Pasolini 101 - Criterion Collection Blu-ray Full Review

[@ElliotCoen]

Up next, watch this video on my favourite Film Noir in the Criterion Collection - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqO4Y4Wsg79kl7s

[@Thomas-tc1zn]

Loved the vid! Btw, you’re definitely not the only one with problems with the Pasolini and Varda sets’ packaging! Mine were all scratched when removing them from the sleeves. Thankfully, Criterion were kind enough to send replacement discs (even to Europe) but the packaging is a nightmare, especially when taking into account their price. Some mentioned sliding a piece of paper behind the discs and then removing them from the sleeves, but I’ve resorted to buying blu-ray cases and storing them there to avoid me scratching them up myself.

[@brunomachado7279]

They are very specific filmmakers. I really would like to watch Vagabond, but not buying a set with a lot of things that don't interest me, like documentaries. Stand alone releases would be welcome.

[@ModernPlague]

Very helpful video. Even during a 50% off Flash Sale, I'd have a hard time spending that much money on packaging that's practically guaranteed to damage the discs. What a shame!

[@David-uc6sg]

Blu rays discs are tough to scratch. They'll be 100% fine in this

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

I’m happy for the Columbia, and Sony Classics box sets. This is multi-film packaging, done *correctly*. For a “premium” label, they certainly go for the cheapest packaging you can find.

[@NEMIHEMERA]

Fair review. I do agree with your assessment of the packaging. Not only are those slots for the discs not ideal, but if you compare this box-set with Varda's, Pasolini 101 houses 2 discs per page, making the space tighter for the discs, while Varda's has 1 disc per page, which makes the slots less tight.

[@volkerinacker8088]

Another problem with this style of packaging is, that you have to lay your precious boxset on the side. Otherwise the discs will sink into the depths of the side and thus leaving glue ressidue and scratches on the disc. This is why I keep my "Agnes Varda" and "Ingmar Bergman" sets always on the side. Just got the "Bruce Lee - His Greates Hits" set. Here Criterion really shows how to put together a very solid inner packaging. Although the outer box of that could be thicker.

[@ElliotCoen]

I agree with you about the outer boxes of some of the digipaks like Bruce Lee - look at it too long and it starts to get creased!

[@alandombrow584]

Yikes! I have the Varda and Bergman sets (and Fellini). I've stored them all vertically. I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the info!

[@blakewilliams5627]

This box set is $124 on US Amazon. That breaks down to a little over $13 a movie.

[@alandombrow584]

Thanks for the info! I just bought it.

[@inigomontoya6806]

Since I bought this at 50% off, I don't have complaints, and now have most of his library, thanks to Criterion. Packaging is not only a Criterion problem, but thankfully blu-ray discs are very tough, unlike DVDs which would have been badly scratched. I have removed all of the discs to inspect, and test play, but thankfully I won't be removing them on a regular basis.

[@AndrewKaiserPhotography]

I'm new to Pasolini and I disagree when you say you wouldn't recommend this set to a beginner. I bought it and have watched three of the films so far, two of which I really liked, and one I will probably have to revisit again some day. My general attitude, sometimes it is really nice to have the opportunity to take a deep dive into a new (to me anyway...) film maker and not have to track down a bunch of films individually. If I bought this and it turned out I don't like Pasolini I'm sure I could sell it and not lose a whole lot of money. That said, I also don't think it is much of a risk. If a filmmaker has a body of work that warrants a big fan base and a big box set, chances are there is going to be *something* in there worth viewing.

[@ElliotCoen]

That is a fair point and I’m glad you have enjoyed your time with Pasolini so far! Thanks for watching

[@AndrewKaiserPhotography]

@@ElliotCoen thanks for the videos! I enjoy your channel.

[@brunomachado7279]

I bought it. Very, very expensive in Brazil. But since I definetely stopped replacing every blu ray for 4k and started focusing in new films, I could afford it.

[@quasimoto1036]

I was literally looking for something like this a couple days back and couldn’t find anything. Good timing and has introduced me to a great channel

[@ElliotCoen]

Thanks so much for being here!

[@aliciaklass]

You are a respected fellow Elliot. Always enjoy listening to your reviews. keep up the good work.

[@ElliotCoen]

Thank you so much!

[@randomkanaal7232]

When will you make an updated collection overview?

[@ElliotCoen]

Perhaps soon! Thanks for watching

[@DanZayza-ib3ti]

A moment of overwhelming annoyance caught me as i opened this set and seeing how the discs were held. Struggling frustration followed suite as I proceeded to remove the first disc. I went on to remove all of them and keeping them in standard cases. I will return them as i go through all the content in each. I don't typically rewatch my criterions and just adore them as they sit on the shelf.

