Criterion Collection - July 2013 Barnes and Noble Sale Part 3

The film section of the Colonial Drive Barnes and Noble (by Orlando's Fashion Square Mall) is pretty awesome.  They have the largest selection of Criterion DVD's I've seen so far.  Although I was impressed by their inventory, I didn't pick up as much because I was saving my funds for the final weekend of the Criterion Sale.  However, my purchases were particularly inspired by the CriterionCast ( http://criterioncast.com/ - If you never listened to their podcast, you should definitely check them out):

• Pierre Etaix:  I don't know anything of this film artist, but due to my recent love for Charlie Chaplin's work, I decided to give this French comedian a try.  Plus, this beautiful collection is jam packed with multiple films, shorts, and special features.  I can't wait to pop these discs into my blu-ray player and see what comedy ensues.

• The Gold Rush:  Speaking of Chaplin, why not pick up another seminal classic featuring "The Tramp."  It's not the latest Chaplin release from Criterion, but I had to pick it up.

•  Lord of the Flies:  If you watch Criterion's 3 Reasons video, I never realized how dark of a film this is - Young boys stranded on an island with no sense of stable order can be truly terrifying.  I once attempted to read this book after reading Catcher in Rye (for a brief period, I was attempting to read the classics), but I could barely get through the first few pages... because I didn't know the definition of a "conch."  I guess I should of picked up a dictionary, but I imagine I'll enjoy Golding's tale much more through this experience instead.

Criterion Collection - July 2013 Barnes and Noble Sale Part 2

As usual, I'm a little late on posting (especially since tomorrow is the last day of the Criterion Sale).  This next grouping of movies is my latest purchase from the Waterford Lakes Store.  Since this store is closest to UCF and surrounded by a large population of poor college students, I was hoping to find some Out of Print Editions (i.e. Playtime and Last Year at Marienbad).  Unfortunately, I didn't find any, however I did come out with a pretty awesome stash:

• Things to Come:  I don't know anything about this film other than it's based on a story by H.G. Wells.  Since this black and white film is similar in tone to A Brave New World, I'm pretty excited to watch this Sci-Fi affair.

• The Man Who Knew Too Much:  There's not much to say other than "Hitchcock."  Featuring Peter Lorre, Hitchcock later remade this suspenseful mystery with Jimmy Stewart.  Since I'm determined to see every Hitchcock film, I'm glad Criterion is "blugrading" these classic tales so I can enjoy their beautiful transfers and awesome supplements. 

• Insignificance:  Imagine these four timeless celebrities congregating in the same hotel room:  Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Joseph McCarthy.  Having never heard of this film, I picked it up merely due to its cover and premise.  Starring Hollywood greats like Tony Curtis and Gary Busey, I'm sure this will be a fantastic watch.

• On the Waterfront:  Other than Repo Man, On the Waterfront has the most beautiful packaging this year.  With illustrations by Sean Phillips, the blue exterior really makes the red interior pop.  Besides being a Hollywood classic starring one of the most quintessential actors (Marlon Brando), I'm glad Criterion added this Film Noir to their collection.  Since this movie can be watched in three different aspect ratios (1.66:1, 1.85:1 (widescreen) and 1.33:1 (full-screen)), I hope to educate myself more on this cinematic subject regardless of the film.

• Safety Last:  Criterion has made me fall in love with Chaplin.  Since I trust their judgement, I can't wait to watch what comedy ensues from one of the other "silent heroes," Harold Lloyd.

• Eclipse Series 37:  When Horror Came to Shockiku:  As a supplement line to the Criterion Collection, the Eclipse Series groups 4-6 films of a common theme in one package.  Although they're all in standard definition and include no supplements, this is a great way to watch multiple films and get the bang for your buck (especially during a Criterion Sale).  This time, I purchased a set of 1960's Japanese horror films.  I'm sure they're influenced by the cheesy American B-movies, but I'm intrigued how they may have established the roots of the terrifying Japanese  horror films of the 1990's (such as The Ring).