May 07, 2004

The Criterion Collection. One movie at a time.
posted by Captain Psyko 20 years ago
  • Criterion has some lovely DVDs. Too bad they cost WAY TOO FREAKING MUCH.
  • f8xmulder: pricing is based on the print size. Since each is a 'limited edition' of variable size, the cost is calculated knowing that each edition will sell out eventually, ensuring that they will recoup the investment plus a little sumpin sumpin. Its a clever model, but leads to ridiculous prices on small printings like Salo and Sid & Nancy, the first of which can go for upwards of $200 (This one has a white ring, thus the price). They put a lot of work into each release, and the high cost is the price of that workmanship. Regarding the site, it seems like a kind of silly way to go about talking about movies. Criterion has released a lot of clunkers (see Armagedon), and is not a particularly cohesive filmic vision. They do well enough promoting their movies, and the cult of Criterion worship seems to be the Ikea version of film sophistication.
  • I miss my ex-roomie... his boyfriend worked at Criterion and gave dvds as xmas gifts.
  • At least with Criterion you can expect a decent film transfer. Not so with other folks.
  • This is fascinating - I so wish I had the kind of money to buy DVDs, because now I'm itching to see the Seven Samurai.
  • The Life of Brian Criterion edition is wonderful - the documentary alone is worth the price difference. (Actually, in Region 4 we can only get shitty pan and scan editions of the Python films, so the ability to get widescreen alone is worth it...) A huge part of the cost is getting world-wide distribution rights, especially to extras like documentaries, as well as the cost of the transfer.