Ryan from the excellent Criterion Cast dropped us a line to let us know that there are even more Criterion films hitting Netflix Instant right now! When’s Netflix going to wise up and get a dedicated Criterion category? There’s dozens of films on there already, classics that any film fan should experience as soon as possible.
Knowing how good we had it from the last round of Criterion flicks they added to the instant service (I’ve watched Man Bites Dog twice now, and am kicking myself for not having seen it sooner) should we expect any less from this latest volley? Of course not.
They’ve added classics like Samurai Rebellion, Umberto D., Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Passion of Joan of Arc, and so much more.
My recommendation? Watch Fritz Lang’s M immediately if you haven’t seen it yet. It’s likely the first serial killer ever made, and arguably the finest. Peter Lorree is at the top of his game here and you will never guess that it’s Lang’s first film with sound. He uses it like a master, managing to make a hauntingly beautiful film that leaves you oddly sympathetic towards the main character. One of my favorites of all time.
Head on over to the Criterion Cast site for the full list of films now available, and hope that your queue isn’t out of control already.
See every single one, but argue about the order on our messageboards.
9 comments
M. is a masterpiece. Love the docs on the second disc of the Criterion Set too. Fantastic package that!
The one and only drawback I can think of with the Criterion films on Instant View is you don't get those special features. A friend was telling me about this insane documentary on the second disc of La Male Noche that isn't on there
I second M. What an excellent film.
m rules. but also props to Man bites dog – what a great film, i remmeber seeing it at a theatre the same week as res dogs.
M = Brilliant! Man Bites Dog is very energetic and surprising especially when the doco crew start personally responding to Ben's lifestyle. I say log in to Netflix and watch THE RULING CLASS now! Peter O'Toole is epic in this amazing film about the development of a truly mad character.
Umberto D will make you cry like a baby……great film.
One drawback with Netflix streaming is that it blows. Visual quality suffers (especially if you've been spoiled by Blu Ray) and the streaming is disrupted at least once, sometimes a half dozen times during viewing, which fucks up the flow of the film. This is my experience, anyway. I'll watch throwaway comedies and sitcoms on streaming, but I'll rent the M. Blu Ray.
if The Passion of Joan of Arc is the film that I think it is–a silent French movie–then it's an awsome movie. The people look so normal and yet so fascinating. I saw it on TCM one Sunday night and was blown away. And M is a film that anyone who is a fan of modern thrillers like Seven or Silence of the Lambs have to check out. So many people that I have spoken with dismiss old movies as corny and what not. I till them they need to check out M. It's a type of movie that American filmakers wouldn't have thought of making until many many decades later–well, maybe Sam Fuller would have thought about it. M is creepy, dark, sick and really really good.
@J D check again. i watched THE SEVENTH SEAL in HD on netflix streaming the other night (using a PS3).
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