The Criterion Collection

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by CandymanHappyman

I know there is nothing that I can say that will change your mind. But I think you basically answered your own question in your last post.

The problem is not Criterion.

The problem is Shochiku.

They own the movie.

They are the ones who don't care about their catalogue.

They are the ones who need to create a new master that Criterion and others could use to create a new disc.

I have the Criterion Channel and that transfer is terrible. It's not even good enough for a DVD release in 2024, much less a Blu-ray release. I appreciate how badly you want this film released. But if you are happy with that quality then the existing DVD release should be good enough. If Criterion, or even Mill Creek, released that transfer today, they would be ridiculed, and rightfully so.

(For the record, that is not film grain in those caps. That's digital noise based on film grain. Two very different things.)

Again, the master is fine. Even professorwho who is known on these forums as one of the better analyst of encodes said for an ancient master it's not bad.

No, that's not digital noise, but fine grain if you look at it. It's actually one of the better cases I've seen for a Shochiku film from the late 70's. It's movements are NOT in the same pattern as digital noise usually produces and almost no artifacts to be seen. It's actually really good for an older master in relation to how the grain is presented on the film.

If Shochiku were to release a 4K remaster fine, but I've seen worse masters from films being released TODAY from some of the best labels.

[SeanJoyce]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

[Show spoiler]Good evening everyone. It's a slow news day and I've had some thoughts rattling around in my mind in the last 48 hours, so I figured it was time for a yearly rant against Criterion. Key word being rant. I'm not here to argue with anyone, or trying to ruffle feathers, there are just some things I feel like getting off my chest. Some might have 1000 reasons to defend Criterion, but for me there are a 1000 reasons why those arguments won't change my mind, and it's the 1000 films Criterion has the rights to that have no HD disc period.

Some will argue that streaming and physical rights are different, and they ARE. However, Criterion is the one company that covers its basis and it's might rare where a film that's streaming on their channel that opens up with Janus logo is released by someone else. Criterion has been in this business for a very long time and will cover their behinds. Some will argue that a lot of the films have subpar transfers. Sure, some do, but MOST don't. Almost everything on their channel streaming in HD looks pretty good. Better than what some other labels continue to release. Some even have pristine 4K transfers, but because Criterion has a "method" to their releasing, they are in a queue waiting their turn that might never come.

Let me preface by saying that I USED to love Criterion. When I first got into film collecting Criterion was king. When I heard Criterion the rights to a film I enjoyed I was like "Nice! That's going to get a DVD in no time!". Now when I hear Criterion has the rights to a film I like the thoughts are something like "Damn you Criterion. Damn you to Hell!!!" (an exaggeration, but only slightly)

The fact of the matter is Criterion is no longer king of the labels. You have other labels like Arrow, Radiance, Eureka, Indicator, 88 Films, and hell, even Kino at times with better encodes/compression/authoring on their discs than Criterion. Criterion getting lapped around by other labels releasing the films they have had the rights to forever, often with better encodes and even better features.

Criterion also has the model of releasing about five releases a month with boxsets seemingly a thing of the past for the most part. November, their biggest month of the year was a month full of 4K upgrades with the exception of one title. Lets take a look at January, we are getting The Grifters. Nice film that deserves a 4K. Problem is, there goes 20% of your monthly output to a title that already has a Blu-ray. Title seems like a better fit for Kino where it would only be about about 6% of their monthly output. Criterion also picked up the titles Kino released on 4K it seems. So guess what? Expect those on 4K in the near future and more slots to things that don't have titles!

This isn't a case where Criterion isn't releasing the titles I want. (Although, I would love that) This is a case of Criterion not releasing films that don't have ANY release. I mentioned No Country for Old Men a few days ago and it was mentioned that only Criterion has been able to get them to sit down and talk about their movies. Sure, it's nice to get that, but at the end of the day, priority should always be the films. Getting the films out there for audiences to watch on disc, versus getting lost on a streaming channel that many don't have. As mentioned before Criterion has the rights to A LOT of films without any sort of release.

The fact remains, Criterion is going to release No Country For Old Men, before Le Deuxieme Souffle because of money. You're going to get a TON more sales on the former title than the latter. Does Pan's Laybrinth need ANOTHER release? Shit no, but it's going to sell better than Gohatto. I'm not saying Criterion should abandon the better selling titles completely, wish there was more focus on the catalogue of films that are being neglected.

