Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

News on Criterion and Janus Films.
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Adam X
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3051 Post by Adam X » Sat May 25, 2019 12:29 am

Thankyou

ianungstad
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3052 Post by ianungstad » Sat May 25, 2019 4:50 am

https://hollywoodsuite.ca/januscriterion/

How to Get Ahead In Advertising is one of May's free selections.

Criterion has really dropped the ball with the Handmade films library. They put Time Bandits back into print years ago and nothing since. The occasional OOP title shows up as a streaming option but no reissues.

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3053 Post by FrauBlucher » Tue May 28, 2019 9:36 pm

Has there been any rumors about where Schlesinger's Darling will end up?

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dwk
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3054 Post by dwk » Tue May 28, 2019 10:17 pm

DRW.mov wrote:
Wed May 15, 2019 9:30 pm
Yes. First, earlier in the year Janus finally secured the rights to the last three titles they had been missing. Subsequently, after years of getting requests to screen the films theatrically, Janus has finally started letting them out with a number of Godzilla marathons sponsored by Janus popping up of late.
Secret Movie Club's upcoming screenings of GODZILLA VS GIGAN and GODZILLA VS HEDORAH are credited to Janus Films (I don't see a screening of Ebirah, but it is safe to assume that it too is now with Janus.) So Janus/Criterion now have all the Showa Godzilla titles except King Kong vs Godzilla (which is owned by Universal.)

britcom68

Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3055 Post by britcom68 » Wed May 29, 2019 6:08 am

FrauBlucher wrote:
Tue May 28, 2019 9:36 pm
Has there been any rumors about where Schlesinger's Darling will end up?
As way too many people know, this film is a personal guilty pleasure of mine. I would be first in line to get a new release of it, but I honestly am not sure where it will end up. It is one of the titles from Avco-Ambassy that StudioCanal obtained. Although there clearly is a tentative relationship now between StuioCanal and Criterion for some of the OOP spines, it isn't so clear if that could extend to titles that Criterion put out on laserdisc but not dvd/blu previously. Criterion did have this on Filmstruck, but not with any Janus logo in front, and no Criterion branding, at least none up visible on Filmstruck. Back in 2012, at the Wexner Center talks, the Criterion Q&A stated that they had no further plans to release anything else by Schlesinger, and then of course Midnight Cowboy came back as a laserdisc rescue not long ago, so it is fair to say that this statement is no longer carved in stone. StudioCanal did a barebones UK-region release in Blu a few years ago, but there has been no confirmed mention of it anywhere since being forthcoming by any label.

The one thing I would add to the speculation, which of course may be nothing, is that the Filmstruck streaming of Darling did have at least one music cue that was altered from the old Region1 MGM-dvd. I had previously logged this observation in another post but no one responded to say if that change of music cue came from the UK blu-release, the Criterion laserdisc, or from none of the above. Again, it may mean nothing since it was just one scene in particular, but it would be fascinating to know if that cue could be matched to a release other than StudioCanal so as to see where Criterion sourced that streaming from.

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3056 Post by FrauBlucher » Wed May 29, 2019 6:26 am

Does anyone know if the KLInsider was asked about this?

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yoloswegmaster
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3057 Post by yoloswegmaster » Wed May 29, 2019 8:20 am

FrauBlucher wrote:
Wed May 29, 2019 6:26 am
Does anyone know if the KLInsider was asked about this?
They were asked about it last week and responded:
It's with another label, they've had it for a few years and have not released it.

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3058 Post by FrauBlucher » Wed May 29, 2019 8:43 am

That has to be Criterion.

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Minkin
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3059 Post by Minkin » Wed May 29, 2019 6:57 pm

dwk wrote:
Tue May 28, 2019 10:17 pm
DRW.mov wrote:
Wed May 15, 2019 9:30 pm
Yes. First, earlier in the year Janus finally secured the rights to the last three titles they had been missing. Subsequently, after years of getting requests to screen the films theatrically, Janus has finally started letting them out with a number of Godzilla marathons sponsored by Janus popping up of late.
Secret Movie Club's upcoming screenings of GODZILLA VS GIGAN and GODZILLA VS HEDORAH are credited to Janus Films (I don't see a screening of Ebirah, but it is safe to assume that it too is now with Janus.) So Janus/Criterion now have all the Showa Godzilla titles except King Kong vs Godzilla (which is owned by Universal.)
Wasn't The Return of Godzilla (1984) also with Kraken?

I'd expect Criterion's forthcoming release will just be the Showa era, but there isn't too much (other than Biolante) to stop them from also doing a Heisei + Millennium eras as well (given Sony's favorable licensing).
---
Regardless, even as a Showa era only - (and I assume this will be a boxset, even though these things can print money on their own), I'm super excited for these. Hedorah (Smog Monster) is a wacky favorite, and I'm glad they were able to get the rights.

