Criterion Laserdiscs: Ten of My Favorite Titles

[@DaveMcGarry]

I could listen to you talk about movies all day!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear David McGarry, wow thank you so much for your really kind words. That means so much. I am very honored. I hope you are well and if you ever want to talk to us about your favorite films or film recommendations at any time, you are always welcome here to do so my friend. Any time. Cheers and I hope you are well.

[@j8ck8ll]

Damn good list man. Love how passionate you are about this medium. Last of a dying breed! All the best from the UK

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much my friend. I really appreciate it. Likewise, please accept my best wishes to you from Tokyo.

[@camilonetoimoveis2378]

Zzzzppzz

[@benvanasse3397]

A very nice list, taxi driver, 2001 and Citizen Kane would also make my top ten. I too saw Pink Flamingos in the theater - what an experience.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh man... the theater experience of PINK FLAMINGOS was fantastic. Did you enjoy your experience watching it in the theater, Ben?

[@benvanasse3397]

I certainly did, I would put it in my top three movie theater experience with the other two being Salo and Oshima's In the realm of the senses. The power of disruptive Cinema !

[@DaisukeBeppu]

WOW! You saw SALO and IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES in the theater! I am very jealous indeed. I would have loved to have seen these two in the theater as well. I am a great advocate for SALO as a film and as a work of literature, and I have such fondness for the Oshima work. I am so impressed with your range of film taste, Ben. What are some of your other favorites if you don't mind me asking?

[@benvanasse3397]

My interest in movies started before the advent of videocassettes, so you had to see those in theaters. I compiled the following list by limiting myself to one pick per country: Citizen Kane - USA La Grande Illusion - France Seven Samurai - Japan Lawrence of Arabia - UK Battleship Potemkin - Russia 8 1/2 - Italy Aguirre the wrath of God - Germany The killer - Hong Kong Videodrome - Canada Breaking the Waves - Denmark Z - Greece (i know its technically not true) sorry, no Sweden - I never warmed up to Bergman. This is a highly subjective list which is very mainstream come to think of it. I like to follow directors even when they work in a minor key.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

OH MY GOSH... I really love your approach!! And my heart is aflutter with your mention of 8 1/2. But others too... Aguirre, The Killer, Videodrome ("See ya in Pittsburg"), wonderful!!! I really love that film but I really found Katrin Cartlidge's performance to be so calming and inspiring. Ms. Cartlidge left this world too young. And Z! Oh gosh!!! This is a... A really fantastic list. And no need to apologize about Bergman. I always feel that no one ever needs to feel embarrassed or ashamed if one does not necessarily like the films by the "giants". Whatever works for you personally: that is what I am always interested in finding out more about! Thank you!!!

[@nessiesearcher]

Another fine presentation. I am really surprised Taxi Driver and 2001 are not on Criterion Blu Ray. Since King Kong is my very favorite film that would be on my list together with TheMagnificent Ambersons and a bunch of other titles. Keep up the good work. I always look forward to your videos!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you, monsterfan, for your great comment! Oh, were there but more time in the day! I really should make more videos about all of the CC LDs! You inspire me to work towards that goal now. King Kong is your favorite film! That is such a great choice. LD Spine No. 2! And what a glorious film and LD presentation that is. It is the first Criterion release with a commentary! As for The Magnificent Ambersons, the only reason why I did not include that in this particular video is that, as you may already know, there are concrete plans for that film to be released by the Criterion Collection on blu ray! This is very exciting news! Monsterfan, you sound to me like a real cinephile! Well done! Yes, regarding TAXI DRIVER and 2001, I suppose that, for instance, if BARRY LYNDON can appear in the Criterion Collection, then why not 2001?! And yes, Taxi Driver would be a potentially glorious release to the CC indeed. I am curious, though. Are you a laserdisc collector yourself? Or are you focusing mostly on the CC blu rays? If you have a free moment, please let me know. I'd love to hear more about yourself. Cheers, and thank you for your great inspiration. Best regards from Tokyo. --Daisuke

[@shellysampon8420]

I saw Pink Flamingos in the theaters 25 years ago too! I signed up to talk with David on the Reflections podcast about this one in the future. I love the reverent way you talk about Waters' films when so many people dismiss them as trash. As you know, Waters and Divine are two of my favorite people ever.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

OH SHELLY! My dear, dear friend!!!!!! I cannot wait to hear you discuss PINK FLAMINGOS with David Blakeslee on the Criterion Reflections Podcast! Available to listen to on ITUNES!! I mean this with all sincerity: Being a great cinephile, you know how people admire the performances of actors and actress that physically go "all out" for their roles, such as Robert De Niro for RAGING BULL. However, Divine is also such an actor, and the way he dedicates himself to this role of Babs Johnson is of the same level of dedication. It is a performance worthy of much respect.

