Physical Media NEWS and WHY it seems like Criterion gets a FREE PASS with their announcements! Pop that tape in, I got you, let's go do this! For those who seem to be commenting before watching the whole video or are skipping around and missing info, my issue is less about what Criterion does (I am a firm believer in boutiques releasing whatever they want to release or can release - so, this is more about why they get praised for less work while other boutiques get criticized for more work and more options... Criterion just happens to be the basis for comparision on that subject, it could have been anyone but it is occuring with them
I could'nt agree more. Criterion is not bad, I appreciate all of the boutique labels for how they are promoting film. That said, Criterion is overpricing and under delivering. Even the sales are a joke. An MSRP of $40 to $50 dollars is just a disingenuous place holder for the "half off" sale price. Again, it's not hating, there just needs to be room for consumers to criticize a company in good faith.
@@robertfaulkner1824 I may do a video about it, but I am noticing that 4K Blu-ray is incredibly disappointing. Unless the Blu-ray just didn't look that good, these 4Ks are just like music remasters imo. They are reselling you a product you already bought but now finally doing it correctly. They could put those masters on Blu-ray, but there's more money in selling a new format. Most are 2K upscales anyway.
@@stonesfan285 I would say most films are 2k upscales… I would say the majority are 4k scans from original negatives. Again… nobody is reselling me anything cause I only collect 4k. I can definitely tell the difference in fine detail (especially on close ups) and color/contrast is like night and day. You do you. If it’s not worth it to you then don’t buy it. It’s like you guys feel like if you don’t want to upgrade then the upgrade shouldn’t even exist.
Nailed it! Criterion for sure gets a pass these days for doing much less than the other boutiques . For all the people who missed the point- you are making the point! LOL. I buy from Criterion and will continue to when they have stuff I want but the fact is other boutiques are doing better stuff right now but people still praise Criterion while talking bad about other boutiques (who ironically are the ones doing MORE) it’s comical really.
I don't have a problem with anything you do concerning Criterion. Movies get re-released by labels constantly, if you don't like a movie or director that's just a matter of taste. And if you think it's too expensive? What you really mean is it's too expensive for you, for whatever reason how you value a purchase. That's not a dig, and I'm not trying to be rude. I don't think Criterion is getting a pass other boutiques don't. It mostly boils down to if it doesn't interest you, don't buy it.
I am not talking about cost or taste - those are factors, but not the focus of the video...the point of the video is that all of these other labels are being taken to task when they simply dont put out what people want them to OR if they put out a 4k that had a bluray at some point - even when they are predominantly doing the restoration work themselves meanwhile, Criterion is getting applauded for their announcements by a lot of the same people but those announcments include several films that not only have blurays but also have 4ks...and they include stuff that Criterion recently released on bluray and Criterion isnt even doing a lot of the resto work themselves...my whole question in the video is WHY the different standards
I didn't take the video as a statement for or against Criterion. These channels are critics ews sources when it comes to physical media. I think the point was that it seems like a number of reviewers and critics in the space aren't objective when it comes to Criterion. Then the question is why that is. I personally really like the Criterion brand. I just want them to keep pace with the other modern studios. The only way that happens is if we ask honest questions when they don't measure up. I agree 100% about buying what you like, but there's also value in discussing our choices.
@@AVAPopCulture Again, wasn't trying to be rude. I just honestly don't think any of this is really an issue. That being said, I DO think your channel is great. And I think you do excellent work, didn't want you to think I'm a hater. I'm just happy when any movie I like comes out in any decent presentation (or even semi decent sometimes).
I totally agree with your comments here Chase, it seems like Criterion seems to be mailing it in lately as everyone has put them on a pedestal. The packaging on their newer releases now seem to always get the cheap fold out booklet. Gone are the days that they produce a quality 40 or 50 page book, like what Arrow and Vinegar Syndrome includes in their packing on a regular basis. And if they put out a 4K release for something that they already had put out in Blu-Ray then the packaging and extras are just the same as their Blu-Ray release
Glad im not the only one who isnt excited for The shape of water. Im actually not excited for this months criterion releases except for Paper Moon. I love Paper Moon and have been waiting for a good version for a while. great video keep up the good work 👍👍👍
thanks man! I am totally cool with anything any lable wants to put out...I'll buy what I want and pass over what I dont and I assume someone else is looking for it...my issue is all the praise they get for the stuff that gets other boutiqes blasted
@@AVAPopCulture theres definitely a lot of criterion fan boys that like everything they put out. I dont really care if its criterion, scream factory or vinegar syndrome. I just want the movie im looking for with a good transfer. I do own a lot of criterions though mostly for classic hollywood stuff.
I knew this video was coming and I really think you nailed it. I honestly feel for years now that Criterion has relied on the name and has in no way kept up with the packaging, special features, or video quality of almost any of the boutique labels. And as far as pricing when almost any you tuber will tell you to wait until the flash or Barnes and Noble sales that tells you right there their releases are over priced
I have certainly took some heat for it from some lol...really the video has less to do with Crtierion themselves, as I think boutiques have the right to do what they want, but more to do with how people are so hard on other boutiques for seemingly putting in way more effort and applaud Criterion for doing things they'd kill other boutiques for doing
To a lot of people, Criterion is a chance to get to see (art) films, that they wouldn't otherwise see, like VS does with underground. They are sort of the same, just at different end of the (art) scale. I love them both but I don't buy everything from either. I like Criterion's artwork for Shape of Water a lot more than the original release. I think they are truly very good with the artwork. Seven Samurai ... I gotta admit, I've seen it twice and it's a masterpiece but I was very bored both times. I wont get it, but if I wanted it, I would buy the BFI, even though it would fuck up the uniformity of my shelves (and that is very important to me, so maybe I wouldn't). I mainly collect four companies - Criterion, VS, Arrow and Deaf Crocodile. I just cannot afford everything, sadly. Of course I buy other stuff too, if it's something I love. I wish Arrow would do all Brian De Palma's films. Their box sets are amazing.
I find this quite mind boggling as well. Shortly after watching your video I watched another UA-camr who was reviewing the upcoming Criterion releases. He basically explained that the upgrades were just that; nothing new in the artwork and special features department. He did mention the BFI Seven Samurai release and even mentioned that that's the upgrade that he would be getting. Then, to close the video he asks if everyone is as excited about the new releases as he is. Head scratcher!
@devilshape6657 exactly!! I don't get it...the mentality seems to be no matter what they do or put out it is great just because it is Criterion lol....
I agree with you for the most part, but I’m mostly disappointed that some of these new releases don’t even have a commentary. Criterion was late to the game on 4K releases.
I imagine that is all part of the issue with putting out stuff that has recent blu rays or already has existing 4ks, it is hard to get people to do special features again so quickly!
@@AVAPopCulture yep, Criterion is getting cheap on their special features, the commentaries used to be done by film historians on older movies and I don’t know why the 4K specs are so weak now.
Part of me wonders if they are slow to put out 4k upgrades because Criterion doesn't really do limited releases. They could be sitting on huge backstock of Bluray versions of titles when putting out a 4k would lessen the chances of clearing that out. I feel like most people buying Criterion are already buying them because they want a premium product.I don't think that type of customer generally buys a bluray if a 4k exists. I am sure there are business reasons behind all these decisions.
@@jcrashmore considering the 40 film box of blu rays they put out, Id say they are probably sitting on tons of them that they havent moved and are trying to get rid of -so you may be onto sometthing there
@@jcrashmore oh definitely, Criterion has a lot of titles that have 4K scans, but they’ve only been released on Blu Ray. Man, I need the lighting setup that you’re using. I’m not a filmmaker and I’m left to figure this stuff out by trial and error, and mostly error. 🍺
Criterion is the Godfathers of the physical media - especially in Blu-Ray. Although I like Olive Films, Shout, Kino, Arrow …… but I get what you mean, people do give them a lot more slack. I love Second Sight, but those are always hard to get. 😎
I fully appreciate their history but like I mentioned to someone, no NFL team is gonna pay John Elway or Joe Montana to come be their starting QB because they are hall of famers who were amazing 30 or so years ago...you have to maintain a standard if you want to charge a premium in my opinion
@@AVAPopCulture I agree - I have always found them to be a bit higher $$$ - I just think they should do more - sometimes they get what feels a little bit lazy.
@@Capoeiraplaya22 agreed and it is totally fine if they want to be lazy lol...I feel like a lot of folks in the comments immediately went on the defensive when this is less about Criterion and what they are doing and the point of the video is phyeiscal media youtubers and fans patting them on the back for lessor work and taking other boutiques to the woodshed despite them doing more work LOL
You mentioned it why Criterion is so revered, they are the godfather of physical media.They have been around for over 30years. Commentaries, special features and packaging they are the ones who started all that. Unfortunately they are not the same they took too long jump on the 4k bandwagon. Now they are playing catch up. Today all boutique labels look up to Criterion and are influenced by them. I understand how you feel especially the new collectors. You have to do research on the history of Criterion.
LOL, I talked about the history and how long they have been around....that doesnt give a free pass....I work in film, I make movies, I collect movies, I understand about their history...but what you did 30 years ago and $5 will get me a coffee at starbucks... no NFL team is going to pay me to be on their team because I played college football 25 years ago lol... if someone wants to give a free pass because they have been around longer, then fine but dont blast other companies for doing more work than what you are priasing Criterion for....
I don't think they get a free pass. No one buys a Criterion until the 50% sale comes along. I also feel Criterion uses their resources more on their streaming services (which is a very good service). Personally I feel Criterion is under looked in today's physical media market. Good discussion keep up the good work.
You just made his point. They are riding in the coattails of days past and not doing the same quality work or effort other labels are today but yet the other labels doing MORE are getting bashed and people are praising Criterion for doing less. It’s like giving Notre Dame a spot in the Natty because they were legends 30 years ago.
I think the other thing to remember is geographical location. For some 4K films on scream factory or shout, being located in the uk means we only have access to BFI or Criterion. In cases for very popular movies a standard 4K is the best option this side of the pond.
Some great points made in this vid, and I totally agree with you about The Shape of Water, it's a decent movie but it's highly overrated imo and people bang on about it like it's one of the greatest films ever, when it just isn't.
Paper Moon is the only Criterion, November release that I'm excited for. It has never been available in the U.S. on bluray, only a region B release. Plus, it's going to get the whole restoration process with HDR! It's not my favorite movie but is a decent watch and is one of my wife's favorite movies. So, I already have it on my "targets" list.
They don’t get a free pass, but the tubers and theres more than one, think there smarter than us, or are acting high brow when it comes to most of Criterion’s movies. You referenced one …I cant watch him for the same reason. I personally think Arrow and KL are putting out the best stuff right now. I have many Criterion’s, I buy the ones i like when they are 50% off. If there was another 50% off sale today, i don’t think theres a single movie i would buy because most of there catalogue isn’t interesting to me.
Im the same, I buy what I like from everyone, but there just isnt as many Criterion that fit into my tastes and I dont need to buy a bunch of movies I am not interested in watching in order to act like I am more of a film afficianado if that is what some folks are doing lol....
In defense of SF, some of the 4K upgrade titles they are releasing are and will be titles that have been out of print and would have been expensive otherwise. Poltergeist 2 is a good example.
I think a big reason people don’t care much about Criterion’s pricing is due to how B&N has their bi-annual 50% off CC sale. Just hold off until July and November and you’ll only pay $20 for Blu-ray’s or $25 for 4k’s.
maybe, but the pricing wasnt as big of an issue for me here (all the boutiques have multiple 50% off sales per year) as people patting htem on the back for puttin gout 4ks that already have 4ks (or quickly following blu rays with 4ks) while a lot of those same people will be upset with other boutiques if they did that -or if other boutiques just dont put out stuff they are looking for...
@AVAPopCulture personally, I don't care when Criterion or anyone does it. It's just another format available to those who want it. Don't understand complaining about boutique labels putting out 4Ks of movies that already have them off label. The point is have a version of that movie from that label with its special features. The only reason I could see anyone having a problem with this is if they are compelled to buy every single release and they don't like buying repeats, but that's more of a "them" problem than a problem with the boutique labels that do these things.
@@AVAPopCulture I think your video is more a critique on UA-cam presenters than the general population of physical media collectors, and I think you say that in your video. However, Scream Factory has built up a reputation for being the king of boutiques so people expect a little more from them. But I’m happy if I want to buy 2 or 3 of their titles in a given month. I chat with my friends when the labels release their monthly slates to see what everyone’s excited about, but I never get mad when I realize I’m only going to be buying 3 SF titles in the month because it helps me budget for what VS, Kino, Arrow, Umbrella, Severin and all the other boutiques are dropping. We’re truly spoiled with all the great physical media coming out right now.
@ahaubert80 I think a lot people missed the fact that it was less of a call out on Criterion and more of call out on as to why there is a double standard among youtube physical media creators!!!
I agree. So many out there go gaga over Criterion. I'm not one of those people. I will not buy from them unless it is something I actually like and want to own. I think I have only 3 Criterion 4Ks and 2 of those were upgrade over the Criterion blurays. Like you said the packaging did not change. I think that is so lazy of them! I remember back in the day when they actually licensed and released good movies. I still have my Robocop laserdisc from them. Also the DVDs for The Rock and Armageddon. But again, like you said, they can't do anything wrong in the eyes of the collectors out there.
