The Criterion Collection

[yoloswegmaster420]

Originally Posted by ThePasswordIs

Historically does Criterion release the day before if the 15th comes on a weekend, or will we be waiting until Mon — Tues even with MLK day?

They will announce it on the 14th if the 15th falls on a Saturday, though sometimes they will postpone it to the following Monday. Since there is a holiday on Monday in this case, all signs point to an announcement today (unless they decide to announce it on Tuesday).

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Translation: Criterion released too many black films.

Another translation: Criterion released too many LGBT-themed films.

[kuro_sawa]

Originally Posted by TheArgentinian

What do you think of this criticism? (from DVDBeaver):

Gary is a hardcore right-winger. Not surprising. The critique falls flat from just about every angle you can come at it from, and all one would have to do is throw a copy of Tiny Furniture at him to refute it.

[yoloswegmaster420]

To be fair, this isn't from Gary himself. This is from a participant of the year-end polls that DVDBeaver hosts.

[jshaide]

I'm personally not TOO crazy about the amount of 2020/2021 films we've been getting, but I also wondered if the heavy amount of super contemporary films have been pandemic related (easier releases with fewer moving parts while also maintaining their standard 4-5 new titles per month).

I probably bought fewer Criterions this year than usual, but to call their slate disappointing is ridiculous, especially in the first half.

[jkoffman]

Originally Posted by TheArgentinian

What do you think of this criticism? (from DVDBeaver):

Is there anyone that visits DVDBeaver for anything other than A/V details and reviews? It's like they're answering a question that no one even asked.

[WillieMLF]

Originally Posted by jkoffman

Is there anyone that visits DVDBeaver for anything other than A/V details and reviews? It's like they're answering a question that no one even asked.

Man, their year end lists are pretty fantastic, but yeah....

[ShellOilJunior]

For what it's worth, this is the entire rant:

Rant: Criterion really suffered a diminishment in the quality of their output in 2021.
This was disappointing because they have usually been at the pinnacle of the industry and have consistently released films that were of artistic and/or historical value. Generally, such films have been old enough where they can be viewed with some detachment through the prism of history.

Continuing the trend of the past few years, in 2021 Criterion released many modern and even contemporary films that are far too new for it to be known how they will stand the test of time. Many of Criterions releases in 2021 may seem trendy and inclusive today. However, throughout cinema history, many films have been released that have initially been deemed significant, but often as little as one generation later, these same films can seem dated and irrelevant.

There are so many films that history has proven to be of unqualified significance that remain unreleased in HD in the U.S. Movies such as After Hours, The Alamo, Freaks, Adam's Rib, Gunga Din, Stray Dog, Drunken Angel, The Bad Sleep Well, Red Beard, Pink Flamingos, The Thief of Baghdad, Lone Star, Winchester '73, Miracle At Morgan's Creek, Le Deuxième Souffle, I Walked With A Zombie, The Seventh Victim, The Devil And Daniel Webster, Ball of Fire, 49th Parallel, 3 Godfathers, The Search, Devil's Doorway, D.O.A., Cheyenne Autumn, Donovan's Reef, The Shootist, etc. etc. have never been released in HD in the U.S. The list just goes on and on (hopefully Warner Archives will rectify at least some of these in the future). With that in mind, there just isn't any obvious compelling reason for Criterion to be releasing so many movies that are so modern. Whether such recent Criterion releases actually stand the test of time remains to be seen. It is likely that some will and some won't. Hopefully the many less than classic Criterion releases in 2021 were driven by COVID related disruptions and were not the result of a conscious business strategy. Ultimately though, Criterion is in business to make a profit and whether these modern releases prove to be good business decisions also remains to be seen.

[The Sovereign]

When “inclusive” is one of the criticisms being leveled, it does tip their hand considerably. As for “new” and “trendy,” discovering and spotlighting the next wave of great films & filmmakers, and anticipating trends, should be as much a part of Criterion’s agenda as releasing classics from the last century. Taking issue with that just compounds the tone deafness of their statement.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by jkoffman

Is there anyone that visits DVDBeaver for anything other than A/V details and reviews? It's like they're answering a question that no one even asked.

They have articles? I only visit for the pictures!

[MifuneFan]

I visit for the pictures, and to take a shot everytime Tooze says the word robust. I know he's gonna say it, so really I'm just saying I have a drinking problem at this point.

[jkoffman]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

For what it's worth, this is the entire rant:

Funny because I don't see "films that will stand the test of time" anywhere in Criterion's mission statement:

Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements. No matter the medium—from laserdisc to DVD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD to streaming—Criterion has maintained its pioneering commitment to presenting each film as its maker would want it seen, in state-of-the-art restorations with special features designed to encourage repeated watching and deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the art of film.

[jkoffman]

Originally Posted by Gacivory

They have articles? I only visit for the pictures!

I was tempted to make that joke too.

[Gacivory]

Originally Posted by jkoffman

I was tempted to make that joke too.

No joke is too low for me.

[jshaide]

The wait begins!

[jordan-r]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

For what it's worth, this is the entire rant:

Comes off as a not-so-veiled "why isn't Criterion catering to meeee specifically?!" complaint, which is always tiresome.

[gudemameshiba]

Originally Posted by jshaide

The wait begins!

Some of us have been waiting since the moment of last month's announcements.

On the bright side, Calvin's dad would say waiting builds character.

[Member-496152]

Originally Posted by TheArgentinian

What do you think of this criticism? (from DVDBeaver):

What the actual hell are they talking about? Yeah, 'Mirror', 'Citizen Kane', 'Bringing Up Baby', 'Memories of Murder', 'World of Wong Kar Wai', and 'Original Cast Album: Company' were all bottom of the barrel releases for Criterion... All they do now is modern films... Such trash. 2021 was a pretty banging year for Criterion, seriously whoever wrote that needs to look at their actual output of films and think again.

[ShellOilJunior]

Hoping for one of the SC titles to get a UHD/Blu release and go back into print...

[hoytereden]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I visit for the pictures, and to take a shot everytime Tooze says the word robust. I know he's gonna say it, so really I'm just saying I have a drinking problem at this point.

Like Svet’s “healthy” in the video quality descriptions.

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

Hoping for one of the SC titles to get a UHD/Blu release and go back into print...

Was wondering about this too. Would SC license 4K rights if they didn't put it out in 4K themselves? As 4K is region free, perhaps they might perceive it as taking away sales from their own releases.