The Criterion Collection: An Overview From a Collector
Why does the Criterion Collection matter? What makes their releases any better than the “regular” releases? Don’t you think they are too expensive?
These are the questions that I constantly face when I share my love of the Criterion Collection. I will be brutally honest, I used to be that person. I used to visit Barnes and Noble and scoff at the prices and the “elitist” people who spent so much money on a release of a film that I could get elsewhere for half the price. I would read the synopsis of the films and question why anyone would watch most of the unknown (to me) titles.
Looking back, I see how silly I was being. I didn’t understand what the CC stood for and what they brought to the table when it comes to cinema as a whole and the history that they strive to preserve. I realize now that if I had taken a step back to research their mission and bought into it sooner, I may be further along in my collecting and knowledge of what films propelled cinema forward. Needless to say, one day I woke up and decided to invest in the world of Criterion and suddenly I was hooked.
So back to the original point: why does the Criterion Collection matter? In short, it serves as one of the most important companies in terms of the preservation and restoration of cinema as an art form. Spanning from the earliest films put to screen up to modern day classics, Criterion works to provide the most high quality version of a piece as possible. Often times working with the original filmmakers, if they are still living, to ensure that the original vision is the one presented in the new release.
Additionally, the CC works to release films from around the world. This might be the biggest advantage that Criterion has over other distributers. They seek to release films that are not widely available to audiences due to geographic hindrances. Seeing films from every corner of the globe is something that is not only exciting but extremely rewarding.
As the illustrious director Bong Joon-Ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”. It may be the most truthful quote ever said about cinema. So many modern audiences seem to be averse to subtitles and hearing a film or show in another language but it is widely known that some of the best films have not originated in the United States, where Criterion is based.
Not only do they have a reputation for showcasing internationally related features, they also have not shied away from releasing films that are considered controversial or uncomfortable to watch. Just ask a Criterion fan and they will certainly share their thoughts on films such as Happiness, Funny Games, The Vanishing, or Salō. These are just a few of the more well known titles in the collection that draw very strong reactions, which is what cinema is all about.
The beauty of the Collection sharing such a wide variety of films is that there is never a lack of discussion about what is released. Cinema has a wonderful gift of bringing people together but also creating a level of discourse that provides a space to discuss topics that may not naturally arise in our day to day lives. While some films are divisive, there are plenty within the collection that are universally praised and appreciated. Whether for their craftsmanship in the cinematography or the dynamic script that the author has delivered.
Which leads to the next question I am asked: What makes their releases any better than the “regular” releases? This was a primary hold up for me all those years ago. Through my collecting and viewing of the films, I have come to the conclusion that most are worth investing in over the “normal” version but that all comes down to the viewer and what they value in a film release.
Criterion is widely regarded as the gold standard in their releases because they never deliver a half-baked product (some may debate me on this but this is an opinion). When you pick up a Criterion release, the first thing many people notice is the cover art. Now this is most likely the biggest point of contention among collectors because everyone has a different idea of how the cover art should be presented. Some want the art to pop or be a complete reinvention of the original poster art for the film. While others are okay with a rift on the original or a still from the film being used as the cover. I argue that the art should speak to the viewer but at the same time, we as the viewers should be okay with the artist’s interpretations of the cover art they are delivering.
The next aspect that viewers and collectors alike seem to agree on is the quality of the special features included with the release. All of the Criterion films come with a variety of different supplementals which range from unseen interviews to new features about the making of the film. This used to be a more common thing with standard releases but as home media has evolved, these features are less exciting and usually used as marketing materials leading up to and through the release of films. Criterion prefers to offer features that are more in-depth and give a deeper dive into the process and creation of the films they provide.
Additionally, each release comes with a special booklet that contains an essay that is written by someone who has ties to the piece that transcends a fan. They tend to offer insight into the films that might be overlooked by the viewer and heighten the viewing experience. I tend to wait until after I view the film to read the essay because sometimes they discuss things that could be considered spoilers to the film.
Lastly, while it may seen inconsequential to some, the design of each spine of the film is identical across the collection. While there are edits to the color or the font style, they follow the same template, providing a very appealing-to-the-eye visual when displayed on a shelf. It is a small detail but it just proves the attention to detail that Criterion has put into curating a collection of films that all fit together like a strange and complex puzzle.
All of this accumulating in the final question: Don’t you think they are too expensive? The easy answer I would have shared years ago is absolutely. The answer I will give today is more nuanced. I believe that the cost is worth it if the film I am looking to purchase sounds engaging, may challenge my perception of the world around me, I cannot find it elsewhere on a physical media format, and/or if it is a film I treasure and I want the highest possible version of it.
In short, the cost is in the eye of the beholder. To some people, a dvd or standard bluray version of a film is all they want and that is okay. A Criterion release may suit them better when they find it at a discounted rate where they can explore what Criterion has to offer without too much financial input. To others, they may wait solely for a sale via the Criterion website or Barnes and Noble’s semi-annual sale to pick up a selection of films they have been eyeing.
Just know, there is no wrong way to enjoy or invest in the Criterion collection. Whether you are just dabbling or are a die hard fan, there is room for you in the fandom and we are here to welcome you with open arms.
