Three new Criterion titles appear on DVDplanet, listed for an October 14 release.

Tokyo Story
2-Disc Set; New high-definition digital transfer, with restored image and sound; Audio commentary by Ozu-film scholar David Desser, editor of Ozu’s Tokyo Story; I Lived, But...: (1983) a two-hour documentary about the life and career of Ozu, featuring former assistant Shohei Imamura, critics Donald Richie and Tadao Sato, actors Chishu Ryu, Mariko Okada, Haruko Sugimura, and many more; Talking with Ozu: a 30-minute tribute to Yasujiro Ozu featuring reflections from directors Stanley Kwan, Aki Kurasmaki, Claire Denis, Lindsay Anderson, Paul Schrader, Wim Wenders, and Hou Hsiao-Hsien; Original theatrical trailer; New essay by David Bordwell, author of Ozu and the Poetics of Cinema; New and improved English subtitle translation.

Le Cercle Rouge
2-Disc set; Excerpts from Cinéastes de notres temps; Jean-Pierre Melville (portrait en 9 poses), a 1970 documentary on Melville’s career; New video interview with Melville friend and editor of Melville on Melville, Rui Nogueira; New video interview with Le Cercle Rouge assistant director Bernard Stora; 30 minutes of rare on-set footage featuring interviews with director Jean-Pierre Melville, and stars Alain Delon, Yves Montand, and André Bourvil; French television interview footage with Melville and Delon; Original theatrical trailer; 2002 theatrical re-release trailer; Poster gallery; behind-the-scenes photos, and publicity photos; New essays by film critics Michael Sragow and Chris Fujiwara, plus an introduction from filmmaker John Woo; Excerpts from Rui Nogueira’s book Melville on Melville regarding Le Cercle Rouge.

Schizopolis
New high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Steven Soderbergh and enhanced for widescreen televisions; Two audio commentaries: Steven Soderbergh interviewed by Steven Soderbergh, producer John Hardy, actor and casting director David Jensen, production sound mixer Paul Ledford, and actor Michael Malone; Never-before-seen deleted scenes; Original theatrical trailer; New essay by Village Voice critic Dennis Lim; English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Wow!

Three titles that will definitely brighten the DVD world.

3 GREAT PICKS!

Thanks for the news!

Yes! Le Cercle Rouge! I've been waiting for this one. I can't believe this will be a two-disc set. Can't wait for it to come out!

Agreed. This is terrific news!

Now if cri can put out Le Samourai (the ultimate melville film)...

Unfortunately, Criterion doesn't own the rights to Le Samouraï, New Yorker does. And they're allegedly working on a release which could possibly happen before year's end (but I expect it in 2004).

Since I don't have a great deal of faith in New Yorker, I just ordered the French R2 PAL version put out by TF1/René Chateau. Reviewed here.

More great titles from Criterion.

However, I'm guessing that Oct. 14 (Tuesday) is the correct date.

Davis DVD has the date as 10/11. Digital Bits has it as 10/4.

Can't wait for Schizopolis. Soderbergh always puts out great editions of his films(except Erin Brockovich which was so-so).

This should be good.

Schizopolis on Criterion? My prayers to T. Azimuth Schwitters have been answered!

I guess with the Kurosawa catalogue starting to wind down, the focus will gradually shift to Ozu. I for one am excited after hearing so much about him, to see more of his work. I've only seen "Good Morning". As many a Kurosawa scholar has said, Ozu really helps put Kurosawa in perspective.

COVER ART

Can't wait for Le Cercle Rouge It looks like it will be a great set.