[@stevevincentfurness4537]

GREAT VIDEO!! And I love your new opening! Clean and tasteful, with some cool jazz. Perfect!! Thanks also for the shout-out! I own Taxi Driver several times over, from the Criterion LD, to a few different DVD releases, to finally the recent Blu-ray release from Columbia. Thinking about it, Taxi Driver really is my favorite Scorsese film. Your analysis was spot-on -- his experiments in the making of the film really give it a New Wave flavor, something I don't think he repeated very often. He's made so many really great movies, but it's Taxi Driver that I find myself returning to the most. Like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it has a heavy atmosphere of authenticity that I highly doubt could be replicated today. New York in the 1970s was a dark and strange (and weirdly wonderful) place, and Scorsese does it right by filming on the streets and showing us the darkness of the city in vivid detail. Regarding the possibility of it making the Criterion high-def scene, I think it could be a possibility. I believe Criterion has been leasing Columbia/Sony owned films for some time now, so there's some hope?? You've picked so many great films and I agree with almost all of your comments, though I'm not a John Waters fan. To be fair, I've only seen a handful of them and I don't recall one of them being Polyester. That 2001: A Space Odyssey LD looks sexy as hell -- I own a CLV MGM LD, but the CC box has been added to my wishlist! Also on that list is now Akira, which I'm ashamed to admit I've never seen. Animation is not my cup of cinematic tea, but I've been shown a few Anime titles in my life and have really enjoyed them. Is there a decent DVD or Blu-ray release that you know of? Thank you, my good friend, for all the excellent content! There are quite a few videos you've posted lately that I haven't seen yet, so I have a lot of good things to look forward to! Things have been extremely busy at work these last couple of weeks. Living in a resort area, the summer time brings in many thousands of tourists, and with that comes many long hours in the production studio. It's still a fun job, but sometimes stressful as hell. Anyway... thanks again. Talk soon!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

My friend, Steve. You are so missed even when you are gone just a day.

[@alchemist678]

Thanks for sharing! It was very interesting. Especially to listen about Laserdiscs from a Japanese perspective. Best wishes from Russia.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Alex, thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment. That is very generous of you. I hope you are well and cheers.

[@johnfechter566]

I have From Russia With Love on LaserDisc, as well as the soundtrack on reel to reel (got it sealed....though no longer sealed!)

[@adikravets3632]

32:41 great point!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you!

[@DianasHandler]

Those Akira laserdiscs look so cool. As a completionist I definitely envy your collection! Vinyl is coming back so maybe we'll see a laserdisc comeback and Criterion will rerelease all of these films. Hahaha. Obviously kidding, but if I had more room in my apartment I might try to piece together a little laserdisc collection. Box art is one of those things that really drives me to collect so I'd love to get a few of those such at the Ghostbusters, North by Northwest, and of course Akira.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much Jon for your comment. It is a great era of Criterion history I think.

[@RareDivers]

I wish Criterion had more animated films in their collection. For the longest time, Akira was the only one, but they have added a few titles over the last few years. Ghostbusters is available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and it looks absolutely stunning. Hopefully Criterion begins releasing on 4K UHD soon!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Zyrother, here you are again, with the wealth of great information. I love it!!! You are the best. I am considering getting that Ghostbusters 4K release, but the CC LD is really excellent for what it is, so I am in no hurry about it. By the way... approximately how many titles do you have in your personal collection? I imagine it must be a lot!!

[@RareDivers]

In regards to Criterion titles, I only have 4 LaserDiscs and 35 Blu-rays/DVDs. Although my wish list continues to grow daily :) As for regular LaserDiscs, I have about 120. And roughly 600 Blu-rays and 200 DVDs. Not very large, but I also collect video games which takes up quite a lot of space. 30 separate consoles, and 400 games so far. Storage is the main issue. I may not have much. But what I do have, I attempt to learn everything I can. Luckily, LaserDiscs are almost always very cheap, so it gives me a greater incentive to try films I may not normally consider. Your videos give me an even greater incentive to just snatch up any Criterion titles I find now. My wallet will blame you :P

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh man! That is amazing. I am very impressed. By the way, and I have to ask... what Criterion LD titles do you have? (Pardon me if I have asked this question to you before.)

