The Criterion Collection

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

Yeah, anything that is already on DF should not take one of the monthly 4-5-6 announcement slots. They should be for:

Normal DVD upgrades
New Releases
Box Sets
Eclipse Sets

It's long past the time for a new Eclipse set!

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by smoss469

It's long past the time for a new Eclipse set!

Too true. For value for money they really are top drawer.

[ultlife2013]

Guys! I watched L'Eclisse! It was a very good movie and I enjoyed the acting and cinematography. It sure does have some layers that make this movie worthy of re watching to catch new things I might have glazed over.

Alain Delon really is a smooth son of -----, every movie I've seen him in, he naturally stands out.

Anyone want to recommend another movie that I might enjoy if I enjoyed this movie?

Edit: I also watched AHDN, and it looks and sounds great! Can't lose with that classic. Buy with confidence.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by javi92

Criterion going back to separate DVD and blu-ray releases starting in September.

http://www.criterion.com/current/posts?category=On+Five

There goes my side hustle.

[Spire]

Originally Posted by ultlife2013

Http://www.criterion.com/current/posts?category=On+Five

Makes me wish/hope I could get separate cases for the blu and dvd copies of Mad World. The only digi packaging I really dislike....

[ShellOilJunior]

This will no doubt be seen as snobbish but...

The people holding on for dear life to DVD are the problem. Most people buying Criterion releases do so for the exceptional presentation: art work, packaging, booklets or books, extras and audio/picture quality. Why would anyone not want to view their favorite films in the best possible quality?

I can understand people not upgrading because of economics. However, some that can upgrade do not upgrade. I can't wrap my mind around a film like THE THIN RED LINE being released and someone opting for the DVD...

[SammyJankis]

Well.. this doesn't bother me. Oh well.

[The Great Owl]

Originally Posted by SammyJankis

Well.. this doesn't bother me. Oh well.

Same here. Criterion's move to go back to separate Blu-ray and DVD releases does make me wonder about the staying power of Blu-ray as a physical media, as someone else expressed above, but I think that Blu-rays are safe for a while.

Criterion has released some beautiful digipaks over the past few months, but they are clunky and they take up a lot of space in my collection. I'll be glad to see a return to simplicity.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Same here. Criterion's move to go back to separate Blu-ray and DVD releases does make me wonder about the staying power of Blu-ray as a physical media, as someone else expressed above, but I think that Blu-rays are safe for a while.

Criterion has released some beautiful digipaks over the past few months, but they are clunky and they take up a lot of space in my collection. I'll be glad to see a return to simplicity.

I'm happy to return to the regular cases as well. Unfortunately it's too late for several releases that got digipaks only because of the DVDs. It's not like I'd get rid of my beloved copies of On the Waterfront or Dazed and Confused because of the digipaks, but I would have preferred to save shelf space in the upcoming B&N sale haul with ones like Fantastic Mr. Fox or Jules and Jim that don't include anything else like the other two I mentioned. I'm sure the digipaks are very nicely done, but shelf space is a big deal for me at the moment.

[MitchA17]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Same here. Criterion's move to go back to separate Blu-ray and DVD releases does make me wonder about the staying power of Blu-ray as a physical media, as someone else expressed above, but I think that Blu-rays are safe for a while.

Yeah, to me, it just seems like there's an undertone of Criterion admitting that Blu-ray is no longer the "best option" in the consumer's eye, and that the big jump for the general public won't be from DVD to Blu-ray, but rather DVD to digital/streaming. I don't think Blu-ray, or physical media in general, is in imminent danger, but the writing seems to be on the wall.

It mainly irritates me in being the next step in the chain of convenience sacrificing content (Netflix Instant laying into Netflix DVD, Redbox laying into Blockbuster, etc.).

[Scottie]

I just hope they don't start re-releasing everything again in regular BD instead of the combo packs. My OCD will kick in.

[BLUgrass]

Well I don't really care about dropping the dual format. I never watch the DVD's. I do somewhat care about my question that kind of got lost in the shuffle of all the dual format controversy:

Originally Posted by jonschmidt

Im sure this has been discussed before, but does Criterion have some specific criteria for the kinds of movies they release? Or is it mainly half the type of movie and half whatever they can get lisencing for?

