'Forthcoming' Lists Discussion and Random Speculation Vol.1

[ianungstad]

I just recieved an email from Mulvaney confirming that Criterion are releasing Science is Fiction. I would never have figured that out from the Yo La Tango pic on the blog...so congrats on figuring that one out guys!

[HerrSchreck]

Also, just wondering, am I completely delusional in thinking that Marienbad is coming "any month now"? I've been telling this to myself for almost a year now, and my brain is starting to reject the idea.

It's definitely coming-- the restoration just recently toured (I saw it). So sit tight.

[ianungstad]

On Dec 5, 2008, at 10:50 PM, Ian Ungstad wrote:

I noticed that you had Yo La Tango in the office from a photo posted on your blog. Does this mean that there is a chance we will see Science is Fiction on criterion dvd?

Here is the email from Mulvaney regarding Science is Fiction for those interested:

Hi there,

Yes, I believe so.

Sincerely,

Jon Mulvaney

[What A Disgrace]

I hope Criterion releases more Painleve films than are included in the BFI set. Has anybody seen any of his other works? Would they be worthy of inclusion?

[kaujot]

I've never actually heard of the guy, but I loves me some Yo La Tengo.

[jon abbey]

pretty sure this hasn't been announced anywhere here, and that this is the right place to do it, apologies if either of those is mistaken:

Jonathan Rosenbaum's Facebook update, 20 minutes ago:

Jonathan Rosenbaum is thrilled that he and Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa will do a joint commentary next month for the Criterion DVD of "Close-Up."

whoo!

[Adam]

I've never actually heard of the guy, but I loves me some Yo La Tengo.

Painleve's films are marvelous science films. Been wanting to get the BFI box, but holding off sue to cost. I'm delighted that they will be bringing it over!

[mteller]

pretty sure this hasn't been announced anywhere here, and that this is the right place to do it, apologies if either of those is mistaken:

Jonathan Rosenbaum's Facebook update, 20 minutes ago:

Jonathan Rosenbaum is thrilled that he and Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa will do a joint commentary next month for the Criterion DVD of "Close-Up."

whoo!

YAY! I would shit myself if they released this in tandem with A Moment of Innocence.

[zedz]

Well, I'm thrilled too, but not as thrilled as I would be if the forthcoming Kiarostami was something other than the only pre-Taste of Cherry film already available in a beautiful subbed edition (Soda Pictures).

[John Cope]

Good point, zedz. And, once again, why can't someone somewhere release the Koker trilogy??? Or at least Through the Olive Tress, which I'm thinking more and more may be his finest accomplishment (and that's no small thing).

[denti alligator]

It's hard to complain about more Kiarostami, but only four of his films have been available on DVD in North America, and they pick one of those four! #-o

Whereas the rest of the body of his work continues to be neglected, except in France, where they're only available without English subs. C'mon Criterion, let this be a sign of more to come.

(The good news is that maybe they're holding out on Through the Olive Trees in order to box it with the rest of the Koker trilogy...)

[foggy eyes]

I wonder whether they intend to put out an Eclipse set of the French transfers with subs at the same time, like the forthcoming Rossellini discs. Or perhaps AE will get there first. Also, didn't ellipsis7 say somewhere that there was a French release of Homework on the way next year?

[Bete_Noire]

Anyone know the rights status of Peckinpah's Cross of Iron? The only existing R1 disc is a badly butchered job by Hen's Tooth (?!), which seems like an ignominious fate for a rather high-profile project. I'm sure Tarantino's next will lift a few things from it, so maybe that will spark interest in a proper release.

[ellipsis7]

I wonder whether they intend to put out an Eclipse set of the French transfers with subs at the same time, like the forthcoming Rossellini discs. Or perhaps AE will get there first. Also, didn't ellipsis7 say somewhere that there was a French release of Homework on the way next year?

