PDA

View Full Version : Seven Samurai Criterion???

Walrus Man
23-02-2002, 18:40
After seeing this film for the first time thanks to BBC Knowledge's Kurosawa season, I decided to get the Criterion edition of the DVD.

I thought I might pick up a copy on Ebay for around £20, considering that it can be bought new from ********* for £24.99.

However, this latest auction (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1515752927&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1014569892&indexURL=0&rd=1) has baffled me.

So is the DVD still readily available?
Will ********* be able to supply me with one for £24.99?
If so, why the heck is some muppet paying over £40 for a second hand copy?
(I know there was an earlier release of the Criterion, but I don't think this auction is for that version.)

Can anyone explain this madness?
Shingster
23-02-2002, 18:49
It's just another case of e-bay retardism. The biggest muppets in the world bid at that place!
It's not even the original limited pressing of the Criterion, which had a little bit more in the way of features, so there's no need for the huaoge price.

Anyway, the BFI R2 DVD is supposed to match the Criterion in the transfer stakes, but doesn't have the full commentary of the Criterion, so if you aren't bothered about the commentary I suggest you save £10 & get the R2.
Narshty
23-02-2002, 18:52
The BFI version is several minutes shorter (even after PAL speedup is taken into account), and seeing as the commentary on the Criterion by Michael Jeck is one of the best ever recorded, the Criterion is the pricier, but much easier recommendation.
Cornelius
23-02-2002, 20:30
I like to recommend the Criterion disc. The commentary is very interesting and has the dubious honour of being the only extra(outside of trailers) I've ever accessed on any of my discs.
Jimmyboy
23-02-2002, 23:24
Originally posted by Narshty
The BFI version is several minutes shorter (even after PAL speedup is taken into account),
But the film isnt any shorter.
The BFI is exactly the same in regards to the main feature.
You just lose the commentary track.
Shingster
23-02-2002, 23:46
Originally posted by Narshty
The BFI version is several minutes shorter (even after PAL speedup is taken into account), and seeing as the commentary on the Criterion by Michael Jeck is one of the best ever recorded, the Criterion is the pricier, but much easier recommendation.

A few of us forumites have got together & it seems that there isn't a few minutes difference between the versions at all! It appears they are the same cut.
I can go into the details if you're interested in knowing Narshty m8?
Rohail
24-02-2002, 03:04
I actually had the BFI DVD first, but I sold it and bought the Criterion, really regret it now as I thought the transfer on the BFI was better, have not really listened to the commentary.

If you want better artwork & the commentary go for R1 Criterion but I would recommend the BFI as I like the transfer better on it.
MikeToone
24-02-2002, 07:43
Picked mine up from DVDPlanet for £21.00 in their Criterion Sale.

Finally got around to watching it last night. Throughly enjoyed it.
8-]
24-02-2002, 10:39
The Criterion's full commentary track is very good indeed.
Simontemplar
24-02-2002, 10:48
The Crit disc is longer because it retains the full interval music sequence. The BFI disc misses nothing from the film. However, the commentary track on the Crit disc is one of tyhe bst I've heard. Learnt a great deal about editing and composition.
Walrus Man
24-02-2002, 17:56
Thanks for the comparison of the CC & BFI versions, it sounds like the commentary is worth paying the extra for.

So is the CC disc still readily available?
Simontemplar
24-02-2002, 19:23
Yes. Still available.
lorenzo
24-02-2002, 19:32
Originally posted by Walrus Man
So is the CC disc still readily available? Certainly is as I've just ordered it from DVDplanet in their Criterion sale :D
Foxy Slamdangle
28-02-2002, 08:33
That auction is almost as dumb as this <A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1517493631">one</A>. Someone has their wires crossed methinks.
charlie angel
28-02-2002, 08:37
Originally posted by Foxy Slamdangle
That auction is almost as dumb as this <A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1517493631">one</A>. Someone has their wires crossed methinks.

Oh dear :rolleyes:
KeyserSoze
28-02-2002, 09:50
anyone know which Yojimbo to go for ?

CC or BFI ?

what about BFI Throne of Blood ?
Walrus Man
28-02-2002, 11:38
Can anyone who has bought Seven Samurai CC from DVD Planet (in their CC sale), tell me if they got hit for tax on it?

If the tax limit is applied to the dvd only (and not the P&P) it might just sneak in under the £18 maximum.

Any details on exact cost (inc. possible taxes) would be appreciated.

Thanks