The Criterion Collection

[dwk]

Originally Posted by shimmy

I generally dont like Criterion's covers but that Wages of Fear art is something I wouldnt mind having framed on my wall.

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Haha. I'm here. Initially I was thinking about saying something about all the 4K upgrades, but with so many people happy about the releases, I decided not to say anything. I'll just say I'm happy for those excited for all the titles, but too many 4K upgrades for my tastes and was hoping for some new to HD Toho titles first.

Still hoping we get an Ishiro Hondo boxset of all the non Godzilla titles in October.

The earlier Godzilla vs Biollante Blu-rays were available for so short a time, it essentially is a new release for most people.

So far in 2025, they've only been upgrading two old spine numbers per month, so the other titles should be considered new to the collection not mere UHD upgrades.

[Mike0284]

Originally Posted by Scottie

After quickly browsing through their site, it seems like these are the only other releases without a separate BD only release.

The Ranown Westerns

Best guess is because Mill Creek still had the Blu-ray rights at the time.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by dwk

The earlier Godzilla vs Biollante Blu-rays were available for so short a time, it essentially is a new release for most people.

So far in 2025, they've only been upgrading two old spine numbers per month, so the other titles should be considered new to the collection not mere UHD upgrades.

For me personally, if it had a nice Blu-Ray before line the WAC title, then it’s a 4K upgrade , even if it gets a spine number. Rather get new to HD titles in the collection.

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by cgpublic

Another incredible month from Criterion, every title in UHD except Chaplin no less. The once seemingly infatigable and repetitive noise in regard to Criterion not embracing 4K has now faded to a distant and unwelcome memory.

It's yet another in an alarmingly long line now of Criterion pandering to the vocal minority by ignoring movies that continue to languish without a proper release and lazily churning out useless "SUPER HD" upticks of HD releases.

Criterion's utter submersion in the 4k market at the expense of rescuing cinema from the depths of obscurity and poor treatment has become a troublesome and unwelcome reality.

What was once a bastion and champion of the home video market is now a parodic shell of its once proud self. But I'm so happy for the marginalized who no longer have to suffer the indignity of watching their favorite movies via wretched, abominable 1080p presentations. Relish that nominal, imperceptible jump in quality you "keeping up with the Jones's" you!

[lildemon666]

I saw a post from a source saying criterion is releasing dressed to kill? Did they get the license back from KL? What could be a difference besides the criterion extras? Same transfer right?

[MifuneFan]

Today I got to see Ozu's I Was Born, But...(1932) in theatre from a 35mm print, and with live musical accompaniment. There were 3 musicians, one on cello, another on sax/trumpet, and one on flute (their names can be found here). This was my first time seeing a film with live music, and it was a pretty cool, and unique experience. I was towards the front, so at times the music was a bit overpowering, and earlier on there were some pieces that I felt didn't fit the tone perfectly well. As it progressed, most of the music (and occasional ambient effects) blended nicely with the film, and I occasionally had to remind myself that it's actually happening live right in front of me.

Picture taken during their rehearsal before the film started.

The film itself is just brilliant. This is probably my third time seeing it now, and I pick up on new things with each viewing. Incredibly funny, and great performances from the two young siblings in the main roles. The film's portrayal of family dynamics, as well as some of its more serious themes about class distinctions still feel as fresh and relevant today as they were back in the 1930's. I highly recommend seeking this one out if you haven't seen it yet, even if you're not big on silent films as I think it's very accessible. The film was recently restored in 4K, and was released on Blu-ray in the UK by BFI earlier this year. Hopefully Criterion can release it (and many more Ozu films) on Blu-ray one day.

Also, don't judge me (at least not too harshly), but despite being a huge Ozu fan, I've somehow never seen his loose remake, Good Morning (1959), so I'll be doing that next.

[sb5]

Originally Posted by lildemon666

I saw a post from a source saying criterion is releasing dressed to kill? Did they get the license back from KL? What could be a difference besides the criterion extras? Same transfer right?

A large number of Kino’s UHDs that were Criterion’s Blu Rays are going OOP (including Dressed to Kill). Presumably Criterion reacquired the rights and will be releasing UHD’s.

Assuming the extras will be the same as the Criterion Blu’s. No word on the transfers.

[lildemon666]

Originally Posted by sb5

A large number of Kino’s UHDs that were Criterion’s Blu Rays are going OOP (including Dressed to Kill). Presumably Criterion reacquired the rights and will be releasing UHD’s.

Assuming the extras will be the same as the Criterion Blu’s. No word on the transfers.

What are the other titles?

[sb5]

Originally Posted by lildemon666

What are the other titles?