Not saying Criterion is without merits. They still take some chances, and they have my appreciation for titles like Demon Pond, Eastern Condors, and a few others. Even titles I loved like The Roaring 20's could have been released by someone like WB themselves, as their encodes are almost comparable. It's not like it once was once upon a time, as some of the studios like Sony do a better job with their encodes than Criterion.

Also, if smaller companies like Radiance, Arrow, Eureka can stick to their monthly reveals on schedule, why can't Criterion? Criterion has been in the business a long time, so you would expect a higher level of quality presentation from them. This time, not even a tweet letting people know what's up. The company used to also be a lot more funny, from their online interactions with fans, to the guessing game for the following year titles. Now, interaction is more along the lines oh, "hey, tell us a title, and we'll suggest a title for you to spend your money on the sale!"

At the end of the day this rant will change nothing, but it's out of my system. Usually I wouldn't care what a company releases, but Criterion has some of the very BEST in French, Italian, and numerous other countries in terms of their films. For me, especially the fact that they have OVER 300 Japanese titles. I've been waiting forever for them to start releasing their Nagisa Oshima titles, but nothing. Now Radiance is coming in to swoop up where Criterion has failed and releasing those films. Don't get me started on the Hideo Gosha titles.

The fact is, we are not getting any younger. This is all a hobby, but it's a hobby some of us really enjoy and we all have favorites. Criterion has some of our favorites, but we will probably die before these titles ever see a release. For the sake of some of those films, I honestly wouldn't mind if Criterion just simply ceased to be. Harsh, but at least some of those films would have a better home elsewhere. Two UK labels have told me that they were interested in some of the Japanese titles Criterion has, but were told those releases were BLOCKED in the UK because of Criterion. The crazy part? The films aren't even streaming in the UK, and can't because of Criterion.

So until Criterion either brings back the Eclipse line, sub licensing, releasing more films, or changing a bit of their method of madness, I don't see them reclaiming their title of king of the labels. They are more like the jester at this point. Again, this is simply a rant, sorry for writing so much, and rant over.



P.S.

Until Criterion releases Hunter in the Dark, all I just have to say is, damn you Criterion. Damn you to hell!!! (Slightly exaggerated)

I agree with the essence of all of this; I snickered to myself while browsing the selection at B&N this afternoon upon seeing NINE copies of Scarface '32, a totally superfluous release if there ever was one.

However, these two statements directly contradict one another (re-pasting a comment from last week):

The fact of the matter is Criterion is no longer king of the labels. You have other labels like Arrow, Radiance, Eureka, Indicator, 88 Films, and hell, even Kino at times with better encodes/compression/authoring on their discs than Criterion. Criterion getting lapped around by other labels releasing the films they have had the rights to forever, often with better encodes and even better features.

Yeah, that's a big no no in my book since I don't import. Even if they released the end all release of end all releases, I'd still buy the Criterion.

So...yeah. This isn't where I get on a soapbox and berate you for refusing to import, but you don't get to be a label sycophant yet complain after acknowledging that labels in other countries are releasing at least some of these hostage titles in superior editions. Either embrace region-free or be a Criterion lapdog which means, as you admit, sitting idly for releases that may never see the light of day.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

So...yeah. This isn't where I get on a soapbox and berate you for refusing to import, but you don't get to be a label sycophant yet complain after acknowledging that labels in other countries are releasing at least some of these hostage titles in superior editions. Either embrace region-free or be a Criterion lapdog which means, as you admit, sitting idly for releases that may never see the light of day.

If only it were that easy. I'd love to import a ton of releases that are being released overseas that Criterion has in the US. Radiance released Cruel Gun Story in the UK which is one of my most wanted Japanese noir title. I think I've mentioned to you that I have OCD. So option A is getting the movie and then having an irk in my brain that doesn't go away and drives me nuts over time or option B, not buy the movie and not have to deal with the OCD. I have a couple of imports, but it irks me daily that something is wrong with my collection so option B is usually what I go for. I'd pick Radiance over Criterion anyday, but again it's not that simple for myself.

[DukeTogo84]

In other news:

https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html...VkLXNob3dkb3du

"Apple has hired an executive to license its original productions to other companies, a strategy designed to increase sales from its film business and improve the visibility of its content.

