What's so special about Criterion DVDs?

[antonkk]

Seriously I dunno much about Criterion. Since they are so valuable and people pay lots of money for them I wonder what's so special? Are they kind of DVD equalent to DCC or something? Great pictures, sound? I'm asking since I'm facing the dilemma right now. Being Russian I'm bying most of the movies in russian verions. But some of the classics are reissued poorly in Russia (4:3, stereo, no extras) by semi-pirate companies. Are these Criterions worthy of my time and $$? Sometimes I'm ready to sacrifice the pleasure of showing my DVDs to the visiting chicks (most will never understand the untranslated film unfortunately) for the real good quality.

[Mike Dow]

I own two Criterion films on DVD, "This Is Spinal Tap" and "Gimme Shelter". They are both extremely well done. The DCC comparison is relevant in that Criterion also seems to be a company concerned with the quality of their product. The "Gimme Shelter" DVD for example, features a wonderful 5.1 mix, amazingly vivid and clear picture and plenty of extra-sweet packaging. They don't seem to cut costs just to pocket a few extra bucks. Can you rent DVDs in your area? If so, try out a few Criterions and see how you like them.

[FredCamp]

IMO, Criterion dvds are the equivalent of MF Gold Discs in that great care is take to find the best source material and do the best remastering of sound and image possible. Besides selling discs, Criterion is also interested in preservation. Sure, at times they go for the big money title (unless some one has a better reason for a Criterion Edition of ARMAGEDDON), but mostly they deal with some of the best titles in film history. I am especially pleased of late with what they've done with several Ingmar Bergman titles. GIMME SHELTER has never looked better, and the sound is tremedous. The MONTEREY POP set is also spectacular. In short, Criterion takes the kind of care we wish all the studios would take in preparing a film for dvd.

[GregY]

They produce alot of excellent extras that you won't find elsewhere (in most cases.)
They release DVDs of arthouse and foreign films that many companies won't bother with.

Read here (http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/showthread.php?&postid=524114#post524114) for a good synopsis.

[ezio gallino]

They works with quality in mind: never worked with VHS and begin to release top
(many CAV) laserdisc and then DVD. They cost more because are a third party and must pay royalties to right owners.

[Mike B]

Criterion seems to operate similarly to DCC, MoFi, or Mosaic do for music, in that they acquire licensing rights to films. This sometimes results in titles becoming out of print. For example, Criterion had to stop making copies of their version of This Is Spinal Tap when the company that owns the film decided to do their own DVD, rendering the Criterion version rare and therefore quite expensive on the trading market.

Criterion always does DVDs right, with no gimmicks. This means:

- Always using the best film sources, resulting in restoration, as FredCamp mentioned. They are even re-releasing some of their earlier titles now that they have found ways of significantly improving the video presentation for such titles as The Seven Samurai, Charade, and Beauty and the Beast.

- The sound mix is always appropriate. No new surround mixes, as seems to be popular now, often put on the DVD in place of an original stereo or mono mix.

- Always the correct aspect ratio, and the films are always uncut.

- The selection is varied, unique, and exciting. Lots of foreign film, old stuff, independant work, cult favorites, etc.

- Extras are relevant and interesting. None of those fluff pieces that only serve to advertise the movie you already bought. Commentary tracks by directors and participating artists or film scholars that actually provide you with interesting information.

All this means that when Criterion puts out something, it almost always becomes the definitive version of that title.

They also added the brilliant marketing gimmick of numbering the titles in order of release. Many obsessive film collectors want to have the complete collection, so they chase down expensive OOP Criterion titles.

[Ed Bishop]

I just bought the 3-DVD BATTLE OF ALGIERS box set on Criterion....awesome.

In the LD days, Criterion set the standard by which all others--including major studios--later approached 'deluxe' editions.....and that in turn set the standard for DVD's, also. So, to amp up the quality, Criterion pushes on with many foreign titles--always their strongest suit, IMO--and certain domestic releases. You really can't do better, and they do try to be honest with their transfers. Expensive, yes, but also essential at their best. Just like DCC golds and the best MFSL's....

