My Criterion Collection Update - The First of 2011

[JesusCristo2002]

You have Akira Kurosawa's "Ran" on The Criterion Collection - right? Undoubtedly one of the greatest foreign films ever made - and also one of the greatest films of all time. Kurosawa was really the filmmaker who introduced me to the world of foreign film. Have you seen any of Michael Haneke's films?

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@JesusCristo2002 - I agree! Kurosawa is one of the true masters of cinema! The only Haneke films I have seen are the original "Funny Games", "Caché", and "The White Ribbon".

[JesusCristo2002]

@CinemaniacSeventy7 - I have mixed feelings about "Funny Games" (more lenient towards negative), but I loved "Cache'" and "The White Ribbon". "The White Ribbon" is (in my humble opinion) one of the greatest foreign films ever made - and possesses some of the best cinematography and direction by any filmmaker in recent years.

[JesusCristo2002]

Question: Is Blu-ray overrated? I've been contemplating saving up for a Blu-ray player - and holding off on a few Criterion purchases because am curious as to know if the wait is worth it. Does Blu-ray diminish or degrade the cinematographic aspects of the picture quality or film? Are Blu-ray players long lasting?

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@JesusCristo2002 - Blu-ray is definitely NOT overrated, in my opinion! The cinematographic aspects of the picture quality looks amazing! Are Blu-ray players long lasting? Well, I'm not really an expert on that, but I would like to think so.

[JesusCristo2002]

@CinemaniacSeventy7 - Do Blu-ray players improve the picture and sound qualities of DVDs?

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@JesusCristo2002 - Oh yeah! In fact, they're 5 times better than DVDs.

[JesusCristo2002]

@CinemaniacSeventy7 - I mean with Blu-ray's backwards compatibility - can they improve the image and sound quality of DVDs?

[SteezeWizard99]

pumped for the barnes and noble 50% off sale!

[LordJuggalo5150]

Very nice update Donny! I'm gonna have to find me a copy of The Vanishing. I have the remake (didn't even know it was a remake), and I enjoyed it. I don't have too many Criterion, but I'll look that one up for sure. Talk to you later buddy.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@LordJuggalo5150 - Thanks, Gavin! Hope you can get a copy of the original version! It's a brilliant film!

[dannydontgoin237]

Love Criterion. Right now new apartment, 4 year old daughter and saving up for a house keeps me from indulging as much as I'd like.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@dannydontgoin237 - That's understandable and Criterions are a little too expensive as well! I buy most of them if there's a sale going on on a site or something! Thanks for watching!

[TheHuntleyHaverstock]

nice update, what music did you use in the opening?

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@TheHuntleyHaverstock - 'Rhapsody in Blue' by George Gershwin.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@JaredOnline1 - Well, so have I... Who's owned now? lol

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@JaredOnline1 - I have the BBS set too! It's a fantastic release!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@peterjackson079 - Thanks, Jonathan! Yeah man, I finally have "Grand Illusion." It's not a sealed one like you have, but I'm happy with it anyway :)

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@Myshark8Quint - You don't own a single Criterion? Well, it's about time you get one! Or two! Or three! Or more :)

[Shagrat65]

Love that cover for Sweet smell of Success mate. Vanishing is an awesome movie.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@Shagrat65 - Thanks, Shaggy! Yeah, the cover of "Sweet Smell..." is great! And so is the film!

[Caitlin0120]

I love Tony Curtis. I don't know what it is, but he's very unique, his accent maybe?

Awesome that you have Grand Illusion, I've been looking at it on eBay.

I like The Rules of the Game better than Grand Illusion, but they're both good. Have you seen that one?

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@Caitlin0120 - Thanks, Caitlin! Yeah, Tony Curtis was great! Have you seen "The Boston Strangler" ? To me, that's the best role he ever played! He was almost unrecognizable in that movie! Too bad he's not with us anymore!

No, I haven't seen "The Rules of the Game" and I don't own it. I should be getting that some day!

[Caitlin0120]

@CinemaniacSeventy7 I never saw The Boston Strangler, but it's a play instantly on Netflix! I added it. I love The Rules of the Game, it's such an awesome movie.

[MrRamone420]

Excellent update Donny

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@MrRamone420 - Thanks, Chris!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@MrSocom75 - Thanks, buddy!

[spr12cr]

Fantastic Criterion update Donny!!!!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@spr12cr - Thanks, Stephanie!

[usefullidiot316]

chasing any was is an awesome movie, so are both versions of insomnia.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@usefullidiot316 - They sure are! Thanks, man!

[usefullidiot316]

@CinemaniacSeventy7 sorry i spelled Amy wrong. oops but ya i really liked the movies you got in your Criterion Collection. really cool!!!!!

[metalonmetal1]

Great update, I just got Alphaville as well, i thought it was pretty good, weird film though, thats going to be in my next update, the ending to The Vanishing was truly terrifying, one of the creepiest ending ever

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@metalonmetal1 - Thanks, buddy! Looking forward to your next video!

[Rhine1988]

Awesome Criterion Update Donny!!

I will have to pick up Sisters. Love Brian de Palmas films and Blow Out is coming out on Criterion and I can't wait to get it. I will also have to pick up Chasing Amy. I am a fan of Kevin Smith.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@Rhine1988 - Thanks, Justin! Yeah, the Blu-ray of "Blow Out" is high on my list! I'm a Kevin Smith fan too and I can't wait to see "Red State." I saw the trailer and it looks fantastic! Completely different than what he did before!

[MrJoel450]

the Sweet Smell of Brand New Criterion they are crak for me!!Grand Illusion got high points for the time it was made and the plot of the film. auggh i don't have Sisters, check DeSica Indiscretion of An American Wife, Alphaville is OOP. The Vanishing got the best cold ending i ever seen omfg i didn't see that comin i got the shivers just to think on that again [don't see the remake period lol] love lovethe criterions thumps up!!!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@MrJoel450 - Thanks, Jesus! I knew you would like my latest Criterion additions :)

Never heard of "Indiscretion of an American Wife" but I will certainly check it out! DeSica is a master of pure cinema!

[TheBANGORBOB]

Great update Donny

I still need to get my first criterion

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@TheBANGORBOB - Thanks, Adam! I'm sure you'll get your first Criterion title soon!

[blablaidontcarewhour]

The Vanishing remake was also terrifying.  Terrifying that the same filmmaker who made such a great movie could go on to direct that awful film.

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@blablaidontcarewhour - Haha, I agree! I remember an interview years ago with director George Sluizer and he said that he regret making the American version! But I do have to say that Jeff Bridges was very good in it!

[TexTubeGuy]

Hey Donny, great titles you added....I can recall "The Last Temptation of Christ" and the impact it made, strong stuff. I think every Criterion collector loves that "Grand Illusion" not only because it's a great film, but because it's #1 in the collection. :) I love "Umberto D" such a feeling of desperation and helplessness, I hope it get's the blu-ray treatment soon!  Excellent showing my friend!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@TexTubeGuy - Thanks, Scott! "Umberto D." on Blu-ray would be great! I've heard that Cocteau's "Beauty and the Beast" and Kurosawa's "High and Low" will be coming out on Blu-ray in July, which is fantastic news!

[Balistic82]

Great Criterion pick ups...The Last Temptation of Christ and The Vanishing are amazing movies...I also enjoy Chasing Amy, but I do prefer the other two you mentioned also..

Great video!

[CinemaniacSeventy7]

@Balistic82 - Thanks, buddy! Glad I'm not the only one who prefer Clerks and Mallrats over Chasing Amy!