@@smartmouse96 I saw someone post a screenshot of it on r/criterion and I emailed to confirm, yes region B coming april! Not sure about when pre ordering will go live though
"2046" is superior to his purported "masterpiece" "In the Mood for Love". I have Criterion's blu-rays of "Chungking Express" (OOP) and "In the Mood for Love," blu-ray of "Grandmaster," and DVD's of all others except two. Gee -- I think I may have blu-rays of another two . . .
Just picked it up in the flash sale and checking out your videos on it. Great job on all the work and care you put in all your videos and your enthusiasm for film makes it so awesome to watch you and your channel
I watched happy together and Chungking express recently and they were just incredible. Happy together is now in my interchangeable top 5. I must rewatch in the mood for love as I felt overwhelmed my first watch so with an analysis video I saw I feel I might like it a lot more
Hello my dear friend. I can't believe it is here..... my favorite Asian Director. I haven't ever pre-ordered something so fast in my life...my fingers are on fire....lol. (^.^) Now i can put my Hong Kong Laserdiscs in storage! I am so happy.....but one worry i have with the packaging. Those slip in discs in that hard cardboard....they have a history with scratching. Something to so look forward to in 2021!
First time I've pre-ordered from Criterion. (The set is listed on Amazon, but with the note that they don't know when or if they'll get it back in stock, even though it lists the correct release date . . .)
Thank you so much my dear dear friend!! Oh yes, the packaging... this is the kind of packaging that appears to be a kind of standard in blu ray sets like this nowadays (see the Bergman set, the Varda set, the Godzilla set, the Fellini set, etc.). I am told that the blu ray is scratch resistant enough to be able to sit in these sleeves without incident. However, I also have heard otherwise, which means that it may be advisable to have the discs in separate cases.
@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you for the advice....i will do that for sure when it arrives. Have you thought of doing a live stream for this release once you have it and watch the films? I would love to be able to talk about the films with you and others in a live stream. Just a suggestion though.... there are a lot of fans that would love to chat live together about this film set for sure. I can't wait to compare differences to the Hong Kong laserdisc releases of these films to this release....lol. March can't get here fast enough :-p
I'm so happy that this is getting a release! I was never able to get Chungking Express before it went out of print, so now it can fetch around $90 online, but with this box set I'll be able to get so much worth out of all seven movies for only $200! (or just $100 if I wait for a 50% off sale)
Oh yes, thank you so much for the comment. Yes, Chungking Express is one of the most expensive OOP Criterion titles currently, and so this set is wonderful in its inclusion of that film.
@@johnblackmouth Yes, Barnes and Noble has a 50% off sale on all Criterions every June and November. There are also typically 2-3 50% off flash sales on the criterion website that last 24 hours every year.
Very exciting and I hope that Criterion continues to produce these wonderful sets. I am eager to see if they will again present their New Year's clues in a few weeks. My wish list is very long! Cheers.
Thank you so much and yes, the new year is fast approaching as you suggest. I hope the rest of the day and week and month goes well for you. Talk to you soon my friend (and once again, thank you so much for your comments on the Friday the 13th video and for the Bond livestreams).
I preordered mine. The Chung King Express is playing tomorrow in my town independent theatre to celebrate the restoration and anniversary of the films. For those interested these films are available to rent digitally through the Belcourt Theatre website. www.belcourt.org/events/world-of-wong-kar-wai.4509310
I saw this announcement on my Google news and was hoping I would get to hear you speak about it! Sounds like a collection of must-see films! Your descriptions have made sure I will have my eyes out for this one during a Criterion sale! Take care and have an awesome weekend, Daisuke!
Hello Seth my friend! Yes, I think these are must-sees. Of course, this is an expensive set, and so it may be a good idea first to check out some of the films ahead of time to be sure the films are of a kind that you would like to have if you choose to purchase the set.
I am so so so excited for this set from one of my new favorite filmmakers! I’m also very pleasantly surprised to see 2046 in the set as there had been many rumors that it would not be included. Also the artwork is just heavenly. And how lucky you were to see In the Mood for Love in theaters what an experience that must have been!
Oh thank you! Yes, now that I think back on it, I consider myself very fortunate indeed to have been able to see the film in the theaters when it was released in North America. I hope you are well my dear friend, and cheers.
Yes I am beyond excited, I am looking forward to seeing... As tears go buy, Days of being wild and Happy Together for the first time.. Will be definitely picking this up
You and others called it Daisuke! The Wong Kar Wai box set is a reality now! I had a feeling they were going to be announcing something like this (fitting that you put the Fellini and Varda box set nearby) in the month of December! It looks like it has the majority of his films with the exception of Ashes of Time, Blueberry Nights and The Grandmaster (Blossoms has yet to be released). I think this is going to be a solid set. It might not has as many films as the Kurosawa (limited), Bergman, Varda and Fellini director oriented sets but they are a feast for the eyes! The biggest thing for me is that we get Chungking Express back in the collection (not with its own # though)! I do have to wonder what other director oriented set Criterion could do next? Godard? Ozu? Cronenberg? Passolini? Powell and Pressberger? Lynch? Lee? Truffaut? Only time will tell...
I’ve only ever seen In the Mood for love so very excited to see his other works. I’ve seen some images from these restorations and some of the changes do seem quite drastic which is disappointing, would love to watch the original version first as that how so many people have experienced these films. Wong did have an interesting quote about how we’re not the same people we were when we first saw these films and so this is an opportunity to present them in a new way, they could turn out to be quite interesting experiences on their own merit, but as someone who very much cares about film preservation and accessibility I do wish we could get copies of the older versions too. Shouts out to your college bud too, you’re definitely continuing his work of channeling your excitement of the medium to get us to watch new and different films.
thank you very much my dear friend for this. Yes, I have not yet seen the restored versions so I can't say either way. However, I look forward to this very much when it arrives.
Certainly going to pick this up in release week! I have both Chungking Express digipack and In the Mood for Love, but this will be a very strong upgrade that’ll introduce me to his other works!
And "As Tears Go By" is from a song by "The Rolling Stones"? At the same time Shakespeare was writing "Romeo and Juliet," the Chinese were writing "The Peony Pavilion". Both are about a first-love "teenage" couple, and death in similar fashion. Who copied who?
Hello, Daisuke! I love your announcement reaction videos, and this was was no exception! Wong Kar-Wai is possibly my favourite director and I'd love to hear your thoughts on his films (I don't believe you talk about them a lot on this channel). If that is not possible, however, you shouldn't worry, I understand how busy your schedule is. Love from Brazil!
Thank you! This is great timing because at this moment I am planning the videos where I would discuss each of the films in the new set! Hopefully I can start to upload them next week.
I'm so excited for this, I'm not even upset I just bought In the Mood for Love on Blu-ray and now I'll have to buy it again. I've been waiting so long for this
I was always kind of fascinated by the body of work of WKW, or better to say by the trailers, pictures etc. I´ve seen. I had never the opportunity to see them. Around 4 years ago I ordered the Criterion release of "In the mood for love", although I had no region free player, but just to be on the safe side. It was my first Criterion. A few months later, still no region free player, I learned about the Menu trick, as I had a older player i gave it a go, and to my surprise it worked. 1 Hour 38 Mins later I had my personal favourite romance movie. It is one of those movies i would consider perfect. So as we got the clue, I was waiting patiently for the box set to finally get announced. Month after Month a little bit of frustration so to speak haha. Now here it is, and I can´t wait, despite all the drama that surrounds the set. I am sad as many others are about the changes WKW made to some of his movies, especially the aspect ratio changes to Fallen Angels and all the recolouring. Sadly it doesn´t seem likely that the set will have the original version. Atleast i could get a release of Fallen Angels by Curzon Artificial Eye from the UK. Now we have to wait what Novamedia plans to release, as we know they will bring WKWs movies on UHD. On another Note; thank you again for your work, the amount of content you keep bringing, can´t keep up with it haha. Can´t wait to see all of your Kitano content, as I am a big fan of his. I grew up with Takeshis Castle (so did my wife), the moment we realised while watching Hana-Bi that this is the crazy guy from our childhood is a memory forever. Since then we are big fans of his work. It is fascinating how popular he is in japan. The 3 times we were in Japan, it was impossible not to see Kitano, may it be on TV, on some big advertising wall, etc. The movie I really want to see with him in the lead role (not directed by him) is "Blood and Bones". Oh, and it was a big surprise to see him in the videogame Ryu ga gotoku/Yakuza 6. You and your family stay safe and well.