:ed:

[Michael]

...The Filet Mignon of the DVD World, a cut above the rest in extra's, commentary, unedited prints, etc...worth every penny!.

[TimM]

I only own two of their sets and they are both great. (The Killers & The Third Man) They both are state of the art, but you most definitely pay a premium price. For me, it has to be something I really want.

[Mike B]

I would also like to draw a bit of attention to their music related titles, besides Spinal Tap and Gimme Shelter:

Beastie Boys video anthology (with lots of features, supposed to be really cool)

Ingmar Bergman's cinematic verions of Mozart's The Magic Flute

Monterey pop festival box set (with one whole disc of Jimi)

Sid & Nancy (Gary Oldman stars as Sid Vicious in the biopic)

[Jeff H.]

I reiterate everyone's favorable statements here. In a lot of cases, the Criterion release is far superior to the standard release of a movie. In some cases, like the out of print version of "Robocop" which is the unrated original director's cut of the film, it's the only place you'll find that version.


My fave Criterion DVDs'

The Complete Monterey Pop Festival(never knew this film could look this good!)
Gimme Shelter(Amazing restoration and transfer, love the DTS track on this!!)
Robocop(see comments above)
Traffic(nicer transfer than the standard DVD, lots of cool extras)
Spartacus(blows away the Universal DVD)
Armaggedon(way better than the Touchstone DVD, razor sharp anamorphic transfer, worth it for the DTS track alone)
The Rock(see Armaggedon comments)
This Is Spinal Tap(worth the now high price just for the extras)

[Oatsdad]

I reiterate everyone's favorable statements here. In a lot of cases, the Criterion release is far superior to the standard release of a movie. In some cases, like the out of print version of "Robocop" which is the unrated original director's cut of the film, it's the only place you'll find that version.


Not anymore - the "Robocop Trilogy" release from last June includes the uncut version.

In an odd kicker, though, I think the non-anamorphic Criterion transfer of "Robocop" looks better than the anamorphic one from MGM! The same thing happened with "Silence of the Lambs" - in both cases, I preferred the old non-16X9 images. That's very unusual, especially since my Wega takes advantage of 16X9 enhancement...

[JonUrban]

I have a lot of the Criterion LDs (as did many movie fans). These usually sold for $99!!! However, they were worth it. When they started doing DVDs, it was great to get their product for a more "standard" price. Quality all the way.

I would advise anyone who enjoys a particular title to see if Criterion has done it, then go get the disc. See for yourself what the fuss is all about.

It's mostly "care"! :D

[Jeff H.]

Not anymore - the "Robocop Trilogy" release from last June includes the uncut version.

In an odd kicker, though, I think the non-anamorphic Criterion transfer of "Robocop" looks better than the anamorphic one from MGM! The same thing happened with "Silence of the Lambs" - in both cases, I preferred the old non-16X9 images. That's very unusual, especially since my Wega takes advantage of 16X9 enhancement...


I had no idea that the set they released with all three movies had the uncut version. Doesn't "Robocop" only have a 1.66:1 aspect ratio? What does the anamorphically enhanced one look like?

[GregY]

Doesn't "Robocop" only have a 1.66:1 aspect ratio?

I think, but I'm not positive, that the MGM version is 1.85:1.

I agree with Oatsdad on Silence of the Lambs. While the Criterion version doesn't have the detail that an anamorphic picture provides, the video just looks 'better' on the Criterion version, although I also own the MGM version for the extras.

[Michael]

Doesn't "Robocop" only have a 1.66:1 aspect ratio?


Yes, Director approved:) exclusive commentary not on the MGM release...

[Blair G.]

I have a few Criterion LD's (Blade Runner, Lawrence of Arabia). Stunning picture quality.

Also have the Hitchcock 5 DVD set, though I haven't had time to watch them yet.

Plan to get Charade and the reviews here of Gimme Shelter have me thinking about that one too.

What about Straw Dogs??

