The Official Criterion UK Thread

[BAKA]

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

I think those images are not final. Just the US release picture. It would be incredibly stupid for them not to start the spine numbers from one. I think the cover art itself will be the same, but they will change the spine number.

Eh, I really don't think it's stupid at all. I hope they keep the universal numbering system they have in place. It already works cross-format, I don't see an issue of it crossing territories. It'd be so much of a hassle having to renumber everything, and titles having different numbers in different territories.

I'm also hoping they'll implement smaller ratings logos like Eureka's Masters Of Cinema line, unless they're somehow able to use disposable ones.

I'm really curious how risky they'll be with UK releases. For example, I doubt they'd have problems acquiring UK rights for the films in their Zatoichi set, but would they take the risk putting it out in the UK? Genuinely cannot wait to see how it all pans out.

[Cinematt]

Originally Posted by Ill_Be_Back

Oh man this is huge news. I was just watching the Criterion release of Following last night and was thinking to myself when will Criterion release over here. Hopefully they will have some huge releases lined up. If it were a possibility maybe get the Zatoichi boxset released over here. I came close to importing it many times, customs always prevented me.

FWIW I got this in the last Criterion 50% off everything sale from B&N, combined with an extra 20% off voucher for Black Friday, and it came through customs untouched. All in it only cost me £60! It is absolutely stunning though, and well worth a much higher price.

[FinnishFilmFan]

Originally Posted by BAKA

Eh, I really don't think it's stupid at all. I hope they keep the universal numbering system they have in place. It already works cross-format, I don't see an issue of it crossing territories. It'd be so much of a hassle having to renumber everything, and titles having different numbers in different territories.

I'm also hoping they'll implement smaller ratings logos like Eureka's Masters Of Cinema line, unless they're somehow able to use disposable ones.

I'm really curious how risky they'll be with UK releases. For example, I doubt they'd have problems acquiring UK rights for the films in their Zatoichi set, but would they take the risk putting it out in the UK? Genuinely cannot wait to see how it all pans out.

To be honest, the numbering system they have is not universal. It's the region A system. The number of people here in Europe who have region free players and import the region A releases is supposedly pretty low. I assume they want to attract as much new collectors as possible, and it is just so much easier to start collecting when they start from 1. I honestly don't care about the numbers as long as we get quality releases of quality films, but so many others do care.

[Cinematt]

Originally Posted by BAKA

I'm also hoping they'll implement smaller ratings logos like Eureka's Masters Of Cinema line, unless they're somehow able to use disposable ones.

They're not needed! They're smaller than the BBFC minimum required size, so the only reason they're allowed is because there is no legal requirement to have the rating on the spine.

I gave up caring because ratings are all over the place as it is, but if Criterion are starting a new line I really hope they go for uniformity and a well thought out plan from the start because a lot of people will want to display them separately from their main collection.

[Ill_Be_Back]

Originally Posted by Cinematt

FWIW I got this in the last Criterion 50% off everything sale from B&N, combined with an extra 20% off voucher for Black Friday, and it came through customs untouched. All in it only cost me £60! It is absolutely stunning though, and well worth a much higher price.

That was a bargain. I will keep my eye out for when the B&N sales start again. Hopefully I will be able to get a working voucher to put on top of the 50% already off too.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

Collectors love the spine numbering, though. Some people must buy them all only because they have to have a complete collection.

I'm not disputing that, just figured logistically it'd be a pain to have co-exist alongside the US numbering system.

[adamhopelies]

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

To be honest, the numbering system they have is not universal. It's the region A system. The number of people here in Europe who have region free players and import the region A releases is supposedly pretty low. I assume they want to attract as much new collectors as possible, and it is just so much easier to start collecting when they start from 1. I honestly don't care about the numbers as long as we get quality releases of quality films, but so many others do care.