And there was much rejoicing! Was saving my $50 gift card for this very release. Locked up as soon as I saw. Big fan of his work. My hope now is for Region A sets of Naruse & Dreyer someday, hard to get their movies hard copy. Thanks Daisuke!
I rarely watch Chinese films but I absolutely love In The Mood For Love. Maggie Cheung looks so elegant in the many Cheongsums that she wears. Also the collaboration of Wong Kar Wai & Christopher Doyle made many of these films so beautiful.
"Christopher Doyle" is terrific. There's a long walking interview with him (with beer in hand) available on youtube in which he shows places where "In the Mood for Love" was filmed. And "2046" is mind-blowing ("2046" is the hotel room number in which Tony and Maggie met in "In the Mood for Love") -- and a fun challenge trying to figure it out. Visually splendid, killer soundtrack.
This set looks interesting. Its definitely going on my wish list. Also, I wonder if Criterion will do a Kurasawa box set since they have so many of his titles. That's a set I would love.
I have to say my friend, your intro rings very true. I am in very good spirits because if this news. Chugking Express was far and away my favorite film that I saw as a college student. Once I learned that the criterion edition was out of print, I resigned myself 6o the fact that I'd have to pay a serious premium on the resale market. With this box set, that's no longer the case. I pre ordered my copy, but I'll be sure to watch your content once you receive yours.
Hello Hamza Zahurullah, and I would like to thank you so much for this. Yes, this marks a kind of return of Chungking Express to the collection which itself is great news. Yes, I hope you are well and let me know what you think of the set when it arrives in March. I would love to know. And of course, not just this set, but any works of cinema my friend. You are always welcome here. Cheers.
Hi Daisuke. I too am very excited about this set. But did you hear the news about the changes that WKW made to some of the films for this release? The biggest one being the change in Fallen Angels' aspect ratio. For this reason, I decided to order the (currently available) Artificial Eye blu-ray of that film as it maintains the original framing. I also ordered Ashes of Time Redux since it will not be a part of the Criterion set. Even so, March will be a great month indeed!
Oh yes I did, but I will reserve judgment and comment until the set arrives. I already have it on a previous release and so it will be nice to compare them in March. Cheers my friend.
Long interview! -- (5) Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love) Interview - The Seventh Art - UA-cam Interview with Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung about "In the Mood for Love" -- (5) 2000 TIFF Interview with Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung , In the Mood for Love [2000] by Wong Kar-wai - UA-cam
@@DaisukeBeppu A search on youtube will find other interviews with Doyle, WKW, and Tony and Maggie. Specifically there is a Doyle interview about working with WKW. Here's an interview with WKW introduced by my other favorite director Ang Lee. ua-cam.com/video/wDkTPT-cgvk/v-deo.html
"[The] Grandmaster" is a rather recent new film, and is available as blu-ray. Unfortunately, it's not the 3-plus hour version said to exist. Still visually stunning.
Thank you very much for this comment which is very important for anyone seeking to find the other films that are not included in the Criterion set. This is very helpful. Cheers and I hope you are well.
I own the blu ray and then found out that Weinstein cut the film down for American audiences. Hopefully someone can get the rights and release the full version
@@matt00794 I have at least one Hong Kong release copy of it. I don't think WKW has released the said-to-be-3-plus-hours full length version. The problem with the released version is that so much of the story is left out. According to WKW, he researched for that film for ten years, travelling all over China and interviewing at the different Kung Fu "schools". I checked my copies: the Weinstein blu-ray is 108 minutes (5.1 DTS-HD MA). The Hong Kong "Mei Ah" release (DVD-9/non-blu-ray) is 130 minutes, but claims to have DTS-HD MA 7.1 surround.
I would like to predict that this will possibly be criterions best ever release! at least for me his films have been stuck in low grade limbo so long, they will be liberated now and what a beautiful looking package makes this year seem not so bad after all, truly something to look forward to , a dream actually!!
For those who are into details, this is my list of Wong Kar Wai DVDs and Blu-Rays. I don't have "Happy Together" or "My Blueberry Nights". IMDB lists others with Chinese titles not included in this list, plus his screenwriting credits. The aspect ratios are as given on the DVDs/Blu-Rays. Note the differences in lengths of some releases. _____ 1988: "As Tears Go By": Kino Video DVD, 102 mins 1.85:1 "Fatal Checkout": DVD (Korean?), 98 mins, 1.85:1 "As Tears Go By": Media Asia Blu-Ray, 88 mins 1.85:1 1990: "Days of Being Wild": Kino Video DVD 89 mins, 1.85:1 1994: "Chungking Express": Miramax DVD 102min, 1.85:1 "Chungking Express": Criterion Blu-Ray 102min, 1.66.:1 1994: "Ashes of Time Redux": Sony Classics DVD 94 mins, 1.78:1 "Ashes of Time": Artificial Eye Blu-Ray 90 mins 2.35:1 1995: "Fallen Angels": Mei Ah DVD 97 mins 16:9 "Fallen Angels": Kino Blu-Ray 96 mins, 1.85:1 1997: "Happy Together" 2000: "In the Mood for Love": Mei Ah VCD "In the Mood for Love": Mei Ah DVD 98 mins 16:9 "In the Mood for Love": Criterion Blu-Ray 98 mins 1.66:1 "hua yang de mian hua" 2004: "2046": Mei Ah DVD 129 mins 16:9 "2046": Mei Ah DVD 129 mins 16:9 "2046": Mei Ah Spec. Ed. 2 Discs/Cards 129 mins 16:9 "2046": Japanese/Cards 98 mins16:9 "2046": Sony Classics 128 mins 2.40:1 "2046": Original Soundtrack Warner CD 2004: "Eros" (segment "The Hand") Mei Ah 108 mins 16:9 2007: "My Blueberry Nights" 2007: "To Each His Own Cinema" (segment "I Travelled 9000 km To Give It To You")
Man, I had been so excited for this, but the drastic changes to Fallen Angels (one of my favorite films) and the color regrading of In the Mood for Love means I will probably wait until the detailed reviews come out - the preliminary screenshots some people posted were not encouraging. I get that WKW wanted the changes, but I'm skeptical unfortunately.
Thank you so much for this, and I totally understand the hesitant nature that you express. Let us see what the set has, and yes, indeed, let us endeavor to evaluate it objectively when it arrives. Healthy skepticism is very reasonable my friend. Thank you my dear friend and I hope you are well.
@@jnagarya519 Most people have the opposite take, that this new re-edit will be the only cut included - there's no mention of multiple cuts, and Criterion pretty much always clearly says if there will be multiple versions on one release.
@@CF565 From the set: ". . . . New 4K digital restorations of of _As Tears Go By_ and _Days of Being Wild_" (mono soundtracks). "Alternate version of _Days of Being Wild,_ on home video for the first time." Also: "Extended version of _The Hand,_ a 2004 short film. " I have a version of this -- stars Chang Chen and Gong Li -- along with two other shorts on "Asia Media" (I believe) DVD "Eros". I wish the set were slipcased, as I prefer to keep the cellophane on to protect against wear. But it is a spectacular generosity.
Dear Daisuke, it has been a while since I watched one of your videos. Great as ever my friend. Really happy for you. You are close to 10000 subscribers. Just... you seem a little tired(?) here. Are you OK?
Haha!! thank you so much and you are so observant and caring as always. I forget exactly, but I think I just woke up and it was still early morning for me when I made the video. So that could account for it. But other than that, I feel fine. Cheers my friend.
