The Criterion Collection

[Polaroid]

I will say again, I hate digital.

1. Standard HDD are pretty crap and unreliable tbh - and until SSD are more affordable then MAYBE it will catch on, but I paid £400 for 1 TB SSD, for digital downloads the storage will need to be HUGE - especially if they do 4K releases.

2. The feeling of not owning it, its just there, but you can't touch, feel and see it - you can't show it off.

Dvd's are only surviving because they have been around for a while and people are used to it - and they probably haven't tried bluray.

I was big fan of DVD and refused to upgrade bluray as I had never really seen the effects or understood how much it helped the film quality - and cost did put me off - now I regret not upgrading sooner.

I tried the digital market and bought a few, mainly because I wanted stuff for iPad and was too lazy to convert myself - but I've forgotten about this purchases and just can't be bothered to find them/redownload etc.

But now I won't touch a DVD unless I have to - I mean I bought AK 100 with is DVD but only bought that due to the fact its a brilliant release and now OOP and I like the director.

[jw007]

Polaroid, I agree fully with everything you wrote too. The only thing i guess we differ on is digipacks. "Less is more" to me. But yes, digital sucks!

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

Polaroid, I agree fully with everything you wrote too. The only thing i guess we differ on is digipacks. "Less is more" to me. But yes, digital sucks!

Bah! You don't deserve a response! :P



Tbh - I wish Criterion did offer replacement case/artwork for all digipaks, that way everyone is kept happy

[jw007]

But I got one anyway!

(Oh, I admit, I'm a bit hypocritical as I like my music collection to be digital as I don't buy CDs anymore! But when it comes to movies, I'm entirely digital-free!)

[myka22]

It was simply an odd decision to start doing combo packs now, they should have done it 4-5 years ago. It doesn't really bother me either way though.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

But I got one anyway!

(Oh, I admit, I'm a bit hypocritical as I like my music collection to be digital as I don't buy CDs anymore! But when it comes to movies, I'm entirely digital-free!)

oh Music is different - CD cases are disturbingly horrible lol SO MUCH PLASTIC.

With music its so much easier with digital as I have access to everything I own on the go on every device.

LP's are different, I like those - especially the artwork and size

-

On another note - debating whether to crack open Zatoichi and give them a try.... Just a genre I've always been put off by or avoided for reasons unknown to me. But I know I am missing out.....

[jw007]

Oh, and if Criterion offered replacement cases for digipacks, they'd be making more money too. Maybe that will be their new motivation behind that dual-format experiment: making alternative cases for those who want to keep their collection looking consistent. Weren't there dozens and dozens of dual-format digipacks created though? That means there would have to be dozens and dozens of movies with replacement cases (compared to the half-dozen or so featured on Criterion's "other" shopping page now).

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

Oh, and if Criterion offered replacement cases for digipacks, they'd be making more money too. Maybe that will be their new motivation behind that dual-format experiment: making alternative cases for those who want to keep their collection looking consistent. Weren't there dozens and dozens of dual-format digipacks created though? That means there would have to be dozens and dozens of movies with replacement cases (compared to the half-dozen or so featured on Criterion's "other" shopping page now).

They could incorporate the replacement case into each page for the film... so when you pick a film and you can watch video/read about it - they can simply add option for replacement case there if its digipak?

tbh though $5 is incredible price for replacement cases/artwork etc especially as it includes shipping (even to UK!)

I would even buy copies for my digipaks just so I can have them included with my plastic cases so spine numbers are in order as at the moment my beautiful digipaks have their own space to themselves :P

I think my obsession with digipaks is just down to me being a Graphic Designer rather then purely a film fanatic - so for me EVERY design details matters to me as well as the film contents, like paper stocks used, paper weights etc etc

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

oh Music is different - CD cases are disturbingly horrible lol SO MUCH PLASTIC.

With music its so much easier with digital as I have access to everything I own on the go on every device.

LP's are different, I like those - especially the artwork and size

-

On another note - debating whether to crack open Zatoichi and give them a try.... Just a genre I've always been put off by or avoided for reasons unknown to me. But I know I am missing out.....

i decided not to buy the massive Zatoichi set because I have limited interest in that genre myself. Did you purchase it because of its beautiful artwork and packaging? I have noticed you have an appreciation for fine art and aesthetically-pleasing looking things. I also like LPs over CDs because of their collectibility. It's funny how LDs (laserdiscs) never became as collectible as vinyl because of their limited value. Music/analog will never die though and vinyl is still the best and most natural way of reproducing music in my opinion. I buy the occasional record/LP every now and then but I'm not a hardcore collector.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

i decided not to buy the massive Zatoichi set because I have limited interest in that genre myself. Did you purchase it because of its beautiful artwork and packaging? I have noticed you have an appreciation for fine art and aesthetically-pleasing looking things. I also like LPs over CDs because of their collectibility. It's funny how LDs (laserdiscs) never became as collectible as vinyl because of their limited value. Music/analog will never die though and vinyl is still the best and most natural way of reproducing music in my opinion. I buy the occasional record/LP every now and then but I'm not a hardcore collector.

