As expected, they included hints at future releases, tucked into the text, as well as the usual “Wacky” drawing from the veteran Criterion artist, Jason [...]]]> Today Criterion sent out their monthly e-mail newsletter, with the usual updates on their new releases. The May and June titles, which we have already begun covering on the podcast, were highlighted.

As expected, they included hints at future releases, tucked into the text, as well as the usual “Wacky” drawing from the veteran Criterion artist, Jason Polan. This months drawing is a blue cake, with fifty candles, with the text “Gasp! Wheeze!” attempting to blow out the candles.

From The Criterion Collection E-mail Newsletter

Twitter quickly lit up as soon as this e-mail went out, and our good friend over at Hollywood Elsewhere, Moises Chiullan, was the first I spotted to have thrown out a presumably correct guess: Jean Luc Godard’s Breathless.

A couple months back we told you about Rialto presenting a new 35mm print of Breathless, in honor of it’s 50th anniversary, which will be premiering in New York, and making it’s way on a limited theatrical re-release.

Breathless is currently available from Studio Canal on Blu-ray in France and Germany, and will be available in the UK in September. It is interesting that Breathless was not one of the titles that Criterion lost in the recent Lionsgate / Studio Canal kerfuffle.

The Studio Canal European Release Of Breathless

With the recent release of the iPad, with it’s new abilities to stream Netflix films directly, including many Criterion Collection films, we often wonder when we’ll see an official Criterion App.

One of the coolest, most dedicated Criterion Collection fans we’ve met via our podcast has recently posted a fascinating proposal on our forum, laying out what [...]]]>

With the recent release of the iPad, with it’s new abilities to stream Netflix films directly, including many Criterion Collection films, we often wonder when we’ll see an official Criterion App.

One of the coolest, most dedicated Criterion Collection fans we’ve met via our podcast has recently posted a fascinating proposal on our forum, laying out what he’d like to see in a Criterion App. You can see West Anthony‘s proposal below.

We’d like to bring the discussion to the blog, so leave some comments below, laying out what you’d like to see in such an application. Wouldn’t you like to see an icon like this show up on your phone one day?

At this moment, there are approximately 150,000 iPhone apps in existence, and that number is projected to double by the end of 2011. And with all the movie-related apps out there, it’s a shame that the Criterion Collection has not thrown their hat into the ring. It’s certainly possible, and they could even charge a reasonable $2.99 for it to defray the costs of development. (The TCM app is similarly priced, and it has several features I’d like to see in a Criterion app.) Here’s what I’d like to see in a Criterion iPhone app:

The ability to create lists of Criterion titles — those that you own, and those that you plan to buy in the future.

A comprehensive list of all Criterion titles — including out-of-print films — each with its own display featuring cover art and information such as spine number, year of release, director, country of origin and principal cast and crew. (You should also be able to click on the cover art to enlarge it to fill your screen, and set the ones you like as your homescreen wallpaper.)

At the bottom of the display page for an individual film would be buttons for A) an essay about the film such as those already on Criterion’s web site; B) links to film clips or trailers (which Criterion already has on their YouTube channel) — clips would open in the app and return to the display page when finished. TCM is already doing this; C) adding a film to either an “own” list or a “want” list; and of course D) a button to buy the film on DVD or Blu-Ray, which would either take you to the Criterion store on the web or enable members to order from the app, like Amazon’s iPhone app.

There should also be a button on the app’s home page that takes you to blog entries, and news about significant doings in the cinema world, as well as pertinent information about upcoming Criterion releases. This information can be updated each time you open the app.

Of course, as more films are added to the collection, the app would be subject to frequent updating; this is why charging for it would be a good idea; I believe that $2.99 would offset the cost of the man-hours that would be required to maintain the app (though I would be willing to pay as much as $4.99) Now, I’m not an expert in these matters, so for all I know it may even be possible to add updates to the collection list simply by opening the app. At any rate, that’s my two cents on the subject of the mythical Criterion iPhone app. Maybe if we bombard Criterion with e-mails — or the well-known psychological gambit of whining and begging — we can make it a reality!