For example, if for the sake of argument a big Hollywood movie that would make a ton of $ became available to them, are they likely to go ahead with it or pass because it doesnt meet the art/social significance they want to embody in their releases?

Im just curious because many of their releases seem to fit perfectly with their little mission statement on the back covers, some seem a little over the top and self indulgent with the artistic douche baggery, and others seem to not fit in that well at all (like Armageddon, though I know that isn't a Criterion blu ray release)

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jonschmidt

Well I don't really care about dropping the dual format. I never watch the DVD's. I do somewhat care about my question that kind of got lost in the shuffle of all the dual format controversy:

Here is Criterion's mission statement.

Since 1984, the Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films, has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements. Over the years, as we moved from laserdisc to DVD, Blu-ray disc, and online streaming, we’ve seen a lot of things change, but one thing has remained constant: our commitment to publishing the defining moments of cinema for a wider and wider audience. The foundation of the collection is the work of such masters of cinema as Renoir, Godard, Kurosawa, Cocteau, Fellini, Bergman, Tarkovsky, Hitchcock, Fuller, Lean, Kubrick, Lang, Sturges, Dreyer, Eisenstein, Ozu, Sirk, Buñuel, Powell and Pressburger. Each film is presented uncut, in its original aspect ratio, as its maker intended it to be seen. Every time we start work on a film, we track down the best available film elements in the world, use state-of-the-art telecine equipment and a select few colorists capable of meeting our rigorous standards, then take time during the film-to-video digital transfer to create the most pristine possible image and sound. Whenever possible, we work with directors and cinematographers to ensure that the look of our releases does justice to their intentions. Our supplements enable viewers to appreciate Criterion films in context, through audio commentaries by filmmakers and scholars, restored director’s cuts, deleted scenes, documentaries, shooting scripts, early shorts, and storyboards. To date, more than 150 filmmakers have made our library of Director Approved DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and laserdiscs the most significant archive of contemporary filmmaking available to the home viewer.

I personally think that they've broadened their mission statement to include films that the general public enjoys, as well. It's not strictly art house films or highly regarded films anymore, but a wider range of films.

For example, take the cult classic film of Repo Man. Sure it's not the most creative film or Hollywood-defying gem, but it's a film that can be fun and nostalgic. By releasing such films, I feel as if Criterion gains more popularity as well, enabling individuals to check out more of their catalogue.

[Scottie]

Criterion is now offering a replacement case for "The Night of the Hunter".

If you folks can recall, I messaged Jon Mulvaney several months ago when the re-release of the film came out. He told me that Criterion would be offering this replacement case and now it appears as if the time is now.

http://www.criterion.com/shop_produc...-of-the-hunter

[BLUgrass]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Here is Criterion's mission statement.



I personally think that they've broadened their mission statement to include films that the general public enjoys, as well. It's not strictly art house films or highly regarded films anymore, but a wider range of films.

For example, take the cult classic film of Repo Man. Sure it's not the most creative film or Hollywood-defying gem, but it's a film that can be fun and nostalgic. By releasing such films, I feel as if Criterion gains more popularity as well, enabling individuals to check out more of their catalogue.

Thanks for the response. That's basically what I've thought. I watched The Blob the other day and although it is an enjoyable film (especially since I'm a sucker for classic monster movies), it felt somewhat out of place as a Criterion.

I also kind of thought that since they must put so much cash and effort into the restoration process and new supplements that their budget for acquiring/licensing films may be less than other companies, putting them out of the running for many films.

I was always curious about how/why the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a Criterion release but it is in a standard blu ray case and is frequently less than $10. Aside from the booklet, it doesn't seem to be any less impressive than other Criterion releases in terms of AQ/PQ and supplements.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by jonschmidt

Thanks for the response. That's basically what I've thought. I watched The Blob the other day and although it is an enjoyable film (especially since I'm a sucker for classic monster movies), it felt somewhat out of place as a Criterion.

I also kind of thought that since they must put so much cash and effort into the restoration process and new supplements that their budget for acquiring/licensing films may be less than other companies, putting them out of the running for many films.

I was always curious about how/why the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a Criterion release but it is in a standard blu ray case and is frequently less than $10. Aside from the booklet, it doesn't seem to be any less impressive than other Criterion releases in terms of AQ/PQ and supplements.

