The Ice Storm Criterion DVD - the first real snippet of news

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

I've only just found an LA Times article from a few weeks ago about DVDs and DVD extras. It both confirms that The Ice Storm definitely is an upcoming Criterion DVD release and also that the extras might be of interest to us.

For the perfectionists at Criterion, which often puts out director-approved editions, access to filmmakers (or their estates) is seldom a problem. "We often work on projects that are so near and dear to people that the level of participation is incredible," said Criterion executive producer Kim Hendrickson. The upcoming Criterion release of Ang Lee's "The Ice Storm," for instance, will feature interviews with all the key cast and crew members.

Fingers crossed that Elijah is considered key cast. I'd like to hear what Elijah (and actually everybody involved) think about it. Whether it's interviews then or more modern.





I wasn't going to post anything about this until Criterion officially put The Ice Storm into their coming soon list with a release date. But I've been bouncing off the walls with excitement about this for weeks and weeks and cannot contain myself any longer. I don't think anybody has already put anything up about this? I'm hoping they will make the announcement either before or after Christmas with a release date sometime in March.

The above image was given as a clue to a future film that they were going to release from a newsletter. It was widely interpreted as being The Ice Storm. This was confirmed by a posting in their blog about the trouble they were taking to get the transfer correct (e.g. getting the original cinematographer back in to work on it).

And after that, there has been no more news.

For those that don't know, Criterion release very high quality DVDs, usually of arthouse or classic movies. They have the very best transfers and sound quality plus usually a good extras package (I'm hoping for Lee/Schamus commentary because they are usually very good together. Hopefully we will at least get Lee) and a little booklet. The only downsides are that Criterion DVDs are Region 1 only (e.g. those of us not in North American need a multi-region DVD player) and they tend to be a bit more expensive than a normal DVD release. E.g. probably $30-$40.

Comments

[mechtild.livejournal.com]

This is super news! The Ice Storm is one of my favourite films, a film I went to see before I knew a thing about Elijah Wood. I bought it, finally, on DVD last year. I might have to give that copy to the library!

Thanks, Sneaking!

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

Yes, isn't it. I love this film. I think it will really benefit from a quality treatment.

[yeuxdebleu.livejournal.com]

Wonderful news. I love this movie and everyone in it. This and The Big Chill are my favorite Kevin Kline movies. Then, of course, there's Elijah...woot!

I have several Criterion releases and I totally agree, they're marvelous.

Bummer about it being only region one though. Do you have a region-free DVD player? They're not very common in the US, but a lot of people across the pond have them. Most computer DVD drives are region-free, but who would want to watch a Criterion release on a computer?!

Thanks for the info.

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

I have a region-free DVD player so I'm happy :o)

DVD drives on computers aren't exactly completely region free. I think they will lock to a particular region at some point (2-3 plays?) and I think you can only change it back once or twice. So, they can be useful but you have to be careful.

In totally off-topic and gratuitous celebration of Kevin Kline:

Edit: Sorry! I've just remembered you are on dial up! It was just With Cat-like Tread from the Kevin Kline version of The Pirates of Penzance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKNguiWZab8

[yeuxdebleu.livejournal.com]

Oh! I have his marvelous TPOP, so if the clip is from that, I've seen it.

Now that you mention it, I think you're absolutely right about DVD drives locking in on a certain region. I've sent DVDs to people in many countries and I think it was a friend in Germany who told me about that.

[ladysnaps.livejournal.com]

$30-40 bucks!?! *digs deep in purse*

i would really love to have this dvd. the only copy i have is on vhs and it was recorded off network television. :P

thanks for the news.

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

There is the original release of the DVD available. In the UK, it has zero extras but the film is fine - I believe the R1 version may have a short making off. amazon.com have people selling it new for about $2.50. So, if you just want a copy of the film on DVD, it's a much better price.

[ex-absolutef238.livejournal.com]

*anticipates!*

[frodos-smile.livejournal.com]

Oh, that is good news! Crossing my fingers, eyes and toes we get some super extras on this one! Thank you for sharing this bit of news.

[frolijah-fan-54.livejournal.com]

I'll definitely be buying that!! Thanks for the news - I hadn't heard about this before.

[kolywoble.livejournal.com]

Just thought I would let you know that you can actually unlock your dvd player to be all regions using the remote control. Just google dvd unlock codes and your dvd player make and model and you should be able to find the particular key sequence and instructions to unlock your dvd player. I have unlocked all the players in my house this way.

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

It depends on the make of your DVD player. For some you can use the remote control. However, there are stil a lot of makes where they have to be chipped (but it's no hassle to check this has been done before you buy it).

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for this news, "The Ice Storm" is one of my fav movies other than LOTR featuring Elijah! Although I don't live in the US we do have a multi-region DVD player. Please will you keep us informed as to when the DVD will be available? Thanks again :)

[sssneaking.livejournal.com]

No problem. I'll probably post up the amazon.com link when it appears (although, obviously, you can get it elsewhere!)

[romeny.livejournal.com]

the extras might be of interest to us

Yes indeed, I've always found the extras as interesting as the movie. I haven't seen this one yet so this is a definate buy for me when it becomes available.

[chickenlegs-11.livejournal.com]

There are interviews and a very short making of on the original DVD so I'm assuming these ones will be much more in depth. A Director's commentary would be great too as I don't think the original featured that either (although I could be wrong). Fingers crossed this will be good. I love The Ice Storm too. It's a mini-masterpiece!

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much! If we can't get it from amazon.co.uk, amazon.com will certainly do very well :)