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Mr Pixies wrote:

Tribe wrote:I take it that for Robinson Crusoe they were trying to go for that old quasi-Frank Frazetta look. And they didn't get it. Awful, awful cover.

I don't think so, looks like an old sci-fi novel, and it is beautiful. This is what Frank Frazetta's work looks like. All these covers are great, Jarmusches are fitting and I can't wait to get them.

I mentioned "quasi."

Tribe

When was the last month that was entirely Higher Tier releases?

Here is the RCoM laserdisc cover. I like the "Scientifically Authentic!" bit.

Jeff wrote:Here is the RCoM laserdisc cover. I like the "Scientifically Authentic!" bit.

It really is a shame they didn't use that for the DVD. While the cover they've gone with has its merits, the original poster art used on the LD gives off that B-movie vibe that makes it utterly charming.

I also like that the monkey is depicted as being so hardcore that it ditched its spacesuit.

CSM126 wrote:It really is a shame they didn't use that for the DVD. While the cover they've gone with has its merits, the original poster art used on the LD gives off that B-movie vibe that makes it utterly charming.

The laserdisc cover is a vast improvement. Like CSM sez it screams B-movie pulp...whereas the current simply looks like poorly executed attempts at art.

Tribe

The RCoM cover looks like it was taken from the Third Grade painting competition. I've had the original poster on my wall for ten years, but this cover isn't anything like that. It's like something that was painted on the street with pastels...several days ago. Major disappointment. Yet another example of 'beat the laser' Criterion cover-art failing abysmally.

Mr Pixies wrote:

Tribe wrote:I take it that for Robinson Crusoe they were trying to go for that old quasi-Frank Frazetta look. And they didn't get it. Awful, awful cover.

I don't think so, looks like an old sci-fi novel, and it is beautiful.

Agreed. I'm surprised so many people are upset that Criterion decided to move away from the (admittedly endearing) cheesiness of the Laserdisc cover. The gauzy etherealness here is gorgeous, and far more evocative imo. Not too keen on the typeface, though.

I'm pretty sure that Pabst cover is by Ben Katchor.

The 3 Penny Opera cover is quite ok, don`t really like the other ones.

Cinephrenic wrote:Threepenny Opera almost looked like a Hausman painting, but it's not dada ofcourse.

I was thinking it had a touch of George Grosz, myself.

for those curious, If... comes in a clear single-amaray case with the figure-8.

I personally love the RCOM and Threepenny Opera covers. I'm not that crazy about the Jarmusch films though, they certainly don't look bad but they're not very exciting either, as if Criterion decided to play it safe.

There was also a booklet highlighting Technicolor Criterion DVDs in the WR case, is this a new booklet?

domino harvey wrote:There was also a booklet highlighting Technicolor Criterion DVDs in the WR case, is this a new booklet?

It appears to be. Since they apparently decided to quit adding full catalogs anymore the only one I've seen is the Documentaries one (twice).

They also have a booklet highlighting their cult classics releases.

And I think I saw a Film Noir- related booklet mentioned in a review. No details though.

-BJ

and of course the old Rialto booklet.

can anyone upload scans of these catalogs?
which dvds had catalogues in them?
I have a few on the way, haven't purchased for a few months...

I don't have a scanner but there was one of the Technicolor booklets in both my WR and If...., I'd offer to take some pictures of it but I'm sure someone here who has a scanner will be along in the next couple days to fulfill the request

Sweet Movie also has a Technicolor booklet.

I don't like the Jarmusch covers, the posters for his films are usually great, Dead Man, Ghost Dog etc. The covers just seem so... bland.

I love the cover for Robinson Crusoe on Mars!

Who else thought Martha Graham had three legs for a moment there?

I love that dynamic Martha Graham cover. It reminds me of the classy design aesthetic employed recently by the bfi...

Reminds me a little of the capture DVD Beaver made from The Flower of my Secret!