I think comparing the limited release region B for extras disk BFI to the Criterion is a bit apples to oranges. If you don't care about the extras or in UK/region B area and gonna get it ASAP sure go BFI but otherwise most people will go Criterion and nobody who's patient gets a Criterion full price
@MogwaiInjustice the extras that Criterion is putting out on this 4k are the exact same ones that were on their bluray release- so there is nothing to add there...and what matters the most is the movie, it's quality, and restoration ... the idea that the MSRP that Criterion puts its movies out at and sells them for 10 months out of the year is not actually the "real price" is silly... that is the price 10 months a year - every boutique does multiple 50% off sales per year
Del Toro wanted The Shape of Water released on Criterion. Nightmare Alley is going get rereleased on criterion 4k but will include a black and white version And Toho is to blame for a lot of Godzilla .
Criterion is fine but for me, way too expensive and the material is not of interest. Prefer many other labels to them. I have bought some of their blurays but generally only in a sale. They certainly aim at the top end of the market
I concur with all the points you made. I liked the criterion for the longest time and still do but there's so much competition with other labels now. They've flamed out and lost their prestige they once had. Other boutiques are actually working on the camera negative and doing hdr10/dolby vision, and frankly beating them to the punch. And then the deluxe package from other companies is unbeatable, so there's nothing I disagree with. They've built their reputation over decades and we can't take that away from them, but we can honestly say they've been slacking in the physical media game lately. Maybe a bit overrated at this point.
I hate to say it but I agree and that is kinda part of what I was pointing out because they still get so praised....I don't want to pay for something that somebody or something "Was doing" 30 years ago...they need to maintian a standard and they are getting passed but still getting the same praise...that is my issue!
Not fussed about collector's stuff , have a few steelbooks now but it's just the movie for me 👍 my latest movie is where the crawdads sing cost 7gbp can't go wrong 🤣
Oooo. Fightin’ words.. In my opinion, Criterion used to curate high quality and unique artistic films. Over the last decade or more, it seems they have been much less selective. I was under the impression in the past that their products were created for the connoisseur with high quality restoration that focused on the film itself. That could have just been my perception and not necessarily true. Criterion does good work in general, but their competition(the boutique labels) have really stepped it up and are doing amazing work on a quality level rarely seen before. I think what it means to be a collector has expanded from just focusing on the film to also focusing on the extras, packaging, and art. (Expanding the experience of watching films beyond just the film itself). Grabbing some popcorn for the discussion Great video. Apologies for the wall of text. As always these are my just opinions and I look forward to hearing what others think
Oh I have angered some folks for sure, but I wont say anything that I couldnt back up on the video which is why I showed what I was talking about LOL...It is disappointing to me that Criterion is not doing the level of hands on and in-house restoration work that SF, Arrow, and Vinegar Syndrome are doing when they have way more resources and have been around longer than those companies....combine that with other factors and I am just not sure why other labels who are arguably doing more work at a lessor price point are getting blasted and Criterion is getting praised for doing the same thing, or less in this case, and with less extras/packaging, at a high price point... never apologize for long messages lol, I love the discussion!
You make good points, and I think that is what Chase was saying. The other labels have stepped up their game and are doing so much more than Criterion is today yet they get bashed.
I'm looking forward to Paper Moon and Funny Girl. That background info on restoring Funny Girl makes me think this could be a pretty good release if it really has been a collaborative effort for years. I really don't understand why any label gets flak for bringing an existing bluray (even those based on a 4k scan) to 4k --why would that be a problem? Potential gains for resolution, color, and range !! When a company can take existing work and parlay it into a new 4k we get the option for a better release and they have fatter margin on every sale. Maximizing the revenue on previous work is how you get the funds to take on challenging new restorations which are more risky from a business perspective. So I guess my point is, you're calling people out for not being consistent with their criticism when imo that criticism is BS for whatever label happens to be the target. Upgrade or purchase whatever makes you happy!
I agree with you! It is far less about what Criterion is or isnt doing for me than about how people unevenly attack or praise... I want them all to put out everything they can! if I dont have it or want it, someone else will!
I could care less what any lable puts out...I am going to buy what I like from each label....complaining a boutique is horrible because they dont put out specifically what you want to add to your collection is entitled, discussing a boutique getting praised for using existing 4ks to make their own 4ks while simultaneously blasting other companies for simply upgrading blurays to 4ks is pretty objective
Entitled how? It wasn’t about the movies per se. He was using them as a “for instance” to make his point that people praise Criterion (just because they are Criterion) when they simultaneously trash other boutiques who are doing more. This was a complaint about fans with a massive double standard.
I don’t live and die by Criterion but some do ha ha. I have 20 and only pick up specific releases. Appreciate people who love them but they are not something I go out of my way to pick up. Great video topic.
thanks man! I feel like a lot of people who are big Criterion fans reacted very defnesively to this and rushed to be angry before listening to the video -even when I said a bunch of times I am not attacking Criterion, they are free to do what they want! I am asking why they get applause for doing stuff that gets other boutiques attacked lol
Criterion is an entrenched cult, more than any other boutique because of how far back their history goes and the general arthouse/snob factor they've marketed themselves for, over decades. That BFI 7 Samurai with actual HDR definitely seems the way to go. And that Shape Of Water release just seems pointless with an existing 4k out for years...seems like some sweetheart deal with Del Toro just to add another of his films to the "vaunted" Criterion collection. I'd like to buy the Godzilla 4k because I don't own that film in any format. Will wait for the Barnes&Noble sale as usual. I have about 1500 films and only 15 or so Criterion, I'm not drawn to most of their catalog.
I 100% echo all of that! including Godzilla, I will probably pick it up becaus eI dont have it at all....I am just kind dumbfounded that they can do all you just said and that I mentioned and still get praised while other boutiques get ripped for doing more lol....it is that double standard question that I am trying to figure out
Exactly- it’s more about caring for the “Brand”than the work they are actually doing or putting out. Which cool, love you you love, but don’t trash another company who is actually outperforming your beloved “Brand” just buy your Brand just because it’s your Brand and keep the comments about other to your self.
I'm thinking I'll get the BFI Seven Samurai... but I am reading conflicting information about the blu-ray disc that comes with the 4K: is it Region B? Or Region Free?
I beleive it is region B but I am seeing the same conflicitng info -I will say, if you already had the Criterion BluRay, their special features on their 4k are the exact same, so you could get the BFI 4k and hang onto the Criterion Eextra features bluray and have the best of both worlds if the new BFI bluray is region B and you dont have a region free player
Criterion products are not cheap. I heard that some 4K restorations are using AI to give the films a different look. What the hell. Make sure the 4K you buy do not use AI. The restorations should only use the original film material. Those old films were pretty good. Some directors prefer to use films rather than use digital technology.
I hear you and you've made some fair points. But Criterion has an excellent reputation and excellent collection of movies. So, when it adds a 4K version to its collection to improve its library, I'm happy. I wish you had discussed the special features that come with Shape of Water because Criterion sometimes adds new content. Did it with The Shape of Water? And how does Criterion get to advertise "Director approved"? Are the other 4K versions out there director approved?😮
thanks for the discussion! I do beleive there is 1 new interview, otherwise all of the special features and 4k scan are the same as the current 4k release....if he signed off on that release then it is director approved...some thing as only needing about 1% of a movie to be inspired by a true story to say it is "based on a true story" I would suppose lol...plenty of times stuidos work with directors on those types of releases, it is not just boutiques that do that!
0/6 lol. I’m like you. I’m not a criterion guy. I buy some that I love to fit my collection. That’s why I don’t do criterion content. Tbh. But I woulda prob shit on this drop too if I did. I did some criterion content when I first got on UA-cam and the criterion community ruined that kinda content for me.
I can see why they ruined it for you LOL...I think I own maybe 12 total Criterion and the only ones out there that I dont have that I want from their collection are "The Others" and "Repo Man"...I mentioned this to someone else on here but the way some of these folks act is like back many years ago when digital filmmaking started and some of us inide folks were workign with $5k DSLR cameras but there would always be that one group of "filmmakers" who spent their whole budget to rent the new "Red One" camera and they'd take a boatload of photos standing next to that camera just to "look like, serious filmmakers" - meanwhile we were over there actually making movies with our cameras - I get that same vibe with some Criterion folks LOL...I seriously just couldnt understand the love for this drop and the idea that they can do no wrong...I can literally already buy 3 of these 6 4ks that they are dropping...smh
btw- I am looking forward to your ranking video on NOES! I am always interested to see who's favorite NOES films line up with mine lol...and that Frignt Night 2 video - dude - that is a movie that is screaming to be done in 4k! It is so damn hard to find a copy of it period!
Heck yeah man! I'm so fired up that NOES is getting this 4k and I'm hoping it really does get the others out there too - but just seeing the renewed energy around NOES is so huge! First horror movie I ever saw!!
lol, just looking through your comment section and I just want to say welcome to the true physical media community. It's chock a block with hypocrites, liars, and label fanboys. That's why I will never, ever consider myself part of that community. The people I follow that talk about physical media, do not consider themselves a part of that community. This is just a taste, it gets worse. Just adding my two cents. Best of luck to you with your career and your channel. I like your work here, please keep it up.
@Geeoh19 thanks lol...man after nearly 20 years of dealing with fans and movie critics ripping my work apart, this is child's play lol... I practice the "harness good, block bad" approach I learned from Happy Gilmore 😂🤣😂
Hi! My thoughts. I think Criterion has reached the status of being the Original botique label and therefore a class higher. Also many seem to claim they are more selective with what titles they release. The ”arty” people, who looks down on pop culture and sees themselves as elevated beings, seem to have choosen Criterion as their goto. I am not collecting Criterion. Not because I dont want to own some of their titles due to what group loves them or not, but I seldomly like their artwork and as you say they just dump over existing scans too often. Sometimes they do cool artwork. Videodrome on disc looking as a Beta tape and the, not so liked by Criterion fans, Citizen K release with that cool letter K on black. Loved that. Stuck out well too. To be honest Arrow also re-uses the same slipcases for the 4K releases they already have on bluray. But the movie case has then a black color instesd of the crystal casing. So many good Botique labels out there. Umbrella coming up strong. Vinegar Syndrome expanding continuesly with new sublabels and more expensive titles. Severin, Blue Underground, Shout/Scream factory and smaller newcomers popping up all over. Physical mddia feels safe right now. 😊 Cheers!
I don't really understand your complaint. If you think that any one boutique label is given an advantage over another or some kind of "pass", and this angers you, don't patronize them. It seems pretty easy; spend your money elsewhere. If you've never heard of Funny Girl, and have little or no interest in older titles; don't let it upset you, just don't buy it. Also, I know for a fact that both Arrow and Scream Factory (both of which I love) have cut their share of corners and gotten away with it in the past. I believe you didn't look hard enough. In short; chill, dude. Everything's gonna be all right.
HDR without a director or cinematographer approval is revisionism. That's why they don't slap shitty HDR on their 4ks like a lot of the UK labels do. Criterion walked so every other label could run. I've never been into the big boxes, posters, art cards etc...That's something all the 80s horror collectors that just started buying stuff during lockdown are into. Criterion isn't getting a free pass at all. Also, they've got the best streaming channel and the revenue they get goes into more restorations (which they actually do a lot of) and more rep screenings. I've also been told by friends who have done commentary for them they're one of the best labels to work for.
If that is what you think that is cool...HDR is just the range from the darkest dark to the lightest light - it does not change what was there...and I am someone who is super particular about revisionism...as far as walking so others can run, that is unfortunately just not relevant to what they are doing now...nobody is going to pay a retired NFL hall of famer to be on their team because they were great 30 years ago...if you want to be the best and charge a premium, you have to maintian a standard of work and quality -outsourcing restorations and re-releasing things already available on 4k is below them...you cant charge people now for what you did years ago... Streaming is not relevant to the arguement that I am making here and is at odds with the preservation and gowth of physical media... still my whole point is less about what criterion is doing, they can do what they want...it is about people patting them on the back for lessor work and criticizing others who are doing way more work...you may not be into posters and box sets etc BUT that stuff is part of the package and costs money, time, care and attention that Criterion is also skipping out on
@@AVAPopCultureI see what you’re saying but I think a label like Shout Factory is as guilty of everything that Criterion is guilty of. They use old restorations, old features, and the same three artists to do original covers in that cartoon style they have.
Hey Ava pop culture, do your homework on Criterion pricing 🤕 Hello 👋🏿 Criterion 50% off is twice a year, all 4k uhd movies with blu ray for $25 to $30 each!!!
Clearly you missed the point (and yet are making his point all in one) price is really irrelevant (but the prices you sell at twice a year doesn’t override the price you sell for 10 months out of the year) it’s about people who defend and give Criterion a pass when they are putting out less quality than all the other labels in todays market.
