Kind of scratching my head with the Olympic films. Does Criterion really think there's a big enough market that'll want to spend that much on films that probably has a very low re-watchability factor?

Not sure this lines up with the interests of the average Criterion customer either.

sounds good.

I'm aware of the TNG remasters but I'm also aware it's not likely we'll see DS9 and VOY done anytime soon.

I was actually thinking about how I've been rewatching TOS lately, the first DVD release versions before they were remastered and there was something in how the film grain gave it such a different texture than the other series. It really helped give it an ephemeral quality, like you were really seeing documentary footage of those people out on the frontier.

What we were talking about again? ��

I'd recommend watching the movie, but it's not a movie to ever watch again, much less own.

Excellent film about a very disturbed individual. I would not compare this to Funny Games, it is more like The Seventh Continent or Benny's Video.
If you liked those two then you will like The Piano Teacher. I revisit it every once in a while because I'm a huge fan of Michael Haneke.
Now if only Criterion can get their hands on Cache.

I still have to upgrade my old Kino dvd's of The Piano Teacher and Code Unknown.

Elle is Paul Verhoeven who IMO is nothing like Haneke.

It sounds to me like this project was instigated by the International Olympic Committee, who did all the restoration work and later signed up Criterion to be the distributor, largely for the prestige of the Criterion branding. I doubt that Criterion themselves were much involved. (The company is barely mentioned in the announcement.)

If the deal with Criterion hadn't worked out, I'm sure that a virtually identical set would have been released through a different label.

I have a feeling that the set will sell extremely well to schools and universities, who will screen the movies to students for the historical value.

Swag Bags for 2018/2020 will be very heavy.

The UK blu of Cache (or "Hidden") has a near-perfect transfer, is all-region and cheap. I don't know what a Criterion edition could add besides some unnecessary extras.

I've never cared much for national team sports, but I fucking love the Olympics. I'm getting that set.

Did not know, thanks for that info.

I'm excited about the Olympics set but understand why others might be put off by it - because of content or price. I'll wait for a Criterion sale at Barnes and Noble for 50% off, plus member discount, plus B&N credit card cash back. That will at least lessen the pain.

Looks like Le Samourai is getting a Bluray reissue for November.

Jabberwocky, Desert Hearts, and The Philadelphia Story are others.

Definitely in for Samourai and Philly Story.

I love Gilliam, but Jabberwocky was... weird, even for him. Maybe a good transfer would improve it, as I've only seen it on a terrible looking VHS pan-n-scan.

Ditto.

Probably Jabberwocky (Gilliam movies can be hit and miss for me though), looks like that might be just in time for the B&N November sale. I would like to know more about Desert Hearts though. I'm a sucker for good road movies.

Jabberwocky looks neat. Just how gory is it?

Jabberwocky is like a less funny, more weird version of a Monty Python movie. It's been many years since I saw it, but my recollection is that there are a few classic moments, but overall it's pretty much a slog.

It will be interesting to see what Criterion is able to do with Le Samourai. Hopefully they learned their lesson with Children of Paradise and Madame De and don't just pass along the crappy European transfer.

Le Samourai should be getting a 4k remaster, after all this wait it seems like they're slapping the old master onto a BD.

in for:

The Philadelphia Story
Le Samourai
Jabberwocky


I really wish I had connections at Criterion so I could sell my OOP stuff before the value drops right off.

They wont, but it will be the 2005 HD master that they used for their DVD (presumably because they cant get access to do a new master from Pathe).

Watched the trailer for Desert Heats, certainly not a road movie but it does classify as a small town romantic movie. I'd say my wife would love it if it wasn't two women . Doesn't bother me, but yeah well . Probably only Jabberwocky for me unless I saw Desert Heats at HPB or somewhere and I had a coupon.

I really appreciate Criterion and what they do. Love 'em.

Looking forward to seeing classics & out-of-print or hard-to-find titles.

A sort of minor quibble or question: How does Criterion determine which titles to release? Are obtaining rights a major issue? Is public demand a driving factor?

I like having deluxe editions of readily-obtainable titles, too...especially with the exclusive artwork, essays, bonus features, etc. I would like to see a little more focus on some great works of cinema that haven't ever had a decent recent (as they did with One-Eyed Jacks. ). That's an important service that Criterion provides (along with other "specialty" companies).

My hope is that Criterion will continue their stated primary objective of releasing important titles and will draw up a "priority" list of those titles most needing to be released (as to upgrading popular titles readily available in fine prints...Fantastic Mr. Fox is a good example). Still hoping to see Two Women, The Big Sky, and Matewan get the Criterion treatment during my lifetime.