IT HAS TO BE ON DVD
We should write to Criterion Collection and suggest the release of this wonderful film! Criterion does excellent editions.
Hoy en mi ventana brilla el sol. Y el corazon, se pone triste contemplando la ciudad; por que te vas...
Hi, which is the Carlos Saura film released recently by Criterion Collection?
I only know of The Spirit of the Beehive but that is by Victor Erice, not Carlos Saura. They have also released Veridiana by Luis Buñel, I don´t know how long ago.
By the way, DVD suggestions releases can be sent to Criterion Collection here:
http://www.criterionco.com/asp/ask_form.asp
PS: Criterion Collection does not sell directly to retailers and their DVDs are not free zone, they might not always work outside the US and Canada but there is a device being sold for about US$ 60 that allows you to see DVDs from any region. http://www.samstores.com/Store.asp?CtgID=23
Oliver Films site has the best prices I´ve seen in the Criterion Collection, even though they don´t have them all. International shipping brings it higher but it still good to know: www.oliverfilms.com
I got the DVD that Amazon lists. But it was of very poor quality. Too bad. This is a superb movie that deserves a high quality DVD, with hopefully a Special Features and commentary by the director.
Btw, the little actress Ana Torrent is a gem. She has had a long and successful career in Spanish movies. She's in her late 30s now.
Blaine in Seattle
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I don't watch television, but I have seen "Spirit of the Beehive" on both VHS and the new DVD. One advantage of living in Seattle is our superb public library which has a huge VHS/DVD collection.
She was one of the great child actors with those great black eyes and air of chidish innocence in a strange and dangerous adult world.
I also own a rather strange little movie she made at age 13 called "The Nest", about her developing a crush on an older man in her village.
I also saw her in a Spanish movie made a few years ago.
I liked "The Others" a lot. The DVD, which I also own, has commentary by the director. I was much impressed by him.
Blaine in Seattle
Thanks Blaine (nice to live in Seattle)
I just checked The Nest o El Nido (original Spanish title). Ana Torrent was 14 yrs old in this film. From the comments you´ve posted on the imdb page for this film, I assume you didn´t like it. However, it´s not out on DVD and I´d like to have it because Ana Torrent is in it. Could we perhaps exchange a copy of the film?
If you liked the other movie with Ana Torrent, it´d be nice if you can give the name and say how you liked it.
Do you have the Criterion Collection of The Spirit of the Beehive? How do you like it?
BTW, Ana Torrent will turn 41 in July, not 31 like I said in my previous email.
Ana is very good in "The Nest". She has grown into a gawky teenager, but she is still very attractive. She plays a precocious girl in a small town, daughter to a policeman. She has two younger sisters. She develops a crush on a local writer who is widowed. He is the problem. He comes across as sort of a jerk. He is almost virginal in his reaction to Ana's character. You wonder what she sees in him. The plot is kind of confused and confusing. I found her the only worthwhile aspect of the movie.
She is also in "Vacas" {1992}. She is not the star, but has a significant role. I haven't seen it for awhile.
Yes, our library's "Sprit of the Beehive" is the new Criterion edition. It does have an interview with her.
Have you seen "Thesis"? I am kind of put-off by the snuff movie aspect. But I'd like to see her at that age.
Blaine in Seattle
Thanks for the update about The Nest/El Nido (I happen to have seen the Argentinian actor starring in The Nest, Héctor Alterio, in an Uruguayan film ¨The Last Train,¨ 2002, which won multiple awards.)
I get your point of view about The Nest. Would like to see the movie to judge for myself. Regardless of the personal reaction I get from Héctor Alterio, like you say, it´d be worthwhile watching it because of Ana Torrent´s character and acting. I´d be amazed to see her act as an adult. Didn´t have that opportunity yet so the answer to whether I´ve seen Thesis or Tesis is no, not yet. Contrary to you, I don´t rent movies.
I have a lot of good foreign films on DVD and VHS. Let me know if you are interested to exchange any for The Nest/El Nido.
My criticism of the male lead in "The Nest" was directed at the character, not the actor. I found him to be a dismal counterpart to Ana's character. But of course she lives in a small provincial town, so he may be the best available. In any event, I am unqualified to judge Mr. Alterio's acting ability. I think I saw him in one other movie, but I can't recall it. Of course there are many cases where a good actor has a thankless role in a particular movie.
I do not rent movies. I have two sources. I get many on loan for free from the Seattle Public Library. And I buy many I think worthwhile or just interentertaining through Amazon.
I'm not really interested in exchanging. I do want to keep my rare copy of "The Nest". Also, I am disabled in both legs and mailing stuff in bulk in a pain in the neck for me. I see you found another source here. I would imagine you can find a copy very cheaply in the vast emporium that is N.Y.C. I have a copy of the pirated and very inferior "Cria" DVD as well, which is so poor that Amazon has stopped offering it. The best one can do until a quality DVD is issued.
Blaine in Seattle
Belated thanks Blaine for your response.
When I suggested to exchange DVDs with me, I did not mean for you to use your single copy of "The Nest," but to make a copy instead. That's what I'd do if I sent you one of my movies.
Then, the reason why I've asked to exchange your copy of "The Nest" for one of my films is simply because The Nest has not been released on DVD (if you look up "DVD release" on imdb there's none, I also looked it up in Amazon and didn't find anything). That doesn't mean that there might not be any copy being sold somewhere in this huge city but you need to have a lot of time in your hands and be lucky to go out and find one!
I am sorry to hear about your disability but it is good to see that you make the best out of it enjoying yourself watching films.
Thanks and all the best.