I think you made a great point. It doesn't make sense to jump and go buy just because it's the Criterion label. They have many obscure titles and just because they released it doesn't automatically make it great. I checked out the Criterion release of Wall.E despite having it on 4K. Big mistake. It was the same thing. Also, the packaging of Bluray and 4K looks the same - so watch out before buying. I liked the 4K of Thelma and Louise and Mulholland Drive. Tomorrow, if they release 4K of Almost Famous, I ain't buying it coz I already have it. Arrow Video, Shout, Kino Lorber and Vinegar Syndrome are doing a better job and release far superior and culturally relevant stuff with great packaging. Great video btw. Enjoyed it. Keep up the great work.
thank you so much! I am glad my point was clear to you and I agree with everything you said here! I think a lot of people came to this video who had never seen any of my videos and just got defensive thinking I was attacking Criterion (I literally had their 4k of Risky Buisness in my top 10 of the year so far lol) ....thank you again so much for watching and hanging around the channel with me!!
There’s something about criterion that makes other collectors feel less, it’s so odd. Regardless, this is such a disingenuous video that’s it’s hard finding a place where to address all the Tom foolery lol
@@AVAPopCultureyour argument is that you don’t understand why people have a preference? You make up a saying that Criterion gets a free pass, but they have been criticized for years! You might have just been oblivious if you were not as deep in the scene before. But none of this discussion is helpful or matters
@CemeteryMan101 I never said I didn't understand why people have a preference LOL keep trying.... The question was, why do the same people blast other boutiques for things that they praise criterion for.
@@AVAPopCulture 1. You just went on a B&N criterion haul and bought them half off. You're fully aware that these sales exist, yet you try to pass these releases off in full MSRP. 2. The japanese release of godzilla doesnt have english subtitles and has less extra features than the criterion release...oh and its cheaper during the B&N and criterion 50% off sales. 3. The bfi release is actually more expensive, its region b, and it way less extras than the criterion edition which will be release in November...for 30 dollars.
I'm just now getting into "golden age"/ "Old Hollywood" films after avoiding them like the plague for many years, because I honestly never thought I'd like any movie that was 80+ years old, I was never really into bw films either and when I was much younger my dad would either have these extremely old movies or tv shows (like the rifleman) on in my parents bedroom or in the living room after he got off work and as a child I thought they were the most boring things ever. But I was wrong, some of my favorite movies that I have watched this year are 40s, 50s and 60s movies. However most of the extremely old movies I really love are the more lesser known, underrated, or obscure ones that I typically hear no one talking about in today's time even if they were actually very successful when they came out not the ones that you constantly see on a greatest of all time list. I still haven't seen citizen kane or gone with the wind, or any Hitchcock film. I saw Casablanca once in flim studies class in then tenth grade about five years ago and I didn't get it. 🤷🏽 I liked Sabrina more than Casablanca and I was like the only person in the class that really like Sabrina, because most of my classmates weren't comfortable with the age gap between the main characters, but since everyones sensitivities are different I personally didn't mind it in fiction. 🤷🏽😂😂
Paper Moon 4K ..is huge! It didn't even have US blu-ray. I preordered this and GODZILLA. It's not one of my favorite Howard Hawks films but I may get SCARFACE. And Del Toro is another in a series of overrated directors from the 20th/21st Century.
I’ve always heard of Criterion but never bought anything from them as they’ve yet to distribute a beloved classic from my personal lifetime as a Film Enthusiast so far in 4K that I want to buy & keep so I wonder if it is all hype
I feel like Criterion has done some excellent work in the past and has done important work overall for cinema fans. That said I get the impression they've been coasting or resting on their laurels a bit recently. I was disappointed their Seven Samurai 4k wouldn't have HDR for their release. I ended up ordering the UK BFI version from Orbit instead. Criterion needs to recognize they have serious market competition now or risk losing relevance down the road. This is a great example of why you shouldn't allow yourself to become a super fan of a brand, and instead take your money to who is offering the product you want. I'll still buy Criterion but it'll have to be the best version available to me.
100000% agree!!! I am a big proponent of Boutiques putting out whatever they want to but I dont understand giving one boutique so much praise for lessor work and being upset with others who are putting in more work... I buy the movies I want from each label - it isnt just a label thing for me!
@@AVAPopCulture I don't get it either. The only thing I can figure is maybe there's a bunch of folks with huge Criterion collections they've overspent on and need to justify it by hyping them up blindly. I say shop the 50% off Criterion sales, so you have extra money to buy the better versions on other boutiques as needed :) I will never understand brand loyalty to the point of blind faith. I'm glad you put out the video, as I thought the same thing when I discovered the issues with their Severn Samurai release.
I’m a del toro fan boy so I see your point but I love the shape of water I have the 4k would only double dip for the packaging. Criterion wasn’t a big deal until it was easy content and those 50% off sales would get views but I didn’t even do one this year bc Criterion isn’t without fault but it’s on that pedestal. I’ve had no urge to upgrade my criterion’s to 4k the blu is fine but when scream factory released 4ks later everyone complained criterion gets praise 😂
that last part is the whole issue of the video that a lot of comments seem to be missing in here LOL---- my whole question in the video is WHY the different standards....could you imagine if scream factory's releases included 3 films that already had 4ks that they simply licenesed and re-packaged???? holy moley the internet would break LOL
It's fair criticism. I have been less and less excited over the past few years with Criterion's output. I used to buy more of their titles (when I had more disposable income) based solely off the fact that they were releasing so many films I had never heard of, from so many different countries. It was an exploratory period. I've seen so much great cinema through them. But their business practices of late have been less than desirable. I went from buying 20 or more titles from them per year on average to about 5. In fact, I've only bought 2 this year at the B&N sale. Their selection has evolved into about a 50+% mix of slight upgrades of their own previous titles and popular films that already have great upgrades from other labels. It's kinda sad.
I have been buying Criterion releases for a long time, but I am selective with what I buy from them, just like I am with other labels. I see you're getting blasted by Criterion fans for just pointing out the most obvious issues. I guess you have your answer. People give Criterion a pass on these things because they just love Criterion. Those who do have issues with some of their releases won't make negative videos about them because they know that they'll get blasted in the comment section for not holding Criterion above it all. As someone who's been building a library of the movies and television that I love since the 80s, I hold no one above criticism. I praise Criterion for the things they do that I love, but I don't hesitate to criticize them or anyone else when they fall short. You especially hit home with me on the packaging. I even accidentally bought a DVD instead of a Blu-ray several years ago because the packaging was identical, and they were together.😂
@JerryRoark777 many years of having my own movies ripped by fans and critics have made this comments section child's play 😆 But you hit on it all perfectly...I don't buy enough criterion to worry about too many videos for them to comment on ... I'm like you, labels are free to put out whatever they want to, I am just going to pick the things I want and skip the rest!
@AVAPopCulture I would need more than "Elon Musk money" if I bought everything released over the past four decades. Not that I haven't been standing in line at the video store next to the sales table and done the "that looks interesting" thing with a stack of VHS tapes.😆
I only own about 15 or so Criterion but I have heard a several friends talk about finding their 4ks a little lacking, I have not had that issue myself yet but I dont buy a lot of Criterion
@@AVAPopCulture I guess I haven't bought them simply because they were Criterion discs. It was just a movie I liked, wanted to own on Blu-ray and the Criterion was considered the best transfer. I don't care much for 4K Blu-ray. I have a few but I buy Blu-ray 99% of the time.
You’re comparing Criterion releasing ‘The Body of Water’ to SHOUT Factory releasing ‘Death Becomes Her’ on 4K. Firstly, you are comparing October releases for one company to the November releases of another. How about comparing Criterion’s November releases to another’s November releases. Secondly, how many extras did SHOUT add to the ‘Death Becomes Her’ 4K from the original BluRay? When stating Criterion has done “nothing themselves” you seem to forget extras!
Im talking about 4k restoration work which is where the real work happens... we are comparing releases within a couple weeks of each other, who cares if the come out in November or October, that is irrelevant to the point... The Shape of Water has ALREADY been released on 4k!!!! You really want credit for copying someone else's 4k scan and putting your label on it? really? and as far as the movies themselves, taste is subjective so that really is irrelevant too.....
@AVAPopCulture, where did I mention taste in films? I agree that is subjective. That’s why I never raised it. I have re-read my post 3X and am not seeing what you apparently saw. What did I write? I am really curious. As for ‘The Shape of Water’ from Criterion, I didn’t pick up the studio 4K because I was hoping a boutique label would release it with more extras. Thankfully, because of the director’s choice, Criterion is the label doing it. Because of his insistence that Criterion release it, I can only assume he was happy with the existing transfer or I have no doubt he would’ve pushed them to redo the transfer. BTW, this is not something unique to Criterion. I have a few SHOUT BluRays where the original studio is the one who not only did the transfer but the special features. SHOUT didn’t do anything other than new artwork. I recall a couple commentators calling this out at the time because the transfer the studio did and that SHOUT released had some issues that were just ported over. And in one case, they even dropped some of the original studio special features. To date, I haven’t heard anyone call them out! BTW, when did creating new special features not count as work? Personally, I will pass on boutique releases that bypass special features. For instance, I will not be picking up SHOUT Factory’s 4K upgrade of ‘Death Becomes Her.’ I’m a huge Meryl Streep fan and have the BluRay and was mightily disappointed in the amount of work they put into special features for that so I won’t make the same mistake again. If the rights expire and another boutique, like say, Arrow re-releases the same 4K but with more special features, then I would buy it.
@@willnoiles2001 when you make this comment: "You’re comparing Criterion releasing ‘The Body of Water’ to SHOUT Factory releasing ‘Death Becomes Her’ on 4K. " it read as you are implying that Death Becomes Her is an inferior film to the shape of water which is why SF is putting out Death Becomes her and Criterion is putting out the shape of water.... that is where I am picking that up
@@willnoiles2001still missing the point- Criterion is getting a pass for “ nothing special” type releases while other labels are putting out and doing more work, better packing, and extras and getting dogged out- it’s not about Criterion per say, it’s more about the “fan-boys” praising them no matter what they do and ripping the other labels who are doing more. Double standards. It would be the same argument for anyone praising any label for doing less, while simultaneously ripping another label who is doing more.
@AVAPopCulture, sorry if that’s the way you interpreted it that way. I happen to like both films. Heck, ‘Death Becomes Her’ ranks a tad higher because it features that great performance by Meryl Streep. What I should have said is that while SHOUT Factory is upgrading ‘Death,’ they haven’t added anything to it. Hell, they added just one special feature to the BluRay. Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep and Bob Zemeckis are all alive and Bruce Willis was still well enough at the time of the BluRay. There are also plenty of critics who could have contributed a commentary. Yet, SF chose to spare every expense. Whereas, Criterion is treating ‘The Shape of Water’ with the respect it deserves, even if the 4K transfer was already done for them. The consumer ends up shelling out $50 for either. If I’m going to shell out that much for a 4K, I want more than just the film, I want the special features. Criterion is not perfect. None of them are. But if we’re going to compare these two specific films, my money is going with the Criterion edition of ‘The Shape of Water.’
80 to 90% of Criterion movies I'd never buy so I don't pay much mind to them I bought a few during the sale this year Bound, One false move and To die for I like those type of 90s movies I'd never buy anything later then the 80s decade outside of a few 70s classic movies
hey I just bought the Risky Business 4k and had it in my top 10 4ks of the year so far! this is more about the praise they get for doing less work overall while other boutiques are getting killed who are doing way more work!
@@AVAPopCulture but Kino is my fav label to buy right now because I'm on this buy up a bunch of 80s and 90s movies I've never seen kick I got Sudden Death on pre order
Godzilla and Scarface I'm will pick up on their next sale. I'm a big Paul Muni fan and he chews up the screen in Scarface. Now Godzilla I'm hopping they get the new Toho print and they will start releasing older Godzilla titles on 4k.
@@AVAPopCulture Now that you explained that their using the blu-ray transfer for the 4k, I'm going to pass on Godzilla. They probably couldn't get the rights for new Toho transfer because of cost. Most Toho older Godzilla films have come from the original negatives, but no English subtitles are included.
@@mikefisher2673 I will probably eventually get it because I dont have it at all but if I had the blu-ray, I probably wouldnt upgrade - but that is just me!
I’m sure you get now that people are slaves to a brand. Like how when Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid got a Criterion release, the internet was awash in newly minted lifelong Sam Peckinpah fans. Never mind that that flick barely cracks Peckinpah’s top 5 and before that release, he’d been written off as a drunken misogynist who only got off on excessive violence (But Straw Dogs was okay). Never mind that Kino Lorber put out 2 of his most under appreciated films, the completely nonviolent Steve McQueen classic Junior Bonner, and his wonderful crime classic “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia,” which gave a rare starting showcase for the legendary Warren Oates.
@bobcobb3654 I will just never understand being a "brand hound" or getting caught up in the hype train of what people say they like...I got taken to task for saying the same thing about how suddenly it seemed everyone was a huge lifelong Giallo fan after Arrow started dropping beautiful big sets lol...
@@AVAPopCulture I got that same vibe of folks parroting the “Giallo” claim when “Maxxxine” came out. I figured that flick was purely 80s “Dark Side of Hollywood” exploitation, specifically Brian De Palma and Paul Schrader (for gods sake, even the title font was directly lifted from “American Gigolo.”)
I totally agree with you. As a collector I've never understood people's love for Criterion. I've never bought any release from them. Their packaging alone is the worst of all boutique companies. Even Kino Lorber gives you a slipcover. I'll stick with Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow, Kino, Grindhouse Video, Full Moon Horror, Scream Factory etc.
