The Criterion Collection

[Professor Echo]

Originally Posted by CelestialAgent

I think most of the times OCD is brought up casually/informally, it isn’t examining the diagnostic criteria, or a reflection of the real condition. It’s shorthand that’s definitely harmful. However as an autistic person I think some of my organisational methods, desires for perfectly aligned covers with no marks (ultimately it shouldn’t matter), flipping covers, checking through page counts in booklets, stems from that. Similarly, I believe some of these traits can be seen in ADHD.

As someone who was diagnosed with OCD all the way back in 1991 and had it in such a debilitating way it nearly killed me, I agree that most people who use it now to define or denigrate have no idea what the true condition means. I've been medicated against it for decades and hell, even I joke about it sometimes, but in its worst forms it can handicap people against their own existence. I don't get angry when people poke fun at it, but I hope they realize that while medicine still does not know exactly what causes it, no knowledgeable and experienced medical professional believes it is an adopted personality trait, but a physiological illness.

Hariseldon is absolutely right in his delineation between genuine OCD and the much more common anal-retentive habits many display. Unfortunately, there are still lots of people, even dangerously clueless doctors, who cannot or will not differentiate between the two. And it's also important to note that there are many, many symptoms of real OCD, not the just the same ones that have been superficially exemplified in popular media.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by Professor Echo

As someone who was diagnosed with OCD all the way back in 1991 and had it in such a debilitating way it nearly killed me, I agree that most people who use it now to define or denigrate have no idea what the true condition means. I've been medicated against it for decades and hell, even I joke about it sometimes, but in its worst forms it can handicap people against their own existence. I don't get angry when people poke fun at it, but I hope they realize that while medicine still does not know exactly what causes it, no knowledgeable and experienced medical professional believes it is an adopted personality trait, but a physiological illness.

Hariseldon is absolutely right in his delineation between genuine OCD and the much more common anal-retentive habits many display. Unfortunately, there are still lots of people, even dangerously clueless doctors, who cannot or will not differentiate between the two. And it's also important to note that there are many, many symptoms of real OCD, not the just the same ones that have been superficially exemplified in popular media.

Yes, there is this myth that being neat & tidy = OCD, which isn't really true at all. Most rational people who aren't total slobs would look at that picture of the messy Criterions and think it's disgraceful. And I would hazard a guess that most people with OCD wouldn't be triggered by it at all, because they have no personal stake or connection to it. It's not something they have, or can have, direct control over.

Even if that was the personal collection of someone with OCD, they wouldn't necessarily be bothered by it.

Where the OCD would kick in is if they organized that mess and then afterwards had a sudden thought that "Hey, did I make sure that all of the titles beginning with the letter B were in correct alphabetical order?" Then they would go and double-check just to make sure that they did get them in the correct order. Then as they would leave to go about their business, that thought would return "Are you sure all of the B titles are in correct alphabetical order? Maybe you should double-check just to make extra sure". So you go and check, and sure enough they are in correct order. Then like an annoying pop-up box, that thought keeps returning over and over again casting doubt on whether the B's were in correct order and even though there's a rational voice telling you that it's fine, you find that the only way to get rid of that "pop-up box" is to keep going back and checking frequently until it snowballs and the only thing that you can think about as you try to go about your daily life is "I have to make sure that those Bs are in correct alphabetical order", even if you are trying to sleep and it's 3 a.m. you feel that the only way you can get rid of that "pop-up box" is to get up at 3 a.m. and double-check that they are all in correct alphabetical order. And, yes, one of the solutions you come up with to get rid of the overriding urge to check those titles beginning with the letter B is just to get rid of them entirely.

[normajean19]

Originally Posted by FragnitoM

Anyone know if Criterion had restarted their replacement program for cover art/cases, etc?

Yes I just received my replacement cover and booklet for All About Eve on Monday. They sent me an email on October 13th saying the New York team was starting limited visits to the office.

[jshaide]

A few treats on Criterion Channel in November that would make great discs, namely The 7th Victim and Mad Love (and The Devil Doll too but less likely).

