The Criterion Collection

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

Licensing is a complex set of considerations often without simple solutions, so no hard feelings, and wish you luck for another label to release your most requested titles in the near future.

Problem is that Criterion has them in main English speaking markets of the US and UK. So only way for that to happen is time for Criterion to open the doors up to either sub licensing, or not renewing the licenses when they expire so another label can release them.

[Cremildo]

[OceanBlue]

Originally Posted by Thomas Veil

Giving some love to Crossing Delancey, glad they got it out. I had it back in the VHS days and looking forward to a revisit.

The only title out of yesterday's Criterion announcements that I'm interested in getting. Have never seen Crossing Delancey, yet I have memories of it having aired on a UK TV film channel several times (didn't get round to watching it).

I'm glad there was just the one title I was interested in, as I have a long-ish Criterion titles want list (recently got All That Heaven Allows).

[jw007]

Question to all here.

Should I feel guilty that I watch my Criterion-released movies on MAX now?

I am not in control of User Behavior Evolution, nor can I stop the trends towards streaming media, but as a past physical media collector, should I feel ashamed of myself that I stopped buying blu-rays and watch 100% of my films on streaming media now?

This question might sound tongue-in-cheek, but it's an honest question too. I know everyone here considers it taboo to even mention streaming media (ie. HOW DARE HE EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!), but this is a confession I had to make to everyone.

[dallywhitty]

Originally Posted by jw007

Question to all here.

Should I feel guilty that I watch my Criterion-released movies on MAX now?

I am not in control of User Behavior Evolution, nor can I stop the trends towards streaming media, but as a past physical media collector, should I feel ashamed of myself that I stopped buying blu-rays and watch 100% of my films on streaming media now?

This question might sound tongue-in-cheek, but it's an honest question too. I know everyone here considers it taboo to even mention streaming media (ie. HOW DARE HE EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!), but this is a confession I had to make to everyone.

No need to feel guilty, dude. Physical media's expensive. Do whatever works for you.

[DimitriL]

Originally Posted by jw007

Question to all here.

Should I feel guilty that I watch my Criterion-released movies on MAX now?

I am not in control of User Behavior Evolution, nor can I stop the trends towards streaming media, but as a past physical media collector, should I feel ashamed of myself that I stopped buying blu-rays and watch 100% of my films on streaming media now?

This question might sound tongue-in-cheek, but it's an honest question too. I know everyone here considers it taboo to even mention streaming media (ie. HOW DARE HE EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!), but this is a confession I had to make to everyone.

No. Not at all.

Look, I’m a big fan of physical media for quality and for keeping it alive. I’ve got the nice 65 inch 4K screen and big speakers and two huge bookshelves crammed with discs and all that. I’m committed. But last night I watched Big Deal on Madonna Street for the first time and I did it on the Channel EVEN THOUGH I OWN THE DVD. And I’ve watched Criterion films on Max that are *both on the Channel AND that I own!*

To me, it’s watching the film that’s the victory, and whatever gets you there is great by me. I wish I’d had that option when I was first discovering film. Everything else is a cherry on top. If that’s what keeps you in a cinema frame of mind, you run with it.

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by jw007

Question to all here.

Should I feel guilty that I watch my Criterion-released movies on MAX now?

I am not in control of User Behavior Evolution, nor can I stop the trends towards streaming media, but as a past physical media collector, should I feel ashamed of myself that I stopped buying blu-rays and watch 100% of my films on streaming media now?

This question might sound tongue-in-cheek, but it's an honest question too. I know everyone here considers it taboo to even mention streaming media (ie. HOW DARE HE EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!), but this is a confession I had to make to everyone.

The only thing you should feel ashamed about is that you're watching streaming Criterion releases on MAX. You should be a Criterion Channel subscriber.

[mclellandj]

I have good internet and I'd rather watch a 4K stream over a blu-ray 99% of the time. I've never understood the weird anti-streaming stance people take. I like movies and don't really care how I watch them as long as they look somewhat decent. I mean I grew up watching movies taped off TV on VHS and managed to survive.

[regeyer]

Originally Posted by mclellandj

I have good internet and I'd rather watch a 4K stream over a blu-ray 99% of the time. I've never understood the weird anti-streaming stance people take. I like movies and don't really care how I watch them as long as they look somewhat decent. I mean I grew up watching movies taped off TV on VHS and managed to survive.

