Collecting Criterion Collection films is an act of film preservation that is both fulfilling for the soul and the film industry.
In the late 1970s and 1990s, physical media copies of movies were considered collectible items for many film buffs. After waiting months for a film to finish its theatrical run, it was exciting when they finally became available in the physical media market as DVDs and VHS tapes. The release of a film buff’s favorite movie on DVD was something to anticipate. The feeling of going inside a wide-open retail store and running to the electronics section.
Seeing the Blu-ray and DVD copies of the film prominently displayed. Purchasing a copy and excitedly taking it home. The satisfaction of peeling off the plastic cover from the sides. The unstable crackly sound of opening the DVD case. Carefully taking out the disc, holding it by its edges. Turning on the DVD player and inserting the disc. Ads for upcoming physical media releases play. Finally, the main menu screen appears. People can press play on their remotes and it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the film.
People still have the option to buy physical copies of movies. However, if they have access to streaming platforms they don’t have to go to the store to purchase DVDs. They can log in to their streaming service account, whether it’s Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max and quickly search for the movie they want to watch. The instant gratification of streaming services saves viewers from a trip to the store.
In 2019, CNBC reported that DVD sales had decreased by 86% since 2008. Future generations will never understand the experience of running down to their local retail store to purchase a DVD copy.
The one distribution company that still produces these physical copies is the Criterion Collection. Businessmen Robert and Aleen Stein founded the company with film producer Joe Medjuck in 1984. The Criterion Collection’s objective is to license, restore, and distribute important classic and modern films through any physical platform.
In addition, this physical edition includes a letterboxing format, which widens the film’s original aspect ratio and places black bars on the top and bottom of the screen. Starting in 1984, the company began distributing Laser Discs. As physical media began to change, the company started to produce DVDs, Blu Rays, and Ultra HD Blu-rays.
Usually, a DVD copy would only have a small brochure pamphlet that lists all the special features and a code to download the film on any digital platform on the left. On the right side is the disc itself. The Criterion Collection’s DVDs and Blu-rays add even more exclusive items inside the copy that reflect the film’s visual style.
With this amount of content, people should consider collecting Criterions because they can discover new films and appreciate the visual presentation of physical media.
The Presentation
In contrast to the DVD copies studios produced, the Criterion Collection presents films in a different style. To begin with, the cover of the DVD is different. It presents original artwork instead of an image that resembles the film’s theatrical poster. For example, in the original DVD releases of Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” the cover is the film’s poster.
Mr. Fox sits in the middle of the poster on a chair. He is also surrounded by other characters from the film such as Ms. Fox, Ash Fox, Phil Mole, and Kristotofferson Sliverfox. The background is a bright color yellow, contrasting the red letters that spell out the title above the characters. Like any other DVD, the cover also lists the actors’ and directors’ names at the very top in small black lettering.
As for the Criterion cover, it is a beautiful painted recreation of a pivotal scene from the film. All the characters surround a table that is piled with food they stole from three factories whose owners destroyed their land. Like the DVD copy, Mr. Fox is in the middle of the painting. The only difference is that he is making a toast to the family and friends who gather around the table.
Inside the Criterion itself is a pamphlet that contains information and images about the filmmaking process. People can learn about the director’s inspiration and early concept art of the characters. Besides that, the special features include video essays that analyze the film’s themes and describe behind-the-scenes details in depth.
Discovering New Films
Aside from the exclusive packaging and special features, the Criterion Collection usually provides this type of treatment towards classic and important films. This ranges from auteur directors’ films, international films, and films released during the Golden Age of Hollywood. As people collect more of these Criterions and gain knowledge of the company itself, they can discover more films that deserve their attention.
In addition, most of these films are extremely difficult to find on streaming platforms or in physical forms, as companies often stop printing copies. The only way for people to access physical copies of these films is through the Criterion Collection. Additionally, the company produces box sets filled with director’s films for hardcore fans.
For instance, people can purchase a box set of director Jacque Demy’s filmography, such as “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and “Young Girls of Rochefort.” The Criterion Collection made a box set dedicated to him because he was one of the major creators of the French New Wave, a movement that promoted making experimental films and incorporating iconoclasm themes.
In addition, Demy is always cited as an inspiration for modern filmmakers. For example, “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” was one of the few inspirations for the visual style of Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land.”
Overall, the Criterion Collection is a platform perfect for anyone who wants to get into film. It’s either for those who are film buffs and want to collect special editions of certain movies or want to learn more about the medium. As digital streaming platforms begin to overtake physical media, the Criterion Collection preserves the feeling of going to a local store and purchasing a DVD.