[@RareDivers]

You have not. They are : Blade Runner: Spine #19. Unfortunately a 3M pressing, so it probably is rotted, have not checked. (I have the 5 disc Blu-ray set and the 4K release too) West Side Story (Total blind buy for $1. Never saw it prior to buying this. Lovely film!) Close Encounters Of The Third Kind Brazil (CAV) Here is a link to all my Blu-rays/DVDs if you are interested: www.blu-ray.com/community/collection.php?u=261428

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Great selection! I have both a 3M pressing and a Pioneer pressing of BLADE RUNNER No. 19. (And I have the 5 disc set (not the super special edition though).) Which Close Encounters release do you have? I wonder if it is the CAV special edition or the CLV release? If it is the CAV special edition, is it the trifold version? Or is it the box version? Wow, you got West Side Story for a $1? That is amazing! Is it the CAV or the CLV? (Even if it is the CLV, getting a CLV for a $1 is a steal.) Thanks so much for the link! I want to check it out!!!!!!

[@benkline8996]

Did the special features on the North by Northwest laser disc get transferred to the DVD or blu-ray releases or is it only available on laserdisc because you don't talk about the special features 📀

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you! So, you are right, I do not talk about the special features on this video, so I apologize for that. As for the special features on this laserdisc, there is an interview with Anre Labarth, and also a kind of LD-type of supplement grouping of slides, etc. But I do not think these have appeared on any subsequent blu ray release (I think).

[@jamboshangotherandymolesmo5913]

Love love love your videos dude!!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I just saw your video about Critters! I loved it. I absolutely loved it! I was just on the floor laughing. The link is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHSXXq1jaK6gq68

[@shortstuf1105]

I like coming back to this list because it has some of my most favorite movies released by criterion. I'm hoping that Criterion bring back King Kong, Akira, 2001, and North by Northwest for a blu ray or 4k release. The new 4k transfers for Akira were incredible in theaters so getting some amazing special features like interviews of Otomo with a home video release would be amazing.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Short Stuf, and thank you so much for this. Yes, I too hope that as many LD titles return to the CC as soon as possible!! Cheers and warmest regards.

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

Very cool laserdiscs. I would say that Halloween is my favourite slasher film as well. Cool that they released Ghostbusters and From Russia with Love as well.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for watching this older video of mine my friend!

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

@@DaisukeBeppu You're welcome!

[@johnfechter566]

is there a quality difference between a regular laserdisc movie and the same move on laserdisc if it is a criterion collection edition?

[@zyrrhos]

Daisuke, if you're into Laserdiscs, I strongly suggest picking up Bad Day At Black Rock with the Sturges commentary. PTA says it's the only film school you really need. Wonderful.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, it is on Criterion LD! I have a number of Criterion LDs, including this one. If you are interested, here is a collection video I did last year on my Criterion LDs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKYZ4CFl7Vjprs

[@djxbudda]

great asmr voice.

[@TheSwillMan]

please, more LD videos. your discussions on laserdiscs are THE most fascinating and i personally can see how fond you are of them, compared to DVD's and BD's. anything to do with laserdiscs from you, i will watch. hardware or software.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear TheSwillMan, thank you SOOO much for this comment. This has really made my day! Yes, there is something very special about the laserdisc days and Criterion/Voyager/Janus that are really unique when compared to the current DVD/blu ray era. So to get a comment like this really makes me very happy! Thank you for this. Cheers. Daisuke

[@FansofSomething]

25:17 your wish came true, Daisuke! - Eddie Green

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much!!

[@neonnights1912]

Great video :)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh man, Matt! You are here too?!!! Haha! Thank you so much! That means a lot!

[@moviesbye9294]

I recently found a sealed copy of Dead Presidents on Criterion Laserdisc 💿

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you and wow, that is great!!

[@classicvideogoodies]

A lot of former Criterion titles have come back to Criterion, such as Silence of the Lambs, Prince of Tides, Show Boat, The Magnificent Ambersons, etc. That's because nowadays many studios release films on streaming instead of disc, so they don't fight over release rights for discs as much. But some companies still compete with Criterion over disc releases and won't let go their properties. Studio Canal owns The Third Man, Grand Illusion, etc. Warner owns tons of titles, such as Citizen Kane, King Kong, North by Northwest, etc. So you likely won't see those on Criterion any time soon. It also depends on how well a title sells. Warner loaned The Magnificent Ambersons to Criterion probably because it was a poor-selling title.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your great comment here also my friend.

[@matthewgaudet4064]

I have the Japanese Rental Disc for North By Northwest i haven't given it a spin yet. I couldn't pass it up even if it isn't Criterion, 13 bucks is cheap. It was sealed its a golden disc and is beautiful looking.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

That is very cool!