I approach Criterion by picking specifically things that fit into my taste... Risky Business, Night of the Living Dead, Videodrome, Bull Durham, The Princess Bride, Dazed and Confused, Repo Man, After Hours, Some Like it Hot, and as a gift, Blue Velvet are all of the Criterion I own...if they have things that fit my taste, I will add them, but not really into their blind buys etc- they offer me no reason to risk a blind buy -they rarely do their own hands-on restorations it seems and they dont have nice packaging and art...I tend to buy more from everyone you mentioned!
@AVAPopCulture exactly you have to be highly selective. If 3 companies put out a release of the same film Criterions always has the poorest transfer. The packaging is so plain and boring. I have a friend that has a large movie library and he can never understand when he shows it to friends why they always skip past the shelves with his Criterion collection. I compare it to walking into a video store in the 80's and 90's and all the movies on the shelf look identical lol. Of course the video stores had the space to display the front of the packaging but imagine if they had to store them like collectors do with just the spine visible to customers. The spines all look the same it's like files in an office at work, just not very appealing when the movies don't have their own unique look in my opinion.
@@scottcunningham799 I own 3000 discs that come from ever single distributer you can think of. Criterion spines look nice. It's fine if you don't like them but you 80s horror only guys are making the hobby insufferable.
Hot Take: I genuinely believe Criterion is so overrated. I do not understand why they have so much hype in the physical media community and why they are so revered. I brought my first Criterion and currently only back in April (Leave her to heaven), the video quality was fantastic, but so is the video quality of most of my other Blu rays. I have been more blown away by the video quality of my many of my other Blu rays, compared to that one. I personally do not care about special features either, unless it's subtitles or if a movie has multiple cuts, so I typically don't watch special features especially if it's an audio commentary or interview by someone who had ZERO involvement in the movie. That just doesn't interest me at all. I know this is an unpopular opinion by I am someone that's just interested in the movie. 🤷🏽 I also don't care for how criterion typically never uses the original artwork for movies and typically never includes it as reversible or alternative cover art, unlike other boutique labels. I typically like the original cover art better than almost any of their new covers. With my copy of leave her to heaven, subtitles weren't listed as a part of the special features, so I originally assumed they're weren't any to my sheer disappointment, so I pressed the closed captioning button and there were no closed captions so I had to press the info/menu button on my remote and go above and beyond to find the close captioning. 😒 I don't get why they're treated like the greatest ever. I think they're good, but definitely not the greatest company in physical media like many others do. And like most boutique labels, they're prices are pretty damn expensive and I also don't care for the snobbiness of some of their fans when it comes to which movies "don't deserve" the criterion treatment. 😑
yeah I have never cared for "gatekeeping" when it comes to movies...movies are art to me and therfore subjective...so to say one isn't owrhty of any label is kind of offputting to me....if you want to focus on specific genres mroe then that is different, but to act like one film is good enouhg and another isnt, is kind of elitest ...
You must not have watched the video. It’s really not about Criterion per say, it’s about the “Brand fans” who are dogging out other labels who happen to be putting out better work at the moment (and have been for a while) I’m all for buying whatever you want from whomever you want. just don’t trash other labels when they are outperforming said Brand. That argument would be true for any label. Recently there has been a lot of people trashing a bunch of labels, all of whom are doing more than Criterion and yet these same people trip over themselves praising criterion for less. This video was not pointed at Criterion it’s pointed at the “Brand fans” who are trashing other labels.
What really irritates me is the gatekeepers. Those highbrow people who act as if you don't like all of the Criterion films, then you're not a true film fan. It's like they think they are superior. I like Criterion and have a modest Criterion collection, but they lack creativity and are downright lazy with the artwork of the 4K titles. That really bugs me. I'm putting this out there, but I'm excited for the Scream Factory October releases. In fact, I will be purchasing most of them because I really enjoy them, and they're finally on 4K. This community is about the love of film, art, creativity, and all other things, but we dont have the time or patience for gatekeepers
1000000000000000% agreed my friend!!!! I mentioned this to someone else but this is what I think of: back 20 years ago when indie digital filmmaking was starting and the Red One camera came out and was mega bucks, we'd be over here making a movie with DSLR HD cameras and there'd always be that one section of "filmmakers" who would spend a fortune and their whole budget on renting/buying a Red Camera and renting a full grip truck just to take their pictures beside them in order to "look like" a "serious filmmaker" - meanwhile they didnt know how to use them ,spent all their money on them, and either their movie never got finished or looked horrible - sometimes I think of that with Criterion hahahaha
Very well said! It’s not about Criterion it’s about the “fans” who give them a pass “because it’s Criterion” (insert high brow sarcastic tone of voice LOL) 🧐
@GBestDawgs That's the part that makes it toxic. Like cancer, it spreads. Hypothetically speaking, what if Scream/Shout Factory or Arrow say to themselves, "Well, seeing how successful Criterion is and how much the fans love them, maybe we should back off and stop putting in so much hard work and labor because when we do, people bitch and complain about it anyway." If that were the case, we ALL lose, and the "cancer" keeps spreading.
Is this complaining about people not complaining about Criterion? Do you see the hypocrisy??? This is just bizarre and not needed. My recommendation - Don’t worry about what other people say and just focus on what you enjoy talking about and bringing to light.
No, hes addressing the double standard, as clearly stated. Do you realize the hypocrisy of telling him not to worry what others say, yet here you are attempting to passive aggressively suppress what he has/wants to say ?
@BUKUDI thank you!!! And it would be different If I has never said anything But I have been talking about the negativity about other boutique release announcements for a while...there is a double standard and I am simply asking why that is
@@BUKUDIThe problem is none of this matters. Why is there a need to defend a boutique studio? This is a pointless discussion and not a single point was made in the video. The real answer is that all of these studios are great and give us tons of options to select from.
Criterion is the "Snob" label and you're totally right.. They do get alot of passes. I don't know the specific reason but over the years I've seen alot of blutubers buy criterion releases and alot of them are clearly because they wanna seem more cultured about movies.. specially alot of younger collectors that wasn't even born when the movie was made so maby the "image" collectors gets from collecting them has something to do with it??? I don't buy a ton of them myself as they don't do many releases that really have my intrest. I do dog a bit on Scream Factory though and they do put out alot more releases that I like.
I make my Criterion picks fit into my taste - I dont expand and blind buy with them...back 20 years ago when indi digital filmmaking was starting and the Red One camera cam out ad was mega bucks, we'd be over here making a movie with DSLR HD cameras and there'd always be that one section of "filmmakers" who would spenda fortune and their whole budget on renting/buying a Red Camera and renting a full grip truck just to take their pictures beside them in order to "look like" a "serious filmmaker" - menawhile they didnt know how to use them ,spent all their money on them, and either their movie never got finished or looked horrible - sometimes I think of that with Criterion hahahaha
In many ways, I agree. They have an image that people buy into. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se. I can understand the concept for focusing on just the film without the “distractions” of packaging or extras. In some ways that should be a “purer” experience. It just doesn’t work for me. I have come to the realization that, for me, I love the finished film but that my enjoyment is heightened by learning about how the film was crafted. Obviously, if the film or its restoration sucks, all the extras and packaging don’t mean anything to me.
@@LanceThigpen for sure! if the film restoration sucks, nothing else matters! Criterion can 100% do their thing with how they want to packacge and what they want to put out - maybe I kinda lost it in the video but coming off being contacted by those other boutiques about people ripping them so much and how it affects sales and doing the video on that, I just dont understand why there is so much nagativity towards Arrow and SF etc for their releases when they are doing all of this work themselves in house to resotre films, offering better packaging, and a better price point - then Criterion can just license an already existing 4k, not even add HDR or Dolby vision to it and everyone applauds...that is what I am trying to figure out, that doesnt make sense to me... For me, now, packaging also matters...I am a collector and I look at the whole package... when you go see a show on Broadway, part of the experience is the glitz, glamour, the beautiful theater etc etc -essientually "the packaging" - it is all part of the prestige of the experience to me! - BUT I understand that is just me personally, so I kept it more to restoration/release work being done!
I like some of Criterion's stuff but they're basically caviar compared to sirloin steak. A lot of it is just artsy stuff no one has ever heard of and had gotten some notoriety back in the day but long forgotten now.
Criterion is overrated! Just my feeling on it. a cash grab scam on movie nerds! It's great they put out classic films and remaster them and all that but the pricing is bull s***! The films they put out don't need to coast anything over $10 or $20! I love SEVEN SAMUARI and GODZILLA! it coast me a LOT of money i had to save up to get GODZILLA and i'm not paying $49 for SEVEN SAMUARI! Akira Kurosawa and Ishirō Honda are both passed away and are not making money from it and i'm pretty sure Toho has issued cheaper editions in Japan the common person can buy! But nope! not here in the USA! Criterion owns the copyright! you pay all the money! Don't matter who is alive or not that was involved with it! Just more people will pirate stuff and young people will be even less interested in classic cinema! Also the way their streaming site is run sucks, coasts too much and does not come on a lot of TVs app stores! Never liked them!
Criterion - The lazy boutique label (recently). I liked them before when they released The Rock on dvd or Seven Samurai on dvd but the last bluray, never 4k im glad; I almost bought Night of the living dead, I bought from Criterion was Bruce Lee collection and that release was good...until Arrow released their 4k of Bruce Lee and crushed Criterion´s bluray collection...hehe. Althou, I didnt like Arrow´s take on Game of death, mainly because it lacked the original cantonese soundtrack; like one found the dvd from the 90ies which had the original cantonese soundtrack (if Arrow could just cleaned up the dvd version plus putting in the log scene, that they found, then it would have been a 5/5 release) and was far more entertaining, than Arrow´s take, how they did the construction of Bruce Lee supposed story. I felt Arrow´s take on Game of death was far too long and how should I say this, was a bit wokey or sjw esque for my taste, it felt cringy in places. But the rest of the collection was spot on! I feel since long time now Criterion is an overrated label and Im no longer supporting them, their releases are too overly pricey when u dont get that much than other labels for the same movie title. Thou I dont know why some other labels uses the same transfer from Criterion, apparently Second sight used the same transfer from Criterion for the movie Mean Streets!? Why, Second sight, why?! Lazy also on the Second sight label. Sony for instance does release several 4ks later on with dolby vision, like Criterion releases later on 4ks after they just released blurays for the same movie title, but alteast Sony restores mostly their movies in house compared what u told us in this video that Criterion just licensing, than just restoring a movie from the ground up of original camera negative. Lazy way by Criterion and scamming, in my opinion, customers. The movie Risky business released by Criterion lacks original stereo, just has 5.1, wtf C!?!
That is how it goes with these labels when they are put on a pedestal, they get no accountability! Only way is not buy from them until they notice and change their ways how they handle movies. Once someone grows big, their egos does aswell.
I was happy with the CC Bruce Lee collection. I only had a couple of these movies on the mainstream BD releases previously. Sure the Arrow 4K looks better, but I'm not really that hot on 4KBD to begin with.
Physical Media NEWS and WHY it seems like Criterion gets a FREE PASS with their announcements! Pop that tape in, I got you, let's go do this! For those who seem to be commenting before watching the whole video or are skipping around and missing info, my issue is less about what Criterion does (I am a firm believer in boutiques releasing whatever they want to release or can release - so, this is more about why they get praised for less work while other boutiques get criticized for more work and more options... Criterion just happens to be the basis for comparision on that subject, it could have been anyone but it is occuring with them
I could'nt agree more. Criterion is not bad, I appreciate all of the boutique labels for how they are promoting film. That said, Criterion is overpricing and under delivering. Even the sales are a joke. An MSRP of $40 to $50 dollars is just a disingenuous place holder for the "half off" sale price.
Again, it's not hating, there just needs to be room for consumers to criticize a company in good faith.
Criterion just keeps re-releasing things in 4K that people already have.
Has somebody who only collects 4k… good
@@robertfaulkner1824 I may do a video about it, but I am noticing that 4K Blu-ray is incredibly disappointing. Unless the Blu-ray just didn't look that good, these 4Ks are just like music remasters imo. They are reselling you a product you already bought but now finally doing it correctly. They could put those masters on Blu-ray, but there's more money in selling a new format. Most are 2K upscales anyway.
@@stonesfan285 I would say most films are 2k upscales… I would say the majority are 4k scans from original negatives. Again… nobody is reselling me anything cause I only collect 4k. I can definitely tell the difference in fine detail (especially on close ups) and color/contrast is like night and day. You do you. If it’s not worth it to you then don’t buy it. It’s like you guys feel like if you don’t want to upgrade then the upgrade shouldn’t even exist.
Nailed it! Criterion for sure gets a pass these days for doing much less than the other boutiques . For all the people who missed the point- you are making the point! LOL. I buy from Criterion and will continue to when they have stuff I want but the fact is other boutiques are doing better stuff right now but people still praise Criterion while talking bad about other boutiques (who ironically are the ones doing MORE) it’s comical really.
I don't have a problem with anything you do concerning Criterion. Movies get re-released by labels constantly, if you don't like a movie or director that's just a matter of taste. And if you think it's too expensive? What you really mean is it's too expensive for you, for whatever reason how you value a purchase. That's not a dig, and I'm not trying to be rude. I don't think Criterion is getting a pass other boutiques don't. It mostly boils down to if it doesn't interest you, don't buy it.