@@DaisukeBeppu Forgive me if I was kind of personal with my question, Daisuke. But really happy that you are doing well... Keep going strong, the numbers are rising and you still keep the quality and honesty, that is great my friend... :)
So exciting!! Ever since I heard the first rumours about this set, I've been waiting with bated breath for this announcement, and as soon as I got the email, I went to Criterion and put this set on my wish-list. At $140, that's $20/disc which is a great price! New 4k restorations of EVERY film in the set; it couldn't be better!! Now I really need that Fellini set first.. the Criterion Collection is turning me into an addict! I will add that I'm very much looking forward to seeing how different the only previous Wong Kar-Wai Criterion release I own; In the Mood for Love, will look compared to this new 4k restoration.
I agree with you that although not "complete" it's still sounds wonderful & i can wait to get my paws on it. I noticed the GRANDMASTER comment as well. Have you considered that maybe his other films MAY get a Criterion treatment? Who the hell knows...
i just got mine in the mail today. a beautifully done set, but i had to put the discs in a regular case, i dont wanna risk them getting scratched by taking them in and out of those cardboard slide in holders.
Hi Daisuke. Do you happen to know if the restorations in this boxset for Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together and In the Mood for Love are the same as the ones shown on the channel? Also what the differences are between this restoration for In the Mood for Love and the one for the current standalone Blu-ray in the collection? Because I’ve seen some stills that suggest some color alterations and that’s made me a little bit nervous since color is so important to the movies of Wong Kar-Wai, particularly for In the Mood for Love. Let me know if you can help clarify my confusion.
Thank you so much for your question. So, I don't have the Criterion Channel, and I have not yet seen the restorations so it will be the first time for me to see the restoration versions when the box set arrives. Sorry for not being able to answer your question well.
I have to agree wholeheartedly that color is vitally important in his films. He’s even spoken about it in interviews. Any changes would be like changing the key a song is played in.
the previous box set was from kino; i want them to just rerelease it again just to have the pre-4k versions preserved and in wider release; AND adding ashes of time pre-redux. if they can release it, it's money on the table tbh
Yeah... I know the Kino box set you are referring to as I too have it. Also yes, totally agree with you about the non redux version, though I think having both non redux and redux would have been really brilliant. But oh well... often times this happens with anticipated box sets like this because it is a world that involves the need to acquire the necessary licensing rights of the licensor intellectual property.
(Edited) I have all but one of the films in the proposed box -- "Happy Together". "2046" is top of my list for blu-ray rendition because such a visual feast. And Zhang Ziyi is a heartbreaker in it. I really need to correct my comments on this set, because I have so many, and so many releases, of his films, and reality has been distracting me from regular film viewing. I have "Days of Being Wild" (Kino) and blu-rays of "Ashes of Time Redux" (Fortune Star), "Fallen Angels" (Kino), "Chungking Express" (US DVD and Criterion blu-ray), "In the Mood for Love" (Criterion), and "The Grandmaster (both Hong Kong DVD and US blu-ray). And as said in another comment, five Hong Kong (one of those Japanese?) DVD copies of "2046".
I agree with you about 2046 and the beautiful visual spectacle. As you say, a "visual feast". Cheers and thank you for the comment. Have a nice rest of your day.
@@DaisukeBeppu I should revisit my library to see exactly what I have of Wong Kar-Wai; it's a significant number. And I have DVD of the three-part film -- "Eros" -- that includes his "The Hand" (with Chang Chen -- a favorite actor -- and Gong Li). I do have both US and Criterion of "Chungking Express," and I believe both an Hong Kong and (definitely) the Criterion of "In the Mood for Love".. And multiple Hong Kong releases of "2046"* (which I consider his best, "second" being "Chungking Express" -- Faye Wong's first, and she's a delight!) for the several different covers. Least favorite, I think, is "Ashes of Time". And since no one else has, I'll mention that WKW has amazingly perfect soundtracks. Yeah, I should review my library of WKW so I can consolidate a complete list. Tony Leung Chu Wai is probably my favorite actor, regardless which side of the Pacific Ocean one considers. He's especially good in "Infernal Affairs" and "Lust Caution," which take nothing away from his WKW work. His interviews detail how difficult it is to work with WKW: no script; no idea of the story-line; film a scene, fly out and do another film or two, six months later fly in and do another scene, fly out and make another film or two or three, fly back in and film another scene . . . At any rate, and at very least, Criterion should have improved subtitles, as those tend to vary wildly in readability on Asian releases. _____ *I have five Asian-release copies of "2046," most/all I think "Me Ah". Um, yeah, I love that film!
@@DaisukeBeppuBeautiful done. Detailed linear notes and a sturdy case. I’ll dig into the actual films this weekend. Man I’ve got alotta work to do. Essential Fellini, Bergman box set, and now this lol
Hello and thank you so much! And thank you for asking and expressing an interest. I am currently exploring the set. I am not sure when exactly I can make a video on it, and what exactly I would do. I might do something similar with this as I did with the Varda set and talk about each of the discs. We shall see.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Yes, I wear these glasses because they remind me of the kinds that George Romero used to wear. I know they are not the exact same models but they are very similar. So I wear these in a kind of honor to George Romero because his works brought a lot of joy to my life when I was younger.
Is that Local Hero DVD on the bookshelf behind you? I think the two people are Burt Lancaster and Peter Riegert. Did you watch “comfort and joy” by the same director Bill Forsyth?
Oh, thank you so much for looking. The films behind me I think are: Tokyo Twilight, the Agnes Varda in California Eclipse set, the Agnes Varda blu ray set, the Essential Jacques Demy set, the Essential Fellini set, the Angelopoulos DVD set, and a Japanese dvd of the Sidney Lumet film Family Business.
This one certainly must be a very beautiful designed boxset collection. I used to love WKW's films a great deal when they were new in the theatres. Now for whatever reason, I am less inclined to rewatch them. Daisuke, Would you think Criterion will do the same in the next two years for other Asian masters? Bong Joon Ho, Hong Sang Soo, Lee Chang Dong, Edward Yang, King Hu, Hou-Hsiao Hsien or Apichatpong Weerasthakul? Or Some big names like Yousef Chahine from Egypt. I watched some of his Egyptian / French films on Netflix. There are at least 8 films there and very well restored in fine 2K or 4K.
Hello my friend, and wow, what a lovely question. It is of course very possible. As you know, for example, there appears to be an effort by Criterion to add more films by Bong Joon-ho to the collection (with Parasite, and the film Memories of Murder that is expected to be in the collection). Personally, I would love to see this happen one day and for as many filmmakers as possible.
@@DaisukeBeppu Can you suggest to me the reason why on the US side, their offer seems to be less adventurous compare to on the UK shore? Arrow, Masters of Cinema, etc. they released Imamura, Koreeda, Angelopulos, Suzuki's Taisho box set or even less known directors? Even Crash 4K appeared on Germany and UK first. Not that I can afford any of these because my Thai baht. I am just curious.
Looking forward to this! Chungking Express is one of my favourite films. A bit of a shame Ashes of Time is not included - not too bothered about My Blueberry Nights and The Grandmaster though, the latter of which I consider to be WKW's weakest film by a land mile.
@@AleksandarBloom The question is not whether artists have the right to change their work- they clearly do. The question is whether or not that's the best decision, especially if previous versions subsequently become unavailable. Personally, I'm of the opinion that when a work of art is released, it becomes part of a cultural tapestry from which it cannot be extracted, and changing it later fundamentally changes that dynamic. Fallen Angels looked the way it looked because it was a product of it's time and context; I don't want a 'contemporary' version because it's not a 'contemporary' film. Ultimately this could all be resolved if alternate cuts were made available a la Tree of Life or The Mist; WKW choosing to only release one is the cause for the debate. In the end, nobody is really correct- you can support WKW in this choice, and others can disagree, and everyone is equally as valid because it's a matter of taste and philosophy.
Thank you for your comment and for expressing an interest in what I might have to say on the set! I am very honored. I just got the set in the mail a couple days ago and so I have barely begun to explore it. I can’t say exactly when I can post videos on it but I will do so as soon as I can.