Some WC Fields shorts too—-I think these are with Cohen now? I keep hoping for more confirm of some kind that Criterion has the remaining WC Fields films as was brought up in the Kino thread once as a maybe.

[The Sovereign]

Originally Posted by jshaide

Some WC Fields shorts too—-I think these are with Cohen now? I keep hoping for more confirm of some kind that Criterion has the remaining WC Fields films as was brought up in the Kino thread once as a maybe.

I don't know if it's Paramount, Criterion, or maybe Cohen (I assume Kino or other would have put it out by now), but I wish whomever it is would finally put It's a Gift on Blu-ray. It now sits firmly at the top of my most wanted list.

[jshaide]

Originally Posted by The Sovereign

I don't know if it's Paramount, Criterion, or maybe Cohen (I assume Kino or other would have put it out by now), but I wish whomever it is would finally put It's a Gift on Blu-ray. It now sits firmly at the top of my most wanted list.

When Kino released NEVER GIVE A SUCKER, he had said that all of the other Fields films were with Criterion (which was very exciting!). But a short while after he posted something like "I might have been mistaken, I asked a higher power", and then I never heard anything about it again.

[NeoNical]

Excited to see the Joseph Losey flicks, ESPECIALLY The Servant, which I would nominate as a good contender for a Criterion release.

[jayembee]

Interesting situation here...

Kino just announced a blu-ray of Soderbergh's The Underneath, coming in February.

The Underneath was included as an extra on Criterion's edition of Soderbergh's King of the Hill.

Criterion's page for King of the Hill says it's "Currently Unavailable", which usually means that it's out of stock and getting more copies pressed.

The question is, (a) is King of the Hill on its way to being OOP, (b) currently in limbo, and coming back with The Underneath removed, or (c) will The Underneath continue to be available from both labels?

[thatguamguy]

It wouldn't be the first time that Kino released a standalone movie which Criterion included as a bonus feature, although in the case of "The Front Page", the companies had two different cuts to work with.

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

It wouldn't be the first time that Kino released a standalone movie which Criterion included as a bonus feature, although in the case of "The Front Page", the companies had two different cuts to work with.

True. The other difference is that in the case of The Front Page, Kino's edition was first. I'm also not sure what the ownership is with The Front Page, as it's been released on DVD by a couple of P.D. labels. One (or both) of the cuts might be in the Public Domain.

[DaBargainHunta]

Apple Airplay got stealth added to the 9.4 Roku update.

That means HBO Max is now on Roku (sort of).

I tried it last night and it works. I only tried it for 30 seconds or so though, so I don't have any impressions to post beyond that.

The reason I'm posting this is because there are many Criterions on Max through the TCM section, which is sure to be useful for folks here who have Max but don't have The Criterion Channel and/or Kanopy. (With that said, I highly recommend The Criterion Channel and think everyone here should have a subscription.)

[kuzronk]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

And I would hazard a guess that most people with OCD wouldn't be triggered by it at all, because they have no personal stake or connection to it. It's not something they have, or can have, direct control over.

Even if that was the personal collection of someone with OCD, they wouldn't necessarily be bothered by it.

I feel like total shit inside whenI see something damaged or out of order in people's profiles and I feel like commenting on the minor detail so badly.

[JackJD]

Just a quick question/poll to see how many people are receiving damaged/used/substandard merchandise from Criterion.com during these sales.

I purchase only from Criterion.com during sales (for the last few years, previously I purchased from B&N as well); I am a collector, and I have purchased every blu-ray Criterion has released since the announcement -first wave of blu-ray discs. Needless to say, I purchase a lot of discs in large orders...

That said, every purchase for the last few years from Criterion.com has been delivered with various forms of defect - some more serious, some basic substandard sold as "new" items.

This last order, I received two totally unwrapped blu-rays with fingerprints and smudges (one of the two was one of the cheap cardboard with folding cardboard insert packages- genuinely looks like a USED product (small tears in packaging, fingered disc, -I don't know if all the insert material is included or some is missing, etc.).

