The Criterion Collection

[cgpublic]

From where I'm sitting, this set is primarily curated to be given as a gift, especially so for the holiday season in places such as Barnes & Noble. I'm sure Criterion is going to get a good deal of press and related discussion specific to the contents.

Expensive? Sure, but for those living in NYC, the price of this set won't even cover dinner for four in many of the city's best spots.

Unless you are a film aficionado, picking out a disc, or a set of discs, for someone else can be a very intimidating challenge. You may know someone who collects Criterion, or is a film lover, and this is perfect group buy where a number of people, say family, friends or co-workers, all chip in. You really can't go wrong, because there are 40 opportunities to make someone happy to find a favorite or to discover something new.

If purchasing for yourself, we can also agree many Criterion buyers are completionists. They'll buy this set on sale, some may even keep it sealed.

It's just a set, much like the Columbia sets, except here there are no exclusives.

It's not for everyone, but it's definitely for some, and let's face it, it will definitely look great on the shelf.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by xxnomad

But why?

Most likely due to new ownership (Steven Rales) at Janus Films.

This CC40 set to me appears to be a big money grab.

Just my two cents.

[javy]

Originally Posted by NeoNical

I'm betting there's only 2-3 titles getting announced this month. But even though we may probably get less titles announced, I still believe those 2-3 titles will be some big fan favorites (Seven Samurai 4K, Barry Lyndon 4K and Paris Texas 4K are my predictions).

Or they could blow our nips off with releases of I Know Where I'm Going, Baby Face, and Dogville.

Definitely probably not tho

[Scottie]

I didn't receive the announcement email from Criterion and I'm glad I didn't. I would've been extremely disappointed.

[sfmarine]

[Scottie]

Trailer

https://vimeo.com/995425049

Poster

[Bradsdadg]

Boy this CC40 set has me scratching my head. Kind of like when Disney released this one nobody bought:

disneyset.JPG

[cgpublic]

Originally Posted by jw007

Most likely due to new ownership (Steven Rales) at Janus Films.

This CC40 set to me appears to be a big money grab.

Just my two cents.

How is it a money grab? If you buy it on sale, it works out to $10 a disc. If purchased directly from Criterion, you're now 80% of the way to a $50 GC. That's $8.75 a disc, with a beautiful package, and free shipping.

If Criterion made unreleased titles exclusive to the set, e.g., Columbia, I could understand a complaint.

But that's not the case.

It's just not for the Criterion collector who already owns some, most, all of the titles in the set.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by Bradsdadg

Boy this CC40 set has me scratching my head. Kind of like when Disney released this one nobody bought:

Attachment 306061

I completely forgot that existed

[fteixeira]

What's the spine number?

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I completely forgot that existed

I forgot about that one too! Did anyone on here make the sacrifice and actually purchase it?

There must be a pallet of unsold sets sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

[Kyle15]

Criterion is 4 months and 1 week late for April Fool's.

[concolt]

Originally Posted by fteixeira

What's the spine number?

They are going to put 40 different spine numbers on it.

[DimitriL]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

How is it a money grab? If you buy it on sale, it works out to $10 a disc. If purchased directly from Criterion, you're now 80% of the way to a $50 GC. That's $8.75 a disc, with a beautiful package, and free shipping.

If Criterion made unreleased titles exclusive to the set, e.g., Columbia, I could understand a complaint.

But that's not the case.

It's just not for the Criterion collector who already owns some, most, all of the titles in the set.

It does seem to be aimed at newbies, but maybe more importantly - schools, libraries and film departments. And it's the kind of set that can be a perennial for YEARS, the beginnings of a pretty good film education in a box.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by fteixeira

What's the spine number?

My guess is CC40 or nothing.

[fteixeira]

Originally Posted by sfmarine

My guess is CC40 or nothing.

I was just being facetious with the spine question.

Rather than this effort, I would really hope Criterion would put their investment, and brain power into getting us desirable new releases, or upgrades in 4K UHD.

At near the top of the list is Barry Lyndon, which I have yet to own. I stopped thinking about the bluray once Kubrick's catalog started showing up in 4K. Been holding out ever since. I know the film is very soft especially in the low light scenes, but I am looking forward to see what color gamut and dynamic range can do with such a source.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by xxnomad

But why?

Because it is their 40th anniversary. A set celebrating that would always be previously released titles, no matter what. Can you imagine the outrage if they did have some titles exclusive to the boxset?

[ShellOilJunior]

Safe to say none of those 49 movies in the CC set won't also be getting a UHD upgrade (where applicable) in November?

It would certainly make guessing UHDs a bit easier for the month.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by fteixeira

I was just being facetious with the spine question.

Rather than this effort, I would really hope Criterion would put their investment, and brain power into getting us desirable new releases, or upgrades in 4K UHD.

At near the top of the list is Barry Lyndon, which I have yet to own. I stopped thinking about the bluray once Kubrick's catalog started showing up in 4K. Been holding out ever since. I know the film is very soft especially in the low light scenes, but I am looking forward to see what color gamut and dynamic range can do with such a source.

Heh..I thought so but sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Put me down for Barry Lyndon as well. It’s hard to resist purchasing some of these releases with all the re-issues. I think the natural light scenes will look incredible in HDR.

[Big Hugger]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Safe to say none of those 49 movies in the CC set won't also be getting a UHD upgrade (where applicable) in November?

It would certainly make guessing UHDs a bit easier for the month.

It's 40 movies on 49 discs, presumably with special features on the 9 extra discs. Some of the titles already have a 4K UHD from Criterion, so I wouldn't think it has any bearing on whether or not more will get an upgrade in the near or distant future.