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Big Ben
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3060 Post by Big Ben » Wed May 29, 2019 7:14 pm

It'll be interesting if Criterion can get the rights to the version of Return of Godzilla Roger Corman made for American release. Godzilla 1985 is a goofy, campy product placement filled oddity and I love it to pieces. I have the Kraken release of Return and the original is certainly serviceable but I'd be glad to see an HD version of 1985.

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dwk
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3061 Post by dwk » Wed May 29, 2019 7:34 pm

Minkin wrote:
Wed May 29, 2019 6:57 pm
Wasn't The Return of Godzilla (1984) also with Kraken?

I'd expect Criterion's forthcoming release will just be the Showa era, but there isn't too much (other than Biolante) to stop them from also doing a Heisei + Millennium eras as well (given Sony's favorable licensing).
---
Regardless, even as a Showa era only - (and I assume this will be a boxset, even though these things can print money on their own), I'm super excited for these. Hedorah (Smog Monster) is a wacky favorite, and I'm glad they were able to get the rights.
As far as I know, The Return of Godzilla still is with Kraken. They released it in 2016, based on their 5 year license of the Showa titles, I assume they'll have that one 'til 2021.

I think there are rumors that Biolante is no longer with Miramax, but who knows.

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Minkin
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3062 Post by Minkin » Thu May 30, 2019 4:06 pm

It is more than clear at this point that Criterion has a penchant for going after former laserdisc films.

For my own amusement, I've kept a list of Criterion's former laserdisc titles that haven't been re-released on DVD / Blu. I've grouped them by studio license and whether they've been confirmed or not. I've been meaning to post it here, as I'm sure there's others interested in it as well + I could use some help with some of the details / tracking down info. So, I'd ask for any help with corrections from anybody.

A few things:

-UR = Unreleased Laserdisc
-A pre-existing studio Blu-Ray doesn't preclude a Criterion release, dependent on the company (See Sony / Universal for too many examples)
-I removed Twilight Time films after their 3 year license ended
-I have no idea why Criterion would go after Wizard of Oz / Ghostbusters /etc, but they're still on the list for consistency sake
-A Studio licensing a film to a 3rd party company is more damning than them putting out their own edition again
-Film licenses change hands; and studios are increasingly unlikely to care about these films on home video.
-I will keep this list updated; so if anyone knows of a better home for it, feel free to move it (or I can add it to the forthcoming post if people agree?)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Already Confirmed

Citizen Kane (1941)
Dersu Uzala (1974)
The Great Escape (1963)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus owned

Confidentially Yours (1983)
The Entertainer (1960)
Evergreen (1934)
Five Corners (1987)
The Lacemaker (1977)
Miracle in Milan (1951)
Sabotage (1936)
Secret Agent (1936)
Three Cases of Murder (1955)
Two English Girls (1971)
The Woman Next Door (1981)
Young and Innocent (1937)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disney / Buena Vista

Dead Presidents (1995)
Evita (1996)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miramax / Lionsgate / Studio Canal

Blackmail (1929) --------------------- Kino
Diva (1981)
The English Patient (1996)
A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Sling Blade (1996)
Supercop (1992)
Trainspotting (1996)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MGM

Annie Hall (1977)
Burn! (1969) --------------------- Possibly confirmed
Carnal Knowledge (1971)
Carrie (1976) --------------------- Shout Factory
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)
Darling (1965)
Dr. No (1962)
From Russia with Love (1963)
Goldfinger (1964)
Last Tango in Paris (1972)
The Producers (1968) --------------------- Shout Factory
Raging Bull (1980)
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
West Side Story (1961) ---------------------Possibly confirmed
Zulu (1964)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paramount

The Elephant Man (1980) - UR
High Noon (1952) --------------------- Olive
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) --------------------- Olive
Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) --------------------- Olive

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sony

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1989)
Akira (1988)
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - UR
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
City of Hope (1992) - UR
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
A Few Good Men (1992) - UR
Ghostbusters (1984)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Lady for a Day (1933)
The Lady from Shanghai (1947) --------------------- Mill Creek
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Silverado (1985)
Taxi Driver (1976)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warner Bros

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Adam's Rib (1949)
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) --------------------- Archive Bluray
Blade Runner (1982)
Boogie Nights (1997)
Casablanca (1942)
Crash (1996)
Damage (1992)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
King Kong (1933)
Lolita (1962)
Menace II Society (1993)
A Night at the Opera (1935)
North by Northwest (1959)
Pink Flamingos (1972)
Scaramouche (1952)
Seven (1995)
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randoms where I have a clue

El Cid (1961) --------------------- Weinstein Company
Montenegro (1981) --------------------- Westchester / Shout

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randoms where I have no clue

Salt of the Earth (1954) - PD, probably still with Janus
Shine (1996) - Fine Line
Waltz of the Toreadors (1962) - Image released a DVD, might be Janus owned
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randoms that are unlikely to make it to Criterion soon

