'Forthcoming' Lists Discussion and Random Speculation Vol.1

[domino harvey]

!!!!! That would be a most excellent and welcome addition to the collection

[Jeff]

I don't really control "Last Days of Disco" and what happens with it. I think Criterion is supposed to bring it out, but those negotiations seem to be taking forever -- not with me, it's with one of the studios.

It belongs to Uni now. I wonder what the holdup is.

[Cronenfly]

I don't really control "Last Days of Disco" and what happens with it. I think Criterion is supposed to bring it out, but those negotiations seem to be taking forever -- not with me, it's with one of the studios.

It belongs to Uni now. I wonder what the holdup is.

Music rights could still be an issue (they're what forced the old edition OOP, I believe); as well, Disco's being a coproduction with Castle Rock (it's one of the few Castle Rock [a company I most often associate with Warner Bros.]-Uni coproductions I know of) could perhaps make it a harder than average Uni-CC deal to broker...

Either that or there's a speculator conspiracy ongoing to keep this movie OOP and worth big $$$, because given the mini-legend that's grown up around the film (which it doesn't live up to, of course, but it's still a fine little movie that deserves to be in print in R1) given it's long-OOP status (and their previous relationship with Stillman), I can't imagine Criterion sitting on it for too long willingly.

[Zumpano]

I'm thinking they'd probably include the "Last Days Of Disco" novel with the film. We are talking Criterion here...

I have it in hardback but never read it. Any good?

I'm also one of those who own the original DVD. I guess I should unload it as soon as Criterion hints at this film in a newsletter.

[justeleblanc]

Visconti's Senso in 2009.

[Jean-Luc Garbo]

Superb! I've been dying to see Senso ever since seeing Scorsese's doc.

[justeleblanc]

The Optimum/Studio canal disc wasn't that terrific, but I figured this would be Lionsgate territory. The Criterion release means more special features but a higher SRP.

[Harmonov]

So, I asked Mulvaney this question a week ago:

Is there any chance that the Criterion Collection will be releasing Haskell Wexler's Medium Cool anytime in the near future?

How about Bresson's A Man Escaped or possibly Polanski's Cul de Sac?

This was the reply today:

As far as I know, we do not have plans for "Medium Cool" at this time. As for the other two, please check back in a few months. I hope this helps, and thanks for your email!

Looks like A Man Escaped and Cul de Sac are distinct possibilities.

BTW - If Last Days of Disco makes it into the Collection, I will be f-ing ecstatic. I've been hoping that it would make it. THat is fabulous almost-news.

[loachparty]

I don't really control "Last Days of Disco" and what happens with it. I think Criterion is supposed to bring it out, but those negotiations seem to be taking forever -- not with me, it's with one of the studios.

Music rights could still be an issue (they're what forced the old edition OOP, I believe) ...

there's a speculator conspiracy ongoing to keep this movie OOP and worth big $$$

!!! We even have an extra copy @ work, a mistaken double-purchase years ago. Time to hawk the extra I guess. Had no idea it was that rare. Lowest price is $78 on amazon, christ.

I'm impatient for the Gorin set. Met him a year or two ago, projected Routine Pleasures... Poto and Cabengo has always been a favorite.

Been waiting for a video release since I first saw it a decade ago. Mostly so I could show it to other people.

[Doctor Sunshine]

The Optimum/Studio canal disc wasn't that terrific, but I figured this would be Lionsgate territory. The Criterion release means more special features but a higher SRP.

I bet I can guess who's doing the commentary:

“Probably the finest colour film in the history of cinema ... Visconti’s masterpiece proceeds with all the majestic rhythm and the meticulous design of Grand Opera”

[Tom Hagen]

Covers aside, the November releases look pretty solid. I am surprised that Chungking Express isn't more features-laden, and relieved that it will be Tarantino-free.

And I totally called spine 450 for Bottle Rocket. Also, it's mildly amusing that the last names in the specs are printed in all caps.

[Thomas J.]

You guys totally murdered me, lol. It's clear that you guys are hardcore Criterion heads. At least I put this thread back on the fun track.

I was only right about Chungking Express and the French quota.

[domino harvey]

No Eclipse?

[ellipsis7]

No Eclipse?

Rossellini HISTORY FILMS was promised for 'the fall'!... Fallen by the wayside, at least for a while?...

[lacritfan]

Blu-Ray - and so it begins...

[Via_Chicago]

Where is White Dog? Maybe December? (*fingers crossed*)

[What A Disgrace]

Huh. I guess there's no Eclipse set in November.

I have to admit, this has been a...rather dull year.