Criterion seems like a studio who benefits greatly from restoring the old, popular cult classics. As you said, The Blob is a fun film, but definitely something that seems out of their mission statement boundaries. I think if Criterion has the opportunity, they will try to release whatever film they can so that they will be more diverse.

RE: Benjamin Button - I think it has to do with a deal that they had with Paramount. I believe they released it because it was one of the first modern films (aka fresh out of the theater; don't quote me on this). The blue case, again, probably has something to do with the deal they worked out with Paramount.

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

This will no doubt be seen as snobbish but...

The people holding on for dear life to DVD are the problem. Most people buying Criterion releases do so for the exceptional presentation: art work, packaging, booklets or books, extras and audio/picture quality. Why would anyone not want to view their favorite films in the best possible quality?

I can understand people not upgrading because of economics. However, some that can upgrade do not upgrade. I can't wrap my mind around a film like THE THIN RED LINE being released and someone opting for the DVD...

I'm very happy they're switching back. DVD is like a ball and chain...die already!

[oildude]

Originally Posted by CHEЯNOБLY!

I'm very happy they're switching back. DVD is like a ball and chain...die already!

Unfortunately, this decision to switch back may delay that process. As crazy as it may seem to those of us who have been into Blu-ray for years, there is still a significant movie collecting population who remain loyal to DVD and are not switching. I always viewed the combo packs as a way to force blu-rays into the homes of the DVD diehards, and as the DVD-only versions of films saw their supply dwindle, it might even spur Criterion to more frequent upgrades. Looks to me like the DVD crowd won this one, not the other way around. Criterion has basically admitted DVD is here to stay and they will cater to that crowd. Unbelievable someone would choose DVD quality over a Blu-ray when it comes to a Criterion release, but there are many that do (at least 40% of their customers, if I recall a statistic I read when the switch to combo packs was announced last year).

...DVD shows all signs of becoming the Hyman Roth of home media - "DVD has been dying of the same heart attack for 20 years"

[CHEЯNOБLY!]

Originally Posted by oildude

Unfortunately, this decision to switch back may delay that process. As crazy as it may seem to those of us who have been into Blu-ray for years, there is still a significant movie collecting population who remain loyal to DVD and are not switching. I always viewed the combo packs as a way to force blu-rays into the homes of the DVD diehards, and as the DVD-only versions of films saw their supply dwindle, it might even spur Criterion to more frequent upgrades. Looks to me like the DVD crowd won this one, not the other way around. Criterion has basically admitted DVD is here to stay and they will cater to that crowd. Unbelievable someone would choose DVD quality over a Blu-ray when it comes to a Criterion release, but there are many that do (at least 40% of their customers, if I recall a statistic I read when the switch to combo packs was announced last year).

...DVD shows all signs of becoming the Hyman Roth of home media - "DVD has been dying of the same heart attack for 20 years"

Yeah, I'm aware that their are significant DVD drones out there...I was at the Best Buy movie section a few weeks ago and a little kid picked up a BD, not knowing the difference I guess, and said "Mommy, Mommy I want this!" His mom said "That's a blu-ray honey...we can't play that." I literally felt a sadness inside. Unless they are broke, a CC fan opting for DVD over BD is even worse.

I think dual format probably didn't work for CC because of their significantly higher prices than the studios who do it.

[jw007]

So fascinating. Criterion has been experimenting with their packaging and marketing and now they're eliminating dual-format releases and going back to stand-alone BD/DVD releases. It is music to my ears. Yet, it seems a tad unprofessional because so many great films were released in dual-format in larger digipacks and now they will look uneven and inconsistent alongside the BD/DVD releases.

You know, really the best thing to do would be to merge BD and DVD onto one single disc somehow. So when you pop the disc into the media player, it will let you choose whether you want to watch the film in Blu-ray or DVD quality. There should be a new type of disc that media players can recognize. Of course I'm just joking here at such a ludicrous idea.

Oh, so sad that dual-format was so short-lived with Criterion. But I'm oh so happy to see those big oversized digipacks to be gone too. Now the question is, will these dual-format editions that have already come out become collectors items?