I just never really explored the genre, closest I have been to the Samurai genre is Kill Bill (which is a decent film!).

I think I was more swayed into buying Zatoichi for packaging and book etc (and fact I got it for like £5), so even if I dislike the films I can appreciate the packaging and effort gone into its release - I mean its incredible and I would have paid for price just for the packaging haha - But I am hoping I enjoy the films :P

I am obsessed with Cinema and Design so I want everything perfect, and I expect that from Criterion so it is disappointing when they do release something that isn't up to their/my standards haha.

Criterion isn't just about the film, its about the ENTIRE package

I am a bit of a snob and stuff, but I don't think that is a bad thing, I know what I like and I know what I dislike - and nothing wrong with being opinionated lol

[filmmusic]

Originally Posted by jayembee

Some people just don't see it. A nephew of mine (who's actually in his late 40s, so don't think I'm talking about a teenager) prefers DVDs. He has a Blu-ray player, and he does buy BDs now and then, but more often than not, plays DVDs on his BDP upscaled to his HDTV, and he's happy. Even worse, he continues to refer to watching his movies in HD. I stopped arguing the point long ago; it was like banging my head against a wall.

Is it "he doesn't see it" or more "he doesn't care"?
because I have a friend to that I showed hims some caps-a-holic comparisons between DVDs and Blurays and he simply didn't care that the Bluray is better.

i guess it's what do you put in your priorities.
i would also not care if an X known brand of clothes is of superior quality to a Y brand of clothes, but that to some that pay attention in these things, could be sacrilege!

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I love how thick/big they are - feels like the ultimate package and I am getting more for my money.

Hell, if Zatoichi was half the size, or even in a plastic case - it wouldn't feel like an incredible release, sure 25 films is A LOT for a Criterion release, but the work and effort gone into that packaging is incredible, and it stands out and look the best it can

They also stand out on shelf and look incredible - the plastic cases are whiney and the plastic scuffs up and they look generic and cheap - even the artwork looks cheaper in the plastic cases.

I don't mind either but I would rather all releases be in digipak form, and I would happily pay £10 extra on top of price or more. In regards to space, I live in a rented flat - there are PLENTY of walls to put shelves on/bookcases against, these are some of my prized possessions, I want to show them off and have everyone see them

Especially when my collection is worth £5K+.

But yeah - it is down to personal preference - we can't all agree and it is probably hard for Criterion to make everyone happy - if you guys prefer plastic cases I will respect that.

I know what you mean, I do love some of the bigger packaging but I'm just running out of space... But it does feel like you are getting a heck of a lot when you get a big case.

[lordmorpheus72]

Originally Posted by aes3728

That's so un-Dude of you

yeah... I know... but man... just... pass me another caucasian

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by lordmorpheus72

I know what you mean, I do love some of the bigger packaging but I'm just running out of space... But it does feel like you are getting a heck of a lot when you get a big case.

Sell stuff, like get rid of you bed, sleep on sofa that clears up loads of space for some more Criterions

[bigbadwoppet]

I'm in the minority who likes digipaks. I grew up buying vinyl and for me it's not an ordeal to handle/preserve cardboard packaging but I these double format digipaks are ridiculous. The double tray for the dvd's means the spine is thicker and one of the advantages of buying criterion on BD is that you don't need the second disc for the extras.
When I had a dvd player I never bought the combo anticipating I would once make the transition to BD. I don't think that many actually did that and it really was one of these strategies that companies think are great and they self-congratulate themselves. The only difference with studios combos is that studios don't read their fan mail and Criterion does.
Criterion manufactures dvd's apparently mostly for libraries and schools and these will rather buy the cheaper dvd than the combo they will never use. I live in a Spanish speaking country and only specialized import Criterion. Before they started with the dual format, it had been a while since they had brought Criterion in SD, collectors buy BD.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

They could incorporate the replacement case into each page for the film... so when you pick a film and you can watch video/read about it - they can simply add option for replacement case there if its digipak?

tbh though $5 is incredible price for replacement cases/artwork etc especially as it includes shipping (even to UK!)

I would even buy copies for my digipaks just so I can have them included with my plastic cases so spine numbers are in order as at the moment my beautiful digipaks have their own space to themselves :P

I think my obsession with digipaks is just down to me being a Graphic Designer rather then purely a film fanatic - so for me EVERY design details matters to me as well as the film contents, like paper stocks used, paper weights etc etc

I'm a web designer so I also appreciate the digipacks. But for me its just a matter of consistency. Being a web designer means you must be as consistent as possible with every single webpage designed (so everything matches down to the last pixel). When I have a film library, ideally I'd love to have every movie case designed the same way with the same sort of artwork (that doesn't sound like diversity but it really is as long as each movie's artwork is unique - like Criterion's is). Paper vs. plastic isn't a big thing for me, as long as everything matches. Since digipacks are of the minority in the Criterion Collection, they stick out a helluva lot more. It makes me think that digipacks also mean the film is more superior or important to non-digipack-released films. That just doesn't feel right to me. I like equality AND quality combined. So I know what you mean about digipack design, its just that they stick out too much amongst the rest of my movies. But I'm slowly getting used to it....until Criterion decides of course to pull the plug on dual-format digipacks.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Polaroid

I just never really explored the genre, closest I have been to the Samurai genre is Kill Bill (which is a decent film!).