I am not talking about cost or taste - those are factors, but not the focus of the video...the point of the video is that all of these other labels are being taken to task when they simply dont put out what people want them to OR if they put out a 4k that had a bluray at some point - even when they are predominantly doing the restoration work themselves meanwhile, Criterion is getting applauded for their announcements by a lot of the same people but those announcments include several films that not only have blurays but also have 4ks...and they include stuff that Criterion recently released on bluray and Criterion isnt even doing a lot of the resto work themselves...my whole question in the video is WHY the different standards
I didn't take the video as a statement for or against Criterion. These channels are critics
ews sources when it comes to physical media. I think the point was that it seems like a number of reviewers and critics in the space aren't objective when it comes to Criterion. Then the question is why that is. I personally really like the Criterion brand. I just want them to keep pace with the other modern studios. The only way that happens is if we ask honest questions when they don't measure up. I agree 100% about buying what you like, but there's also value in discussing our choices.
@@jcrashmore man you nailed it!!!! my whole point of the video! thank you! perfectly said summation of my thoughts!
@@jcrashmore I didn't see it as against Criterion either. I just humbly disagree with the issues.
@@AVAPopCulture Again, wasn't trying to be rude. I just honestly don't think any of this is really an issue. That being said, I DO think your channel is great. And I think you do excellent work, didn't want you to think I'm a hater. I'm just happy when any movie I like comes out in any decent presentation (or even semi decent sometimes).
I totally agree with your comments here Chase, it seems like Criterion seems to be mailing it in lately as everyone has put them on a pedestal. The packaging on their newer releases now seem to always get the cheap fold out booklet. Gone are the days that they produce a quality 40 or 50 page book, like what Arrow and Vinegar Syndrome includes in their packing on a regular basis. And if they put out a 4K release for something that they already had put out in Blu-Ray then the packaging and extras are just the same as their Blu-Ray release
Glad im not the only one who isnt excited for The shape of water. Im actually not excited for this months criterion releases except for Paper Moon. I love Paper Moon and have been
waiting for a good version for a while. great video keep up the good work 👍👍👍
thanks man! I am totally cool with anything any lable wants to put out...I'll buy what I want and pass over what I dont and I assume someone else is looking for it...my issue is all the praise they get for the stuff that gets other boutiqes blasted
@@AVAPopCulture theres definitely a lot of criterion fan boys that like everything they put out. I dont really care if its criterion, scream factory or
vinegar syndrome. I just want the movie im looking for with a good transfer. I do own a lot of criterions though mostly for classic hollywood stuff.
I knew this video was coming and I really think you nailed it. I honestly feel for years now that Criterion has relied on the name and has in no way kept up with the packaging, special features, or video quality of almost any of the boutique labels. And as far as pricing when almost any you tuber will tell you to wait until the flash or Barnes and Noble sales that tells you right there their releases are over priced
I have certainly took some heat for it from some lol...really the video has less to do with Crtierion themselves, as I think boutiques have the right to do what they want, but more to do with how people are so hard on other boutiques for seemingly putting in way more effort and applaud Criterion for doing things they'd kill other boutiques for doing
To a lot of people, Criterion is a chance to get to see (art) films, that they wouldn't otherwise see, like VS does with underground. They are sort of the same, just at different end of the (art) scale. I love them both but I don't buy everything from either. I like Criterion's artwork for Shape of Water a lot more than the original release. I think they are truly very good with the artwork. Seven Samurai ... I gotta admit, I've seen it twice and it's a masterpiece but I was very bored both times. I wont get it, but if I wanted it, I would buy the BFI, even though it would fuck up the uniformity of my shelves (and that is very important to me, so maybe I wouldn't). I mainly collect four companies - Criterion, VS, Arrow and Deaf Crocodile. I just cannot afford everything, sadly. Of course I buy other stuff too, if it's something I love. I wish Arrow would do all Brian De Palma's films. Their box sets are amazing.
I could've bought The Shape of Water in 4K UHD Blu-ray for $10.00 if I wanted it, but I don't.
@@slimdude2011 yeah it has been readily available for a long time but I haven't felt the need to grab it
I find this quite mind boggling as well. Shortly after watching your video I watched another UA-camr who was reviewing the upcoming Criterion releases. He basically explained that the upgrades were just that; nothing new in the artwork and special features department. He did mention the BFI Seven Samurai release and even mentioned that that's the upgrade that he would be getting. Then, to close the video he asks if everyone is as excited about the new releases as he is. Head scratcher!
@devilshape6657 exactly!! I don't get it...the mentality seems to be no matter what they do or put out it is great just because it is Criterion lol....
I agree with you for the most part, but I’m mostly disappointed that some of these new releases don’t even have a commentary. Criterion was late to the game on 4K releases.
I imagine that is all part of the issue with putting out stuff that has recent blu rays or already has existing 4ks, it is hard to get people to do special features again so quickly!
@@AVAPopCulture yep, Criterion is getting cheap on their special features, the commentaries used to be done by film historians on older movies and I don’t know why the 4K specs are so weak now.
Part of me wonders if they are slow to put out 4k upgrades because Criterion doesn't really do limited releases. They could be sitting on huge backstock of Bluray versions of titles when putting out a 4k would lessen the chances of clearing that out. I feel like most people buying Criterion are already buying them because they want a premium product.I don't think that type of customer generally buys a bluray if a 4k exists. I am sure there are business reasons behind all these decisions.
@@jcrashmore considering the 40 film box of blu rays they put out, Id say they are probably sitting on tons of them that they havent moved and are trying to get rid of -so you may be onto sometthing there
@@jcrashmore oh definitely, Criterion has a lot of titles that have 4K scans, but they’ve only been released on Blu Ray.
Man, I need the lighting setup that you’re using. I’m not a filmmaker and I’m left to figure this stuff out by trial and error, and mostly error. 🍺
Criterion is the Godfathers of the physical media - especially in Blu-Ray. Although I like Olive Films, Shout, Kino, Arrow …… but I get what you mean, people do give them a lot more slack. I love Second Sight, but those are always hard to get. 😎
I fully appreciate their history but like I mentioned to someone, no NFL team is gonna pay John Elway or Joe Montana to come be their starting QB because they are hall of famers who were amazing 30 or so years ago...you have to maintain a standard if you want to charge a premium in my opinion
@@AVAPopCulture I agree - I have always found them to be a bit higher $$$ - I just think they should do more - sometimes they get what feels a little bit lazy.
@@Capoeiraplaya22 agreed and it is totally fine if they want to be lazy lol...I feel like a lot of folks in the comments immediately went on the defensive when this is less about Criterion and what they are doing and the point of the video is phyeiscal media youtubers and fans patting them on the back for lessor work and taking other boutiques to the woodshed despite them doing more work LOL
You mentioned it why Criterion is so revered, they are the godfather of physical media.They have been around for over 30years. Commentaries, special features and packaging they are the ones who started all that. Unfortunately they are not the same they took too long jump on the 4k bandwagon. Now they are playing catch up. Today all boutique labels look up to Criterion and are influenced by them. I understand how you feel especially the new collectors. You have to do research on the history of Criterion.
LOL, I talked about the history and how long they have been around....that doesnt give a free pass....I work in film, I make movies, I collect movies, I understand about their history...but what you did 30 years ago and $5 will get me a coffee at starbucks... no NFL team is going to pay me to be on their team because I played college football 25 years ago lol... if someone wants to give a free pass because they have been around longer, then fine but dont blast other companies for doing more work than what you are priasing Criterion for....
I don't think they get a free pass. No one buys a Criterion until the 50% sale comes along. I also feel Criterion uses their resources more on their streaming services (which is a very good service). Personally I feel Criterion is under looked in today's physical media market. Good discussion keep up the good work.
You just made his point. They are riding in the coattails of days past and not doing the same quality work or effort other labels are today but yet the other labels doing MORE are getting bashed and people are praising Criterion for doing less. It’s like giving Notre Dame a spot in the Natty because they were legends 30 years ago.
I think the other thing to remember is geographical location. For some 4K films on scream factory or shout, being located in the uk means we only have access to BFI or Criterion. In cases for very popular movies a standard 4K is the best option this side of the pond.
Some great points made in this vid, and I totally agree with you about The Shape of Water, it's a decent movie but it's highly overrated imo and people bang on about it like it's one of the greatest films ever, when it just isn't.
@townsjim thank you! And I agree...I feel like it is just a "fancy" take of the creature from the black lagoon
Thank You for the Video 😀
Paper Moon is the only Criterion, November release that I'm excited for. It has never been available in the U.S. on bluray, only a region B release. Plus, it's going to get the whole restoration process with HDR! It's not my favorite movie but is a decent watch and is one of my wife's favorite movies. So, I already have it on my "targets" list.
They don’t get a free pass, but the tubers and theres more than one, think there smarter than us, or are acting high brow when it comes to most of Criterion’s movies. You referenced one …I cant watch him for the same reason. I personally think Arrow and KL are putting out the best stuff right now. I have many Criterion’s, I buy the ones i like when they are 50% off. If there was another 50% off sale today, i don’t think theres a single movie i would buy because most of there catalogue isn’t interesting to me.
Im the same, I buy what I like from everyone, but there just isnt as many Criterion that fit into my tastes and I dont need to buy a bunch of movies I am not interested in watching in order to act like I am more of a film afficianado if that is what some folks are doing lol....
In defense of SF, some of the 4K upgrade titles they are releasing are and will be titles that have been out of print and would have been expensive otherwise. Poltergeist 2 is a good example.
EXACTLY!!!
I think a big reason people don’t care much about Criterion’s pricing is due to how B&N has their bi-annual 50% off CC sale. Just hold off until July and November and you’ll only pay $20 for Blu-ray’s or $25 for 4k’s.
maybe, but the pricing wasnt as big of an issue for me here (all the boutiques have multiple 50% off sales per year) as people patting htem on the back for puttin gout 4ks that already have 4ks (or quickly following blu rays with 4ks) while a lot of those same people will be upset with other boutiques if they did that -or if other boutiques just dont put out stuff they are looking for...
@AVAPopCulture personally, I don't care when Criterion or anyone does it. It's just another format available to those who want it. Don't understand complaining about boutique labels putting out 4Ks of movies that already have them off label. The point is have a version of that movie from that label with its special features. The only reason I could see anyone having a problem with this is if they are compelled to buy every single release and they don't like buying repeats, but that's more of a "them" problem than a problem with the boutique labels that do these things.
@@AVAPopCulture I think your video is more a critique on UA-cam presenters than the general population of physical media collectors, and I think you say that in your video. However, Scream Factory has built up a reputation for being the king of boutiques so people expect a little more from them. But I’m happy if I want to buy 2 or 3 of their titles in a given month. I chat with my friends when the labels release their monthly slates to see what everyone’s excited about, but I never get mad when I realize I’m only going to be buying 3 SF titles in the month because it helps me budget for what VS, Kino, Arrow, Umbrella, Severin and all the other boutiques are dropping. We’re truly spoiled with all the great physical media coming out right now.
@ahaubert80 I think a lot people missed the fact that it was less of a call out on Criterion and more of call out on as to why there is a double standard among youtube physical media creators!!!
I agree. So many out there go gaga over Criterion. I'm not one of those people. I will not buy from them unless it is something I actually like and want to own. I think I have only 3 Criterion 4Ks and 2 of those were upgrade over the Criterion blurays. Like you said the packaging did not change. I think that is so lazy of them! I remember back in the day when they actually licensed and released good movies. I still have my Robocop laserdisc from them. Also the DVDs for The Rock and Armageddon. But again, like you said, they can't do anything wrong in the eyes of the collectors out there.
100%!!! and that just kinda baffels me lol...I dont know why they get so much praise so easily...I think maybe I have 10, maybe a dozen Criterions
I think comparing the limited release region B for extras disk BFI to the Criterion is a bit apples to oranges. If you don't care about the extras or in UK/region B area and gonna get it ASAP sure go BFI but otherwise most people will go Criterion and nobody who's patient gets a Criterion full price
@MogwaiInjustice the extras that Criterion is putting out on this 4k are the exact same ones that were on their bluray release- so there is nothing to add there...and what matters the most is the movie, it's quality, and restoration ... the idea that the MSRP that Criterion puts its movies out at and sells them for 10 months out of the year is not actually the "real price" is silly... that is the price 10 months a year - every boutique does multiple 50% off sales per year
Del Toro wanted The Shape of Water released on Criterion. Nightmare Alley is going get rereleased on criterion 4k but will include a black and white version
And Toho is to blame for a lot of Godzilla .
Janus films does a lot of there restorations but don’t they work together so does that count as criterion doing the restoration?
Yes. It does.
Criterion is fine but for me, way too expensive and the material is not of interest. Prefer many other labels to them. I have bought some of their blurays but generally only in a sale. They certainly aim at the top end of the market
I concur with all the points you made. I liked the criterion for the longest time and still do but there's so much competition with other labels now. They've flamed out and lost their prestige they once had. Other boutiques are actually working on the camera negative and doing hdr10/dolby vision, and frankly beating them to the punch. And then the deluxe package from other companies is unbeatable, so there's nothing I disagree with. They've built their reputation over decades and we can't take that away from them, but we can honestly say they've been slacking in the physical media game lately. Maybe a bit overrated at this point.