@@DaisukeBeppu I went in being familiar with many of his films, but I must say that my new favourite is 'From the Life of the Marionettes, ' one that I had never seen before. It has such a gritty psychology to it. And I am always a sucker for mixed b&w/colour photography.
Any chance these movies will be released separately? I really just want 2046 since i already have most of the others on blu ray. Also, im not a fan of the cardboard cases these large sets come in.
I am not sure about individual releases. That would be great of course. We did see some of the films in the Bergman set released individually. And of course this is true to a certain degree for the Varda set.
Hey daisuke, I’ve told you before but I’m moving to japan. How can I order criterion’s when I move? Is Amazon best or does the criterion site ship to Tokyo?
Oh yes thank you. I think I answered your question already but to respond here, no at the moment Criterion does not ship to Japan. So you would need to purchase though places like Amazon US which ship to Japan.
I'm not sure what to think about the restorations being significantly different than the original versions. Still, the set looks gorgeous and I'm looking forward to it. Its just too bad it won't include the original versions of Fallen Angels and Happy Together.
Oh yes a good point. I personally haven’t seen the restorations and so I need to see them before I can make any good comment about them. I think the best approach is to take a kind of wait and see approach and see what other reviewers say about the set and the restorations in March, when there are more views on it. In the meantime of course, hold on to your current copies of the films which is what I am doing too.
@@DaisukeBeppu Yes, I agree with the wait and see approach! I haven't seen the restorations yet either. If they represent Wong Kar Wai's preferred presentations of the films, then they are definitely worth my time!
Thank you so much. So, the Criterion box set is a blu ray set. Also, yes, my friend Yung and I stay in touch, though we have not been out for a drink since the current world health crisis hit.
Are you asking if it is worth getting the film? Or is it worth getting the individual release or this expected set? In any case if you have the Criterion Channel, then it would be a good idea perhaps to first watch the film there. Then if you like it then you can choose to get the individual blu ray or the set. For me I can strongly recommend the film.
Yeah, I have a similar feeling too regarding that film. It would have been so great if they could have included that film (and perhaps too the different versions). As it happens, yes, it is not included unfortunately.
Looks great, but i'm not buying this set; this release comes much too late! First bought these 7 movies on UK dvd (first one I picked up in 2003), then I bought the dutch dvd's (years later, for the dutch subs; we have the worst physical media market in the western world over here in the Netherlands so we're always late!) and now, some 8 years later (!!!) these movies will finally be available as a set in HD with a staggering $200 pricetag. I'm just a simple working man; I can't pay this huge amount of money, again, for these wonderful movies. Criterion should have released this set 10 years ago. Wong Kar Wai was an incredibly populair director over here in Europe during the period 2000-2005. I can dream up these movies from start to finish, but i'll keep dreaming these movies up in SD, and not in HD... unfortunately. My advice: do you like Wong Kar Wai's work and you have enough savings? Then do buy this CC set! Have you never heard of this director? Have you never watched any Kar Wai Wong movie? First pick up a few of his movies on dvd (maybe some cheap second-hand dvd's), see if you like his work, and then think about buying this expensive, amazing set. We, collectors of physical media, are living in great times.... but we are also living in very expensive times. Greetings from Ebenezer Scrooge!... Uuh before i forget.. In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express are his absolute masterworks in my humble opinion! My third favorite Wong Kar Wai movie, which isn't part of this CC set, is the incredibly artistic swordplay movie 'Ashes of Time'. It thinks it's available on Blu-ray in the UK (AE). And if you like this movie, you probably should go and look for the movie 'The Assassin' (2015) directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, another swordplay movie that really broke the mold of the genre.
I'm beyond excited! Very happy to hear a region B release is coming in April too!
Is that confirmed? Because none of the box sets released so far this year received a region B release
@@smartmouse96 I saw someone post a screenshot of it on r/criterion and I emailed to confirm, yes region B coming april! Not sure about when pre ordering will go live though
Thank you so much for this, The Boss!
@@smartmouse96 The Agnès Varda box was region free
The Bergman set was also region free! Also, since it's coming in April, preorders should be up late January.
This set includes my three favorite films from this director - As Tears Go By, Fallen Angels, and In the Mood for Love. I'm definitely picking it up.
"2046" is superior to his purported "masterpiece" "In the Mood for Love".
I have Criterion's blu-rays of "Chungking Express" (OOP) and "In the Mood for Love," blu-ray of "Grandmaster," and DVD's of all others except two.
Gee -- I think I may have blu-rays of another two . . .
Fantastic my dear friend and sensei. I am so happy to hear that and I hope you are well.
@Ciera Thobbs Does your girlfriend actually trust you?
Just picked it up in the flash sale and checking out your videos on it. Great job on all the work and care you put in all your videos and your enthusiasm for film makes it so awesome to watch you and your channel
Ive never seen any of these films, but the set looks quite impressive. Thank you for talking about this Daisuke, I hope you have a great day!
Thank you so much my dear friend!!
I watched happy together and Chungking express recently and they were just incredible. Happy together is now in my interchangeable top 5. I must rewatch in the mood for love as I felt overwhelmed my first watch so with an analysis video I saw I feel I might like it a lot more
Thank you so much! Yes, what great films!!
Hello my dear friend. I can't believe it is here..... my favorite Asian Director. I haven't ever pre-ordered something so fast in my life...my fingers are on fire....lol. (^.^) Now i can put my Hong Kong Laserdiscs in storage! I am so happy.....but one worry i have with the packaging. Those slip in discs in that hard cardboard....they have a history with scratching. Something to so look forward to in 2021!
First time I've pre-ordered from Criterion. (The set is listed on Amazon, but with the note that they don't know when or if they'll get it back in stock, even though it lists the correct release date . . .)
Thank you so much my dear dear friend!! Oh yes, the packaging... this is the kind of packaging that appears to be a kind of standard in blu ray sets like this nowadays (see the Bergman set, the Varda set, the Godzilla set, the Fellini set, etc.). I am told that the blu ray is scratch resistant enough to be able to sit in these sleeves without incident. However, I also have heard otherwise, which means that it may be advisable to have the discs in separate cases.
@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you for the advice....i will do that for sure when it arrives. Have you thought of doing a live stream for this release once you have it and watch the films? I would love to be able to talk about the films with you and others in a live stream. Just a suggestion though.... there are a lot of fans that would love to chat live together about this film set for sure. I can't wait to compare differences to the Hong Kong laserdisc releases of these films to this release....lol. March can't get here fast enough :-p
I'm so happy that this is getting a release! I was never able to get Chungking Express before it went out of print, so now it can fetch around $90 online, but with this box set I'll be able to get so much worth out of all seven movies for only $200! (or just $100 if I wait for a 50% off sale)
Oh yes, thank you so much for the comment. Yes, Chungking Express is one of the most expensive OOP Criterion titles currently, and so this set is wonderful in its inclusion of that film.
Still pissed that I never bought CHUNGKING when it came out. I kept sitting on the fence about it until it was too late.
@@Theomite Apparently I got the last available copy at the original price. :)
Keep hearing about that 50% off sale. Is that for Barnes and Nobles?
@@johnblackmouth Yes, Barnes and Noble has a 50% off sale on all Criterions every June and November. There are also typically 2-3 50% off flash sales on the criterion website that last 24 hours every year.
So beyond excited about this!!!
Fantastic!!
Very exciting and I hope that Criterion continues to produce these wonderful sets. I am eager to see if they will again present their New Year's clues in a few weeks. My wish list is very long! Cheers.
Thank you so much and yes, the new year is fast approaching as you suggest. I hope the rest of the day and week and month goes well for you. Talk to you soon my friend (and once again, thank you so much for your comments on the Friday the 13th video and for the Bond livestreams).
I do believe we might have a new contender for most beautiful box.
It looks really nice. I cannot wait to see it when it arrives in March. Cheers my dear friend.
