The Best of the Criterion Collection 2012

"The Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films, has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements."

I will be putting together my regular review of the Academy Award wins and the best films of 2012. I might also have a larger Oscar History project beginning early next year, but I won't say anything more.  Right now, I want to highlight one of my favorite outlets for viewing films: the Criterion Collection. They have had some incredible releases this year. While there have been several blu-ray upgrades of existing titles, I have enjoyed many of the new titles in the collection.  Currently at 642 blu-ray and dvd releases (with the most recent mentioned below), Criterion has earned its reputation.

I want to focus on my ten favorite new releases from the Criterion Collection for 2012. One great promotional tool that Criterion began last year was their "Three Reasons" videos.  They even have released a bonus dvd called "99 Reasons" collecting many of these great videos. A good way to explain why the film is important and worth including in the collection.  I have included them when available.

Before going through my top ten, I just want to mention a few of the blu-ray upgrades I was particularly pleased with:

The Last Temptation of Christ (Martin Scorsese, 1988, #70, United States)

Late Spring (Yasujirō Ozu, 1949, #331, Japan)

The 39 Steps (Alfred Hitchcock, 1935, #56, United Kingdom)

The Last Days of Disco (Whit Stillman, 1998, #485, United States)

The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson, 2001, #157, United States)

In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2000, #147, Hong Kong)

Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985, #51, United Kingdom)

 
10. World on a Wire (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1973, #598, Germany)

Fassbinder bending our minds without the use of bullet time.  No Keanu or kung fu.  All positives in my book.

9. David Lean Directs Noël Coward (1942-1945, #603, United Kingdom)

A box set from earlier in the year that has been largely forgotten.  But this collaboration between playwright Coward and director Lean produced some wonderful works, from romantic tragedy to chamber comedy.  Brief Encounter is technically a blu-grade, but the rest are wonderful additions to the collection.


Brief Encounter (1945, #76)
In Which We Serve (1942, #604)
This Happy Breed (1944, #605)
Blithe Spirit (1945, #606)

Here is the trailer for "Brief Encounter".

 


8. Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971, #608, United States)

Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon were hipsters before we knew what that meant.  Hal Ashby is one of the best unsung directors of the 1970s New Hollywood era.  Cat Stevens music cues live on in the world of Wes Anderson films.

 

7. Summer Interlude (Ingmar Bergman, 1951, #613, United States)
Summer with Monika (Ingmar Bergman, 1953, #614, Sweden)

Technically two releases, this pair of early Bergman works demonstrate many of the themes of isolation, love, death that his career is known for.
Here is a special feature excerpt for "Summer with Monika".

6. Anatomy of a Murder (Otto Preminger, 1959, #600, United States)

Powerhouse cast, talented auteur, and moodful Duke Ellington score.  The Classic Hollywood era working at its best.  And it's spine #600!

5. Being John Malkovich (Spike Jonze, 1999, #611, United States)

One of the great creative endeavors of the last 15 years.  Spike Jonze made the successful jump from music videos to film, getting career best work from actors like John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, and yes, even John Malkovich as himself.

4. Rosemary's Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968, #630, United States)

Polanski's big American debut, with great performances by Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon.  It is truly a terrifying film.

3. The Gold Rush (Charles Chaplin, 1925/1942, #615, United States)
Yes! This is probably my favorite Chaplin film.  So much fun.  Great of Criterion to include both the sound and silent versions.

2. The Qatsi Trilogy (Godfrey Reggio, 1983-2002, #639, United States)

The transfomation of humanity from an extension of nature to a dependent on technology has never been more frightening.  The music of Phillip Glass will haunt your dreams.

Koyaanisqatsi (1983, #640)
Powaqqatsi (1988, #641)
Naqoyqatsi (2002, #642)
Here is a key scene from "Koyaanisqatsi".

1. Godzilla (Ishiro Honda, 1954, #594, Japan)

Was there really another option?  Love having both versions of the film, the super-nerdy commentaries, the loving features.  This is a great release.

