My Inception-inspired Playlist

Music video classic for the Inception Generation...

The Pyramid of Eclipse

Today, thanks in large part to the 50% off all Criterion-related DVDs and Blu-rays going on through August 1 at Barnes & Noble, I was able to complete my acquisition of the full run of the Eclipse Series box sets. Since there are now 21 of them, I decided that rather than just line them up and take a photo of them in spine order on the shelf, I'd take advantage of the opportunity to make this nice pyramid. The release later this month of Eclipse Series 22: Presenting Sasha Guitry will mess up this particular formation (though I'm still looking forward to an infusion of classic French comedy into the Collection.)

I couldn't stack them up in numeric order - I had to build the structure based on the thickness of each package. Thus, stout Louis Malle anchors the bottom so that petite Larisa Shepitko can delicately balance on top. I hope you enjoy this little peek at my newest pride and joy.

The Return of Barnes & Noble's Magnificent 50% Off Criterion Sale

A tradition that began and quickly caught on last year has come back for its third go-round as the Barnes and Noble chain just launched a half-off sale on all of their Criterion-related DVDs and Blu-rays. Rumors and anticipation have been building over the past month or two on MUBI.com and other forums that specialize in this  particular interest, and just this afternoon, the bn.com website went live with the 50% discount rates applied to the select merchandise.

This thread is a great place to get some inside scoop on how to get the biggest bang for your buck, through coupons, affiliate websites and other forms of finagling that will help you shave a few more precious dollars off of that Cassavettes, Rohmer, Rossellini, Eclipse or any other Big Bux Box Set that you've been coveting for awhile.

I'd like to recommend that you consider making your purchase through this link, provided by CriterionCast.com, where I've been posting my weekly Eclipse columns. It's a painless way to support a very worthwhile endeavor created by guys who all work day jobs but also put a lot of time and thought into keeping the world as up-to-date as possible on all things Criterion. I don't know what the percentage of the take is, but CriterionCast.com will benefit just a little from you using that link rather than going straight to bn.com or through some other website that more likely than not is already getting its bills paid through other forms of advertising or corporate subsidy.

However you decide to take advantage of this deal, please leave a comment on what you bought during the sale!