The Atomic Cafe (1982) --------------------- Kino
Bodies, Rest & Motion (1993) --------------------- Kino
David Holzman's Diary (1968) --------------------- Kino
Edward II (1991) --------------------- Film Movement
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (1978) --------------------- Cohen
Halloween (1978) --------------------- Anchor Bay / Shout Factory
Help! (1965) --------------------- Universal Music Group
King of Hearts (1966) --------------------- Cohen
The Last Laugh (1924) --------------------- Kino
Nostalghia (1983) --------------------- Kino
Once Were Warriors (1994) --------------------- Film Movement
The Return of Martin Guerre (1982) ---------------------Cohen
Soy Cuba (1964) --------------------- Milestone
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) --------------------- vinegar Syndrome
Swept Away (1975) --------------------- Kino
Tristana (1970) --------------------- Cohen
Why Has Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East? (1989) --------------------- Milestone
Last edited by Minkin on Mon Dec 16, 2019 7:50 pm, edited 8 times in total.

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swo17
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3063 Post by swo17 » Thu May 30, 2019 4:13 pm

You don't think they'd be interested in The Wizard of Oz?

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Drucker
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3064 Post by Drucker » Thu May 30, 2019 4:36 pm

Citizen Kane is truly confirmed?!

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domino harvey
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3065 Post by domino harvey » Thu May 30, 2019 4:42 pm

No, but since Criterion loves Welles, has a relationship with Warners, and doesn't care if a film they want to license already has a fine RA Blu-ray release, it seems like a given

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3066 Post by FrauBlucher » Thu May 30, 2019 6:30 pm

I've spoken with someone in the know that said Criterion does have Citizen Kane. I'll leave it at that

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yoloswegmaster
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3067 Post by yoloswegmaster » Thu May 30, 2019 6:57 pm

FrauBlucher wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 6:30 pm
I've spoken with someone in the know that said Criterion does have Citizen Kane. I'll leave it at that
Does your source know which films are going to be released by Criterion in the future or no?

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3068 Post by FrauBlucher » Thu May 30, 2019 6:58 pm

It was only pertaining to Welles

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yoloswegmaster
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3069 Post by yoloswegmaster » Thu May 30, 2019 7:05 pm

FrauBlucher wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 6:58 pm
It was only pertaining to Welles
Oh, in that case does your source happen to know if Mr. Arkadin is going to be getting a Blu upgrade soon?

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swo17
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3070 Post by swo17 » Thu May 30, 2019 7:31 pm

I swear, you people are vultures

John Shade
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3071 Post by John Shade » Thu May 30, 2019 8:21 pm

This is going to sound like a random post, but I often get bummed thinking about all the movies that are on blu ray and how The Shop Around the Corner and The Lady Eve have never been released on blu. Call it bummer speculation/burnout.

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criterionoop
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3072 Post by criterionoop » Thu May 30, 2019 10:35 pm

Minkin wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 4:06 pm
Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (1978) - Anchor Bay, long OOP
This is being released by Cohen

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Yaanu
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3073 Post by Yaanu » Thu May 30, 2019 11:06 pm

FrauBlucher wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 6:30 pm
I've spoken with someone in the know that said Criterion does have Citizen Kane. I'll leave it at that
I'm sure that Criterion has Citizen Kane. Odds are that they've got a "70th Anniversary Edition" somewhere in their library for screening purposes.

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Buttery Jeb
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3074 Post by Buttery Jeb » Fri May 31, 2019 4:28 pm

Minkin wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 4:06 pm
Randoms where I have no clue

El Cid (1961) - Allied Artists???
Licensed from Miramax, who bought out the Samuel Bronston library at some point. The rights are now with whatever's left of the Weinstein Company, as they put out a DVD via their short-lived "Miriam Collection" a while back.
Minkin wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 4:06 pm
Montenegro (1981) - Fox/Lorber, Long OOP
Was with Westchester Films at some point, so possibly now with Shout Factory.
Minkin wrote:
Thu May 30, 2019 4:06 pm
The Return of Martin Guerre (1982) - ???
Another film licensed from Fox Lorber. As far as I know, the rights are owned by Trancas International (the guys who produce all the Halloween films), as they list the film on their website.

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FrauBlucher
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Re: Criterion Discussion and Random Speculation Volume 7

#3075 Post by FrauBlucher » Sat Jun 01, 2019 11:34 am

Thank you Minkin for the laserdisc to Blu-ray list. Looking through it, I doubt any of the Mirimax/Lionsgate titles would come Criterion's way. Almost all of the Sony titles I could see at some point. Darling and Carnal Knowledge are the only MGM title I see. I could see CC choosing to stay away of the early Bonds or Last Tango because of today's current climate. The Warner titles are interesting to speculate. These are likely... Showboat, Scaramouche, Lolita, A Night at the Opera, Singin In the Rain, Pink Flamingos, Adam's Rib, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Menace II Society.

On the unreleased titles I wonder how much work went into them and how close they were to getting released.

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