I preordered mine. The Chung King Express is playing tomorrow in my town independent theatre to celebrate the restoration and anniversary of the films.
For those interested these films are available to rent digitally through the Belcourt Theatre website. www.belcourt.org/events/world-of-wong-kar-wai.4509310
Great. And thank you also for the extra information my friend.
I saw this announcement on my Google news and was hoping I would get to hear you speak about it! Sounds like a collection of must-see films! Your descriptions have made sure I will have my eyes out for this one during a Criterion sale! Take care and have an awesome weekend, Daisuke!
Hello Seth my friend! Yes, I think these are must-sees. Of course, this is an expensive set, and so it may be a good idea first to check out some of the films ahead of time to be sure the films are of a kind that you would like to have if you choose to purchase the set.
Every individual cover of the blu rays looks stunning
Thank you so much for this. Your enthusiasm is really wonderful my dear dear friend.
I'm looking forward to this one. I'm looking forward to your Fellini vids, too.
Thank you my dear friend.
I am so so so excited for this set from one of my new favorite filmmakers! I’m also very pleasantly surprised to see 2046 in the set as there had been many rumors that it would not be included. Also the artwork is just heavenly.
And how lucky you were to see In the Mood for Love in theaters what an experience that must have been!
Oh thank you! Yes, now that I think back on it, I consider myself very fortunate indeed to have been able to see the film in the theaters when it was released in North America. I hope you are well my dear friend, and cheers.
I'd rather see "2046" in a theater.
Someone needs to rerelease all of his films in theaters! How about a WKW film festival?
Yes I am beyond excited, I am looking forward to seeing...
As tears go buy, Days of being wild and Happy Together for the first time.. Will be definitely picking this up
Thank you so much and I hope you are well!
You and others called it Daisuke! The Wong Kar Wai box set is a reality now! I had a feeling they were going to be announcing something like this (fitting that you put the Fellini and Varda box set nearby) in the month of December! It looks like it has the majority of his films with the exception of Ashes of Time, Blueberry Nights and The Grandmaster (Blossoms has yet to be released). I think this is going to be a solid set. It might not has as many films as the Kurosawa (limited), Bergman, Varda and Fellini director oriented sets but they are a feast for the eyes! The biggest thing for me is that we get Chungking Express back in the collection (not with its own # though)! I do have to wonder what other director oriented set Criterion could do next? Godard? Ozu? Cronenberg? Passolini? Powell and Pressberger? Lynch? Lee? Truffaut? Only time will tell...
My dear dear friend! Thank you so much as always!!
Reminder: there are many Wong Kar Wai videos, including interviews (one with he and Martin Scorcese) on youtube.
Thanks for this. Cheers.
I’ve only ever seen In the Mood for love so very excited to see his other works. I’ve seen some images from these restorations and some of the changes do seem quite drastic which is disappointing, would love to watch the original version first as that how so many people have experienced these films. Wong did have an interesting quote about how we’re not the same people we were when we first saw these films and so this is an opportunity to present them in a new way, they could turn out to be quite interesting experiences on their own merit, but as someone who very much cares about film preservation and accessibility I do wish we could get copies of the older versions too.
Shouts out to your college bud too, you’re definitely continuing his work of channeling your excitement of the medium to get us to watch new and different films.
thank you very much my dear friend for this. Yes, I have not yet seen the restored versions so I can't say either way. However, I look forward to this very much when it arrives.
Certainly going to pick this up in release week! I have both Chungking Express digipack and In the Mood for Love, but this will be a very strong upgrade that’ll introduce me to his other works!
"2046" will bowl you over!
Thank you so much my dear friend dhui1996. Warmest regards my dear friend and I hope you are well.
I remember the first comment I left on your videos was me asking your opinion on Chungking Express, feels like it's all came full circle!
Oh that is such a great comment! Yes, full circle indeed. Cheers my dear friend and I hope you are well.
I know what i'm getting in March now!! Awesome, i've only seen In the Mood for Love, fantastic news!
"2046" will blow you away!
Fantastic my friend. Thank you so much and I hope you are well.
I’ve been waiting for this 😭
Hello and thank you so much my friend! What Wong Kar-wai films in particular do you like?
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to get it soon. Also anticipating to see what is coming out in March 2021.
Thank you so much my dear friend Damon Diep. I hope you have a nice rest of your day.
“In the Mood for Love” is a 1930s song by Bryan Ferry. WKW found the title for the movie while listening to this song.
Love Bryan Ferry
Thank you so much my dear friend.
And "As Tears Go By" is from a song by "The Rolling Stones"?
At the same time Shakespeare was writing "Romeo and Juliet," the Chinese were writing "The Peony Pavilion". Both are about a first-love "teenage" couple, and death in similar fashion. Who copied who?
Hello, Daisuke! I love your announcement reaction videos, and this was was no exception!
Wong Kar-Wai is possibly my favourite director and I'd love to hear your thoughts on his films (I don't believe you talk about them a lot on this channel). If that is not possible, however, you shouldn't worry, I understand how busy your schedule is.
Love from Brazil!
Thank you!
This is great timing because at this moment I am planning the videos where I would discuss each of the films in the new set! Hopefully I can start to upload them next week.
@@DaisukeBeppu That's wonderful! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Chungking Express.
just preordered this set tonight, very excited :))
that is great my friend! Yes, it is almost time for the release of the set. I cannot way. Thank you again for sharing this with me.
I'm so excited for this, I'm not even upset I just bought In the Mood for Love on Blu-ray and now I'll have to buy it again. I've been waiting so long for this
Luckily you've got the one with the original color timing. The new one is a bit more green.
Thank you so much my friend.
Gift your copy to a family member and spread the love
Can't wait to scoop this up. I've only seen two Wong films (Chungking and Mood) but I'd consider him one of my favorite directors even so.
Thank you so much my friend, Richard!
I was always kind of fascinated by the body of work of WKW, or better to say by the trailers, pictures etc. I´ve seen. I had never the opportunity to see them. Around 4 years ago I ordered the Criterion release of "In the mood for love", although I had no region free player, but just to be on the safe side. It was my first Criterion. A few months later, still no region free player, I learned about the Menu trick, as I had a older player i gave it a go, and to my surprise it worked. 1 Hour 38 Mins later I had my personal favourite romance movie. It is one of those movies i would consider perfect.
So as we got the clue, I was waiting patiently for the box set to finally get announced. Month after Month a little bit of frustration so to speak haha. Now here it is, and I can´t wait, despite all the drama that surrounds the set. I am sad as many others are about the changes WKW made to some of his movies, especially the aspect ratio changes to Fallen Angels and all the recolouring. Sadly it doesn´t seem likely that the set will have the original version. Atleast i could get a release of Fallen Angels by Curzon Artificial Eye from the UK. Now we have to wait what Novamedia plans to release, as we know they will bring WKWs movies on UHD.
On another Note; thank you again for your work, the amount of content you keep bringing, can´t keep up with it haha. Can´t wait to see all of your Kitano content, as I am a big fan of his. I grew up with Takeshis Castle (so did my wife), the moment we realised while watching Hana-Bi that this is the crazy guy from our childhood is a memory forever. Since then we are big fans of his work. It is fascinating how popular he is in japan. The 3 times we were in Japan, it was impossible not to see Kitano, may it be on TV, on some big advertising wall, etc. The movie I really want to see with him in the lead role (not directed by him) is "Blood and Bones". Oh, and it was a big surprise to see him in the videogame Ryu ga gotoku/Yakuza 6.
You and your family stay safe and well.
thank you so much Zeks Deks. I hope you are well and cheers. Have a nice weekend my friend.
And there was much rejoicing! Was saving my $50 gift card for this very release. Locked up as soon as I saw. Big fan of his work.
My hope now is for Region A sets of Naruse & Dreyer someday, hard to get their movies hard copy.
Thanks Daisuke!
Hello Jerry my friend, and thank you very much for this. Yes, that would be so great if there were a Dreyer set or a Naruse set, or both!