Three others look re-wrapped - no sealed folded plastic on the top/bottom edges, but simple stretchy plastic shrink with seam all the way around. NO STICKERS on the three "re-wrapped".

Two look normal, except no sticker on the "normal" wrap.

And one has a small crack in the plastic case. The shipping box was in tact, and the broken case was sandwiched between others (not up against the outer wall of the shipping box) - so one may conclude it was packed/sold damaged.

One pays a premium for these products- sold as NEW, PREMIUM, top-tier-collector-quality items...

As stated above, I have not received an order of more than 10 discs without 10-30% being sub-par in the last three years.


What's happening here...?

[Dollar Colonel]

Originally Posted by JackJD

[Show spoiler]Just a quick question/poll to see how many people are receiving damaged/used/substandard merchandise from Criterion.com during these sales.

I purchase only from Criterion.com during sales (for the last few years, previously I purchased from B&N as well); I am a collector, and I have purchased every blu-ray Criterion has released since the announcement -first wave of blu-ray discs. Needless to say, I purchase a lot of discs in large orders...

That said, every purchase for the last few years from Criterion.com has been delivered with various forms of defect - some more serious, some basic substandard sold as "new" items.

This last order, I received two totally unwrapped blu-rays with fingerprints and smudges (one of the two was one of the cheap cardboard with folding cardboard insert packages- genuinely looks like a USED product (small tears in packaging, fingered disc, -I don't know if all the insert material is included or some is missing, etc.).

Three others look re-wrapped - no sealed folded plastic on the top/bottom edges, but simple stretchy plastic shrink with seam all the way around. NO STICKERS on the three "re-wrapped".

Two look normal, except no sticker on the "normal" wrap.

And one has a small crack in the plastic case. The shipping box was in tact, and the broken case was sandwiched between others (not up against the outer wall of the shipping box) - so one may conclude it was packed/sold damaged.

One pays a premium for these products- sold as NEW, PREMIUM, top-tier-collector-quality items...

As stated above, I have not received an order of more than 10 discs without 10-30% being sub-par in the last three years.


What's happening here...?

Ordered around 11 titles (mix of boxsets, digipacks, and plain) in 2 shipments this past sale without any issues. Can't recall any issues in past sales either. Your issues sound quite serious but I doubt I'm just lucky or not picky enough.

Are your shipments coming from the big Alliance warehouse in Kentucky?

In any case, Criterion should offer you replacements.

[bonehica]

Originally Posted by Dollar Colonel

Ordered around 11 titles (mix of boxsets, digipacks, and plain) in 2 shipments this past sale without any issues. Can't recall any issues in past sales either. Your issues sound quite serious but I doubt I'm just lucky or not picky enough.

Are your shipments coming from the big Alliance warehouse in Kentucky?

In any case, Criterion should offer you replacements.

Does that warehouse hold more than just Criterion stock? I had a Shout Factory order originate out of the same area as my Criterion order (Louisville, KY)

[NeoNical]

Do you guys think Criterion will release Mr. Vampire? Or maybe Shout Factory as that is the only other company that I can think of that releases Hong Kong action films.

[hariseldon]

Originally Posted by Dollar Colonel

Ordered around 11 titles (mix of boxsets, digipacks, and plain) in 2 shipments this past sale without any issues. Can't recall any issues in past sales either. Your issues sound quite serious but I doubt I'm just lucky or not picky enough.

Are your shipments coming from the big Alliance warehouse in Kentucky?

In any case, Criterion should offer you replacements.