HOMEWORK is currently on hold, although billed last year as coming, but Les Films du Paradoxe do have a double bill of EXPERIENCE & THE WEDDING DRESS slated for French release in July 2009...
Between existing Films du Para & MK2 discs, materials clearly exist that would make up a 'Koker trilogy' set on through either Criterion or Eclipse label, while THE WIND WILL CARRY US which is on a good MK2 disc (with Eng subs) debuts in Uk in 2009 on AE, probably a ported in transfer, so could also be a contender... CC could also rerelease TASTE OF CHERRY, replacing their letterboxed version, better anamorphic transfer to be found on MK2 and ported in UK AE equivalent...

[zedz]

Anyone know the rights status of Peckinpah's Cross of Iron? The only existing R1 disc is a badly butchered job by Hen's Tooth (?!), which seems like an ignominious fate for a rather high-profile project. I'm sure Tarantino's next will lift a few things from it, so maybe that will spark interest in a proper release.

How's the Hen's Tooth edition 'badly butchered'? It's the full international cut (132 minutes), 1.78, decent transfer (not Criterion quality, but hardly Facets) and has a Stephen Prince commentary.

[Gregory]

Regarding Close-Up: isn't it highly unusual for Criterion to release a title currently in print from Facets?

[HerrSchreck]

Anyone know the rights status of Peckinpah's Cross of Iron? The only existing R1 disc is a badly butchered job by Hen's Tooth (?!), which seems like an ignominious fate for a rather high-profile project. I'm sure Tarantino's next will lift a few things from it, so maybe that will spark interest in a proper release.

How's the Hen's Tooth edition 'badly butchered'? It's the full international cut (132 minutes), 1.78, decent transfer (not Criterion quality, but hardly Facets) and has a Stephen Prince commentary.

Hen's Tooth's a cool rarities co, even back in the vhs days they had Day of Wrath, Le Million, Ulmer's The Strange Woman, etc. It's where my rare Duvivier Le Golem came from.

[buskeat]

I'm pretty sure they released Andrzej Wajda's war trilogy when the Facets editions were still in print.

Regarding Close-Up: isn't it highly unusual for Criterion to release a title currently in print from Facets?

[Person]

Anyone know the rights status of Peckinpah's Cross of Iron? The only existing R1 disc is a badly butchered job by Hen's Tooth (?!), which seems like an ignominious fate for a rather high-profile project. I'm sure Tarantino's next will lift a few things from it, so maybe that will spark interest in a proper release.

How's the Hen's Tooth edition 'badly butchered'? It's the full international cut (132 minutes), 1.78, decent transfer (not Criterion quality, but hardly Facets) and has a Stephen Prince commentary.

The Hen's Tooth edition is interlaced. Aside from that, it's a pretty good transfer. I'm hoping for a Blu-Ray edition from Studio Canal (via Optimum or whatnot) in the near future. Check out this sixth-scale model of Sgt Steiner made by a guy in Arizona! How cool is that!

[ozukarodzi]

Jonathan Rosenbaum is thrilled that he and Mehrnaz Saeed-Vafa will do a joint commentary next month for the Criterion DVD of "Close-Up."

whoo!

Confirmed on jonathanrosenbaum.com

[swo17]

400 Blows announced on Blu-ray.

[Tom Hagen]

So no Antoine and Colette in HD? J'accuse!

[Dr. Mabuse]

400 Blows announced on Blu-ray.

Very predictable.

Three Documentaries by Saul J. Turell shows up on the link number following Hobson´s Choice. It´s ripe for a stand-alone release
http://www.criterion.com/films/1079" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mfunk9786]

How bizarre is this? I miss the old days of refreshing Criterion Dungeon until the red Xs went away.

[Tom Hagen]

Three Documentaries by Saul J. Turell shows up on the link number following Hobson´s Choice. It´s ripe for a stand-alone release
http://www.criterion.com/films/1079" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Holy lord, check out the screen grab. I had no idea Russ Meyer was involved in the production of any of the Turell films!

Edit: isn't that Harriet Andersson?