I think you might be overstating this. I don't think it'll be a deal breaker for anyone. And by "universal" I presume he was referring to the nature in which they cross formats, they didn't reboot the numbering system when they launched the blu-ray line (unlike when they did with DVD).

[FinnishFilmFan]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I think you might be overstating this. I don't think it'll be a deal breaker for anyone. And by "universal" I presume he was referring to the nature in which they cross formats, they didn't reboot the numbering system when they launched the blu-ray line (unlike when they did with DVD).

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I'll be fine either way.

[FinnishFilmFan]

I really want all of those six films they already announced, but if they really are almost 40€ each, it'll be hard for my wallet

[BAKA]

Originally Posted by Cinematt

They're not needed! They're smaller than the BBFC minimum required size, so the only reason they're allowed is because there is no legal requirement to have the rating on the spine.

I gave up caring because ratings are all over the place as it is, but if Criterion are starting a new line I really hope they go for uniformity and a well thought out plan from the start because a lot of people will want to display them separately from their main collection.

I wasn't just referring to the spine. Eureka's logos are smaller on the front and back cover as well as on the disc, at least compared to the typical UK release.

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

To be honest, the numbering system they have is not universal. It's the region A system. The number of people here in Europe who have region free players and import the region A releases is supposedly pretty low. I assume they want to attract as much new collectors as possible, and it is just so much easier to start collecting when they start from 1. I honestly don't care about the numbers as long as we get quality releases of quality films, but so many others do care.

I'd personally suggest Criterion are looking at the wrong type of audience if they're looking to sway people who'd only bother if they started the numbering from scratch. Not that it matters in the grand scheme. But I'd rather an integrated Criterion UK collection, rather than a segregated one. But that's just a preference, it'd make zero impact on what I buy. Price will probably be the biggest factor to me.

[Judex]

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

Zavvi has all of these listed at 27.99. I really hope that's not the final price...

It's probably just the RRP/List price. They'll most likely come down to £17.

[FinnishFilmFan]

Originally Posted by Judex

It's probably just the RRP/List price. They'll most likely come down to £17.

Fingers crossed.

[mattyl149]

How many titles do we expect them to release every month? I'd be happy with three or four. Any more than that would be saturation

The next thing I'll have to do is decide whereabouts on my shelves I'll put them

[FinnishFilmFan]

Btw, are all these films they announced new to the US Criterion? I mean when were they released there?

[rewak]

Hurrah! Now we too can get overpriced overrated bit starved releases! What joy

[Pyoko]

I've never seen the significance of the spine numbers and I don't see it here, I mean how many people in the US will have a complete collection anyway? Maybe five? Changing their numbering would just be an additional hassle.

In fact it would make sense for them to release largely the same thing in both territories, perhaps we'll soon start to see some Criterions being Region AB.

[moviegeek1992]

Originally Posted by adamhopelies

I wouldn't be surprised to see them abandoning numbering altogether for the UK releases.

That would be the best imo

[CelestialAgent]

Originally Posted by FinnishFilmFan

Btw, are all these films they announced new to the US Criterion? I mean when were they released there?

Some recent titles in there but only Only Angels Have Wings is a new title.
Speedy - 8 Dec 2015
Tootsie - 16 Dec 2014
It Happened One Night - 18 Nov 2014
Macbeth - 23 Sep 2014
Grey Gardens - 10 Dec 2013
Ivan's Childhood - 22 Jan 2013

I'd be interested to know if they do any UK exclusive titles as Arrow have done recently in the US.

[Nighteyes]

Originally Posted by Pyoko

I've never seen the significance of the spine numbers and I don't see it here, I mean how many people in the US will have a complete collection anyway?

Spine numbers only exist for the very reason that The Devil's Backbone could become #666.

[ste71]

I know its not a Criterion type film film but since Sony are (apparently) sub-licensing in the UK now how about the original 'Fright Night'? Not likely I know but it would be most welcome!

ps sorry about the double post, I can't delete it for some reason