I rarely watch Chinese films but I absolutely love In The Mood For Love. Maggie Cheung looks so elegant in the many Cheongsums that she wears. Also the collaboration of Wong Kar Wai & Christopher Doyle made many of these films so beautiful.
"Christopher Doyle" is terrific. There's a long walking interview with him (with beer in hand) available on youtube in which he shows places where "In the Mood for Love" was filmed.
And "2046" is mind-blowing ("2046" is the hotel room number in which Tony and Maggie met in "In the Mood for Love") -- and a fun challenge trying to figure it out. Visually splendid, killer soundtrack.
Thank you and yes, you are so right about In the Mood for Love and the contribution of Christopher Doyle. Cheers and I hope you are well.
So great, was hard to get blu ray of Chungking Express, excited to dive into this collection
It will be great to have the film back into the collection. Cheers and I hope you are well.
This set looks interesting. Its definitely going on my wish list.
Also, I wonder if Criterion will do a Kurasawa box set since they have so many of his titles. That's a set I would love.
Oh yes... they did a huge DVD box set of Kurosawa films a while back, but it would be great to have another set like that.
@@DaisukeBeppu Oh wow, I was unaware of the DVD set. I'll look into that, thank you Daisuke!
Maybe in 2023, for the 80th anniversary of his first film? Though I would hate to wait that long.
Just can’t wait for this jewel!! I would like for Criterion to start a UHD Blurays era with this box!
Thank you my dear friend. Yes this will also be a kind of point to keep in mind going forward.
I have to say my friend, your intro rings very true. I am in very good spirits because if this news. Chugking Express was far and away my favorite film that I saw as a college student. Once I learned that the criterion edition was out of print, I resigned myself 6o the fact that I'd have to pay a serious premium on the resale market. With this box set, that's no longer the case. I pre ordered my copy, but I'll be sure to watch your content once you receive yours.
Hello Hamza Zahurullah, and I would like to thank you so much for this. Yes, this marks a kind of return of Chungking Express to the collection which itself is great news. Yes, I hope you are well and let me know what you think of the set when it arrives in March. I would love to know. And of course, not just this set, but any works of cinema my friend. You are always welcome here. Cheers.
Hi Daisuke. I too am very excited about this set. But did you hear the news about the changes that WKW made to some of the films for this release? The biggest one being the change in Fallen Angels' aspect ratio. For this reason, I decided to order the (currently available) Artificial Eye blu-ray of that film as it maintains the original framing. I also ordered Ashes of Time Redux since it will not be a part of the Criterion set. Even so, March will be a great month indeed!
Oh yes I did, but I will reserve judgment and comment until the set arrives. I already have it on a previous release and so it will be nice to compare them in March. Cheers my friend.
This comes out on my birthday!!
Oh what a great thing indeed!! A great way to celebrate!
Long interview! --
(5) Christopher Doyle (In the Mood for Love) Interview - The Seventh Art - UA-cam
Interview with Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung about "In the Mood for Love" --
(5) 2000 TIFF Interview with Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung , In the Mood for Love [2000] by Wong Kar-wai - UA-cam
I really appreciate this great effort and sharing with us this available information. Truly. Many thanks and cheers.
@@DaisukeBeppu A search on youtube will find other interviews with Doyle, WKW, and Tony and Maggie. Specifically there is a Doyle interview about working with WKW.
Here's an interview with WKW introduced by my other favorite director Ang Lee.
ua-cam.com/video/wDkTPT-cgvk/v-deo.html
"[The] Grandmaster" is a rather recent new film, and is available as blu-ray. Unfortunately, it's not the 3-plus hour version said to exist. Still visually stunning.
Thank you very much for this comment which is very important for anyone seeking to find the other films that are not included in the Criterion set. This is very helpful. Cheers and I hope you are well.
I own the blu ray and then found out that Weinstein cut the film down for American audiences. Hopefully someone can get the rights and release the full version
@@matt00794 I have at least one Hong Kong release copy of it. I don't think WKW has released the said-to-be-3-plus-hours full length version.
The problem with the released version is that so much of the story is left out. According to WKW, he researched for that film for ten years, travelling all over China and interviewing at the different Kung Fu "schools".
I checked my copies: the Weinstein blu-ray is 108 minutes (5.1 DTS-HD MA). The Hong Kong "Mei Ah" release (DVD-9/non-blu-ray) is 130 minutes, but claims to have DTS-HD MA 7.1 surround.
I would like to predict that this will possibly be criterions best ever release! at least for me
his films have been stuck in low grade limbo so long, they will be liberated now and what a beautiful looking package
makes this year seem not so bad after all, truly something to look forward to
, a dream actually!!
Thank you so much my dear friend!! Please have a nice weekend, and continue to be well and stay safe.
It actually retails for 200, its 140 on the site right now because they're doing a 30% off holiday sale.
Oh great point my friend. Thank you!
I just finished As Tears Go By. Amazing film and the restoration is flawless. It has similarities to “Graveyard of Honor.”
Thank you! I just got the set also and I am still working my way through it. As Tears Go By!! Yes!
For those who are into details, this is my list of Wong Kar Wai DVDs and Blu-Rays. I don't have "Happy Together" or "My Blueberry Nights". IMDB lists others with Chinese titles not included in this list, plus his screenwriting credits.
The aspect ratios are as given on the DVDs/Blu-Rays. Note the differences in lengths of some releases.
_____
1988: "As Tears Go By": Kino Video DVD, 102 mins 1.85:1
"Fatal Checkout": DVD (Korean?), 98 mins, 1.85:1
"As Tears Go By": Media Asia Blu-Ray, 88 mins 1.85:1
1990: "Days of Being Wild": Kino Video DVD 89 mins, 1.85:1
1994: "Chungking Express": Miramax DVD 102min, 1.85:1
"Chungking Express": Criterion Blu-Ray 102min, 1.66.:1
1994: "Ashes of Time Redux": Sony Classics DVD 94 mins, 1.78:1
"Ashes of Time": Artificial Eye Blu-Ray 90 mins 2.35:1
1995: "Fallen Angels": Mei Ah DVD 97 mins 16:9
"Fallen Angels": Kino Blu-Ray 96 mins, 1.85:1
1997: "Happy Together"
2000: "In the Mood for Love": Mei Ah VCD
"In the Mood for Love": Mei Ah DVD 98 mins 16:9
"In the Mood for Love": Criterion Blu-Ray 98 mins 1.66:1
"hua yang de mian hua"
2004: "2046": Mei Ah DVD 129 mins 16:9
"2046": Mei Ah DVD 129 mins 16:9
"2046": Mei Ah Spec. Ed. 2 Discs/Cards 129 mins 16:9
"2046": Japanese/Cards 98 mins16:9
"2046": Sony Classics 128 mins 2.40:1
"2046": Original Soundtrack Warner CD
2004: "Eros" (segment "The Hand") Mei Ah 108 mins 16:9
2007: "My Blueberry Nights"
2007: "To Each His Own Cinema" (segment "I Travelled 9000 km To Give It To You")
Thank you.
Man, I had been so excited for this, but the drastic changes to Fallen Angels (one of my favorite films) and the color regrading of In the Mood for Love means I will probably wait until the detailed reviews come out - the preliminary screenshots some people posted were not encouraging. I get that WKW wanted the changes, but I'm skeptical unfortunately.
I get the impression that there are two versions of "Fallen Angels" -- the original, and the re-edit.
Thank you so much for this, and I totally understand the hesitant nature that you express. Let us see what the set has, and yes, indeed, let us endeavor to evaluate it objectively when it arrives. Healthy skepticism is very reasonable my friend. Thank you my dear friend and I hope you are well.
@@jnagarya519 Most people have the opposite take, that this new re-edit will be the only cut included - there's no mention of multiple cuts, and Criterion pretty much always clearly says if there will be multiple versions on one release.
@@CF565 From the set: ". . . . New 4K digital restorations of of _As Tears Go By_ and _Days of Being Wild_" (mono soundtracks). "Alternate version of _Days of Being Wild,_ on home video for the first time."
