Criterion & Eclipse Cover Art & Packaging Babble-on Vol.5

[headacheboy]

Cold Bishop, thanks for explaining the Pasolini covers. I've never seen any of the films and I couldn't figure out the artwork. I recall how many barked about Last Year In Marienbad being a dreadful cover only to discover that was how it was presented in the film's credits. With something as brash and shocking as the Trilogy of Life covers I knew there had to be a reason for the way they looked. I find the covers oddly appealing and yes, they make me really want to see these movies. Your insight was helpful.

[Gregory]

Films and covers are both irreverent (etc.) takes on "classic" works, I suppose, but in extremely different ways, it seems to me. The divergences in style and concept between the covers and films seem far greater than the connections. But then I can't understand what Skillman [see edit below] was even attempting, and I hate any attempt like this at aping outsider art (especially in such a blatant and hamfisted way) seen in the lettering, squiggles, arrows and cross-out. I also still fail to see how the pictures are true to the films.
I didn't know these were Skillman's work. I applaud his (and Criterion's) risk-taking in general, but feel like it sometimes calls too much attention to its own concept (and need to be unusual and eye-catching) at the expense of doing the job of visually presenting the film.
Very seldom have I complained about Criterion cover art, but to me this is easily some of the worst in recent memory.
EDIT: Apparently this was not done by Skillman at all. Booklet credits Rodrigo Corral.

[swo17]

I didn't know these were Skillman's work.

I'm just relieved to learn that Criterion did not in fact hire swimminghorses.

[kidc85]

Love the Pasolini covers but I don't really understand the large 'by G Chaucer' credit. It smacks of contractual obligation (a la Grimaldi) but, as much as I love him, I don't think 'astonishing visionary' was one of Chaucer's talents.

[RossyG]

Christ, those Pasolini covers are shit. The Canterbury Tales one isn't a patch on the lovely cinema posters.

[Sloper]

Those are wonderful, and much more like the film I saw (and they make me want to see it again).

[Minkin]

Very seldom have I complained about Criterion cover art, but to me this is easily some of the Most Divisive in recent memory.

Fixed

I do rather like the direction that Criterion took, certainly better than some of their other efforts (and I find these to be much more appealing than the BFI covers). I can see why others are ready to crown a new Pepe le Moko, but perhaps we should wait until we have it in hand/can see what the rest of the digipack designs will bring (some covers work a lot better in person - like the Naked Blu cover).

[domino harvey]

All the bellyaching over the Pasolini covers only serves to distract from the abhorrent Heaven's Gate cover, much to that designer's delight no doubt

[duck duck]

Is there a concise version of links to alternate covers?

[mfunk9786]

Huh?

[tarpilot]

I know those words, but that sign makes no sense

[domino harvey]

Is there a concise version of links to alternate covers?

There used to be a section devoted to the covers Criterion announced and then altered or fully changed, but it doesn't look to be there anymore

[willoneill]

Or maybe he/she is looking for a concise list of all those blog entries where various cover designers show their works in progress that led to the final cover.

[domino harvey]

I left out that I was talking about the Criterion Dungeon fansite in my previous post, I don't think Criterion themselves has ever drawn attention to their changes. But doesn't the proprietor of TCD post here? Perhaps he can help a double duck out

[cdnchris]

Umberto D.

[JimmyTango]

Or maybe he/she is looking for a concise list of all those blog entries where various cover designers show their works in progress that led to the final cover.

I don't think even she knows what she's looking for. Just ignore her.

[duck duck]

She means things like blogs that show the evolution of covers, especially The Samurai Trilogy.

[JimmyTango]

She means things like blogs that show the evolution of covers, especially The Samurai Trilogy.

I thought you meant blogs that analyze books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

[swo17]

[Matt]

Delon in HD! <faint> Glad he didn't get the Monica Vitti treatment (though get rid of that ghost on his shoulder)

Nice individual covers for the Qatsi trilogy (if a bit too much like ads for a global telecom company), but the box cover is zzzzzzzzzz.

[domino harvey]

Nice individual covers for the Qatsi trilogy (if a bit too much like ads for a global telecom company), but the box cover is zzzzzzzzzz.

It's like something off a CD cover in the main Barnes and Noble listening center circa 1996

[The Narrator Returns]

Love the Following art.

[Finch]

"By Christopher Nolan Following A Film"

[TheGodfather]

Wow, excellent line-up!!! Finally Brazil and the Qatsi trilogy
I actually like the covers of the latter

[captveg]

The Brazil cover is a classic. No need to mess with it.