Bites Dog: Cinema of Entrapment, Matt Zoller Seitz
-X- Trailer - Man Bites Dog Theatrical Trailer
Box Sets/Top 10 Lists
Steve Buscemi's Top 10
Flying Lotus's Top 10
Bill Plympton's Top 10
SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAIL
Spoiler:
Man Bites Dog
-X- Decade - 1990 (1992)
-X- Spine range - #101-200 (#165)
-X- Theme - Cult Movies
-X- Theme - First Films
-X- Language - French
-X- Essay - -X- Man Bites Dog: Cinema of Entrapment, Matt Zoller Seitz
-X- Trailer - Man Bites Dog Theatrical Trailer
Box Sets/Top 10 Lists
Steve Buscemi's Top 10
Flying Lotus's Top 10
Bill Plympton's Top 10
#111
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Thread Starter
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Finally watched My Own Private Idaho. From my Letterboxd diary:
SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAIL
My Own Private Idaho
-X- Decade - 1990's (1991)
-X- Spine range - 201-300 (#277)
-X- Language - English
-X- Theme - Out at Criterion
-X- Theme - Road Trips
-X- Theatrical Trailer (streaming on My Own Private Idaho's page on Criterion.com)
Box Sets/Top 10 Lists
Michael Atkinson's Top 10
Steve Buscemi's Top 10
Jonathan Caouette's Top 10
James Franco's Top 10
SPOILER ALERT FOR ANYONE READING EMAIL
Spoiler:
My Own Private Idaho
-X- Decade - 1990's (1991)
-X- Spine range - 201-300 (#277)
-X- Language - English
-X- Theme - Out at Criterion
-X- Theme - Road Trips
-X- Theatrical Trailer (streaming on My Own Private Idaho's page on Criterion.com)
Box Sets/Top 10 Lists
Michael Atkinson's Top 10
Steve Buscemi's Top 10
Jonathan Caouette's Top 10
James Franco's Top 10
#112
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I took a bit of time off after the last couple challenges, but I started off the challenge tonight. I watched The Wizard of Oz. One of my favorites.
I plan on spending a bit of time this weekend figuring you what I want to watch for the challenge; if I'm just going to randomly pick what catches my eye or if I'm going to try to have a theme or not. I am trying to get a couple movies through the library, but they aren't available normally, so it'll be hit or miss if I get them. Fingers are crossed though! (Jellyfish Eyes and Billy Liar).
I figure until then, I have several options available to me, most of which I've watched, but that just means I know if I'll like them or not!
I plan on spending a bit of time this weekend figuring you what I want to watch for the challenge; if I'm just going to randomly pick what catches my eye or if I'm going to try to have a theme or not. I am trying to get a couple movies through the library, but they aren't available normally, so it'll be hit or miss if I get them. Fingers are crossed though! (Jellyfish Eyes and Billy Liar).
I figure until then, I have several options available to me, most of which I've watched, but that just means I know if I'll like them or not!
#113
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I have had no time to do anything this week but work and sleep, but tonight I was able to take a breather and watch Speedy. I need to pick it up in November; it's a sweetly funny film and a marvelous snapshot of New York before Robert Moses mangled it. Harold Lloyd was not only funny, but also a terrific athlete and extremely handsome; he could have easily been another Douglas Fairbanks or Richard Barthelmess.
#114
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I have had no time to do anything this week but work and sleep, but tonight I was able to take a breather and watch Speedy. I need to pick it up in November; it's a sweetly funny film and a marvelous snapshot of New York before Robert Moses mangled it. Harold Lloyd was not only funny, but also a terrific athlete and extremely handsome; he could have easily been another Douglas Fairbanks or Richard Barthelmess.
#115
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I have had no time to do anything this week but work and sleep, but tonight I was able to take a breather and watch Speedy. I need to pick it up in November; it's a sweetly funny film and a marvelous snapshot of New York before Robert Moses mangled it. Harold Lloyd was not only funny, but also a terrific athlete and extremely handsome; he could have easily been another Douglas Fairbanks or Richard Barthelmess.
Shadokitty, I have Volume One of Kino's Harold Lloyd Collection and enjoy it. It looks like you can get it fairly cheap, and it's definitely worth your time!
#116
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Yesterday evening, I got home after a long day (and week), made dinner, and plopped myself in front of the television. After an episode of Steven Universe, I put in Louis Malle's Vanya on 42nd Street. Recently, I was listening to a podcast in which someone stated that there are films you watch to be entertained and others because they are good for you. I figured that Vanya would fall squarely in the latter category, but it was both gratifying and entertaining to watch.