I agree with you on the PQ aspect. When I was a kid my parents would not get HBO. But we could sort of tune it in and when something like Star Wars was on we'd watch it. We couldn't care less about PQ.

But the owning vs streaming goes far beyond AQ/PQ. When I own the movie I can watch it whenever I want. Not just when it is available on TV or a streaming service. Plus, I don't have to worry about the politically correct police altering a movie to fit the times.

With all that said, I also have no problem with people who want to stream only. That's their choice.

[Cremildo]

Originally Posted by mclellandj

I have good internet and I'd rather watch a 4K stream over a blu-ray 99% of the time. I've never understood the weird anti-streaming stance people take. I like movies and don't really care how I watch them as long as they look somewhat decent. I mean I grew up watching movies taped off TV on VHS and managed to survive.

I like owning a physical copy of the thing I bought. More often than not BDs/4Ks come with nice art and booklets, which are valuable things to me. Not depending on an internet connection to watch the movie is a major plus as well.

As for not caring about picture quality, I also grew up watching VHS and TV airings, but as soon as DVDs became a thing and the information was there, my standards for home viewing evolved.

As long as there are options other than streaming, I'll prioritize them.

[AnthonyGG]

Not sure if it's been discussed here yet but Alan Rudolph recently gave an interview where he stated that in 2025, Criterion will be releasing a 4K edition of his '80s cult classic Choose Me. As a huge Rudolph fan, I am ecstatic about this! Hoping Criterion can also clean up and FINALLY release to home video Remember My Name.

Btw, not being released by Criterion but Alan Rudolph's much maligned Breakfast of Champions will also make it to blu via Shout Factory next year. Reasons for the filmmaker's fans to smile.

[jshaide]

Originally Posted by AnthonyGG

Not sure if it's been discussed here yet but Alan Rudolph recently gave an interview where he stated that in 2025, Criterion will be releasing a 4K edition of his '80s cult classic Choose Me. As a huge Rudolph fan, I am ecstatic about this! Hoping Criterion can also clean up and FINALLY release to home video Remember My Name.

Btw, not being released by Criterion but Alan Rudolph's much maligned Breakfast of Champions will also make it to blu via Shout Factory next year. Reasons for the filmmaker's fans to smile.

An announcement for something like Remember My Name would be the exact kind of thrust for me generating some excitement with this label again.

But I’ve been following Criterion for nearly 15 years. It all ebbs and flows.

[AnthonyGG]

Originally Posted by jshaide

An announcement for something like Remember My Name would be the exact kind of thrust for me generating some excitement with this label again.

But I’ve been following Criterion for nearly 15 years. It all ebbs and flows.

I LOVE Remember My Name but I must say I also appreciate so much of what has come out of Criterion for a while now. Really hoping Choose Me is the start of a long association between Rudolph and the label.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

No need to feel guilty, dude. Physical media's expensive. Do whatever works for you.

Ever since B&N cut out the extra coupons you could stack at past 50% off sales, I kind of lost my passion for buying them to be honest. Maybe it was people like me that ruined it because I was taking advantage of the coupons so much. I remember buying three for $9.99 each one time too.

Originally Posted by DimitriL

No. Not at all.

Look, I’m a big fan of physical media for quality and for keeping it alive. I’ve got the nice 65 inch 4K screen and big speakers and two huge bookshelves crammed with discs and all that. I’m committed. But last night I watched Big Deal on Madonna Street for the first time and I did it on the Channel EVEN THOUGH I OWN THE DVD. And I’ve watched Criterion films on Max that are *both on the Channel AND that I own!*

To me, it’s watching the film that’s the victory, and whatever gets you there is great by me. I wish I’d had that option when I was first discovering film. Everything else is a cherry on top. If that’s what keeps you in a cinema frame of mind, you run with it.

All my blu-rays and equipment is in my storage locker in another state, so that's one big factor why I'm watching streaming channels. I've moved 5 times in the last 3 years alone (not just to different US cities but overseas as well). Once I get settled down again hopefully someday I'll finally be able to fetch my 7 giant boxes of discs out and put them out on shelves like old times. But you're right. In the end it's about watching the actual movie, regardless how you watch it (as long as you're not watching it "on a f#cking telephone" like David Lynch once famously said in an Apple commercial...lol).

Originally Posted by regeyer

The only thing you should feel ashamed about is that you're watching streaming Criterion releases on MAX. You should be a Criterion Channel subscriber.