[@Freddy-Da-Freeloadah]

So I have to watch "AKIRA"? I will do so! But imagining the main character with COKE BOTTLE GLASSES! And also, for the rest of this review I now have to imagine you have some monstrous collection of MONSTROUS firearms in your other closet... THAT'S RIGHT: just as you have every Criterion in this closet, the other closet has every fire arm... Above the .30 high powered caliber anyways...IMHO

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheers.

[@adikravets3632]

31:50 that would be cool, just got to wait awhile!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello my friend and thank you so much! Have a great week and talk to you very soon.

[@adikravets3632]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you Daisuke! I hope you having a great week as well.

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

Am I overreacting? I, at one time, REALLY enjoyed Criterion. It was my first foray into so-called “boutique” labels, and at the time it was AMAZING. I bought the Blade Runner double-disc (maybe TRIPLE-DISC,) and just got lost in it. Then Citizen Kane 4K happened, and the “error” disc fiasco. What got to me, was the process by which, I had to go through to get a replacement disc. I had previously NEVER been asked to do the legwork, to get a corrected disc. It was send it back first, THEN we will get the replacement out to you. After a bit of an outcry, it was OK, send a pic of the DESTROYED disc. I thought “are you completely serious right now?” You are treating ME, as though I made the mistake. In EVERY other case of problem discs, I had NEVER been asked to WORK to get what I SHOULD have had to begin with. I am not the type of person, who cannot, or WILL NOT forgive and forget, but this REALLY soured me on Criterion. It was shoddy treatment, and I guess the fact that I had always held Criterion in such high regard, that it seemed to intensify my negative feelings towards them. I owned my own book/magazine/movie/memorabilia shop for 15 years, and if I ever made a mistake, I went WAY out of my way to make the customer feel SUPER appreciated. This fell WELL short of what I would have expected from an established, high-end boutique label. Call me a baby, -I can take the slings and arrows- but it’s just how it made me feel.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Celluloid Therapy and I think this is a very fair and reasonable comment. And I think it is totally OK to have the reaction that you mention, in respect of the Citizen Kane issue that occurred. While I cannot say that I personally felt completely the way that you describe, yes, I can totally understand how you feel. This is part of Criterion’s business, as well as any other business or company-namely how it manages customer relations and PR, etc. That is a very very fair point.

[@comicbookninja5268]

Great picks but I have an issue with the Criterion edition of Akira. I never bought it because the Japanese audio track did not have an option for english subtitles. You have to watch the english dub which I never cared for.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I neglected to mention it because I never put on the subtitles when I watch the Japanese version, but you absolutely correct. And, yes, it is a great shame. I think the fact that CC released the title is laudatory, but the technical aspects of the disc are sometimes quite disappointing in many respects, not least of which being the inability to access English subtitles when watching the Japanese version, at least when the disc is played on my Pioneer player. Yes, so for English speakers, the English dub is the only way to go, but to be honest, I always found this English dub (with Kaneda being voiced by "Leonardo" of Ninja Turtles) to be very charming and delightful, even if it is not always so accurate. But I understand the criticisms of that English dub very much.

[@ThisIsTheRoad]

I never really liked "North by Northwest" that much, it is a little bit too goofy in my opinion. For me, the essential 'man on the run'-film (as you so elegantly put it) by Hitchcock would have to be "Saboteur". It's kinda similiar, but slightly more serious in tone and I really love the pacing of the film. When I first saw it, I was absolutely blown away and not by 1942-standards, but just the movie's drive in general. It still holds up 100% and feels like a modern day action/thriller-blockbuster with great set pieces and a non-stop chase. I think the movie world owes Hitchcock so much in terms of establishing language and techniques, that the ultimate thank you would have to be a criterion collection set of his COMPLETE WORKS. Every single frame of celluloid that survived in the best possible quality. That would be my dream scenario...

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this really excellent comment. And I both understand your comments on NORTH BY NORTHWEST and really appreciate your comments on SABOTEUR. And yes, if Criterion were ever to release a set of Hitchcock films, I think that would be really excellent and such a cause for great celebration in the film community.

[@DaveMcGarry]

I had a similar opinion, I found it a little farcial. Then I went to see the North by Northwest play in Australia and then watched the movie straight after and now I realise it's a masterpiece and I enjoy it much more. So I think it's possible to love films more if you view them from a different angle. My favourite Hitchcock is Rear Window.

[@adikravets3632]

32:15 criterion get on it!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you also!

[@retire14pattaya9]

King kong

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you!!

[@TheGyroBarqusShow]

Nostalghia?? Wierd you didn't included it

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for your comment and alas it is not possible for me to include everything. You are always welcome to share your own personal list anytime. Best regards.

[@floralcamo]

i’m curious, what kind of dvds are the ones behind you on the right side?