I hate to say it but I agree and that is kinda part of what I was pointing out because they still get so praised....I don't want to pay for something that somebody or something "Was doing" 30 years ago...they need to maintian a standard and they are getting passed but still getting the same praise...that is my issue!
Not fussed about collector's stuff , have a few steelbooks now but it's just the movie for me 👍 my latest movie is where the crawdads sing cost 7gbp can't go wrong 🤣
Oooo. Fightin’ words..
In my opinion, Criterion used to curate high quality and unique artistic films.
Over the last decade or more, it seems they have been much less selective.
I was under the impression in the past that their products were created for the connoisseur with high quality restoration that focused on the film itself. That could have just been my perception and not necessarily true.
Criterion does good work in general, but their competition(the boutique labels) have really stepped it up and are doing amazing work on a quality level rarely seen before.
I think what it means to be a collector has expanded from just focusing on the film to also focusing on the extras, packaging, and art. (Expanding the experience of watching films beyond just the film itself).
Grabbing some popcorn for the discussion
Great video.
Apologies for the wall of text.
As always these are my just opinions and I look forward to hearing what others think
Oh I have angered some folks for sure, but I wont say anything that I couldnt back up on the video which is why I showed what I was talking about LOL...It is disappointing to me that Criterion is not doing the level of hands on and in-house restoration work that SF, Arrow, and Vinegar Syndrome are doing when they have way more resources and have been around longer than those companies....combine that with other factors and I am just not sure why other labels who are arguably doing more work at a lessor price point are getting blasted and Criterion is getting praised for doing the same thing, or less in this case, and with less extras/packaging, at a high price point...
never apologize for long messages lol, I love the discussion!
You make good points, and I think that is what Chase was saying. The other labels have stepped up their game and are doing so much more than Criterion is today yet they get bashed.
I'm looking forward to Paper Moon and Funny Girl. That background info on restoring Funny Girl makes me think this could be a pretty good release if it really has been a collaborative effort for years.
I really don't understand why any label gets flak for bringing an existing bluray (even those based on a 4k scan) to 4k --why would that be a problem? Potential gains for resolution, color, and range !! When a company can take existing work and parlay it into a new 4k we get the option for a better release and they have fatter margin on every sale. Maximizing the revenue on previous work is how you get the funds to take on challenging new restorations which are more risky from a business perspective.
So I guess my point is, you're calling people out for not being consistent with their criticism when imo that criticism is BS for whatever label happens to be the target.
Upgrade or purchase whatever makes you happy!
I agree with you! It is far less about what Criterion is or isnt doing for me than about how people unevenly attack or praise... I want them all to put out everything they can! if I dont have it or want it, someone else will!
Bruh…😂 Criterion’s are done in Dubly…they’re beyond reproach (wish they would do a Spinal Tap 4k come to think of it)
@@stickywicked447 🤣
I feel like these are entitled complaints 🤷🏻♂️ but to each their own, I guess
I could care less what any lable puts out...I am going to buy what I like from each label....complaining a boutique is horrible because they dont put out specifically what you want to add to your collection is entitled, discussing a boutique getting praised for using existing 4ks to make their own 4ks while simultaneously blasting other companies for simply upgrading blurays to 4ks is pretty objective
Entitled how? It wasn’t about the movies per se. He was using them as a “for instance” to make his point that people praise Criterion (just because they are Criterion) when they simultaneously trash other boutiques who are doing more. This was a complaint about fans with a massive double standard.
I don’t live and die by Criterion but some do ha ha. I have 20 and only pick up specific releases.
Appreciate people who love them but they are not something I go out of my way to pick up. Great video topic.
thanks man! I feel like a lot of people who are big Criterion fans reacted very defnesively to this and rushed to be angry before listening to the video -even when I said a bunch of times I am not attacking Criterion, they are free to do what they want! I am asking why they get applause for doing stuff that gets other boutiques attacked lol
It’s a great question to ask for sure why they get a pass
Would love to see a reissue of the movie, Traffic
Criterion is an entrenched cult, more than any other boutique because of how far back their history goes and the general arthouse/snob factor they've marketed themselves for, over decades. That BFI 7 Samurai with actual HDR definitely seems the way to go. And that Shape Of Water release just seems pointless with an existing 4k out for years...seems like some sweetheart deal with Del Toro just to add another of his films to the "vaunted" Criterion collection. I'd like to buy the Godzilla 4k because I don't own that film in any format. Will wait for the Barnes&Noble sale as usual. I have about 1500 films and only 15 or so Criterion, I'm not drawn to most of their catalog.
I 100% echo all of that! including Godzilla, I will probably pick it up becaus eI dont have it at all....I am just kind dumbfounded that they can do all you just said and that I mentioned and still get praised while other boutiques get ripped for doing more lol....it is that double standard question that I am trying to figure out
Exactly- it’s more about caring for the “Brand”than the work they are actually doing or putting out. Which cool, love you you love, but don’t trash another company who is actually outperforming your beloved “Brand” just buy your Brand just because it’s your Brand and keep the comments about other to your self.
I'm thinking I'll get the BFI Seven Samurai... but I am reading conflicting information about the blu-ray disc that comes with the 4K: is it Region B? Or Region Free?
I beleive it is region B but I am seeing the same conflicitng info -I will say, if you already had the Criterion BluRay, their special features on their 4k are the exact same, so you could get the BFI 4k and hang onto the Criterion Eextra features bluray and have the best of both worlds if the new BFI bluray is region B and you dont have a region free player
@AVAPopCulture even if the 2nd disc is Region B locked, the BFI still seems like the better deal. Now, do order from diabolick or orbit?
@@MyFireVideos I agree! and for me, I usually choose Orbit because they seem to always get stuff to me so damn fast!!
@@AVAPopCulture nice. Thanks for the recommendation. Do you have an affiliate link I can use to get you credit?
Criterion products are not cheap. I heard that some 4K restorations are using AI to give the films a different look. What the hell. Make sure the 4K you buy do not use AI. The restorations should only use the original film material. Those old films were pretty good. Some directors prefer to use films rather than use digital technology.
I hear you and you've made some fair points. But Criterion has an excellent reputation and excellent collection of movies. So, when it adds a 4K version to its collection to improve its library, I'm happy. I wish you had discussed the special features that come with Shape of Water because Criterion sometimes adds new content. Did it with The Shape of Water? And how does Criterion get to advertise "Director approved"? Are the other 4K versions out there director approved?😮
thanks for the discussion! I do beleive there is 1 new interview, otherwise all of the special features and 4k scan are the same as the current 4k release....if he signed off on that release then it is director approved...some thing as only needing about 1% of a movie to be inspired by a true story to say it is "based on a true story" I would suppose lol...plenty of times stuidos work with directors on those types of releases, it is not just boutiques that do that!
yeah baby, let's go do this!
0/6 lol. I’m like you. I’m not a criterion guy. I buy some that I love to fit my collection.
That’s why I don’t do criterion content. Tbh. But I woulda prob shit on this drop too if I did. I did some criterion content when I first got on UA-cam and the criterion community ruined that kinda content for me.
I can see why they ruined it for you LOL...I think I own maybe 12 total Criterion and the only ones out there that I dont have that I want from their collection are "The Others" and "Repo Man"...I mentioned this to someone else on here but the way some of these folks act is like back many years ago when digital filmmaking started and some of us inide folks were workign with $5k DSLR cameras but there would always be that one group of "filmmakers" who spent their whole budget to rent the new "Red One" camera and they'd take a boatload of photos standing next to that camera just to "look like, serious filmmakers" - meanwhile we were over there actually making movies with our cameras - I get that same vibe with some Criterion folks LOL...I seriously just couldnt understand the love for this drop and the idea that they can do no wrong...I can literally already buy 3 of these 6 4ks that they are dropping...smh
btw- I am looking forward to your ranking video on NOES! I am always interested to see who's favorite NOES films line up with mine lol...and that Frignt Night 2 video - dude - that is a movie that is screaming to be done in 4k! It is so damn hard to find a copy of it period!
@@AVAPopCulture oh def! Both should drop this week. Thinking I may make the Freddy one a live to see everyone yell at me LOL
Heck yeah man! I'm so fired up that NOES is getting this 4k and I'm hoping it really does get the others out there too - but just seeing the renewed energy around NOES is so huge! First horror movie I ever saw!!
I think there are many labels like that and just as many who get slated. The joys of the internet!
seems kinda unbalanced lol
@@AVAPopCulture I have seen Criterion have some criticism though on forums. Who knows...
lol, just looking through your comment section and I just want to say welcome to the true physical media community. It's chock a block with hypocrites, liars, and label fanboys. That's why I will never, ever consider myself part of that community. The people I follow that talk about physical media, do not consider themselves a part of that community. This is just a taste, it gets worse. Just adding my two cents.
Best of luck to you with your career and your channel. I like your work here, please keep it up.
@Geeoh19 thanks lol...man after nearly 20 years of dealing with fans and movie critics ripping my work apart, this is child's play lol...
I practice the "harness good, block bad" approach I learned from Happy Gilmore 😂🤣😂
@@AVAPopCulture lol, "It's circular".
Hi! My thoughts.
I think Criterion has reached the status of being the Original botique label and therefore a class higher. Also many seem to claim they are more selective with what titles they release. The ”arty” people, who looks down on pop culture and sees themselves as elevated beings, seem to have choosen Criterion as their goto.
I am not collecting Criterion. Not because I dont want to own some of their titles due to what group loves them or not, but I seldomly like their artwork and as you say they just dump over existing scans too often. Sometimes they do cool artwork. Videodrome on disc looking as a Beta tape and the, not so liked by Criterion fans, Citizen K release with that cool letter K on black. Loved that. Stuck out well too.
To be honest Arrow also re-uses the same slipcases for the 4K releases they already have on bluray. But the movie case has then a black color instesd of the crystal casing.
So many good Botique labels out there. Umbrella coming up strong. Vinegar Syndrome expanding continuesly with new sublabels and more expensive titles.
Severin, Blue Underground, Shout/Scream factory and smaller newcomers popping up all over. Physical mddia feels safe right now. 😊
Cheers!
Long live physical media!!!! give me all of it you can give me from every label is my thoughts!
Uh oh! Class is in section! Professor Chase just walked in
I don't really understand your complaint. If you think that any one boutique label is given an advantage over another or some kind of "pass", and this angers you, don't patronize them. It seems pretty easy; spend your money elsewhere. If you've never heard of Funny Girl, and have little or no interest in older titles; don't let it upset you, just don't buy it. Also, I know for a fact that both Arrow and Scream Factory (both of which I love) have cut their share of corners and gotten away with it in the past. I believe you didn't look hard enough. In short; chill, dude. Everything's gonna be all right.
LOL if you think the complaint was with the label itself, you've totally lost the plot of the video...in short dude, pay attention
@@AVAPopCulture I did. It's always the same with you right wingers; if you don't like something or disagree, you automatically get angry.
HDR without a director or cinematographer approval is revisionism. That's why they don't slap shitty HDR on their 4ks like a lot of the UK labels do. Criterion walked so every other label could run. I've never been into the big boxes, posters, art cards etc...That's something all the 80s horror collectors that just started buying stuff during lockdown are into. Criterion isn't getting a free pass at all. Also, they've got the best streaming channel and the revenue they get goes into more restorations (which they actually do a lot of) and more rep screenings. I've also been told by friends who have done commentary for them they're one of the best labels to work for.
If that is what you think that is cool...HDR is just the range from the darkest dark to the lightest light - it does not change what was there...and I am someone who is super particular about revisionism...as far as walking so others can run, that is unfortunately just not relevant to what they are doing now...nobody is going to pay a retired NFL hall of famer to be on their team because they were great 30 years ago...if you want to be the best and charge a premium, you have to maintian a standard of work and quality -outsourcing restorations and re-releasing things already available on 4k is below them...you cant charge people now for what you did years ago... Streaming is not relevant to the arguement that I am making here and is at odds with the preservation and gowth of physical media...
still my whole point is less about what criterion is doing, they can do what they want...it is about people patting them on the back for lessor work and criticizing others who are doing way more work...you may not be into posters and box sets etc BUT that stuff is part of the package and costs money, time, care and attention that Criterion is also skipping out on
@@AVAPopCultureI see what you’re saying but I think a label like Shout Factory is as guilty of everything that Criterion is guilty of. They use old restorations, old features, and the same three artists to do original covers in that cartoon style they have.
Hey Ava pop culture, do your homework on Criterion pricing 🤕 Hello 👋🏿 Criterion 50% off is twice a year, all 4k uhd movies with blu ray for $25 to $30 each!!!
Lol literally every boutique does 50% off twice a year... the other 10 months of the price is the real price...
Clearly you missed the point (and yet are making his point all in one) price is really irrelevant (but the prices you sell at twice a year doesn’t override the price you sell for 10 months out of the year) it’s about people who defend and give Criterion a pass when they are putting out less quality than all the other labels in todays market.