Nearly 100% of Criterion.com orders come out of Alliance the largest which is the Kentucky store. Criterion hasn't handled it's own warehouse, packing, mailing in years. Some of the replacements do still seem to come out of NY/NJ so it appears Criterion at least has a finger in that business

Originally Posted by bonehica

Does that warehouse hold more than just Criterion stock? I had a Shout Factory order originate out of the same area as my Criterion order (Louisville, KY)

Alliance likely controls 80-90% of the Media in the country either directly or indirectly. Directly they own/operate/fulfill Deep Discount/ImportCd/OddBanana/Blowitoutahere and the 10+ other sister stores they brought under the umbrella. Indirectly they appear to supply most fo the discs for stores like BBY, Walmart, BN, FYE, etc. They directly run most of BN, FYE, TCM, Criterion web orders for their orders and some of Best Buy orders for 8 digit SKU which isn't considered In-Store merchandise.

BEstBuy and Amazon warehouses in Shepherdsville literally are across the street from Alliance so even a lot of their stock is handed from Alliance to the BBY and Amazon warehouse so even when they are packed and mailed from one warehouse (or sent to various other Amazon centers or BBY stores for distribution). I'm pretty sure a lot of Walmart Media is also supplied through Alliance though WM seems to handle it's own shipping though stores like WM and BBY seems to keep contracts with Ingram as well.

I think Kino and maybe Shout still directly handle most (not all) of their own inventory/shipping for their direct orders.

Target is still primarily supplied by Ingram Entertainment which I think is the only other big Wholesaler Media Distributor left after B&T sold their stake last year and Anderson folded years ago.

[thebalconyfool]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by JackJD

Just a quick question/poll to see how many people are receiving damaged/used/substandard merchandise from Criterion.com during these sales.

I purchase only from Criterion.com during sales (for the last few years, previously I purchased from B&N as well); I am a collector, and I have purchased every blu-ray Criterion has released since the announcement -first wave of blu-ray discs. Needless to say, I purchase a lot of discs in large orders...

That said, every purchase for the last few years from Criterion.com has been delivered with various forms of defect - some more serious, some basic substandard sold as "new" items.

This last order, I received two totally unwrapped blu-rays with fingerprints and smudges (one of the two was one of the cheap cardboard with folding cardboard insert packages- genuinely looks like a USED product (small tears in packaging, fingered disc, -I don't know if all the insert material is included or some is missing, etc.).

Three others look re-wrapped - no sealed folded plastic on the top/bottom edges, but simple stretchy plastic shrink with seam all the way around. NO STICKERS on the three "re-wrapped".

Two look normal, except no sticker on the "normal" wrap.

And one has a small crack in the plastic case. The shipping box was in tact, and the broken case was sandwiched between others (not up against the outer wall of the shipping box) - so one may conclude it was packed/sold damaged.

One pays a premium for these products- sold as NEW, PREMIUM, top-tier-collector-quality items...

As stated above, I have not received an order of more than 10 discs without 10-30% being sub-par in the last three years.


What's happening here...?

That's a shame, I'm sorry. I ordered 4 movies at the flash sale and they all arrived in perfect condition, but I must admit it's not the norm for me with Criterion. I don't have great luck them and I often receive damaged purchases. It's the main reason I prefer to shop the Barnes and Noble in store sales, especially for digipaks and box sets which often come dinged up by mail. The other issue I have is the artwork is often put in the case unevenly, often causing wrinkling or rips at the top or bottom of the art. I've never had items come without being wrapped though. That's pretty weird.

Edited to add - I should say Criterion has always made right any issue I've had. Quickly sending out new art and even new boxes for sets. It's likely different now due to the pandemic, but they've always been wonderful with how they've handled any problems I've had.

[ihaveblink]

Maybe I'm just unlucky, but a lot of the booklets or posters i get come slightly damaged. it looks like there's a small rip/dent on a lot of them, like the machine who puts them together was rough with them. This only started a few years ago, but I noticed a 1/2 in every one I get uptick.

[kvnbhovis]

Originally Posted by jayembee

True. The other difference is that in the case of The Front Page, Kino's edition was first. I'm also not sure what the ownership is with The Front Page, as it's been released on DVD by a couple of P.D. labels. One (or both) of the cuts might be in the Public Domain.

I really love the international cut that Kino released where one of the reporters fingers the mayor. I got a huge kick out of that. That will be the one I'll watch again and again.