I finally ordered the last Kurosawa Criterions that I needed to upgrade to BD. In a few weeks, I’ll have every feature he’s ever directed, including the TV documentary about horses from 1970

Dammit, don't tempt me with horse documentaries!

Speaking of the Once Upon a Time in China movies, does Criterion include both Mandarin and Cantonese audio tracks, as well as English subs?

The special features are here. And yes to answer your question

https://criterion.com/boxsets/5026-o...complete-films

I don't think Mandarin is included for any film besides "In America".

great price. bests even B&N half off or ties with tax.

Meh, Part 1 is the only one worth owning, I think. It's far and away the best of the series, and probably the best martial arts film of all time, despite the xenophobia and dodgy English actors. I haven't seen them in ages, but if memory serves, Part 2 was pretty good as well, and the rest were a matter of steeply diminishing returns.

I personally prefer 1, but 2 is often considered every bit its equal. There are plenty of people who will tell you 2 is even better. Whichever way you lean, both are essential martial arts titles. 3 is fine, but a pretty big step down. 6 is not good, but it has its moments. 4 and 5 were difficult to see for a long time and I'm glad to finally get the chance, even though I know they're not highly regarded.
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3 through 6 are certainly weaker than 1 and 2, but still pretty fun, IMO, with some great action scenes.

I haven't watched them in years, but my feeling was that the first film has some terrific high points that are stretched pretty thin across an over-long movie that also suffers from an abundance of inappropriate lowbrow humor. Part 2 felt like a refinement of the formula, much tighter focused with a better blend of action, humor, and romance. Part 3 was an obvious step down from either of the first two.

Something to lighten the mood

pic.twitter.com/v4iDGBMXZH

— 𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚌𝚑 (@rotch) November 14, 2021

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In February:

BOAT PEOPLE - Ann Hui
WRITTEN ON THE WIND - Douglas Sirk
MILLER'S CROSSING - Joel & Ethan Coen
LOVE AFFAIR - Leo McCarey

I wonder the story behind licensing Miller's Crossing, since it is a 20th Century (Fox) title.

Wouldn't the rights have gone to Disney in the acquisition? And Disney will gladly license out R-rated material to other publisher.

Anyway, definitely getting MC, even though I have it on blu - and I love that cover.

Yes, but it doesn’t seem they have been licensing things out recently. So, I’m happy to see that they are willing to.

Excited for Miller's Crossing on Criterion. Not at all excited by that horrible cover art.

Same here, but that’s an automatic buy for me.

Disappointed there are no 4K releases in this announcement.

Millers Crossing is my favorite Coen so this will be a wonderful addition to the collection even though I have it already on BD.

Wish Ann Hui could've done a commentary for Boat People. She's fluent in English and she always contributed to strong Q&A's of her films that played at TIFF. Hopefully the interview with Kwan isn't just some ten-minute job.

Dare I hope that Criterion has other films from Hong Kong's New Wave in the wings? Some of the best don't speak highly of mainland China and considering the "local" government's new edict that allows them to retroactively ban previously-approved films (!), it's probably only a matter of time before countless pictures are suddenly removed from distribution and exhibition.

Could it be as simple as they acquired the rights pre-Disney and are just now getting around to it?

Do the February releases usually come before or after the typical 24-hour flash sale they do that month? Cuz' I'd totally get Miller's Crossing at the next sale, but I know they only include released titles that are in stock for those.

Can’t wait for MC!