Films/DVD Asylum

Re: $67 worth of Criterion

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John_N

(i)

In Reply to: Re: $67 worth of Criterion posted by Victor Khomenko on June 22, 2001 at 16:04:52:

Yes, there are American(Hollywood) films on that list, but I have a hard time with all the hype(advertising $) surrounding new releases. I find myself ignoring all first run movies as a result to see if they can first stand up to the test of time.
Yes, there is too much out there to hope to see in a lifetime, but the twists and turns in this pursuit yield many many surprises,
learnings, and the occasional awakening.
However my interest in foreign(non-Hollywood) films is a return, not a start. I did pursue foreign language films in the late 1960's and early 1970's as a counter to the formula-based Hollywood films of the time. I then moved on to other life priorities
I still remember a film I saw back then that I have heard nothing of since: "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denovich"(a day in the life of a particular gulag prisoner)
John_N

Follow Ups:

WOW! Victor Khomenko 17:23:00 06/22/01 (6)
***I still remember a film I saw back then that I have heard nothing of since: "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denovich"(a day in the life of a particular gulag prisoner)
Is that a Norvegian one? I have not seen it and would like to. When I first read that novel the penalty was up to five years in the same barrack Ivan Denisovitch lived in, for having it in your posession. It was printed once in a magazine, and then quickly disappeared in the homes of the intelligencia. I still remember the cover. A wonderful novel. Some even say Solzhenitsin's best work, but I don't think so.
- Re: WOW! John_N 17:57:37 06/22/01 (5)
  I saw the film in a small movie theater in Toronto, Canada that speciallized in showing art films and foreign language films. I don't remember any details, but I think you are right in it being Norwegian in origin.
  You have raised my interest again, and I think I will do some research and see if I can track down any more information on whether it was ever released to video.
  I will keep you posted if I find anything.
  John_N
  - Re: WOW! Victor Khomenko 18:29:57 06/22/01 (4)
    ***I will keep you posted if I find anything.
    Appreciate. And BTW, where does one find such information? Where would you look?
    - Victor!!! You won't believe this....I just picked up a rental ... John_N 19:49:45 06/22/01 (3)
      of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch...
      Ok, here's the story.
      First I went on the net to IMDB.com --the international movie database on the internet -- and enquired for the title correctly, since you gave me the correct spelling.
      It is listed as a 1970 Norwegian film with no video release noted.
      I clicked on reviews and saw that there are some recent reviews. This suggested a video release of some kind was out there.
      I then searched the net and found that there was a laser disk release in 1971 which appeared to be a Columbia release which implied availabilty in North America.
      I then decided to try my local video rental place -- one that specialized in art and foreign language films -- (probably the best one in Toronto).
      I first looked under Norwegian films without success but then looked at their inventory print out. Eureka! They had it in stock filed under UK films???
      It is now sitting beside my vcr for viewing later tonight.
      Details: It is a Sony Video Software Company release dated 1988.
      (Sony bought out Columbia a few years ago)
      The tape id is 1157-50635-35
      The tape number is K0635.
      I don't know where you are, but at the end of the tape it gives a phone number for residents of Canada and New York to call for a video catalogue: 1-212-315-5000.
      Just call me Mr Holmes!!
      John_N
      - Double WOW! Victor Khomenko 20:06:05 06/22/01 (2)
        
        In Reply to: Victor!!! You won't believe this....I just picked up a rental ... posted by John_N on June 22, 2001 at 19:49:45:
        
        I am in Delaware, so I shall check that New York number if you like the film. Please let me know right away.
        Good investigation, John!
        
        "They cancelled Sunday this week" -- from the film John_N 23:08:33 06/22/01 (1)
        
        In Reply to: Double WOW! posted by Victor Khomenko on June 22, 2001 at 20:06:05:
        
        Ok -- the film....
        Made in Oslo Norway 1970. Black and white with English dialogue.
        Since I hadn't read the book, I can't make that comparison, but it certainly holds its own despite being 30 years old. I expected the effect would be lessened as I, also am 30 years older and supposedly more "worldly" in my outlook.
        I found that the only loss from the film I saw 30 years ago was caused by my watching it on a small screen(my 32' tv) versus a large movie screen viewing. This lessened some of the impact on some of the outdoor scenes diminishing the apparent isolation on the Siberian landscape.
        It was nice to see the film again after all this time.
        By the way, there was also an 800 number for a catalogue if you were interested 1-800-4-HOME-TV.
        Thanks, Victor, for reminding me about the film.
        John_N
        
        Re: "They cancelled Sunday this week" -- from the film Victor Khomenko 23:38:55 06/22/01 (0)
        
        In Reply to: "They cancelled Sunday this week" -- from the film posted by John_N on June 22, 2001 at 23:08:33:
        
        Thank you for the info. I will follow up.
        We watched the Ivan the Terrible part II tonight, and it was incredible. Next to the Nevsky it shows the real power of Eisenstein's talent. Simply jaw-dropping scenes, with horror portrayed so vividly you get deeper and deeper into your seat...
        Part II is immesurably stronger than part I, and they were just few years apart - incredible development of Eisenstein as artist. Incredible.

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