 

 

 

The Best of the Criterion Collection 2011

I plan on putting together my regular review of the Academy Award wins and the best films of 2011.  But I thought I would highlight one of my favorite outlets for viewing films: the Criterion Collection.  They have had some incredible releases this year.  While there have been several blu-ray upgrades of existing titles, it's also been heartening to see some new titles in the collection.  With nearly 600 films, Criterion has touched upon all corners of the medium.


I want to focus on my ten favorite new releases from the Criterion Collection for 2011.  One great promotional tool that Criterion began this year was their "Three Reasons" videos.  A good way to explain why the film is important and worth including in the collection.


Before going through my top ten, I just want to mention a few of the blu-ray upgrades I was particularly pleased with:
The Double Life of Veronique (Krzysztof Kieslowski, 1991, Spine #359)
Smiles of a Summer Night (Ingmar Bergman, 1955, #237)
Solaris (Andrei Tarkovsky, 1972, #164)
High and Low (Akira Kurosawa, 1963, #24)
The Battle of Algiers (Gillo Pontecorvo, 1966, #249)
3 Women (Robert Altman, 1977, #230)
Fanny and Alexander (Ingmar Begman, 1982, #261)
The Rules of the Game (Jean Renoir, 1939, #216)
Rushmore (Wes Anderson, 1998, #65).


10. Something Wild (Jonathan Demme, 1986, #563)

The soundtrack is wonderful.  Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, and Ray Liotta all do quality work here.  I love the sharp shift from humor to terror.  This is a hard movie to classify.  A rare blind buy for me, but I'm glad I got it. I just wish there were more extras.  A short interview with director Jonathan Demme doesn't cut it.

9. The Complete Jean Vigo (1930-1934, #578)

Early French director who died far too young and robbed us of potential masterworks.  This would be included solely on the strength of L'Atalante, but having all his work here makes it essential.

8. Island of Lost Souls (Erle C. Kenton, 1932, #586)

This film fits in right along with all the classic Universal horror films of the 1930s like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Invisible Man (like this, an adaptation of an H.G. Wells novel).  Charles Laughton is very creepy as Doctor Moreau, as is Bela Lugosi.

7. Broadcast News (James L. Brooks, 1987, #552)

This is a wonderful film.  It's got the media commentary that still rings true, but I love the wit and dialogue that doesn't talk down to its audience.  It's a love triangle that is more mature and still more entertaining.  William Hurt, Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, all three might be at their best here.
There is no Three Reasons video for Broadcast News, so here's a key, if spoilerly, scene.

6. 12 Angry Men (Sidney Lumet, 1957, #591)

Henry Fonda as the lone dissenting vote has you on his side as he fights the prejudices of his fellow jurors all too eager to convict.  Very strong ensemble cast and an effective debut from master director Sidney Lumet.

5. Blow Out (Brian De Palma, 1981, #562)

I'm not a big Brian De Palma or John Travolta fan.  I'm not even a huge fan of this film.  But I do admire that their collaboration here works and the film, while I don't strongly connect with, is a tragic love story and political thriller all rolled into one.  And it's done very well.

4. The Great Dictator (Charles Chaplin, 1940, #565)

I love Chaplin so much.  When you see that final speech in this film, you will too.

3. Carlos (Olivier Assayas, 2010, #582)

A double feature of this and The Battle of Algiers would be nice way to spend a day. The fearless performance by Edgar Ramirez as the world-famous terrorist holds your attention throughout.

2. Sweet Smell of Success (Alexander Mackendrick, 1957, #555)

Burt Lancaster as that magnificent bastard, gossip columnist J.J. Hunsecker.  Manhattan is a character, inviting and threatening.  Mad Men will never be this cool, because this nailed it in the time it was actually capturing.

1. Three Colors Trilogy (Krzysztof Kieslowski, 1993-1994, 587-590)

 

 

Kieslowski says everything, with three humane films and three beautiful women to walk us through it all (Juliette Binoche, Julie Delpy, Irene Jacob).