Well folks, it would seem that the fine folks at Criterion wanted to send Travis off on his adventures with a bit of an inflated ego. In today’s e-mail newsletter, where they tend to drop some significant hints at upcoming releases in the form of an illustration, they included the fox seen above, chewing on it’s [...]]]>

Well folks, it would seem that the fine folks at Criterion wanted to send Travis off on his adventures with a bit of an inflated ego. In today’s e-mail newsletter, where they tend to drop some significant hints at upcoming releases in the form of an illustration, they included the fox seen above, chewing on it’s own entrails. This of course is the same fox seen in Lars Von Trier’s controversial film, Antichrist.

From The Criterion Collection Newsletter

[Edit: I forgot to add this Twitpic that Criterion tweeted out March 30th. It's a little dark, but is most likely from Antichrist as well.]

Chaos reigns?

Hmm, sound familiar? Well that’s because way back in December, our own Travis George made one of his infamous predictions about a future Criterion release, regarding Antichrist finding it’s way into the collection.

What do you think of this news? Are you excited to see more Von Trier in the Criterion Collection? Will this be a Christmas release? Any thoughts on the idea that we now have a Willem Dafoe playing Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ, AND in Antichrist, in the Collection? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

From The Auteurs Fake Criterion Covers Thread

It has been rumored for some time now, that Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line was going to be a Criterion release. In one of their most recent weekly newsletters, Criterion teased this rumor with a drawing of a thin red lion (get it?) with a word bubble stating “Feelin’ red and blu.” Cryptic?

Yesterday, [...]]]>

It has been rumored for some time now, that Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line was going to be a Criterion release. In one of their most recent weekly newsletters, Criterion teased this rumor with a drawing of a thin red lion (get it?) with a word bubble stating “Feelin’ red and blu.” Cryptic?

Yesterday, Benjamin Lim, one of the people working on the restoration for Criterion, twitpic’d one of the images.

Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line tells the story of the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II through the eyes of the soldiers that fought through it. It features an all-star cast which included Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, George Clooney, John Cusack, Jared Leto and John Travolta. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards in 1998 including Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture.

This definitely confirms it! Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line will join The Criterion Collection. The only question is when it will be release. There is no official release date as of yet. My guess is that it would be an August release to coincide with the 68th anniversary of the historic South Pacific battle. We can almost put this rumor to rest.

Thank you to Rufus de Rham from PaperSpaceShips.com for providing this info.

What do you think? What do you think of The Thin Red Line joining The Criterion Collection? Do you think this image could belong to another film?

[Note from the editor: While at SXSW, I overheard some very important people discussing the film in question, and the work being done on it for the Criterion release, so it is just a matter of time. - Ryan]

One of the films playing at SXSW this year was Steven Soderbergh’s And Everything Is Going Fine. His latest being a documentary about the life of actor, playwright and performance artist Spalding Gray. This documentary had its world premiere a few months earlier in Park City, Utah. Not at Sundance but rather at [...]]]>

One of the films playing at SXSW this year was Steven Soderbergh’s And Everything Is Going Fine. His latest being a documentary about the life of actor, playwright and performance artist Spalding Gray. This documentary had its world premiere a few months earlier in Park City, Utah. Not at Sundance but rather at Slamdance, the other Park City film festival.

After the screening in Austin, Texas, there was a Q&A with the films producers where they answered questions about their plans for the DVD release and the release of other Gray performances to DVD. “We hope to see a box set come out through the Criterion Collection in 2011, but the deal’s not done yet.” Gary’s widow/producer, Kathie Russo chimed in, “it’s a real shame that not even Swimming To Cambodia is out on DVD, so this is a great opportunity to finally get this stuff out there.”

The set is rumored to include other works like Swimming To Cambodia (Jonathan Demme), Monster In A Box (Nick Broomfield), Gray’s Anatomy (Steven Soderbergh) and And Everything Is Going Fine (Steven Soderbergh).

Both Soderbergh (Schizopolis, Traffic, Che) and Demme (Silence of The Lambs) are already in the Criterion Collection so it’s not out of reach to think a box set is forthcoming. (Especially when producers are in talks with Criterion.)

Spalding Gray committed suicide in 2004 by presumingly jumping off the Staten Island Ferry and drowning in the East River. He went missing on January 10, 2004 and was found dead on March 7, 2004. It is believed that the last movie he watched was Tim Burton’s Big Fish.

In my opinion, when this set will come out, it seems like it will be most likely an Eclipse boxed set. A set of films focusing around a center theme, writer or figure by different filmmakers sounds like an Eclipse set to me. Nevertheless, this still would be a great addition to the Criterion, Janus, Eclipse family and I am looking forward to more news about this release.