@@AVAPopCulture Once negative, always negative & just appreciate we're getting classic movies on 4k uhd 🏆
I think you made a great point. It doesn't make sense to jump and go buy just because it's the Criterion label. They have many obscure titles and just because they released it doesn't automatically make it great. I checked out the Criterion release of Wall.E despite having it on 4K. Big mistake. It was the same thing. Also, the packaging of Bluray and 4K looks the same - so watch out before buying. I liked the 4K of Thelma and Louise and Mulholland Drive. Tomorrow, if they release 4K of Almost Famous, I ain't buying it coz I already have it. Arrow Video, Shout, Kino Lorber and Vinegar Syndrome are doing a better job and release far superior and culturally relevant stuff with great packaging. Great video btw. Enjoyed it. Keep up the great work.
thank you so much! I am glad my point was clear to you and I agree with everything you said here! I think a lot of people came to this video who had never seen any of my videos and just got defensive thinking I was attacking Criterion (I literally had their 4k of Risky Buisness in my top 10 of the year so far lol) ....thank you again so much for watching and hanging around the channel with me!!
There’s something about criterion that makes other collectors feel less, it’s so odd.
Regardless, this is such a disingenuous video that’s it’s hard finding a place where to address all the Tom foolery lol
@LancasterDodd lol how exactly is it disingenuous? I'll wait...I'm literally showing you everything I am talking about
@@AVAPopCultureyour argument is that you don’t understand why people have a preference? You make up a saying that Criterion gets a free pass, but they have been criticized for years! You might have just been oblivious if you were not as deep in the scene before. But none of this discussion is helpful or matters
@CemeteryMan101 I never said I didn't understand why people have a preference LOL keep trying.... The question was, why do the same people blast other boutiques for things that they praise criterion for.
@@AVAPopCultureMy question to you is, why do you care so much about what people say about these labels?
@@AVAPopCulture 1. You just went on a B&N criterion haul and bought them half off. You're fully aware that these sales exist, yet you try to pass these releases off in full MSRP.
2. The japanese release of godzilla doesnt have english subtitles and has less extra features than the criterion release...oh and its cheaper during the B&N and criterion 50% off sales.
3. The bfi release is actually more expensive, its region b, and it way less extras than the criterion edition which will be release in November...for 30 dollars.
I'm just now getting into "golden age"/ "Old Hollywood" films after avoiding them like the plague for many years, because I honestly never thought I'd like any movie that was 80+ years old, I was never really into bw films either and when I was much younger my dad would either have these extremely old movies or tv shows (like the rifleman) on in my parents bedroom or in the living room after he got off work and as a child I thought they were the most boring things ever. But I was wrong, some of my favorite movies that I have watched this year are 40s, 50s and 60s movies. However most of the extremely old movies I really love are the more lesser known, underrated, or obscure ones that I typically hear no one talking about in today's time even if they were actually very successful when they came out not the ones that you constantly see on a greatest of all time list. I still haven't seen citizen kane or gone with the wind, or any Hitchcock film. I saw Casablanca once in flim studies class in then tenth grade about five years ago and I didn't get it. 🤷🏽 I liked Sabrina more than Casablanca and I was like the only person in the class that really like Sabrina, because most of my classmates weren't comfortable with the age gap between the main characters, but since everyones sensitivities are different I personally didn't mind it in fiction. 🤷🏽😂😂
I love criterion but I wish they would make the packaging different for new 4ks
they 100% need to do that!!
Paper Moon 4K ..is huge! It didn't even have US blu-ray. I preordered this and GODZILLA. It's not one of my favorite Howard Hawks films but I may get SCARFACE. And Del Toro is another in a series of overrated directors from the 20th/21st Century.
I’ve always heard of Criterion but never bought anything from them as they’ve yet to distribute a beloved classic from my personal lifetime as a Film Enthusiast so far in 4K that I want to buy & keep so I wonder if it is all hype
I am super selective with titles from them...I probably only own about a dozen
I feel like Criterion has done some excellent work in the past and has done important work overall for cinema fans. That said I get the impression they've been coasting or resting on their laurels a bit recently. I was disappointed their Seven Samurai 4k wouldn't have HDR for their release. I ended up ordering the UK BFI version from Orbit instead. Criterion needs to recognize they have serious market competition now or risk losing relevance down the road. This is a great example of why you shouldn't allow yourself to become a super fan of a brand, and instead take your money to who is offering the product you want. I'll still buy Criterion but it'll have to be the best version available to me.
100000% agree!!! I am a big proponent of Boutiques putting out whatever they want to but I dont understand giving one boutique so much praise for lessor work and being upset with others who are putting in more work... I buy the movies I want from each label - it isnt just a label thing for me!
@@AVAPopCulture I don't get it either. The only thing I can figure is maybe there's a bunch of folks with huge Criterion collections they've overspent on and need to justify it by hyping them up blindly. I say shop the 50% off Criterion sales, so you have extra money to buy the better versions on other boutiques as needed :) I will never understand brand loyalty to the point of blind faith. I'm glad you put out the video, as I thought the same thing when I discovered the issues with their Severn Samurai release.
I’m a del toro fan boy so I see your point but I love the shape of water I have the 4k would only double dip for the packaging. Criterion wasn’t a big deal until it was easy content and those 50% off sales would get views but I didn’t even do one this year bc Criterion isn’t without fault but it’s on that pedestal. I’ve had no urge to upgrade my criterion’s to 4k the blu is fine but when scream factory released 4ks later everyone complained criterion gets praise 😂
that last part is the whole issue of the video that a lot of comments seem to be missing in here LOL---- my whole question in the video is WHY the different standards....could you imagine if scream factory's releases included 3 films that already had 4ks that they simply licenesed and re-packaged???? holy moley the internet would break LOL
It's fair criticism. I have been less and less excited over the past few years with Criterion's output. I used to buy more of their titles (when I had more disposable income) based solely off the fact that they were releasing so many films I had never heard of, from so many different countries. It was an exploratory period. I've seen so much great cinema through them. But their business practices of late have been less than desirable. I went from buying 20 or more titles from them per year on average to about 5. In fact, I've only bought 2 this year at the B&N sale. Their selection has evolved into about a 50+% mix of slight upgrades of their own previous titles and popular films that already have great upgrades from other labels. It's kinda sad.
I think everything you said is fair and kinda how I feel too
I have been buying Criterion releases for a long time, but I am selective with what I buy from them, just like I am with other labels. I see you're getting blasted by Criterion fans for just pointing out the most obvious issues. I guess you have your answer. People give Criterion a pass on these things because they just love Criterion. Those who do have issues with some of their releases won't make negative videos about them because they know that they'll get blasted in the comment section for not holding Criterion above it all. As someone who's been building a library of the movies and television that I love since the 80s, I hold no one above criticism. I praise Criterion for the things they do that I love, but I don't hesitate to criticize them or anyone else when they fall short. You especially hit home with me on the packaging. I even accidentally bought a DVD instead of a Blu-ray several years ago because the packaging was identical, and they were together.😂
@JerryRoark777 many years of having my own movies ripped by fans and critics have made this comments section child's play 😆
But you hit on it all perfectly...I don't buy enough criterion to worry about too many videos for them to comment on ...
I'm like you, labels are free to put out whatever they want to, I am just going to pick the things I want and skip the rest!
@AVAPopCulture I would need more than "Elon Musk money" if I bought everything released over the past four decades. Not that I haven't been standing in line at the video store next to the sales table and done the "that looks interesting" thing with a stack of VHS tapes.😆
@@JerryRoark777 🤣😂
Your totally right bw looks better with hdr and dolby vision my opinion is just keep the blue ray
doesnt it!? It is crazy how good black and white can look with HDR & Dolby Vision!
I've also not been that happy with some of Criterion's transfers. Memories of Murder needs to be redone imo.
I only own about 15 or so Criterion but I have heard a several friends talk about finding their 4ks a little lacking, I have not had that issue myself yet but I dont buy a lot of Criterion
@@AVAPopCulture I guess I haven't bought them simply because they were Criterion discs. It was just a movie I liked, wanted to own on Blu-ray and the Criterion was considered the best transfer. I don't care much for 4K Blu-ray. I have a few but I buy Blu-ray 99% of the time.
You’re comparing Criterion releasing ‘The Body of Water’ to SHOUT Factory releasing ‘Death Becomes Her’ on 4K. Firstly, you are comparing October releases for one company to the November releases of another. How about comparing Criterion’s November releases to another’s November releases. Secondly, how many extras did SHOUT add to the ‘Death Becomes Her’ 4K from the original BluRay? When stating Criterion has done “nothing themselves” you seem to forget extras!
Im talking about 4k restoration work which is where the real work happens... we are comparing releases within a couple weeks of each other, who cares if the come out in November or October, that is irrelevant to the point... The Shape of Water has ALREADY been released on 4k!!!! You really want credit for copying someone else's 4k scan and putting your label on it? really? and as far as the movies themselves, taste is subjective so that really is irrelevant too.....
@AVAPopCulture, where did I mention taste in films? I agree that is subjective. That’s why I never raised it. I have re-read my post 3X and am not seeing what you apparently saw. What did I write? I am really curious.
As for ‘The Shape of Water’ from Criterion, I didn’t pick up the studio 4K because I was hoping a boutique label would release it with more extras. Thankfully, because of the director’s choice, Criterion is the label doing it. Because of his insistence that Criterion release it, I can only assume he was happy with the existing transfer or I have no doubt he would’ve pushed them to redo the transfer.
BTW, this is not something unique to Criterion. I have a few SHOUT BluRays where the original studio is the one who not only did the transfer but the special features. SHOUT didn’t do anything other than new artwork. I recall a couple commentators calling this out at the time because the transfer the studio did and that SHOUT released had some issues that were just ported over. And in one case, they even dropped some of the original studio special features. To date, I haven’t heard anyone call them out!
BTW, when did creating new special features not count as work? Personally, I will pass on boutique releases that bypass special features. For instance, I will not be picking up SHOUT Factory’s 4K upgrade of ‘Death Becomes Her.’ I’m a huge Meryl Streep fan and have the BluRay and was mightily disappointed in the amount of work they put into special features for that so I won’t make the same mistake again. If the rights expire and another boutique, like say, Arrow re-releases the same 4K but with more special features, then I would buy it.
@@willnoiles2001 when you make this comment: "You’re comparing Criterion releasing ‘The Body of Water’ to SHOUT Factory releasing ‘Death Becomes Her’ on 4K. " it read as you are implying that Death Becomes Her is an inferior film to the shape of water which is why SF is putting out Death Becomes her and Criterion is putting out the shape of water.... that is where I am picking that up
@@willnoiles2001still missing the point- Criterion is getting a pass for “ nothing special” type releases while other labels are putting out and doing more work, better packing, and extras and getting dogged out- it’s not about Criterion per say, it’s more about the “fan-boys” praising them no matter what they do and ripping the other labels who are doing more. Double standards. It would be the same argument for anyone praising any label for doing less, while simultaneously ripping another label who is doing more.
@AVAPopCulture, sorry if that’s the way you interpreted it that way. I happen to like both films. Heck, ‘Death Becomes Her’ ranks a tad higher because it features that great performance by Meryl Streep. What I should have said is that while SHOUT Factory is upgrading ‘Death,’ they haven’t added anything to it. Hell, they added just one special feature to the BluRay. Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep and Bob Zemeckis are all alive and Bruce Willis was still well enough at the time of the BluRay. There are also plenty of critics who could have contributed a commentary. Yet, SF chose to spare every expense.
Whereas, Criterion is treating ‘The Shape of Water’ with the respect it deserves, even if the 4K transfer was already done for them.
The consumer ends up shelling out $50 for either. If I’m going to shell out that much for a 4K, I want more than just the film, I want the special features.
Criterion is not perfect. None of them are. But if we’re going to compare these two specific films, my money is going with the Criterion edition of ‘The Shape of Water.’
80 to 90% of Criterion movies I'd never buy so I don't pay much mind to them I bought a few during the sale this year Bound, One false move and To die for I like those type of 90s movies I'd never buy anything later then the 80s decade outside of a few 70s classic movies
I probably own 15 to 20 titles But I do like the simple look of the clear heavy duty case lol
hey I just bought the Risky Business 4k and had it in my top 10 4ks of the year so far! this is more about the praise they get for doing less work overall while other boutiques are getting killed who are doing way more work!
@@AVAPopCulture Risky Business is a title up my alley I'll grab that one for sure at some point that's a good thing about them no rush to buy day 1
@@AVAPopCulture but Kino is my fav label to buy right now because I'm on this buy up a bunch of 80s and 90s movies I've never seen kick I got Sudden Death on pre order
Godzilla and Scarface I'm will pick up on their next sale. I'm a big Paul Muni fan and he chews up the screen in Scarface. Now Godzilla I'm hopping they get the new Toho print and they will start releasing older Godzilla titles on 4k.
Godzilla I may pick up out of that announcement...but no hurry on it
@@AVAPopCulture Now that you explained that their using the blu-ray transfer for the 4k, I'm going to pass on Godzilla. They probably couldn't get the rights for new Toho transfer because of cost. Most Toho older Godzilla films have come from the original negatives, but no English subtitles are included.
@@mikefisher2673 I will probably eventually get it because I dont have it at all but if I had the blu-ray, I probably wouldnt upgrade - but that is just me!
@@AVAPopCulture I did the same with NOTLD, no HDR my blu-ray looked fine and the same with Godzilla on Blu-ray.
