Why do you buy criterion blu rays (Poll)

[diskspinner]

Did not find a poll on this. But I might have missed it. This must have been discussed somewhere, adding poll option.

[bhampton]

I typically don't.

Sometimes they have stuff I want though.

I don't believe in the arrogance they have though. A lot of their DVDs looked like crap.

[Scottie]

I enjoy the series and the titles they release.

I get to explore a side of film that I never had experienced before, whether it be different countries, different directors, and important films from our own country.

[Al_The_Strange]

This all totally depends.

Some of the ones I've bought are indeed favorites, or films I hold in high regard.

Most of what I have, however, are blind-buys. I make these blind-buys based on educated guesses concerning who a film's given director is, what the film's genre or content is, and what the general reviews say. I am certainly willing to blind-buy most works by Akira Kurosawa, Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, maybe Pier Pasolini, but certainly not stuff by Jean-Luc Goddard. I'd be willing to blind-buy most works of sci-fi, fantasy, action and adventures (if any are offered ), but am more wary of French new wave films or life drama stories. Since my selections are usually so specific, I wouldn't say I buy them all willy-nilly just for the sake of collecting.

I have faith that 99.9% of Criterions have great quality and extras, so I rarely buy them solely for quality. Even though I am a proud owner of a couple of OOP titles, I'm not enough of a diehard collector to keep track of what they're worth; there's in my collection for my viewing, not so I can sell it and make a profit.

So there.

[bgart13]

I have a few of their bds and dvds (going back to SID & NANCY, THIS IS SPINAL TAP, TIME BANDITS, BRAZIL, etc.). They treat almost any title they've released, no matter how big or small, with the same respect and dedication. I only buy CC releases if it's something I already want and love, unless it's another titles by a director I like that I haven't seen and the summary appeals to me. I do not buy most of their stuff actually -- there's too much. And, there's plenty I'd like to see, but am not willing to dump the cash on if I am interested in only seeing it. If I like a release enough after renting from Netflix or borrowing from the library, then I'll buy it. I rarely buy a CC title on release date too -- only ones I can recall are ROSEMARY'S BABY and ISLAND OF LOST SOULS.

[Atreyu]

I buy Criterion releases for the same reason as I buy other studios releases, they have titles I want.

[csdot]

Originally Posted by Atreyu

I buy Criterion releases for the same reason as I buy other studios releases, they have titles I want.

exactly. i buy lots of Criterion blus, but not any more than any other studio.

[lilant2248]

Originally Posted by Atreyu

I buy Criterion releases for the same reason as I buy other studios releases, they have titles I want.

This

[TylerDurden]

I believe it's more than that. Criterion goes beyond the call of duty with their titles. Often scouring the globe to find a long lost print restoration. Plus their packages are aesthetically pleasing as well as the booklets that accompany them. The supplemental material also cannot be beat. Hands down they are the best in the business and deserve the purchasing price,...on sale that is.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Other: I don't. I only have CCOBB, and that really isn't a true CC release. I have a few CC DVDs as well.

A couple of reasons, first is the high price point. I'd rather pick up 2-4 titles for the price I'd pay for a CC release. I'd probably pick up some of the titles I'd like to have at the B&N sales, but shipping to Canada is slow and a hassle. I'm sure at some point I'll hit one of the sales and pick up the CC titles I do really want, but nothing I feel the need to pay retail here in Canada.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Atreyu

I buy Criterion releases for the same reason as I buy other studios releases, they have titles I want.

This. I don't understand why this is asked....it's like asking why we buy blu-ray discs.

[Akijama]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

This. I don't understand why this is asked....it's like asking why we buy blu-ray discs.

+ 10000. I'm confused as well.Totally unnecessary thread.

[DoubleDownAgain]

Eh, I think many do buy CC releases for other reasons.

[JJJ225]

I guess option 2, minus the sarcasm? Or maybe it's option 1minus the snark? I wouldn't say their releases are my absolute favorite movies (though several are: Last Temptation of Christ, Last Year at Marienbad, The Cranes Are Flying, Bigger Than Life). But they release the types of film I do like. So I guess a mix of 1 and 2.

[Templar]

They do amazing work with PQ, AQ and extras, and they release some great movies.

[HyperRealist]

I buy them to watch in my Rolls Royce while eating caviar.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Other. I only have 1 Criterion Blu-ray and that's Godzilla. If they have something that I genuinely want, then I'll get it. But, like most studios, they have films that don't interest me.

[joie]

This is an interesting question. I am interested in whether a lot of the "common knowledge" and "received wisdom" about Criterion and its releases is true. For example, I have borrowed a lot of Criterion DVDs from the library and have noticed with two-disc sets that the movie disc can be awful scratched-up, but the supplements disc is relatively scratch-free. Does that bust a myth that Criterion's extras are something worthwhile? From what I've seen, it appears that they are not watched much. I am aware that this is anecdotal evidence.

About the "Criterion Treatment:" Did a movie that gets the "treatment" ever look that way when projected? Is the contrast the same? Are the colors the same? Is the cut the same as the theatrical release? Not the recently announced "The Tin Drum." Is the aspect ratio the same as the theatrical release? If the noise on the internet can be believed, a lot of people seem to be waiting for a Criterion release of "Brazil," but Criterion botched the aspect ratio with the DVD.

About "director supervised" transfers: To what extent was the director involved? Frame by frame? Scene by scene? Just said he liked a check disc? Did he watch it?

About the "I'll wait for the Criterion release:" Are you sure it will be better than what's on offer? How can you be sure?

About an "upgrade:" Is the Blu-ray disc derived from the same master that was prepared for the older, DVD release?

Couldn't some studios school Criterion on how to present an old movie? By the way, why are people calling Criterion a studio?

[42041]

I don't buy them very often but they usually release interesting movies, and their extras often go deeper than your usual press kit fluff.
However, in terms of presentation quality they can be very hit-and-miss.

[ATown10]

I buy them because they give me a sense of self-importance.