12 Angry Men (4KUHD)
Dressed to Kill (4KUHD)
The Great Escape (4KUHD)
In the Heat of the Night (4KUHD)
Killer's Kiss (4KUHD)
The Killing (4KUHD)
The Manchurian Candidate (4KUHD)
The Night of the Hunter (4KUHD)
Paths of Glory (4KUHD)
Some Like It Hot (4KUHD)

[saltburn]

Originally Posted by sb5

A large number of Kino’s UHDs that were Criterion’s Blu Rays are going OOP (including Dressed to Kill). Presumably Criterion reacquired the rights and will be releasing UHD’s.

Assuming the extras will be the same as the Criterion Blu’s. No word on the transfers.

Dressed to Kill is apparently being released by Arrow on UHD, if you believe We Love Physical Media or whatever they call themselves now on Twitter/X. Their posts are usually accurate. Although it’s not specified if the Arrow release will be UK only.

[lildemon666]

Originally Posted by sb5

12 Angry Men (4KUHD)
Dressed to Kill (4KUHD)
The Great Escape (4KUHD)
In the Heat of the Night (4KUHD)
Killer's Kiss (4KUHD)
The Killing (4KUHD)
The Manchurian Candidate (4KUHD)
The Night of the Hunter (4KUHD)
Paths of Glory (4KUHD)
Some Like It Hot (4KUHD)

Thank you for the info. There are few titles I will upgrade when criterion releases them.

[Alfredlynch]

Looking forward to getting a Criterion release of Night Moves. In regards to other possible Warner films, would love to see Criterion put out Polanski's Frantic with Harrison Ford.

[saltburn]

Originally Posted by Alfredlynch

Looking forward to getting a Criterion release of Night Moves. In regards to other possible Warner films, would love to see Criterion put out Polanski's Frantic with Harrison Ford.

Would love a 4K releases of Frantic! People seem to think Criterion are hesitant to put out any Polanski maybe?

Straight Time, Freebie and the Bean, Weir’s Fearless are a few Warner Archive titles that immediately come to mind that I’d love to get 4K releases of.

Christopher Guest 4K box set probably won’t happen but I’ll dream

[mclellandj]

Originally Posted by saltburn

Would love a 4K releases of Frantic! People seem to think Criterion are hesitant to put out any Polanski maybe?

Straight Time, Freebie and the Bean, Weir’s Fearless are a few Warner Archive titles that immediately come to mind that I’d love to get 4K releases of.

Christopher Guest 4K box set probably won’t happen but I’ll dream

I think they'll put out more when he's dead. Right now it's not worth the bad press when there are countless other films you could put out. I think we'll also get a Woody Allen box set when he's dead and the money doesn't go to him anymore.

[DimitriL]

Originally Posted by saltburn

Would love a 4K releases of Frantic! People seem to think Criterion are hesitant to put out any Polanski maybe?

I think there's maybe a cutoff point. Rosemary's Baby, anything Chinatown and before, I think they'd go with it. There's kind of a perception gap or an emotional attachment, I think, to the films he made before everything went down. Repulsion? Knife in the Water? Yeah.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

It's yet another in an alarmingly long line now of Criterion pandering to the vocal minority by ignoring movies that continue to languish without a proper release and lazily churning out useless "SUPER HD" upticks of HD releases.

Criterion's utter submersion in the 4k market at the expense of rescuing cinema from the depths of obscurity and poor treatment has become a troublesome and unwelcome reality.

What was once a bastion and champion of the home video market is now a parodic shell of its once proud self. But I'm so happy for the marginalized who no longer have to suffer the indignity of watching their favorite movies via wretched, abominable 1080p presentations. Relish that nominal, imperceptible jump in quality you "keeping up with the Jones's" you!

While I do think you might be one of the more antagonistic people on this forum, I do have to agree with with most of what you said. Titles like Night Moves ultimately had fantastic releases with WAC and it seems like more WAC titles are on the horizon. 2 out of 6 titles are new to HD this month, which just seems truly bizarre to me.

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

While I do think you might be one of the more antagonistic people on this forum, I do have to agree with with most of what you said. Titles like Night Moves ultimately had fantastic releases with WAC and it seems like more WAC titles are on the horizon. 2 out of 6 titles are new to HD this month, which just seems truly bizarre to me.

Imagine being the type of person who watches Night Moves via WAC's terrific Blu-ray and thinks "I need this to look better."

That's the type of customer Criterion has made a conscious effort to appease; general film enthusiasts were just too slovenly for their highbrow bar, evidently.

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

Imagine being the type of person who watches Night Moves via WAC's terrific Blu-ray and thinks "I need this to look better."

That's the type of customer Criterion has made a conscious effort to appease

Nope, the customer they're targeting is the one that thinks, "I need this in native 4K with HDR/DV or I need this with decent extras and a C-logo on the side."

[ophone]

What about the cover art which is usually nice when it comes from Criterion?

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by ophone

What about the cover art which is usually nice when it comes from Criterion?

Id take the original poster art over any Criterion (or any other label) cover.