Also: "Extended version of _The Hand,_ a 2004 short film. " I have a version of this -- stars Chang Chen and Gong Li -- along with two other shorts on "Asia Media" (I believe) DVD "Eros".
I wish the set were slipcased, as I prefer to keep the cellophane on to protect against wear. But it is a spectacular generosity.
Can someone explain the “color regrading” for ITMFL? That films color choice was beautiful! Also wasn’t that Doyle’s work?
Dear Daisuke, it has been a while since I watched one of your videos. Great as ever my friend. Really happy for you. You are close to 10000 subscribers. Just... you seem a little tired(?) here. Are you OK?
Haha!! thank you so much and you are so observant and caring as always.
I forget exactly, but I think I just woke up and it was still early morning for me when I made the video. So that could account for it. But other than that, I feel fine. Cheers my friend.
@@DaisukeBeppu Forgive me if I was kind of personal with my question, Daisuke. But really happy that you are doing well... Keep going strong, the numbers are rising and you still keep the quality and honesty, that is great my friend... :)
So exciting!! Ever since I heard the first rumours about this set, I've been waiting with bated breath for this announcement, and as soon as I got the email, I went to Criterion and put this set on my wish-list. At $140, that's $20/disc which is a great price! New 4k restorations of EVERY film in the set; it couldn't be better!! Now I really need that Fellini set first.. the Criterion Collection is turning me into an addict! I will add that I'm very much looking forward to seeing how different the only previous Wong Kar-Wai Criterion release I own; In the Mood for Love, will look compared to this new 4k restoration.
Thank you my dear friend... I appreciate it. And yes, a good point about breaking down and justifying the price. Thank you my friend.
I agree with you that although not "complete" it's still sounds wonderful & i can wait to get my paws on it. I noticed the GRANDMASTER comment as well. Have you considered that maybe his other films MAY get a Criterion treatment? Who the hell knows...
Thank you so much and yes, one can always hope for others... cheers my friend.
i just got mine in the mail today. a beautifully done set, but i had to put the discs in a regular case, i dont wanna risk them getting scratched by taking them in and out of those cardboard slide in holders.
I am glad to hear it! I hope you enjoy the set. (As of the time of my comment now, the set has not yet arrived for me.)
Hi Daisuke. Do you happen to know if the restorations in this boxset for Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together and In the Mood for Love are the same as the ones shown on the channel? Also what the differences are between this restoration for In the Mood for Love and the one for the current standalone Blu-ray in the collection? Because I’ve seen some stills that suggest some color alterations and that’s made me a little bit nervous since color is so important to the movies of Wong Kar-Wai, particularly for In the Mood for Love.
Let me know if you can help clarify my confusion.
Thank you so much for your question. So, I don't have the Criterion Channel, and I have not yet seen the restorations so it will be the first time for me to see the restoration versions when the box set arrives. Sorry for not being able to answer your question well.
I have to agree wholeheartedly that color is vitally important in his films. He’s even spoken about it in interviews. Any changes would be like changing the key a song is played in.
Extremely exciting stuff, but so is that Fellini set in the background 👀
Yes, the Fellini set. It is great!
the previous box set was from kino; i want them to just rerelease it again just to have the pre-4k versions preserved and in wider release; AND adding ashes of time pre-redux. if they can release it, it's money on the table tbh
Yeah... I know the Kino box set you are referring to as I too have it. Also yes, totally agree with you about the non redux version, though I think having both non redux and redux would have been really brilliant. But oh well... often times this happens with anticipated box sets like this because it is a world that involves the need to acquire the necessary licensing rights of the licensor intellectual property.
(Edited)
I have all but one of the films in the proposed box -- "Happy Together". "2046" is top of my list for blu-ray rendition because such a visual feast. And Zhang Ziyi is a heartbreaker in it.
I really need to correct my comments on this set, because I have so many, and so many releases, of his films, and reality has been distracting me from regular film viewing. I have "Days of Being Wild" (Kino) and blu-rays of "Ashes of Time Redux" (Fortune Star), "Fallen Angels" (Kino), "Chungking Express" (US DVD and Criterion blu-ray), "In the Mood for Love" (Criterion), and "The Grandmaster (both Hong Kong DVD and US blu-ray). And as said in another comment, five Hong Kong (one of those Japanese?) DVD copies of "2046".
I agree with you about 2046 and the beautiful visual spectacle. As you say, a "visual feast". Cheers and thank you for the comment. Have a nice rest of your day.
@@DaisukeBeppu I should revisit my library to see exactly what I have of Wong Kar-Wai; it's a significant number. And I have DVD of the three-part film -- "Eros" -- that includes his "The Hand" (with Chang Chen -- a favorite actor -- and Gong Li).
I do have both US and Criterion of "Chungking Express," and I believe both an Hong Kong and (definitely) the Criterion of "In the Mood for Love".. And multiple Hong Kong releases of "2046"* (which I consider his best, "second" being "Chungking Express" -- Faye Wong's first, and she's a delight!) for the several different covers.
Least favorite, I think, is "Ashes of Time".
And since no one else has, I'll mention that WKW has amazingly perfect soundtracks.
Yeah, I should review my library of WKW so I can consolidate a complete list.
Tony Leung Chu Wai is probably my favorite actor, regardless which side of the Pacific Ocean one considers. He's especially good in "Infernal Affairs" and "Lust Caution," which take nothing away from his WKW work. His interviews detail how difficult it is to work with WKW: no script; no idea of the story-line; film a scene, fly out and do another film or two, six months later fly in and do another scene, fly out and make another film or two or three, fly back in and film another scene . . .
At any rate, and at very least, Criterion should have improved subtitles, as those tend to vary wildly in readability on Asian releases.
_____
*I have five Asian-release copies of "2046," most/all I think "Me Ah". Um, yeah, I love that film!
Just got mine today in the mail
That is great!! How is it??!!
@@DaisukeBeppuBeautiful done. Detailed linear notes and a sturdy case. I’ll dig into the actual films this weekend. Man I’ve got alotta work to do. Essential Fellini, Bergman box set, and now this lol
WKW. Finally.
Yes! Indeed my friend!
Great video (as usual)...I see the Fellini set on your shelf. I have it and love it. Will your thoughts on it be coming soon?
Hello and thank you so much! And thank you for asking and expressing an interest. I am currently exploring the set. I am not sure when exactly I can make a video on it, and what exactly I would do. I might do something similar with this as I did with the Varda set and talk about each of the discs. We shall see.
A big influence on Sofia Coppola......Great news👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you so much!!
those are cool glasses....good report
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Yes, I wear these glasses because they remind me of the kinds that George Romero used to wear. I know they are not the exact same models but they are very similar. So I wear these in a kind of honor to George Romero because his works brought a lot of joy to my life when I was younger.
Is that Local Hero DVD on the bookshelf behind you? I think the two people are Burt Lancaster and Peter Riegert.
Did you watch “comfort and joy” by the same director Bill Forsyth?
Oh, thank you so much for looking. The films behind me I think are: Tokyo Twilight, the Agnes Varda in California Eclipse set, the Agnes Varda blu ray set, the Essential Jacques Demy set, the Essential Fellini set, the Angelopoulos DVD set, and a Japanese dvd of the Sidney Lumet film Family Business.
I haven't been able to see all of his films so this great news . There needs more asian representation like this. thank you good video as always
thank you so much for this and good point. Cheers my friend and I hope you are well.
Disappointed Ashes of Time is not included but the package design itself still makes it a must buy!
Thank you and yes, me too, but at the same time, yes on the packaging too!
This one certainly must be a very beautiful designed boxset collection. I used to love WKW's films a great deal when they were new in the theatres. Now for whatever reason, I am less inclined to rewatch them. Daisuke, Would you think Criterion will do the same in the next two years for other Asian masters? Bong Joon Ho, Hong Sang Soo, Lee Chang Dong, Edward Yang, King Hu, Hou-Hsiao Hsien or Apichatpong Weerasthakul? Or Some big names like Yousef Chahine from Egypt. I watched some of his Egyptian / French films on Netflix. There are at least 8 films there and very well restored in fine 2K or 4K.