[fdm]

It'd be great to know who holds the rights to Entre Nous, and whether Criterion has considered putting it out. The old non-anamorphic Fox Lorber disc has been out of print for almost a decade and it still sells for way too much. It's a great film that's worthy of a quality release.

Yes, and they should also put out Cocktail Molotov (which had been a sure-fire release from Criterion years ago) and Peppermint Soda. Together with Entre Nous - all three are directed by Diane Kurys - they could make a box set. Whether it's Eclipse or CC, just get them out! They deserve to be seen by a much wider audience.

Glad somebody agrees with me

[ianungstad]

According to recent John Mulvaney emails -

Yes regarding Things To Come by William Cameron Menzies. This didn't at all surprise me, since it is a Korda title but I guess it is coming in the not too distant future.

No on re-releases of Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, so the David Lean box coming certainly will consit of the remainder of Janus's holdings, Blythe Spirit, Hobson's Choice, etc.

[movielocke]

damn, no new eclipse. I hate dry eclipse months, still we've had seven so far in 2008, hopefully we'll get 8, so much for getting rossellini and naruse in 08

I'll rent bottlerocket at least, maybe even buy third man blu ray, though I figure my first criterion blu ray will be 400 blows.

I hope that this turns into a pattern for blu ray releases, two new to the catalog (along with SD releases) and three catalog rereleases per month. That would explain the 2 per month thing they mentioned in the sight and sound catalog.

Things to Come is absolutely wonderful news! that's a tremendous film that has been relatively overlooked by film history! I've actually flipped through many histories of sci fi on film and they skip from Metropolis to the 1950s (with maybe an aside for Frankenstein, depending on how broadminded the author is) as though no movies came out in that period, but I pretty much consider Things to Come to be the seminal sci fi film of the thirties and forties, and better than a lot of the fifties films as well.

Not to mention directed by William Cameron Menzies! his direction of the film and production design/art direction is superb. in fact he was only enticed back to the states when Selznick promised him a credit on Gone with the Wind no one had ever been given before for a film, Production Designer.

[Jeff]

I hope that this turns into a pattern for blu ray releases, two new to the catalog (along with SD releases) and three catalog rereleases per month. That would explain the 2 per month thing they mentioned in the sight and sound catalog.

I would imagine we are getting five Blu releases this month only because the ones that they intended to release in October were postponed. Either way, the five release month looks to be an anomaly. Here is what this month's press release says:

This month also marks the launch of Criterion’s Blu-ray editions. Moving forward, we hope to release one to two films in this new format each month, but we’re starting in November with five. In addition to Blu-ray versions of Bottle Rocket and Chungking Express, we present three gorgeous, high-definition releases of Criterion classics—The Third Man, The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Last Emperor.

[Tommaso]

Huh. I guess there's no Eclipse set in November.

I have to admit, this has been a...rather dull year.

Well, I guess that was it for Eclipse this year, December sounding somewhat unlikely for a new Eclipse set, given that it's traditionally a rather lean month.
I agree that the year was rather dull, and with a few exceptions like the Mishima discs and possibly Ophüls everything really great came from Eclipse. I'll probably get bashed for this, but the only November release I am mildly interested in is "Fanfan". Where the hell is "The Human Condition"?!

[colinr0380]

I'll probably get bashed for this, but the only November release I am mildly interested in is "Fanfan". Where the hell is "The Human Condition"?!

I'm with you there. While I think all the November releases are worthwhile, Fanfan is the only film I've not seen and don't have a copy of on at least VHS. I just wish I could get past that cover though!

Though at least this gives me the chance to catch up on some releases I've missed - Ivan's Childhood here I come!

The Human Condition would be fantastic but I'm also still looking forward hopefully to People On Sunday.

[Tommaso]

While I think all the November releases are worthwhile, Fanfan is the only film I've not seen and don't have a copy of on at least VHS. I just wish I could get past that cover though!

I actually quite like that cover after some consideration; I don't know the film, but it seems to fit. Reminded me slightly of my first reaction to the "Thief of Bagdad" cover, which irritated me at first, but which has certainly grown on me.

The Human Condition would be fantastic but I'm also still looking forward hopefully to People On Sunday

Sure, though I don't think it will be so much better than the BFI disc; "Human condition" seems to me to be more important simply because there's no English friendly edition anywhere in the world. And it was once scheduled for early 2008, if I remember correctly.

But you're right, the lean November gives one a chance to catch up with slightly older releases; but in my case none of them will be Criterions!

[Michael]

The October/November crop of releases is pretty blah. Lets hope Criterion redeems by ending the year with Bellissima.