I've never seen this Hoffman film (Dustin, that is ;) )
Now that a "regular" version is out the Criterion is probably OOP. There are a few copies floating around retail in Vancouver.

[Dave D]

Beastie Boys video anthology (with lots of features, supposed to be really cool)


the "5.1" mix is nothing but reverb in the rears.......VERY disappointing!

[Michael]

What about Straw Dogs??

I've never seen this Hoffman film (Dustin, that is ;) )
Now that a "regular" version is out the Criterion is probably OOP. There are a few copies floating around retail in Vancouver.

If your interested in seeing this, the Criterion is the ONLY way to go.
In todays movie world it's MILD;) Great set though! Check the reviews at DVDBasen...It all boils down to a matter of taste on this one.

[Uncle Al]

...and don't forget the cult favs - I have Carnival of Souls, which features 2 edits of the film, outtakes, (almost) isolated soundtrack music, a history of the spooky abandoned amusement park where it was shot, and an original cast reunion.

I also have Gimme Shelter and Monterey - ya gotta see the "restoration" bonus material on "Shelter" - these guys work HARD! Both films look and sound like they were shot yesterday!

Don't even get me started about "Brazil" - the commercial cut, the TV cut, the directors original cut. These guys are to movies what DCC and MFSL were to music. 'Nuff said.

[guy incognito]

Actually, in terms of extras I'd go so far as to say that Criterion often does MoFi and DCC one better. Just a marvelous series of reissues.

[John Moschella]

Usually I'll buy the Criterion release because its the only way to get the film. Their selection is wonderful and the standard is reasonable good although they have some stinkers. They were very late in the anamorphic game which is a strike against them. But basically, they command a price that is just too much. Look at what WB has done with older films like Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Robin Hood, Casablanca, etc., the transfers are second to none, they are packed with extras and the cost is 2/3 to 1/2 of a Criterion. I applaud the films that they bring to DVD but I just think their overrated.

[GregY]

They were very late in the anamorphic game which is a strike against them.

I wouldn't say late. I believe they were releasing anamorphic DVDs before Fox had fully committed to them. Also, Criterion's explanation was that the players of the time had issues with downconverting, which I guess was somewhat true. While widescreen TVs (and 4:3 sets that will show an anamorphic picture without downconverting) are more present now, when DVD first showed up, widescreen sets were few and far between.

But basically, they command a price that is just too much. Look at what WB has done with older films like Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Robin Hood, Casablanca, etc., the transfers are second to none, they are packed with extras and the cost is 2/3 to 1/2 of a Criterion.

WB also has the luxury of owning those films. Criterion has to license films from their owners.

Also don't underestimate this:
Extras are relevant and interesting. None of those fluff pieces that only serve to advertise the movie you already bought.
Criterion has some of the best extras. I have tons of DVDs with overblown EPKs that basically just show snippets of the film you just finished watching. They're boring and worthless. I don't know of any Criterion release that has those type of extras. However, you're right that more companies have followed Criterions lead and are able to produce nice product these days.

[Beatlelennon65]

I've got their Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and it's great! Really cool cover too. Most of their movies tend to be "independent" movies. They arent mainstream, to say the least. They do do a great job though. Did I just say do do?

[davidpoole]

I've been watching Criterion DVDs for a few years now, and treat them like a self-taught film course (using the director commentaries and documentaries etc.). I'm such a sucker for anything Criterion that I'll rent any of their product without even needing to read a synopsis or details. The cover art alone typically sells me. And they've introduced me to so many wonderful films, I trust them all the way.

I started by collecting Criterion DVDs, but since using Netflix I've been renting (they seem to stock most Criterion titles). Funnily enough, renting encourages me to watch all the extras in a short space of time, whereas I've yet to see extras on ones I bought (no urgency).

My impression has been that they pay much more attention to negative restoration than the sound. But that could be simply that the available sources for the older films don't allow much. I'd be interested to hear more comments on this topic since Steve manages to get great results from old sources.

Anyway, nice to read a thread on Criterion. They deserve kudos for raising the standards of DVDs and bringing great films (often obscure ones) to a wider audience.

-David