Hello my friend, and wow, what a lovely question. It is of course very possible. As you know, for example, there appears to be an effort by Criterion to add more films by Bong Joon-ho to the collection (with Parasite, and the film Memories of Murder that is expected to be in the collection). Personally, I would love to see this happen one day and for as many filmmakers as possible.
@@DaisukeBeppu Can you suggest to me the reason why on the US side, their offer seems to be less adventurous compare to on the UK shore? Arrow, Masters of Cinema, etc. they released Imamura, Koreeda, Angelopulos, Suzuki's Taisho box set or even less known directors? Even Crash 4K appeared on Germany and UK first. Not that I can afford any of these because my Thai baht. I am just curious.
Looking forward to this! Chungking Express is one of my favourite films. A bit of a shame Ashes of Time is not included - not too bothered about My Blueberry Nights and The Grandmaster though, the latter of which I consider to be WKW's weakest film by a land mile.
thank you os much my friend and it might have been interesting to have the films included of course, but, oh well.
Sadly, Wong has apparently gone Lucas and is changing color time, aspect ratios, and other things.
Oh gosh yes... I need to watch the versions to see how I feel about them, so I will likely try to do so when the set arrives in March.
Henry James, late in his life, rewrote/reedited 30 volumes of his books.
@@AleksandarBloom The question is not whether artists have the right to change their work- they clearly do. The question is whether or not that's the best decision, especially if previous versions subsequently become unavailable.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that when a work of art is released, it becomes part of a cultural tapestry from which it cannot be extracted, and changing it later fundamentally changes that dynamic. Fallen Angels looked the way it looked because it was a product of it's time and context; I don't want a 'contemporary' version because it's not a 'contemporary' film.
Ultimately this could all be resolved if alternate cuts were made available a la Tree of Life or The Mist; WKW choosing to only release one is the cause for the debate. In the end, nobody is really correct- you can support WKW in this choice, and others can disagree, and everyone is equally as valid because it's a matter of taste and philosophy.
I hope to get it for 100 bucks in the Barnes and Noble sale in July
Oh yes, that is a good idea!
When will you be doing your review kind sir?
Thank you for your comment and for expressing an interest in what I might have to say on the set! I am very honored. I just got the set in the mail a couple days ago and so I have barely begun to explore it. I can’t say exactly when I can post videos on it but I will do so as soon as I can.
@@DaisukeBeppu Thanks for your time. Hope it exceeds your expectations.
So excited! Daisuke what languages can you speak? Will you be watching these with subtitles off?
Thank you so much and I can speak Japanese and English. I studied a little bit of French in school, but unfortunately I cannot speak it.
I cannot keep up with these amazing Criterion sets. I'm still working my way through the Bergman set.
Hello and thank you so much. What do you think of the Bergman set by the way?
@@DaisukeBeppu I went in being familiar with many of his films, but I must say that my new favourite is 'From the Life of the Marionettes, ' one that I had never seen before. It has such a gritty psychology to it. And I am always a sucker for mixed b&w/colour photography.
You think World of Wong Kar Wai will be eligible for 50% off during the flash sale in February?
Not sure... but hopefully it would. I do understand that it is currently marked down at the Criterion site, perhaps due to the current Christmas sale.
Any chance these movies will be released separately? I really just want 2046 since i already have most of the others on blu ray. Also, im not a fan of the cardboard cases these large sets come in.
I am not sure about individual releases. That would be great of course. We did see some of the films in the Bergman set released individually. And of course this is true to a certain degree for the Varda set.
Hello Daisuke- I preordered this a few moments ago - I’m very excited for this set. When will we ever get a Blu-ray set of Ozu’s work.
Fantastic my dear dear friend! And yes, wow, if there were ever to be an OZU set, that would be wonderful indeed.
Hey daisuke, I’ve told you before but I’m moving to japan. How can I order criterion’s when I move? Is Amazon best or does the criterion site ship to Tokyo?
Oh yes thank you. I think I answered your question already but to respond here, no at the moment Criterion does not ship to Japan. So you would need to purchase though places like Amazon US which ship to Japan.
@@DaisukeBeppu thank you again
I'm not sure what to think about the restorations being significantly different than the original versions. Still, the set looks gorgeous and I'm looking forward to it. Its just too bad it won't include the original versions of Fallen Angels and Happy Together.
Oh yes a good point. I personally haven’t seen the restorations and so I need to see them before I can make any good comment about them. I think the best approach is to take a kind of wait and see approach and see what other reviewers say about the set and the restorations in March, when there are more views on it. In the meantime of course, hold on to your current copies of the films which is what I am doing too.
@@DaisukeBeppu Yes, I agree with the wait and see approach! I haven't seen the restorations yet either. If they represent Wong Kar Wai's preferred presentations of the films, then they are definitely worth my time!
It shipped -- was released -- on March 18, 2021, and was received on March 23, 2021.
Ok
@@DaisukeBeppu I'm sitting here with it on my lap, unboxed as I came back from getting it in the mail.
Please enjoy it.
Hello from Canada. Will this Box Set be a 4k video box set or is it regular Bluray? Did Yung call you back?
Thank you so much. So, the Criterion box set is a blu ray set. Also, yes, my friend Yung and I stay in touch, though we have not been out for a drink since the current world health crisis hit.
I still haven't got the editon of In The Mood For Love. Is it still worth buying?
Are you asking if it is worth getting the film? Or is it worth getting the individual release or this expected set? In any case if you have the Criterion Channel, then it would be a good idea perhaps to first watch the film there. Then if you like it then you can choose to get the individual blu ray or the set. For me I can strongly recommend the film.
Certainly!
get it just so you have the original version before the standalone either gets replaced with the new one or goes out of print entirely.
Any european delivery available ?
the UK region B release of this set will be about a month later (April 2021 I think)
Yes, as noted, it appears that there will be a region B release.
no ashes of time? how did they mess that up
Yeah, I have a similar feeling too regarding that film. It would have been so great if they could have included that film (and perhaps too the different versions). As it happens, yes, it is not included unfortunately.
@@DaisukeBeppu that film is iconic in his filmography. i had to read that list a second time because i couldn't believe such a misstep
Hi again
Hello!
Sorry wallet, the Criterion beckons...
Yes, indeed. These are expensive... which is why the sales are great times. Cheers my friend.
Looks great, but i'm not buying this set; this release comes much too late! First bought these 7 movies on UK dvd (first one I picked up in 2003), then I bought the dutch dvd's (years later, for the dutch subs; we have the worst physical media market in the western world over here in the Netherlands so we're always late!) and now, some 8 years later (!!!) these movies will finally be available as a set in HD with a staggering $200 pricetag. I'm just a simple working man; I can't pay this huge amount of money, again, for these wonderful movies. Criterion should have released this set 10 years ago. Wong Kar Wai was an incredibly populair director over here in Europe during the period 2000-2005. I can dream up these movies from start to finish, but i'll keep dreaming these movies up in SD, and not in HD... unfortunately. My advice: do you like Wong Kar Wai's work and you have enough savings? Then do buy this CC set! Have you never heard of this director? Have you never watched any Kar Wai Wong movie? First pick up a few of his movies on dvd (maybe some cheap second-hand dvd's), see if you like his work, and then think about buying this expensive, amazing set. We, collectors of physical media, are living in great times.... but we are also living in very expensive times. Greetings from Ebenezer Scrooge!...
Uuh before i forget.. In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express are his absolute masterworks in my humble opinion! My third favorite Wong Kar Wai movie, which isn't part of this CC set, is the incredibly artistic swordplay movie 'Ashes of Time'. It thinks it's available on Blu-ray in the UK (AE). And if you like this movie, you probably should go and look for the movie 'The Assassin' (2015) directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, another swordplay movie that really broke the mold of the genre.
thank you so much and great point about the timing. In any case, I would keep the versions you have for now. Cheers my friend and I hope you are well.