Criterion and StudioCanal

[tojoed]

Speaking of Blu, Army of Shadows doesn't qualify as a biggie, but I desperately want Criterion to do a Blu-ray edition; I doubt that Studio Canal would put this at the top of their priorities list for Blu, considering all the other big titles they're obtaining.

So what's the final word on those Rialtos, then? Is Army of Shadows among the doomed?

I suppose it depends on how long the "Army of Shadows" licence has to run, because it almost certainly won't be renewed.
By the way, Studio Canal haven't obtained any big titles, they own one of the biggest film libraries in the world and have done for many years.

Criterion effectively switched into a 'Screw You Studio Canal, we're making as much money as we can' posture that will impact Lionsgate's decision-making

It's more of a "Screw you, Lionsgate". If Lionsgate have the licences, then Canal's business is done. They don't have to worry about how many units are shifted.

[knives]

So what's the final word on those Rialtos, then? Is Army of Shadows among the doomed?

Despite being Janus, it appears that Canal holds the rights for the Olivier Shakespeare's as they're, or at least his Richard III, are London Films.

[perkizitore]

Yes, but the UK blu-rays are released by ITV, not Optimum!

[Cinephrenic]

Why is Alphaville being taken out of print? Isn't this a Janus title?

[dad1153]

"The Fallen Idol" is OOP at Criterion's website but in stock at amazon.com.

[Brian C]

Le Corbeau now officially OOP.

[Tribe]

Le Corbeau now officially OOP.

That's the second time this title has gone out of print.

[NABOB OF NOWHERE]

Le Corbeau now officially OOP.

That's the second time this title has gone out of print.

There's always the Madman R4 with a pretty decent transfer and Adrian Martin commentary to boot.

[dad1153]

Got my Criterion package today from KY. Ordered Wednesday, here on Tuesday in a well-packaged box with my Criterion mug in one piece. Yay!

[tojoed]

[ There's always the Madman R4 (Le Corbeau) with a pretty decent transfer and Adrian Martin commentary to boot.

... which is a port of the Optimum, and the transfer compares favourably with the Criterion.

[perkizitore]

Which leads to the million dollar question, are we collectors or we just want the best transfer available for the cheapest price?

[tojoed]

Collectors of what? If you mean films on disc, then yes to both questions. If you mean Criterion collectors, then no, I just go for the best edition I can get. I'm not bothered about price.

[perkizitore]

I meant Criterion collectors, because i can't justify myself for paying 10£ for the same disc!

[colinr0380]

Out of them all I think Le Corbeau is the one I'd be least upset to see go OOP, since there was controversy about the cropping compared to the Optimum UK disc. So while we'll lose the Criterion's extras (meaning I'll still need to keep the Criterion disc around), hopefully it may get reissued through Lionsgate with the better quality image.

[swo17]

From Facebook:

As the rights to Orpheus are still owned by Janus, is there any chance that it will be re-released in either a remastered DVD/Blu Ray or through the Essential Art House Collection? It'd be really sad to see that title stay out of print solely because the rights to the other two films were taken away.

Orpheus comes back from the underworld.

[knives]

Even without a player I'd buy a Blu in a minute.

[zedz]

With all the box-set extras and a few more piggy-backing, perhaps? On BluRay, please. Cocteau in HD is surely something to get excited about.

On the other hand, it could just be a straight box-free repress, but I'm sure the original disc could do with an upgrade, and the title is a biggie that would probably sell quite well in a deluxe reissue. It's easily the commercial heavyweight of those three films, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Criterion sell it quite aggressively now that it's been 'liberated' - if only to overshadow a Lionsgate release of Blood / Testament (if they even bother to have one).

[domino harvey]

So glad I held off on the BFI and didn't bother to rebuy the Cocteau set I sold. I don't care for the other films in the set but Orphee is a masterpiece.

[captveg]

From Facebook:

As the rights to Orpheus are still owned by Janus, is there any chance that it will be re-released in either a remastered DVD/Blu Ray or through the Essential Art House Collection? It'd be really sad to see that title stay out of print solely because the rights to the other two films were taken away.

Orpheus comes back from the underworld.

Fantastic. I'm glad I picked up the box set for the other two films, but a re-release of Orpheus would be great. Gotta think they'll go Blu-ray, too.

[perkizitore]

So glad I held off on the BFI and didn't bother to rebuy the Cocteau set I sold. I don't care for the other films in the set but Orphee is a masterpiece.

The BFI has an exclusive commentary though, i'll only sell it if Crit releases it on blu.

[Cinephrenic]

Beauty and the Beast or Orpheus first? That is the question.

[HarryLong]

Tough call. I'd probably opt for LA BELLE first because it's such an exquisitely beautiful film. But ORPHEE is wonderful and - in such details as the motorcyle-riding angels of death - stuffed with wonderful invention.

[Brian C]

Forbidden Games now officially OOP, although the EAH version is still available.

[Schkura]

Amazon lists Pierrot le fou as "In Stock" on DVD (4 left) and Blu.

[Der Spieler]

Released in Canada by SC through Maple Pictures:

Alphaville
Le corbeau
Forbidden Games
Grand Illusion
Port of Shadows
Quai des Orfèvres