MOD NOTE: Splitting off from the first Criterion thread...<hr>

Karma can be swift sometimes can't it?

Anyways, Criterionn is making a serious effort to put out some kick ass Blu's. I am impressed so far.

Question to other members, has anyone trade in their SD with the buy back program?

I would be surprised if anyone has. It is $25 ($20 + $5 shipping and handling) and the DVD to get the Blu-ray. Or, you could just go to Amazon and pick up the Blu-ray for the same amount (or cheaper: "The 400 Blows").

I think that Criterion has the right idea, but at the current prices, it doesn't make very much sense.

Well, at least the shipping charge is once per order, and you get to keep the DVD packaging/booklet. But then, they don't even send you the blu-ray packaging, just the bare disc.

Trying to imagine a scenario where it makes any sense at all, and can't quite come up with one. Maybe once they have really high price multi-disc blu releases?

Touche, I suppose, although I would say Repulsion is much more popularly considered essential to Polanski's ouvre than Playtime is to Tati's.

[passes out] ... Playtime in blu... [passes out on floor again]

I just got my first disc in the new packaging. It looks ace and I'm pleased with the sturdy build quality, but I must say, it feels like a step backward otherwise. Two of my favorite aspects of standard Blu-ray packaging are AWOL here: the thinner case profile and, more importantly, the plastic lip separating the label sticker from the permanent packaging materials. I love that, with standard-packaged BDs, I don't ever have to worry about the label stickers tearing the paper covers (or distorting the soft transparent cover plastic) like they did on DVDs. With the Criterion discs, I do.

Oh, well. The world has bigger problems. Just seems to me like it would've been better if they'd saved the extra costs and just used the standard packaging like everyone else. Too bad.

I would say the exact opposite...

The only time I worry about the cover tearing in a standard BD case is with LionsGate titles. They still use a bottom security sticker on certain releases. Lately on day & date titles, they have gotten rid of it. But there was 3 on the new T2 release. Luckily, my cover wasn't damaged at all.

So are these clear cases 100% identical to the height/width of a PS3 game case? I thought maybe they'd be the same size as the regular BD case, only clear.

I don't know. I've never examined a PS3 game case in the flesh. The Criterion cases are made by Scanovo, however, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if they're a stock item (ie. a PS3 game case).

If you happen to have a UK BD, that case is close to the same width as a PS3 game case, with the PS3 case being maybe a millimeter thicker.

Hello, I'm a long time lurker and figured I'd finally get around to registering to answer this. I help up my In the Realm of the Senses next to some of my PS3 cases and yes they do appear to be the same size and depth. The only difference is that the Criterion Blu doesn't have the plastic lip mentioned earlier, which allows for a larger cover slip.

Kagemusha and Playtime are now up for pre-order at Amazon.

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it...

Guess Howard's End was the most voted for title in Amazon's Criterion poll (though with the quick turn around time, each probably had already been in the pipeline).

Release Lists

That's a pity.

Boo.

It was never even Criterion worthy.

Wow, that's the title I wanted least of all. I guess senior citizens have discovered how to use the internet.

Pro-B's review of The Seventh Seal from blu-ray.com. Looks spectacular!

oops wrong discussion soz

From Criterion?

I sincerely doubt it.

Look at my post in that thread for the poll, I said it would definitely win the poll simply b/c it was the only movie that everyone had heard of. What a shame.

Not so fast, if you follow that link to the Howards End preorder, the studio is listed as Merchant Ivory. Maybe that release is coming through the normal channels not Criterion???

Nope I was wrong. It is the Criterion release.

"Last month, we offered customers the unique opportunity to vote for the next Blu-ray release from the Criterion Collection. We're excited to announce that "Howard's End [Blu-ray]" is the winning title and will be released from the Criterion Collection later this year. Why wait? You can pre-order "Howard's End- Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]" from Amazon.com today."

Source: Amazon (e)mailout.

I still really want Walkabout. Imagine that film on blu. Beautiful.

Hey- look at you, posting my words! It's gonna be an absolute stunner and it's at the top of my list of the stuff I know Criterion is working on, presently.