[@philipmarinello8802]

Not sure if I rock with “Not every film needs to have an audio commentary” but I get what you’re saying 😂😂 I hate it when big sets (or even “regular” releases) have lackluster special features. Disc storage looks rugged! 😬

[@osgrov]

Great review, thanks! I think I'll wait with this box, and see if we get a 4K version down the line. Given the high cost I sure don't want to double-dip. What really disappoints me though is the lack of a new restoration of Medea. That's what I was really looking forwards to, as the huge Callas fan I am. :) Oh and I totally agree with regards to the packaging. Please Criterion, no more! I hate my Varda box for this reason and now you say this one is even worse, argh..

[@qarsiq]

Thanks for sharing, know to be delicate when i approach a disc. like the solid stock on the digipack. if we could get Criterion to do hard case boxes for their digipack releases, i would be delighted.

[@troygaspard6732]

I love Mamma Roma.

[@lorenzgoller1794]

It is also my favourite!

[@juancmorenor]

I don’t understand why Criterion accepted such design of box set as the discs could be damaged very easily! It is very disappointed and I don’t want to have the discs in separate individual cases ! I saw Mamma Roma for first time last weekend and I liked too much. Next film to see would be Accattone. I agree with you , this box set is not for all people, Pasolini cinematography is very intelectual art!

[@jnagarya519]

"Intellectual" or pretentious?

[@videomannengismo5355]

Nice to get knowladge on the release. I was suppose to order it but I waited because of the sales. And I used all my money :D I do think Criterion is struggeling a bit with their releases. They look nice but some of them are really easy to break. I would say Menece 2 society and Dance and Confuced is 2 of them I am always scared of taking out of the shelves. Always good to see your videos! Have a great Criterion month!

[@SamLovesMovies25]

This is what I do when I have discs that are in bad and/or unsafe packaging: I have a huge CD binder that holds a few hundred discs. For something like this, or the Godzilla set, or the BTTF 4k set in those horrible cardboard "book" packages, where the discs are not safe and may be scratched/damaged, I take the discs OUT of there and store them in the binder instead, so the discs will be much safer.

[@recommendacious8026]

Totally agree. Got it for my bday a few days back and such a struggle to get the discs out. The content is great, but they could do better with the packaging

[@joelgreenlee9421]

Are there any other directors you'd like to see have this type of collection from Criterion? I'd like to see one for Gus Van Sant and Jim Jarmusch

[@ElliotCoen]

Oh yes, too many to name! I’d be happy with those two you mentioned. I’d love a classic Japanese box - I know lots of people want a big Kurosawa set but I’d also be happy with an Ozu or Mizoguchi

[@jnagarya519]

I believe Kino has a Jarmusch box set.

[@damianp564]

FWIW, with packaging like this, which is increasingly more common with multi-disc sets, I wear thin cotton gloves to handle the discs. Saves a lot of frustration.

[@theminstryoftruth61]

Canterbury Tales has a lot of humour.

[@theminstryoftruth61]

Theorem is on 4K UHD in Italy

[@ElliotCoen]

Oh interesting, thanks. I thought it only had a 2k restoration! Do you know if it has English subtitles?

[@theminstryoftruth61]

@@ElliotCoen It doesn't but most of the film is wordless.

[@pete49327]

These films are streaming now on The Criterion Channel, so a great way to screen before buying. Unfortunately if you're like me and only want one or two, the box set definitely has its downside.

[@blu-rayswithnathanjones]

Truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this set, pal. I knew I wasn't the only one who disliked the housing of the discs. I, too, put it in a separate place. However, I look forward to checking out all the films. Cheers, Elliot!

[@URBONED]

Sounds like a real shame. I for one am very disappointed in how common it's become to give classic films a modern looking colour grade - studiocanal being the biggest offender in my experience, which is a shame because their first lot of 4K's are some of the best like Flash Gordon. Everything recently has been riddled with teal and orange. I'd suggest maybe buying some of those clear plastic envelope style disc sleeves and trying to store the discs in the back with the booklet - even if it means having to put the book on a shelf to fit them in - or carefully leaving them loose in between the pages they're supposed to be housed in. I wish they would use those normal digipack style cases that has a thin plastic disc holder glued to one side of the carboard case, like their Jacques Demy set and the Fassbinder BRD set. Admittedly I find those a little flimsy too, but atleast the discs are secure, they just need thicker stock cardboard.