Maria Ines Rodriguez, who previously worked at Disney and Comcast Corp.’s NBCUniversal, joined Apple earlier this year to work on content distribution. In a job posting from earlier this year, Apple said it’s looking for someone to “develop and implement a global strategy to enhance revenue for Apple TV+’s award winning original content off-Apple platforms.”

Apple is focused on licensing its movies to other companies, such as foreign TV networks and stores, where viewers can rent or buy them, according to a person familiar with the plans. The company isn’t planning to license its original TV shows to third parties. (At least not yet.)".

If anyone could probably afford a deal with Apple it would probably be Criterion. Really want a release of Flowers of the Killer Moon, Macbeth, and Napoleon.

[CinemaScope]

Still waiting on Catch-22 (1970).

[ShellOilJunior]

A few guesses for today:

Brazil UHD
Hard Eight UHD

[cgpublic]

Originally Posted by JoelGoodsen

Would love Criterion to somehow release Sideways on 4K. Equally funny as it is sad.

Agreed, and let's not forget this film altered the US wine market by elevating Pinot Noir at the expense of Merlot all thanks to a few words highlighted by an expletive memorably delivered by Paul Giamatti.

Given this film celebrated its 20th anniversary a few weeks ago and the aforementioned 4K digital release, as good a pick as any for today.

[cgpublic]

Originally Posted by regeyer

I think I pay less than $8 a month as a Charter subscriber.

Same, and given both of my kids access CC as their go-to streamer for film content while away at school, for me it's an incredible value and related resource to sample blind buys or the many films which are unlikely to secure a physical release via Criterion.

[kwillard37]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

A few guesses for today:

Brazil UHD
Hard Eight UHD

Oof. That would be my kind of month right there. Would take any PTA 4K releases.

[KurtLazyhammer]

I am once again predicting a UHD upgrade for A Room with a View and Rebecca.

[BarnDoor]

Hoping for Captain Blood, Scaramouche and/or Hud.

[Brad1963]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

Good evening everyone. It's a slow news day and I've had some thoughts rattling around in my mind in the last 48 hours, so I figured it was time for a yearly rant against Criterion. Key word being rant. I'm not here to argue with anyone, or trying to ruffle feathers, there are just some things I feel like getting off my chest. Some might have 1000 reasons to defend Criterion, but for me there are a 1000 reasons why those arguments won't change my mind, and it's the 1000 films Criterion has the rights to that have no HD disc period.

Some will argue that streaming and physical rights are different, and they ARE. However, Criterion is the one company that covers its basis and it's might rare where a film that's streaming on their channel that opens up with Janus logo is released by someone else. Criterion has been in this business for a very long time and will cover their behinds. Some will argue that a lot of the films have subpar transfers. Sure, some do, but MOST don't. Almost everything on their channel streaming in HD looks pretty good. Better than what some other labels continue to release. Some even have pristine 4K transfers, but because Criterion has a "method" to their releasing, they are in a queue waiting their turn that might never come.

Let me preface by saying that I USED to love Criterion. When I first got into film collecting Criterion was king. When I heard Criterion the rights to a film I enjoyed I was like "Nice! That's going to get a DVD in no time!". Now when I hear Criterion has the rights to a film I like the thoughts are something like "Damn you Criterion. Damn you to Hell!!!" (an exaggeration, but only slightly)

The fact of the matter is Criterion is no longer king of the labels. You have other labels like Arrow, Radiance, Eureka, Indicator, 88 Films, and hell, even Kino at times with better encodes/compression/authoring on their discs than Criterion. Criterion getting lapped around by other labels releasing the films they have had the rights to forever, often with better encodes and even better features.

Criterion also has the model of releasing about five releases a month with boxsets seemingly a thing of the past for the most part. November, their biggest month of the year was a month full of 4K upgrades with the exception of one title. Lets take a look at January, we are getting The Grifters. Nice film that deserves a 4K. Problem is, there goes 20% of your monthly output to a title that already has a Blu-ray. Title seems like a better fit for Kino where it would only be about about 6% of their monthly output. Criterion also picked up the titles Kino released on 4K it seems. So guess what? Expect those on 4K in the near future and more slots to things that don't have titles!

This isn't a case where Criterion isn't releasing the titles I want. (Although, I would love that) This is a case of Criterion not releasing films that don't have ANY release. I mentioned No Country for Old Men a few days ago and it was mentioned that only Criterion has been able to get them to sit down and talk about their movies. Sure, it's nice to get that, but at the end of the day, priority should always be the films. Getting the films out there for audiences to watch on disc, versus getting lost on a streaming channel that many don't have. As mentioned before Criterion has the rights to A LOT of films without any sort of release.

