Just wishful thinking/jumping the gun on my part, as the actual email reads There's that "immediate" qualifier that leaves the door open...

DVD Aficianado cover art for upcoming titles. Probably not official, finalized artwork, but still a close approximation.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...ttlerocket.jpg http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...ingexpress.jpg http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../111378-d1.jpg http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d.../115843-d1.jpg

I was opposed to buying Last Emperor because of the aspect ratio issues, but since it looks like this is the final word for a while I ordered the Blu Ray. Ordered all of the first batch because it's the first batch and titles are stellar but don't think I will do that very often if ever again.

I have a feeling I know the answers I will receive, but is Chungking Express a good blind buy?

One of my favorite movies, but I'd give you the same advice I'd give anyone: get a Netflix subscription instead of spending your money on a movie that me or someone else might recommend you purchase. Per month, it's cheaper than a single blu-ray, and I bet you'll be watching far more movies than you do now, and I suspect ones further outside of your comfort zone.

But if you won't do that, then just go ahead and buy it. Even if you hate it, you'll be supporting one of my favorite filmmakers on my favorite format from my favorite DVD producer. There's no way I can lose! ;)

It's an art film. If you're into more experimental approaches to story, character and style I'd say go for it. If your taste is more mainstream, stay away.

Or if you're not a fan of the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin".

That's impossible.

I actually have a Netflix account, but I like to take chances on blind buys sometimes.

I think I have fairly diverse tastes already so I'm not afraid of something "different".

It's not that "different". It's probably Wong Kar-Wai's most accessible film.

I kind of agree on this... but the movie is brilliant. Wong Kar-Wai's best IMHO. Don't hesitate to pick it up.

Cool - thanks for the info all.

Dropped down to $29.95 now, still not as low as it was.

^^ That's still a helluva lot better than what it was.

I like chongking express, but looks like this bru-ray doesn't have original Chinese audio?

Don't understand why in the world you'd think Criterion wouldn't include the original language track - at any rate, the CC webpage for "CE" clearly indicates that the audio language is Cantonese. http://www.criterion.com/asp/release.asp?id=453

Are these going to be region a? (i'm assuming they are)

Yes, they'll be Region A and not region free. Which sucks.

The Third Man is now down to $25.95 at Amazon. They have already adjusted the price on my existing order.:up:

How many copies of these do you think Best Buy will be getting?

Probably the same amount they get on DVD, 1, 2 or 0.

:doh:

ruh-roh

Has anyone heard about a delay with the release of Chungking Express? I just got an email from Amazon seeking my approval to keep my order open because of a delay with Chungking Express. Any info would be appreciated.

Free T-shirt with any of these titles at Deep Discount DVD.

Those offers are now showing as "no longer available".

Fortunately, I already had a couple of them in my cart and was able to apply the 25% coupon. Status was "will ship direct from manufacturer". Wish me luck on this one.

Yea, I just looked but they ended the promotion earlier today. O well it's only a shirt.

I'm sure it has it's original Cantonese audio track. I've never even heard of a dubbed English track for this film (certainly no US release had such a thing), so I'm not worried.

It sucks if this is delayed though. I was really looking forward to getting this as soon as possible.

These titles were all announced some time ago.

Isn't it a little strange that we haven't seen any announcement from Criterion on their December Blu-ray titles?

There are no December BRs, unfortunately. "El Norte" has been announced as the single January BR release. www.criterion.com has current info.

Hmmm, that is a little surprising. I would have expected Criterion to roll out 5-6 a month, based on their initial (seemingly) enthusiastic support of the format.

Now I wonder, if the reception to the November BD titles is tepid, will they continue to release additional titles in the future?

Maybe they want to see how the first 5 sell?

I'm only in for Bottle Rocket and maybe The Man...

It could be that Blu-ray production is tied up right now with all the big holiday blockbusters (The Dark Knight, etc.). Might be harder for a smaller studio to get in the queue. I'd expect more announcements next year, as long as the initial titles do well.

That's what I think it is. They want to gauge the interest and adjust their schedule accordingly.

They're releasing the all-time most requested Criterion on blu-ray so the turnout probably has to be huge for them to continue.

Brazil?

^^ That's what I was thinking. None of the titles announced so far are what I would describe as Criterion's most requested titles. That's not to say they aren't great movies. For what it's worth, I'm in for all of them. Even nicer that I'm getting a couple free from the Amazon buy 2 get 1 free mess up a while back. :)

Besides, if we were getting the most requested, Good Burger would be on the way.

Actually, I think he was referring to Bottle Rocket.

White Dog, but it's only coming out in SD for now.

Bottle Rocket is the most requested Criterion title of all time!?! Why?