What makes the Criterion Collection so special? The Criterion Collection stands out for its dedication to preserving and celebrating classic and contemporary films. Known for high-quality restorations, each release often includes bonus features like director commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and essays by film scholars. Criterion's meticulous attention to detail ensures that every film looks and sounds its best, often surpassing the quality of the original release. Their curated selection spans various genres, countries, and eras, offering something for every film enthusiast. Whether you're a casual viewer or a cinephile, Criterion provides an unparalleled movie-watching experience.
What is the Criterion Collection?
The Criterion Collection is a series of important classic and contemporary films. Each film is selected for its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this prestigious collection.
-
Founded in 1984: The Criterion Collection started in 1984, focusing on laserdiscs before moving to DVDs and Blu-rays.
-
First Laserdisc: Their first release was "Citizen Kane" on laserdisc, setting a high standard for quality and special features.
-
Spine Numbers: Each film in the collection gets a unique spine number, making it easier for collectors to organize their libraries.
-
First DVD: "Grand Illusion" by Jean Renoir was the first Criterion DVD, released in 1998.
-
Blu-ray Debut: Criterion entered the Blu-ray market in 2008 with "The Third Man" by Carol Reed.
Special Features and Restoration
Criterion is known for its meticulous restoration and special features. These elements set their releases apart from standard editions.
-
4K Restorations: Many films undergo 4K restorations, ensuring the highest possible picture quality.
-
Commentary Tracks: Criterion pioneered the use of commentary tracks, providing insights from directors, actors, and scholars.
-
Booklets and Essays: Each release includes a booklet with essays and notes about the film, offering deeper understanding.
-
Deleted Scenes: Many Criterion editions feature deleted scenes, giving fans a fuller picture of the director's vision.
-
Interviews: Exclusive interviews with filmmakers and actors are often included, adding valuable context.
Iconic Directors and Films
Criterion has worked with some of the most iconic directors and films in cinema history.
-
Akira Kurosawa: Criterion has released many of Kurosawa's masterpieces, including "Seven Samurai" and "Rashomon."
-
Ingmar Bergman: The collection features a comprehensive box set of Bergman's work, showcasing his influential career.
-
Wes Anderson: Modern directors like Wes Anderson have multiple films in the collection, such as "The Royal Tenenbaums."
-
David Lynch: Lynch's surreal films, including "Eraserhead," have found a home in the Criterion Collection.
-
Charlie Chaplin: Classic films like "City Lights" and "Modern Times" by Chaplin are also part of the collection.
Global Cinema
Criterion doesn't just focus on American films. They celebrate global cinema, bringing international masterpieces to a wider audience.
-
French New Wave: Films from the French New Wave, like "Breathless" by Jean-Luc Godard, are well-represented.
-
Italian Neorealism: Classics like "Bicycle Thieves" by Vittorio De Sica showcase the best of Italian Neorealism.
-
Japanese Cinema: Besides Kurosawa, directors like Yasujiro Ozu and Kenji Mizoguchi have their works featured.
-
Indian Cinema: Satyajit Ray's "Apu Trilogy" is a highlight, offering a glimpse into Indian cinema.
-
Latin American Films: Criterion includes influential films from Latin America, such as "Memories of Underdevelopment."
Collectors and Community
The Criterion Collection has a dedicated fan base and community of collectors who eagerly await each new release.
-
Criterion Channel: Launched in 2019, the Criterion Channel is a streaming service offering many of their films and special features.
-
Barnes & Noble Sales: Twice a year, Barnes & Noble offers a 50% off sale on Criterion titles, a highly anticipated event for collectors.
-
Social Media Presence: Criterion engages with fans through social media, sharing news, trivia, and behind-the-scenes content.
-
Film Festivals: Criterion often participates in film festivals, showcasing their restorations and new releases.
-
Collector's Editions: Special box sets and collector's editions, like the "Essential Fellini" set, are highly sought after.
Educational Impact
Criterion's releases are not just for entertainment; they also serve educational purposes.
-
Film Schools: Many film schools use Criterion editions as teaching tools due to their high quality and comprehensive features.
-
Libraries: Public and university libraries often stock Criterion films, making them accessible to a broader audience.
-
Academic Essays: The essays included in Criterion releases are often written by respected film scholars.
-
Documentaries: Criterion frequently includes documentaries about the making of the films, providing educational value.
-
Film Preservation: By restoring and preserving classic films, Criterion plays a crucial role in film history education.
The Criterion Collection's Impact
The Criterion Collection has reshaped how we view classic and contemporary cinema. By offering meticulously restored films, insightful commentaries, and exclusive bonus features, Criterion has set a high standard for home video releases. Their dedication to preserving film history ensures that both new and seasoned cinephiles can access and appreciate these cinematic treasures.
Criterion's influence extends beyond just physical media. Their streaming service, Criterion Channel, provides a vast library of films, making it easier than ever to explore diverse genres and directors. This accessibility fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of film as an art form.
In a world where digital content is often fleeting, Criterion's commitment to quality and preservation stands out. Their work not only honors the past but also inspires future generations of filmmakers and film lovers. Criterion Collection remains a beacon for anyone passionate about cinema.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.