I think I was more swayed into buying Zatoichi for packaging and book etc (and fact I got it for like £5), so even if I dislike the films I can appreciate the packaging and effort gone into its release - I mean its incredible and I would have paid for price just for the packaging haha - But I am hoping I enjoy the films :P

I am obsessed with Cinema and Design so I want everything perfect, and I expect that from Criterion so it is disappointing when they do release something that isn't up to their/my standards haha.

Criterion isn't just about the film, its about the ENTIRE package

I am a bit of a snob and stuff, but I don't think that is a bad thing, I know what I like and I know what I dislike - and nothing wrong with being opinionated lol

I'm a perfectionist too. And like you said, it really is about the entire package when it comes to Criterion! We fans have higher standards and expectations for Criterion than we do for other video distributors. But I'm a fellow snob too, sir, so congratulations!

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

I'm a web designer so I also appreciate the digipacks. But for me its just a matter of consistency. Being a web designer means you must be as consistent as possible with every single webpage designed (so everything matches down to the last pixel). When I have a film library, ideally I'd love to have every movie case designed the same way with the same sort of artwork (that doesn't sound like diversity but it really is as long as each movie's artwork is unique - like Criterion's is). Paper vs. plastic isn't a big thing for me, as long as everything matches. Since digipacks are of the minority in the Criterion Collection, they stick out a helluva lot more. It makes me think that digipacks also mean the film is more superior or important to non-digipack-released films. That just doesn't feel right to me. I like equality AND quality combined. So I know what you mean about digipack design, its just that they stick out too much amongst the rest of my movies. But I'm slowly getting used to it....until Criterion decides of course to pull the plug on dual-format digipacks.

No I get what you are saying and do agree.

As I said, if they offered replacement artwork/case for digipaks it would solve so many issues.

I just find the plastic cheapens it for me, I hate the shine on top of the beautiful artwork and when it scuffs up it look meh. I know digipaks can be same and scuff up but I have ha more issues withy plastic cases to my digipaks.

But no I sod agree with what you said about consistency, I wish Criterion did have it more cause they have changed a lot. I mean I love the fact the Bluray menus are the same style with only change being backdrop, compared to the DVD menus.

Again, when you say having some digipaks and some standard makes it try to begetter - I agree again.

I would love to have had Thin Red Line, Antichrist, House etc as digipaks but they only got plastic cases - but who says films like Seven Samurai, Salo, Videodrome etc are better?

It all down to personal preference I suppose. But if they did offer replacement artwork/case for ALL digipaks past and future, that would be awesome I would defiantly buy both versions.

In terms of damage, it depends on the postman it seems - I have had 20+ crushed plastic cases, or plastic cases with shrink wrap melted to case (ruining the appearance) yet only 1-2 digipaks with minor damage, where as others have more digipaks damaged than plastic cases.

[jw007]

Polaroid, you brought up another point on consistency. I love how the menus are all consistent on every Criterion blu-ray movie. I pray they never change that design as long as they keep releasing blu-rays! That goes for packaging AND internal menu design! But of course its out of our hands. They can do whatever they want. It's been about 6 years since this latest design has been around for Criterion (I think it started in 2008), but I pray they're not thinking its time for a revamped design, because I think it looks just fine and minimalistic (as it should be).

Now imagine if it was the other way around. Offering digipak replacement cases for plastic cases! There would be hundreds and hundreds of replacement digipak cases available then! But yes, the artwork would be superior and look amazing. I bet you'd be in heaven if that happened.

[Polaroid]

Originally Posted by jw007

Polaroid, you brought up another point on consistency. I love how the menus are all consistent on every Criterion blu-ray movie. I pray they never change that design as long as they keep releasing blu-rays! That goes for packaging AND internal menu design! But of course its out of our hands. They can do whatever they want. It's been about 6 years since this latest design has been around for Criterion (I think it started in 2008), but I pray they're not thinking its time for a revamped design, because I think it looks just fine and minimalistic (as it should be).

Now imagine if it was the other way around. Offering digipak replacement cases for plastic cases! There would be hundreds and hundreds of replacement digipak cases available then! But yes, the artwork would be superior and look amazing. I bet you'd be in heaven if that happened.

The menus on the DVD's were nice as they were customised to suit the film, but they just feel till every other DVD release in the world.

The simplicity and beauty of the menus on the blares makes them feel special, and despite the simplicity they used custom videos/imagery from the films to grab your attention and make it more personal - I can watch Criterion Bluray menu's for hours, I love Breaking the Waves, with the transitioning of the chapter imagery alongside the music.

If they change these I will be gutted!

Would be amazing too haha! Even if the digipak replacements were $10-$15 I would probably happily pay that even more, just to have my favourite releases in the most beautiful form.

Oh plus! With digipaks they have an amazing smell, the plastic smell is so generic - at least you get a teaser with the booklet smells

Or am I only one that smells my Criterions lol :/