Source: The Playlist || Photo: Noah Greenberg – Boston Globe

I exhausted Criterion’s samurai flicks entirely too early — ravenously blew through them as if there were no tomorrow.  I suppose I assumed they’d just keep coming out here and there, but I was surely wrong.  Now, I spend my days pacing around in hurried circles, scratching at my skin and stopping [...]]]>

I exhausted Criterion’s samurai flicks entirely too early — ravenously blew through them as if there were no tomorrow.  I suppose I assumed they’d just keep coming out here and there, but I was surely wrong.  Now, I spend my days pacing around in hurried circles, scratching at my skin and stopping only to cradle my knees in the corner and rock back and forth, slobbering.  Feudal Japan withdrawal is the most insatiable demon.

When I saw the cryptic sketch in this month’s Criterion newsletter, I first thought, “wow, that lion kinda looks like me.  I wonder if he misses samurai flicks, too.”  Then, I thought, “hey, could this be a hint at a release of Kihachi Okamoto’s AKAGE, also titled RED LION?  That’s got Toshiro Mifune in it…AS A SAMURAI!”  Then, I spent about thirty minutes licking my lips and laughing and talking to myself.

After that, though, I right-clicked the image and noticed that the file name was “thinredlion.jpg.” My fantasies of swordplay where thwarted, but my heart remained eager.  This could mean only one thing:

Terrence Malick’s THIN RED LINE is coming to the Criterion Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray

It makes perfect sense that Criterion would want to capitalize on the success and positive feedback they’ve been receiving from the Blu-Ray release of DAYS OF HEAVEN.  They’ve been using the Blu-Ray platform to showcase auteurs known for their arresting cinematography, and Malick is already an established director in the Collection.  We can officially look forward to the likes of George Clooney, Nick Nolte, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, and a slew of others making their way into the club.

My level of certainty:  85%

While it would be extraordinary to receive some more Okamoto from Criterion (and while they should definitely still consider a RED LION release), all signs point to THIN RED LINE as the answer to our March clue.  Though I’m more than excited about this gem, it looks like I’ll be twitching and mumbling for the foreseeable future…

One of the most anticipated film premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this week is the new film from filmmaker Gaspar Noé, Enter The Void. This is Noé’s follow-up to his 2002 controversial film, Irreversible. Well, according to a press release, it is reported that IFC has acquired it’s U.S. distribution rights. I [...]]]>

One of the most anticipated film premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this week is the new film from filmmaker Gaspar Noé, Enter The Void. This is Noé’s follow-up to his 2002 controversial film, Irreversible. Well, according to a press release, it is reported that IFC has acquired it’s U.S. distribution rights. I was very excited about this film when Travis called me up, while I was packing for the film festival, and told me about the news. Our like-mindedness automatically turned to the possibility of a one day Criterion release.

According to the press release, Enter The Void, which is loosely based on “Tibetan Book Of The Dead”, is “A surrealist drama about a drug-dealing teen killed in Japan, after which he reappears as a ghost to watch over his sister, Enter The Void is a provocative yet contemplative exploration of life, death and sexuality.”

Enter The Void is now set to be release theatrically and through IFC On-Demand in 2010.

As soon as I found out the news, I checked my press schedule and highlighted its screening on Friday morning. Lucky its playing in the same theater after the first film for my Friday morning, Nowhere Boy. So be certain that Travis and I will screen this film at Sundance and we will debate whether or not Enter The Void belongs in the Criterion Collection.

Stay tuned!

…Okay, not really — But now that I have your attention:

Ryan was oh-so thoughtful enough to give me a Christmas gift he just knew I’d LOVE in Steven Seagal’s 2004 straight-to-DVD masterpiece Out Of Reach.  Upon removing the plastic and taking the DVD from its absurdly-awesome holographic sheathe, I noticed something…peculiar…that got me thinking.  Full-aware [...]]]>

…Okay, not really — But now that I have your attention:

Ryan was oh-so thoughtful enough to give me a Christmas gift he just knew I’d LOVE in Steven Seagal’s 2004 straight-to-DVD masterpiece Out Of Reach.  Upon removing the plastic and taking the DVD from its absurdly-awesome holographic sheathe, I noticed something…peculiar…that got me thinking.  Full-aware that no one would ever believe me unless I procured photographic evidence, I snapped a quick shot with my sub-par camera phone.