I’m sure you get now that people are slaves to a brand. Like how when Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid got a Criterion release, the internet was awash in newly minted lifelong Sam Peckinpah fans. Never mind that that flick barely cracks Peckinpah’s top 5 and before that release, he’d been written off as a drunken misogynist who only got off on excessive violence (But Straw Dogs was okay). Never mind that Kino Lorber put out 2 of his most under appreciated films, the completely nonviolent Steve McQueen classic Junior Bonner, and his wonderful crime classic “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia,” which gave a rare starting showcase for the legendary Warren Oates.
@bobcobb3654 I will just never understand being a "brand hound" or getting caught up in the hype train of what people say they like...I got taken to task for saying the same thing about how suddenly it seemed everyone was a huge lifelong Giallo fan after Arrow started dropping beautiful big sets lol...
@@AVAPopCulture I got that same vibe of folks parroting the “Giallo” claim when “Maxxxine” came out. I figured that flick was purely 80s “Dark Side of Hollywood” exploitation, specifically Brian De Palma and Paul Schrader (for gods sake, even the title font was directly lifted from “American Gigolo.”)
@@bobcobb3654 yep!
I totally agree with you. As a collector I've never understood people's love for Criterion. I've never bought any release from them. Their packaging alone is the worst of all boutique companies. Even Kino Lorber gives you a slipcover. I'll stick with Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow, Kino, Grindhouse Video, Full Moon Horror, Scream Factory etc.
I approach Criterion by picking specifically things that fit into my taste... Risky Business, Night of the Living Dead, Videodrome, Bull Durham, The Princess Bride, Dazed and Confused, Repo Man, After Hours, Some Like it Hot, and as a gift, Blue Velvet are all of the Criterion I own...if they have things that fit my taste, I will add them, but not really into their blind buys etc- they offer me no reason to risk a blind buy -they rarely do their own hands-on restorations it seems and they dont have nice packaging and art...I tend to buy more from everyone you mentioned!
@AVAPopCulture exactly you have to be highly selective. If 3 companies put out a release of the same film Criterions always has the poorest transfer. The packaging is so plain and boring. I have a friend that has a large movie library and he can never understand when he shows it to friends why they always skip past the shelves with his Criterion collection. I compare it to walking into a video store in the 80's and 90's and all the movies on the shelf look identical lol. Of course the video stores had the space to display the front of the packaging but imagine if they had to store them like collectors do with just the spine visible to customers. The spines all look the same it's like files in an office at work, just not very appealing when the movies don't have their own unique look in my opinion.
@@scottcunningham799 100% agree! The packaging and art are part of the experience to me...
@@scottcunningham799 I own 3000 discs that come from ever single distributer you can think of. Criterion spines look nice. It's fine if you don't like them but you 80s horror only guys are making the hobby insufferable.
Hot Take: I genuinely believe Criterion is so overrated. I do not understand why they have so much hype in the physical media community and why they are so revered. I brought my first Criterion and currently only back in April (Leave her to heaven), the video quality was fantastic, but so is the video quality of most of my other Blu rays. I have been more blown away by the video quality of my many of my other Blu rays, compared to that one. I personally do not care about special features either, unless it's subtitles or if a movie has multiple cuts, so I typically don't watch special features especially if it's an audio commentary or interview by someone who had ZERO involvement in the movie. That just doesn't interest me at all. I know this is an unpopular opinion by I am someone that's just interested in the movie. 🤷🏽 I also don't care for how criterion typically never uses the original artwork for movies and typically never includes it as reversible or alternative cover art, unlike other boutique labels. I typically like the original cover art better than almost any of their new covers.
With my copy of leave her to heaven, subtitles weren't listed as a part of the special features, so I originally assumed they're weren't any to my sheer disappointment, so I pressed the closed captioning button and there were no closed captions so I had to press the info/menu button on my remote and go above and beyond to find the close captioning. 😒 I don't get why they're treated like the greatest ever. I think they're good, but definitely not the greatest company in physical media like many others do. And like most boutique labels, they're prices are pretty damn expensive and I also don't care for the snobbiness of some of their fans when it comes to which movies "don't deserve" the criterion treatment. 😑
yeah I have never cared for "gatekeeping" when it comes to movies...movies are art to me and therfore subjective...so to say one isn't owrhty of any label is kind of offputting to me....if you want to focus on specific genres mroe then that is different, but to act like one film is good enouhg and another isnt, is kind of elitest ...
WTF! Criterion negativity rant, goddam where's your love for supporting physical media 🎥
LOL I hope that is sarcasm
You must not have watched the video. It’s really not about Criterion per say, it’s about the “Brand fans” who are dogging out other labels who happen to be putting out better work at the moment (and have been for a while) I’m all for buying whatever you want from whomever you want. just don’t trash other labels when they are outperforming said Brand. That argument would be true for any label. Recently there has been a lot of people trashing a bunch of labels, all of whom are doing more than Criterion and yet these same people trip over themselves praising criterion for less. This video was not pointed at Criterion it’s pointed at the “Brand fans” who are trashing other labels.
@@MediaFirst1426 The bottom line is we're finally getting great classic movies on 4k uhd 🎥 lol 🍻
Some people just collect the Label for the uniformity in their Collection. Which is perfectly fine.
@alexisedwards2784 that is fine....but I'm kinda asking the question more of those people who bash releases by other boutiques but praise these
What really irritates me is the gatekeepers. Those highbrow people who act as if you don't like all of the Criterion films, then you're not a true film fan. It's like they think they are superior.
I like Criterion and have a modest Criterion collection, but they lack creativity and are downright lazy with the artwork of the 4K titles. That really bugs me.
I'm putting this out there, but I'm excited for the Scream Factory October releases. In fact, I will be purchasing most of them because I really enjoy them, and they're finally on 4K.
This community is about the love of film, art, creativity, and all other things, but we dont have the time or patience for gatekeepers
1000000000000000% agreed my friend!!!! I mentioned this to someone else but this is what I think of:
back 20 years ago when indie digital filmmaking was starting and the Red One camera came out and was mega bucks, we'd be over here making a movie with DSLR HD cameras and there'd always be that one section of "filmmakers" who would spend a fortune and their whole budget on renting/buying a Red Camera and renting a full grip truck just to take their pictures beside them in order to "look like" a "serious filmmaker" - meanwhile they didnt know how to use them ,spent all their money on them, and either their movie never got finished or looked horrible - sometimes I think of that with Criterion hahahaha
That's a good one lol
Very well said! It’s not about Criterion it’s about the “fans” who give them a pass “because it’s Criterion” (insert high brow sarcastic tone of voice LOL) 🧐
@GBestDawgs That's the part that makes it toxic. Like cancer, it spreads. Hypothetically speaking, what if Scream/Shout Factory or Arrow say to themselves, "Well, seeing how successful Criterion is and how much the fans love them, maybe we should back off and stop putting in so much hard work and labor because when we do, people bitch and complain about it anyway." If that were the case, we ALL lose, and the "cancer" keeps spreading.
Is this complaining about people not complaining about Criterion? Do you see the hypocrisy??? This is just bizarre and not needed.
My recommendation - Don’t worry about what other people say and just focus on what you enjoy talking about and bringing to light.
No, hes addressing the double standard, as clearly stated. Do you realize the hypocrisy of telling him not to worry what others say, yet here you are attempting to passive aggressively suppress what he has/wants to say ?
@BUKUDI thank you!!! And it would be different If I has never said anything But I have been talking about the negativity about other boutique release announcements for a while...there is a double standard and I am simply asking why that is
@CemeteryMan101 lol you totally missed the point
@@BUKUDIThe problem is none of this matters. Why is there a need to defend a boutique studio? This is a pointless discussion and not a single point was made in the video. The real answer is that all of these studios are great and give us tons of options to select from.
@CemeteryMan101 lol whatever you say dude...maybe watch the video on collector negativity I did if you'd like some other context
Criterion is the "Snob" label and you're totally right.. They do get alot of passes. I don't know the specific reason but over the years I've seen alot of blutubers buy criterion releases and alot of them are clearly because they wanna seem more cultured about movies.. specially alot of younger collectors that wasn't even born when the movie was made so maby the "image" collectors gets from collecting them has something to do with it??? I don't buy a ton of them myself as they don't do many releases that really have my intrest. I do dog a bit on Scream Factory though and they do put out alot more releases that I like.
I make my Criterion picks fit into my taste - I dont expand and blind buy with them...back 20 years ago when indi digital filmmaking was starting and the Red One camera cam out ad was mega bucks, we'd be over here making a movie with DSLR HD cameras and there'd always be that one section of "filmmakers" who would spenda fortune and their whole budget on renting/buying a Red Camera and renting a full grip truck just to take their pictures beside them in order to "look like" a "serious filmmaker" - menawhile they didnt know how to use them ,spent all their money on them, and either their movie never got finished or looked horrible - sometimes I think of that with Criterion hahahaha
@@AVAPopCulture and you proberly wouldn't be far off haha...
In many ways, I agree. They have an image that people buy into. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se.
I can understand the concept for focusing on just the film without the “distractions” of packaging or extras. In some ways that should be a “purer” experience. It just doesn’t work for me.
I have come to the realization that, for me, I love the finished film but that my enjoyment is heightened by learning about how the film was crafted.
Obviously, if the film or its restoration sucks, all the extras and packaging don’t mean anything to me.
@@LanceThigpen for sure! if the film restoration sucks, nothing else matters! Criterion can 100% do their thing with how they want to packacge and what they want to put out - maybe I kinda lost it in the video but coming off being contacted by those other boutiques about people ripping them so much and how it affects sales and doing the video on that, I just dont understand why there is so much nagativity towards Arrow and SF etc for their releases when they are doing all of this work themselves in house to resotre films, offering better packaging, and a better price point -
then Criterion can just license an already existing 4k, not even add HDR or Dolby vision to it and everyone applauds...that is what I am trying to figure out, that doesnt make sense to me...
For me, now, packaging also matters...I am a collector and I look at the whole package... when you go see a show on Broadway, part of the experience is the glitz, glamour, the beautiful theater etc etc -essientually "the packaging" - it is all part of the prestige of the experience to me! - BUT I understand that is just me personally, so I kept it more to restoration/release work being done!
Funny girl. Why not where eagles dare ? Or the good the bad and the ugly
I like some of Criterion's stuff but they're basically caviar compared to sirloin steak. A lot of it is just artsy stuff no one has ever heard of and had gotten some notoriety back in the day but long forgotten now.
for sure!
Criterion is overrated! Just my feeling on it. a cash grab scam on movie nerds! It's great they put out classic films and remaster them and all that but the pricing is bull s***! The films they put out don't need to coast anything over $10 or $20! I love SEVEN SAMUARI and GODZILLA! it coast me a LOT of money i had to save up to get GODZILLA and i'm not paying $49 for SEVEN SAMUARI! Akira Kurosawa and Ishirō Honda are both passed away and are not making money from it and i'm pretty sure Toho has issued cheaper editions in Japan the common person can buy! But nope! not here in the USA! Criterion owns the copyright! you pay all the money! Don't matter who is alive or not that was involved with it! Just more people will pirate stuff and young people will be even less interested in classic cinema! Also the way their streaming site is run sucks, coasts too much and does not come on a lot of TVs app stores! Never liked them!
I certainly feel like you cannot charge a premium if you are no longer doing premium work!
Criterion - The lazy boutique label (recently). I liked them before when they released The Rock on dvd or Seven Samurai on dvd but the last bluray, never 4k im glad; I almost bought Night of the living dead, I bought from Criterion was Bruce Lee collection and that release was good...until Arrow released their 4k of Bruce Lee and crushed Criterion´s bluray collection...hehe. Althou, I didnt like Arrow´s take on Game of death, mainly because it lacked the original cantonese soundtrack; like one found the dvd from the 90ies which had the original cantonese soundtrack (if Arrow could just cleaned up the dvd version plus putting in the log scene, that they found, then it would have been a 5/5 release) and was far more entertaining, than Arrow´s take, how they did the construction of Bruce Lee supposed story. I felt Arrow´s take on Game of death was far too long and how should I say this, was a bit wokey or sjw esque for my taste, it felt cringy in places. But the rest of the collection was spot on! I feel since long time now Criterion is an overrated label and Im no longer supporting them, their releases are too overly pricey when u dont get that much than other labels for the same movie title. Thou I dont know why some other labels uses the same transfer from Criterion, apparently Second sight used the same transfer from Criterion for the movie Mean Streets!? Why, Second sight, why?! Lazy also on the Second sight label. Sony for instance does release several 4ks later on with dolby vision, like Criterion releases later on 4ks after they just released blurays for the same movie title, but alteast Sony restores mostly their movies in house compared what u told us in this video that Criterion just licensing, than just restoring a movie from the ground up of original camera negative. Lazy way by Criterion and scamming, in my opinion, customers. The movie Risky business released by Criterion lacks original stereo, just has 5.1, wtf C!?!
I was so sruprised when I discovered they werent doing most of their restoration work in-house...very surprised
That is how it goes with these labels when they are put on a pedestal, they get no accountability! Only way is not buy from them until they notice and change their ways how they handle movies. Once someone grows big, their egos does aswell.
I was happy with the CC Bruce Lee collection. I only had a couple of these movies on the mainstream BD releases previously. Sure the Arrow 4K looks better, but I'm not really that hot on 4KBD to begin with.