Can't afford any more streaming services. I like having more than just Criterion releases too. To each their own!

[jshaide]

BN cutting the coupon stacking and the membership discount on Criterions was really foolish considering Amazon drops their Criterion prices during the sale.

But as having once worked for that company for a couple of years, then doing everything they can to NOT be competitive really was just the norm.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by mclellandj

I have good internet and I'd rather watch a 4K stream over a blu-ray 99% of the time. I've never understood the weird anti-streaming stance people take. I like movies and don't really care how I watch them as long as they look somewhat decent. I mean I grew up watching movies taped off TV on VHS and managed to survive.

Totally with you on this one. I remember watching actual movies on television sets with actual rabbit ears. I had to keep adjusting them so the static wouldn't come through. I probably burned more calories getting up and down so much, so at least I didn't turn into a couch potato in my tweens. And yeah, watching professional VHS tapes was like insanely better than on live television cause at least I didn't have to deal with commercial breaks.

Can you or anyone imagine watching a movie with commercials these days? I sure as hell can't! It basically adds another 45 min+ to your movie automatically.

When is the last time you or anyone ever did that?

[jw007]

Originally Posted by jshaide

BN cutting the coupon stacking and the membership discount on Criterions was really foolish considering Amazon drops their Criterion prices during the sale.

But as having once worked for that company for a couple of years, then doing everything they can to NOT be competitive really was just the norm.

Yeah, that's what compelled me to buy more blu-rays, cause of all the possibilities with the coupons during the sales! It was exciting as a consumer showing up and seeing if a CSR would accept my coupons or shoot me down for trying. I'd say 8 out of 10 accepted them though, cause maybe they didn't want to lose a transaction. Some actually encouraged this practice believe it or not, cause it meant the consumer was savvy and would keep coming back for more, which also meant more money for the store. I remember the really young clerks were cool with it and the old ones had no clue I could even use the coupons. But some were pretty standoffish too, at least the ones who were more intelligent. Ha.

[DimitriL]

Originally Posted by jw007

Can you or anyone imagine watching a movie with commercials these days? I sure as hell can't! It basically adds another 45 min+ to your movie automatically.

When is the last time you or anyone ever did that?

Actually, the free ad-supported networks like Pluto and Tubi have kind of brought that back with a vengeance. Hell, I had on Heat in the background tonight.

[CMG]

Originally Posted by AnthonyGG

Not sure if it's been discussed here yet but Alan Rudolph recently gave an interview where he stated that in 2025, Criterion will be releasing a 4K edition of his '80s cult classic Choose Me. As a huge Rudolph fan, I am ecstatic about this! Hoping Criterion can also clean up and FINALLY release to home video Remember My Name.

Btw, not being released by Criterion but Alan Rudolph's much maligned Breakfast of Champions will also make it to blu via Shout Factory next year. Reasons for the filmmaker's fans to smile.

REMEMBER MY NAME (1978): The movie itself exists in good condition -- not sure it needs to be 'cleaned up'. It's been on Turner Classic Movies several times over the past few years (that's how I saw it, btw), but there's something about the music rights that have so far negated any homevideo release. It was never released on VHS or DVD.

Maybe someday it'll come out on disc, but who knows when . . . ? I'd buy it if it did.

Another movie that's aired a few times on Turner Classic Movies in recent years but never had a homevideo release, to date:

HAPPENING, The (1967)

There aren't too many major studio movies from the 1960s and '70s that haven't had a homevideo release of some kind so far. When you look at Wikipedia and see what movies were released by Universal, Paramount, Columbia, Warner, MGM, et al. during those two decades there looks to be far more movies released on one or more homevideo formats than not.

THE SUBTERRANEANS (1960) and THE VICTORS (1963) have never had any kind of homevideo release.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by DimitriL

Actually, the free ad-supported networks like Pluto and Tubi have kind of brought that back with a vengeance. Hell, I had on Heat in the background tonight.

I'm a sucker for those effin channels! Pluto, Plex, Tubi, Roku, Sling, Vudu, Fubo, Philo, etc. Who the hell comes up with these 4 or 5 letter words anyway?! Lol!

I love putting Star Trek: The Next Generation on in the background late at night on my projector. My whole wall has a starfield on it with the soothing sounds of a starship.

Anyway, before I derail the Criterion thread again like I'm good at doing, I just wanted to say: cool!