It is not a news flash to say that Criterion is to DVD as the sun’s healing warmth is to a summer afternoon but lately they seem to be rather inspired with releases on the horizon ranging from the super offbeat (House, Antichrist) to essential (The Night of the Hunter, Paths of Glory) to sublime and inspired (The Naked Kiss, Army of Shadows). Add to that the first Guillermo del Toro title and the still delightful Broadcast News and you have a very costly but very rewarding collection of Blu-Ray (and also standard DVD.
It’s hard to justify spending in upwards of thirty-five bucks for a Blu-Ray version of a Criterion you own (though and VideodromeThe Darjeeling Limited tempt me immeasurably), but it seems as if they are really coming on strong and in a business where the supplements and artwork seem to be reaching all time lows it’s sort of on us as consumers and fans to support the guys that do it right and nobody on the planet does it as right as these guys.
Here’s how amazing Criterion is: It almost doesn’t matter if you even like the film sometimes. It obviously helps but I am not a fan of The Thin Red Line and the Criterion version is still beckoning to me. Some Criterions are tools. Companions to films that educate and inspire and in many cases elevate the experience.
It’s a damn good time to step up and start filling your library.
19 comments
The Thin Red Line blu-ray is absolutely superb. These guys are the best in the biz. I'll be picking up that Broadcast News set for sure.
Don't forget, they just announced they are giving David Fincher's The Game the Criterion treatment. Anyone who has the old Criterion LD knows how amazing the supplemental material was.
In an industry full of deadbeats, Criterion does it right. Awesome stuff.
Damn, I guess I'll finally be able to check out Del Toro's first film. I really want to see Antichrist but not sure it's worth owning on Criterion. I really can't wait for The Game as it's my personal favorite Fincher film and Douglas performance.
Can I admit I've never seen Paths of Glory? I'm picking of Night of the Hunter and Cronos for sure. Dying to see House but I'll probably rent it first.
Nice of you to mention that CRONOS will only be Criterion's "first Guillermo del Toro title". From the moment it was announced I suspected that it'd likely be followed by DEVIL'S BACKBONE and, possibly, PAN'S LABYRINTH.
So getting Chronos Criterion, OMFG.
I still love my Criterion Casablanca, Akira and Halloween laserdiscs.
I love Criterion… I am trying to collect them all. The supplements alone are worth it on must. Great insights…
Some I wouldnt watch often, but all I am glad I bought and watched… Just gotta keep an eye out for sales.
Excited about Cronos and The Night of the Hunter, but more excited about Videodrome.
Man, I literally JUST received The Naked Kiss in the mail two days ago. Oh well, ebay sale it is. Finally now will be able to get a proper version of Shock Corridor too.
Heads up to all you Criterion nuts! Beginning in November Barnes & Noble is bringing back their 50% off Criterion sale. That's Criterion blu-rays for twenty bucks a pop. Don't be ashamed, I came too.
Dont forget about Seven Samurai coming out on tuesday.
Menace – does the sale start on the first?
big boo for criterion for releasing only region A blu-rays. what is the point – lose money ?
I think the only Criterion DVD I have is the original version of George SLuizer's The Vanishing, which rocks. I'm so far behind. But I think I'll get THE GAME when Criterion releases it. Just to see if there's video of Michael Douglas freaking out when Fincher goes to take number 89 on a scene.
@nefilim:
Distribution licensing agreements, most likely. Remember that Criterion essentially buys the rights to films in order to do their thing. It's possible that distributors in other regions either don't play ball or it's cost prohibitive for Criterion to go after other regions.
Seriously, Criterion is amazing. Brazil is the only single film DVD set I've ever spent more than 20 bucks on, and 8 1/2 is the only blu ray I've spent more than 25 bucks on. Both well worth the money.
Antichrist is definitely worth owning. Best, most original horror film in years along with Harmony Korine's Trash Humpers.
Thanks for good stuff
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