I realize it’s a stretch, but doesn’t that DVD…just maybe…kinda sorta…if you look at it just right…have the patented Criterion C on the disc?

Maybe it’s wishful thinking on my behalf.  Maybe it’s wishful packaging on behalf of Sony Pictures.  It seems to me, though, that someone else out there in the world might just share my unflappable adoration for this preeminent auteur.

My level of certainty:  0.000348%

If we were to see a Seagal Criterion release, though, I predict it to be the first in their catalogue with a hologram/prism slip.

[Note from the editor: We here at CriterionCast are not affiliated with The Criterion Collection, or Steven Seagal. We have no insider knowledge regarding any future releases, no matter how far fetched they may seem. Travis just loves Steven Seagal.]

As wonderful as the photoshop of my face on Aragorn’s body is, my hairline would sadly look just like that if i were to attempt to grow it out.  So, envision me over a crystal ball for this one, but wearing one of those sweet wizard hats to hide the systematic retreat of my [...]]]>

As wonderful as the photoshop of my face on Aragorn’s body is, my hairline would sadly look just like that if i were to attempt to grow it out.  So, envision me over a crystal ball for this one, but wearing one of those sweet wizard hats to hide the systematic retreat of my once-luscious locks.

Travis’ Prediction #2:  Lars Von Trier’s Antichrist gets the Criterion treatment

Get the details after the jump…

I had the…er, pleasure…of seeing Antichrist at an independent theater here in Portland, Oregon.  I’ve mentioned this in the podcast, but the viewing was accentuated by the duodenal sobbing of a handful of viewers.  No, not like how Katherine, my first girlfriend, sobbed when Leonardo DiCaprio sank into those icy Atlantic waters.  Rather, sobbing as if they had been backed into a corner by a knife-wielding maniac.  Had I taken a lady to this cinematic venture, it most assuredly would’ve been for the last time.

I digress.  The facts, shall we?

1.  Lars Von Trier’s Antichrist is a particularly challenging film
- Making its premiere at the 2009 Cannes film festival, Antichrist‘s reception was marked by inducing fainting spells in four of its audience members, and being openly booed upon its rolling credits.  The jury awarded an honorary “anti-award” to Von Trier, citing its misogyny and his pompousness.  Apparently, violent sex and ritualistic genital mutilation strikes a chord in some folk.  Go figure.

2.  Antichrist was released by IFC Films in America
-  IFC Films acquired the American distribution rights to this film, and were able to release it uncut (its uncut version dubbed the “Catholic” version, and the censored version “Protestant”).

3.  The Criterion Collection and IFC Films are a prestigious tag team [see our original post]
- Wonder Twins powers ACTIVATE!  Form of: FOREIGN INDEPENDENT CINEMA!  inarguably the most important Criterion news we’ve covered since we began the Criterion Cast, IFC Films and The Criterion Collection formed a partnership announced in September called Prestige.  With it, the promise of several new releases throughout 2010, as well as “special edition” re-releases of newer classics under the IFC umbrella.  An article discussing said merger here on IFC’s Web site.

4.  Lars Von Trier is a Criterion alum
-  Both The Element of Crime and Europa have been given the treatment.

5.  Von Trier will be shopping for a complimentary market for the DVD release of Antichrist
-  I mean, we’ll never see Antichrist in the $3 bargain bin at the grocery store nestled between some Randy Quaid disaster flick and Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story.  Von Trier is going to have to seek out a fearless distribution company — say, a company what would not only release the likes of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò once, but TWICE.

There you have it.  Von Trier’s homework is practically done for him already, and Antichrist sees its Criterion DVD and Blu-Ray release in the latter half of 2010 (my guess is anywhere from July to October).

My level of certainty: 95%

I suppose, then, that means I’ll be watching this film again.  You’re welcome to watch it with me, but it’s not a date.

[Note from the editor: We are not affiliated in any way with the Criterion Collection, IFC, or Lars Von Triers, and thus have no insider knowledge regarding their releases. Travis just likes spreading rumors.]

This column will no doubt appear rather infrequently (you can’t put a time limit on intuition, people), but when when my certainty enters the realm of, say, seventy or eighty percent, I’ll get to typing.  [...]]]>