The fact remains, Criterion is going to release No Country For Old Men, before Le Deuxieme Souffle because of money. You're going to get a TON more sales on the former title than the latter. Does Pan's Laybrinth need ANOTHER release? Shit no, but it's going to sell better than Gohatto. I'm not saying Criterion should abandon the better selling titles completely, wish there was more focus on the catalogue of films that are being neglected.

Not saying Criterion is without merits. They still take some chances, and they have my appreciation for titles like Demon Pond, Eastern Condors, and a few others. Even titles I loved like The Roaring 20's could have been released by someone like WB themselves, as their encodes are almost comparable. It's not like it once was once upon a time, as some of the studios like Sony do a better job with their encodes than Criterion.

Also, if smaller companies like Radiance, Arrow, Eureka can stick to their monthly reveals on schedule, why can't Criterion? Criterion has been in the business a long time, so you would expect a higher level of quality presentation from them. This time, not even a tweet letting people know what's up. The company used to also be a lot more funny, from their online interactions with fans, to the guessing game for the following year titles. Now, interaction is more along the lines oh, "hey, tell us a title, and we'll suggest a title for you to spend your money on the sale!"

At the end of the day this rant will change nothing, but it's out of my system. Usually I wouldn't care what a company releases, but Criterion has some of the very BEST in French, Italian, and numerous other countries in terms of their films. For me, especially the fact that they have OVER 300 Japanese titles. I've been waiting forever for them to start releasing their Nagisa Oshima titles, but nothing. Now Radiance is coming in to swoop up where Criterion has failed and releasing those films. Don't get me started on the Hideo Gosha titles.

The fact is, we are not getting any younger. This is all a hobby, but it's a hobby some of us really enjoy and we all have favorites. Criterion has some of our favorites, but we will probably die before these titles ever see a release. For the sake of some of those films, I honestly wouldn't mind if Criterion just simply ceased to be. Harsh, but at least some of those films would have a better home elsewhere. Two UK labels have told me that they were interested in some of the Japanese titles Criterion has, but were told those releases were BLOCKED in the UK because of Criterion. The crazy part? The films aren't even streaming in the UK, and can't because of Criterion.

So until Criterion either brings back the Eclipse line, sub licensing, releasing more films, or changing a bit of their method of madness, I don't see them reclaiming their title of king of the labels. They are more like the jester at this point. Again, this is simply a rant, sorry for writing so much, and rant over.



P.S.

Until Criterion releases Hunter in the Dark, all I just have to say is, damn you Criterion. Damn you to hell!!! (Slightly exaggerated)

Honestly, you really need to sit back take a breath, and relax. These are only movies and Criterion is not the only label, there are so many other choices out there still.

[Brad1963]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by Watershipdownisgood

I think Criterion should cease to be honestly that, or start sub-licensing out their titles to other labels in fact I think I might start emailing them to sub-license their titles out as sitting on a huge number of titles is just ridiculous.

Criterion should not exist because they are not pleasing you? Really?

[jw007]

Originally Posted by edmoney

Yes, although 25th Hour is a 2002 film.

I realized that soon after I posted. I guess I'll just swap that with Hard Eight instead and make it a whole slate of 90s films!

Magnolia
Hard Eight
Suburbia
Eyes Wide Shut
Killing Zoe

There... 90s!

[MifuneFan]

The New World keeps randomly popping up in my head this morning. I have a feeling we'll see a 4K release of it sometime next year.

[ilenewoodsfan99]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

The New World keeps randomly popping up in my head this morning. I have a feeling we'll see a 4K release of it sometime next year.

Can you get That Hamilton Woman to do that as well, please?

[CMG]

I've never really been a fan of Criterion -- not because of the quality of their products which I've little idea of as I only own 1 Criterion release (It's "3 Women", btw) -- but because they don't release movies I want to buy. I do want to pick up "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" and I've been putting it off, but otherwise there's nothing else.

[speedracer5]

I am just hoping for more Classic Hollywood. I'd love to see Captain Blood.

I would also love to see Sideways get a Criterion release, because that is a great movie.

[javy]

They should give us Deconstructing Harry

[javy]

I think if they don't announce La Ronde today I'm gonna buy the Bluebell release