[@anillegibletombstone]

Exactly why I don't buy Criterion sets anymore. Every announcement with a set is exciting because I want to own the films and then I come to my senses and realize this is what they do repeatedly. Poor quality, no thought to how to store the discs within safely and (usually) very nice artwork. Also, zero effort on special features. Very frustrating.

[@sudevsen]

What Posolini should I watch after Salo and Canterbury Nights

[@enriquecabada8841]

i already have salo and trilogy of life from criterion honestly pasolini isnt for every one im fine with what i got so i passed on set

[@ElliotCoen]

I applaud sensible film-buying choices!

[@jnagarya519]

Agreed -- I have "Trilogy of Life," figured that was "safer" than others like "Saro," as each film was based on a literary classic. But he goes beyond necessity into stomach-turning excess. The apparent rationale is that he was exposing "degeneracy" by depicting it. One could as easily conclude he was indulging in degeneracy in order to shock and call attention to himself.

[@loua5708]

I just bought the Pasolini set brand new for $80. Is that a good deal? Excited to check it out

[@ElliotCoen]

That’s a good deal for the films you get! Enjoy

[@AntZombie121]

Ow wow Region A discs without having to import them?! Never heard of that website but thank you so much!

[@Elpoetadelcentavo]

Sorry , which website was that ?

[@reddykilowatt]

Have you seen the Pasolini biopic starring Willem Dafoe?

[@rlh1984]

When I bought this day one of the Barnes & Noble sale, they had it behind the cash wrap and not in the Criterion section, (not even in the movie section - it was at the front register) so I had to ask around for it. Every person I asked commented on how expensive it was. The disks are so hard to get out the first time; you have to work them a little before they’ll come out easily - well, not easily, just not as hard.

[@shiven513]

The best boxsets in the whole collection are Shoei Immurai and Pedro Costa's respective trilogies.

[@cheesebutt1000]

Lol, what?😂

[@marchughes6161]

well I have the Eureka Blu-ray’s which look fantastic on my LG OLED - so to hear the 4K versions are even better is tempting - the packaging does look beautiful but as you flag up it’s the practicality of taking those discs out which is annoying. Anyway one of my favourite Directors of all time and likewise the films in this release ❤️

[@maxturgeon89]

Although they aren't comedies per se, the movies in the Trilogy of Life are definitely humourous.

[@ElliotCoen]

They are indeed quite humorous still! I’m due a rewatch after my week with Pasolini 101

[@jnagarya519]

And excessive to a stomach-turning extreme.

[@TheFoxxsean]

I’m a newcomer to Pasolini, how should I start looking at his works?

[@ElliotCoen]

I think chronologically by release date is best. Don’t start with Salo

[@TheFoxxsean]

@@ElliotCoen Thanks Eliot, hope you’re keeping well ☺️

[@jnagarya519]

Pasolini was killed on a beach. Not only murdered but repeatedly run over by a vehicle and burned. He is known for making films that turn stomachs. He's important to people who love seeing disgusting extremes. While he was "calling out" others' degeneracy he was depicting degeneracy in terms as disgusting as can be imagined. Most may watch them once. For a glimpse watch reviews of his film "Saro'.

[@444chroma]

That's a shame about the packaging. It feels like WORK just to get a disc.

[@ElliotCoen]

It certainly is an operation! Cheers

[@saharapage1]

Thanks

[@ElliotCoen]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@steventhorley7540]

yeah, that packaging sucks...cheap & nasty.

[@maartenlemmens8628]

There is little mystery about Pasolini,s death. He was killed by a young man he "proposed" on the street, who confessed to the murder.

[@ElliotCoen]

He retracted his confession in 2000s and said multiple other people were involved

[@maartenlemmens8628]

​@@ElliotCoen i didn,t know that. Still, why wait that long to retract? But yes, that makes it more of a mystery.

[@cocakamera]

@@ElliotCoen Just a small correction, Pasolini was killed at the beach in Ostia, close to Rome, not in the middle of the street

[@celluloidtherapy5003]

Criterion, are becoming quite adept at being rip-off artists. TWO-HUNDRED, AND FIFTY?! Strictly a SALE pickup. I look at Vinegar Syndrome, Severin, Cauldron, etc., using smartly designed, PREMIUM packaging for their releases, and then wonder why the supposed “top-dog” of boutique labels, uses lousy packaging (ie: no embossing, spot-varnish, etc.,) and the occasional crayons on construction paper, artwork, Ala the Rorschach test cover, of The Fisher King.