The film follows a rehearsal of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya (really a David Mamet adaptation) in a dilapidated theater. If anyone is a fan of Wallace Shawn and/or Julianne Moore, they are absolutely brilliant in this. The Criterion essay points out that Moore was on the cusp of stardom at the time of the film, but everyone involved are primarily stage actors who don't mind delving into the complex thoughts and feelings of their characters. I'd never seen or read Uncle Vanya so it was a treat to see the action unfold, and I was captivated by the story and the interplay of relationships. The story deals with the concessions we make to live and the complications that arise when those concessions and sacrifices are not acknowledged. It's really a wonderful film, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
The film follows a rehearsal of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya (really a David Mamet adaptation) in a dilapidated theater. If anyone is a fan of Wallace Shawn and/or Julianne Moore, they are absolutely brilliant in this. The Criterion essay points out that Moore was on the cusp of stardom at the time of the film, but everyone involved are primarily stage actors who don't mind delving into the complex thoughts and feelings of their characters. I'd never seen or read Uncle Vanya so it was a treat to see the action unfold, and I was captivated by the story and the interplay of relationships. The story deals with the concessions we make to live and the complications that arise when those concessions and sacrifices are not acknowledged. It's really a wonderful film, and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
#117
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I wish Gregory and Shawn could have included the story of the film's production in a sequel to My Dinner With Andre. I own the DVD of Vanya, and I keep debating if I should upgrade it during each B&N Criterion sale, but I end up spending the money on new discs instead.
Da!
Fun bit of history: The ruined theater where Vanya was recorded had been the home of Flo Ziegfeld's musical revues, the Ziegfeld Follies. A short time after Vanya, the New Amsterdam Theatre was bought by Disney, refurbished, and turned into a Broadway showplace that is currently hosting the stage production of Disney's Aladdin.
Last edited by Gobear; 09-09-16 at 02:39 PM.
#118
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Fun bit of history: The ruined theater where Vanya was recorded had been the home of Flo Ziegfeld's musical revues, the Ziegfeld Follies. A short time after Vanya, the New Amsterdam Theatre was bought by Disney, refurbished, and turned into a Broadway showplace that is currently hosting the stage production of Disney's Aladdin.
I've not seen the DVD, but I can report that the BD looked wonderful on my television. The detail during closeups is very crisp, and Julianne Moore's hair practically glows.
#119
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Yesterday evening, I got home after a long day (and week), made dinner, and plopped myself in front of the television. After an episode of Steven Universe, I put in Louis Malle's Vanya on 42nd Street. Recently, I was listening to a podcast in which someone stated that there are films you watch to be entertained and others because they are good for you. I figured that Vanya would fall squarely in the latter category, but it was both gratifying and entertaining to watch.
#120
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I think I have found the most unqualified movie ever to be put out by Criterion. I should have known better than to watch a Hulu Exclusive but I assumed if it had the Criterion brand it would be OK. I also should have known better when the movie was from 1987 and when looking up the actors on IMDB there were only two with pictures of them. The movie was I Was a Teenage Zombie. I am waiting on Solaris, Things to Come and Science is Fiction from the Library so I thought, hey, the Horror Challenge is coming lets watch something Horror. If anyone has seen this please let me know if you think it belongs here. If you haven't seen it, I would strongly suggest that it isn't worth your time. End of rant.
#121
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I fired up my Warner Archive DVD-R of Akira Kurosawa's Dreams which I am definitely going to upgrade in November. Kurosawa's use of color here is nothing short of spectacular, especially in the Peach Orchard and Crows segments. This movie is going to look magnificent on Blu.
#122
Senior Member
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
watched the criterion blu ray of Easy Rider. In my opinion the cinematography is incredible and jack nicholsen comes in at the 45 minute mark to save the movie
#123
Challenge Guru & Comic Nerd
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
Pardon the interruption, but of interest to Challengers might be a discussion we're having in the Challenge Compendium thread about whether to add a new Challenge. Can everyone please take a second and vote in the poll? Thanks!
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/63...ding-13th.html
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/63...ding-13th.html
#124
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
If I can just be super gay for a second: I absolutely adore Valley of the Dolls! It is a terrible movie by any standard: melodramatic, poorly written, badly directed, but the performances are terrific. Susan Hayward is one tough bitch as Helen Lawson (Ethel Merman), kicking out poor Patty Duke as drug-addicted Neely O'HARA (Judy Garland)! The Fox 2-disc DVD was totally marketed towards gay men, with a ton of features that emphasize VotD's status as a gay camp classic. I'm so buying the Blu in November.
#125
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The 8th Annual Criterion Collection Challenge Discussion Thread
I decided my goal for the month would be to try and finish off a top 10 list. Picked Diablo Cody's as it had several I've been meaning to see and only 2 that I have watched before. I can get 8 of the 10 from my local library and thought I could find the other 2 online, but am having trouble with finding Sid & Nancy. Can anyone confirm if Hulu has this one? I don't seem to be able to do a search without creating an account. Thanks!
The other one I watched tonight, Schizopolis which was fairly bizarre. I don't even know how to describe it. There's one scene (I'll put the rest in spoilers)
It was probably the one scene I enjoyed as I could actually see what the director (Soderbergh) was trying to do with it.
The other one I watched tonight, Schizopolis which was fairly bizarre. I don't even know how to describe it. There's one scene (I'll put the rest in spoilers)
Spoiler: