Should you WAIT FOR 4K or buy the BLU-RAY? - Physical Media / Criterion Collection

Is it worth waiting for a movie to come to 4K UHD or should you just buy the Blu-ray disc? It's a hot question among physical media collectors.
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[@ElliotCoen]

You can BUY some 50% off 4K Criterions here - amzn.to/3NM47wZ

[@jamied1579]

That helps but they're still over $50 each with shipping, exchange rates and government taxes. The other labels aren't much better in that regard. Being in Aus, I do forget about American Amazon sometimes...I'll go check that out. thanks 🙂 Once again, our Australian Amazon is less than than impressive when it comes to imported titles, very limited range of Criterions - I think I bought every title I thought was worth getting lol

[@DS8379]

I sure would Love some but...So Broke! I am making when I am rich list for Criterion, Arrow, Shout, Imprint etc

[@SamDavies94]

This is probably an unpopular opinion, but I still love Blu Ray as a format. The leap from SD to HD was massive. I'm a filmmaker/videographer myself, who shoots in 4K but I don't think it's 'necessary' for me to start upgrading and collecting in 4K Blu. The difference is noticeable but not big enough for me to throw money at it. A lot of blu rays look great and the surplus of different labels and the popularity of boutique has allowed very good restorations and releases, 2K scans/4K scans of classic films and early cinema has been wonderful within the Blu Ray format. I also feel that the difference between HD and 4K is near negligible if viewed on a smaller screen. I own a 4K player but I love my Blu ray collection of around 1100 titles, they're all very watchable, and I feel no need to upgrade.

[@jakfan09]

I pretty much never replace a Blu-ray with a 4k unless it's a film I love and I hear from someone I trust that it's a significant improvement.

Completely agree. The difference in quality isn’t enough to justify upgrading. I spent a lot upgrading every DVD I could to blu-ray and I’m perfectly happy with my blu-rays.

[@Jadewizard]

Hear hear!

[@estherp4867]

Same, but I also love lossless Blu Ray audio in comparison to DVD and CDs.

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

@Sam Davies I hope you will chime in on my question you seem to have the requisite knowledge.

[@nonsuch9301]

I kind of think this is a problem only for the compulsive collector. The simple rule is simply to never buy a movie only because it has just become available , instead wait until you want to actually watch it ( if a movie was released years ago and you managed to go this long without seeing it , can it be that important to you ? ) , then buy the best version available at the time.

[@theignorantintellectual]

That is very smart.

[@TheOneTrueBeard]

Yes!!!! Fomo is real and a lot of people can’t handle it

[@SWATTECHNOLOGIES]

Exactly correct. For example, Total Recall 4K came out at $24.95. It's now $7.99

[@chrisjfox8715]

"....managed to go this long without seeing it, can it be that important to you?" Well quite frankly, yes. You can love a movie but only be in the mood to sit with it years apart. This is especially the case for people that have huge collections - you can't watch them all. Even if you sat down and watched everything, there's some that'll sit collecting dust in the meantime. Sometimes a viewing of a film hits hardest when you've had a bit of time to "forget" about it, then the mood strikes when it strikes...at which point it's nice to have the nicest quality version of it on hand.

[@nasilgezdim]

It is true, however, some releases become out of print before their price go down. Particularly, boutique labels. For example arrow videos released a lot of Woody Allen films in the uk . Now they don’t their lost liecence so either you can’t find a copy of these films or super expensive. Even some random comedies like Shallow Hall costs £24 for a second hand blu ray it is because out of print. Sometimes it is better , if see it , then buy it ( if you can afford it of course ). Some of these titles by criterion also released in Europe ( France and Germany ) by different companies and can be more affordable. But Elliot prefers criterion which is more expensive.

[@twcc406]

If there is one film that Criterion should issue on 4K UHD it's 'Barry Lyndon'. They did a fantastic job with the 4K scan and packaging in 2017 but have still to announce a 4K upgrade. Kino are doing some great work filling the gaps with the early Stanley Kubrick catalogue but we are still missing a 4K UHD for 'Lolita', 'Barry Lyndon' and 'Eyes Wide Shut'.

[@SamLovesMovies25]

Yeah, that's one reason why I have held off on buying the Criterion Blu Ray of Solaris (Tarkovsky 1972), because I think it could look absolutely STUNNING in 4K, and the film probably gets enough attention/popularity (relatively speaking) to potentially make sense business-wise to put out a 4K version.

[@ElliotCoen]

I’d love to see Solaris in 4K!

[@chrisjfox8715]

Agreed but I feel like Stalker might have an even greater chance of being upgraded than Solaris

[@BirdArvid]

@@chrisjfox8715 All of Tarkovsky's films, please!

[@NameAC_]

the FR bluray of solaris is much better than the criterion.

[@ModernPlague]

​@@NameAC_ What's FR?

[@leiasleeping1282]

For me blu-ray is good enough. 4k is technically better but I don’t feel the need to have all of my movie in the highest quality format possible. I think maybe just keep upgrating a few of your favorites and the rest just let them be.

[@MrRutty1984]

If I really want to see the film I'll buy it on blu-ray and then after it gets an upgrade depending on how much I enjoyed the film will dictate weather I upgrade, but most of the time I just like to have the film I don't chase formats.

[@theignorantintellectual]

This is sage advice.

[@tompoynton]

Well given that Criterion don’t release their 4Ks in the UK, I’ll be sticking with their blu-rays for the foreseeable future. A good 4K scan in 1080p upscaled on a 4K telly looks absolutely fine anyway. I’m getting quite tired of everyone treating Criterion as the gold standard, when other distributors are making just as good as (if not superior) releases, such as Indicator. I’m super excited to see what their first 4Ks are going to be, for me they’re the best around these days.

[@iododendron3416]

I mean, a 4k restoration or 4k release should be a 4k restoration or 4k release no matter whether is being released by a boutique lable or it is a standard release. You might get more extras or higher quality cover art and packaging from the boutique lable but then again those can't save a bad movie.

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

thanks for the heads up on Indicator didn't know about them.

[@tompoynton]

@@JohnJohnson-bo5sv oh boy you’re in for a treat

[@444chroma]

I'm focused on 4k releases lately. Once I got a oled TV I could appreciate the HDR grade and finer resolution better.

[@ElliotCoen]

I think OLED or better is key to appreciating HDR

[@joshabdill839]

great video as always, although important to keep in mind for Kurosawa specifically that most of his films are owned by that one Japanese company (forget the name) who won't let those films get released on any format until its been released in Japan for a while, so for most of his we would likely know well ahead of time if they were coming down the pipeline

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Well they need to get on it and release those, for the love of God!

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

Criterion has done a good job with Kurosawa but there are still more that could be done. I thought RAN was a Criterion Blu but only DVD. I can't remember whose release I did get, but I do remember the reviews did favor one release to the other. Also the Stephen Price commentary isn't on all of them either. I was lucky to find a used DVD of RAN on Masterworks (I think it is called) and it did have it

[@MyFireVideos]

Great video. This is always the question. I addressed it a little in my last criterion haul video when talking about The New World. Keep it up! I enjoy these kinds of videos. I'm still waiting for an update from you on how your collection curating is going.

[@jerryl2627]

Truth be told, a lot of 4Ks are mostly underwhelming. Especially if the previous blu-ray already had a restoration. Unless it's known that the 4K of a certain film is a substantial upgrade over the existing blu-ray, then it's not really worth shelling out the extra money. I know people want the best possible quality that's available, but again, not always the case (or not always worth the upgrade)

[@premiumblurays1785]

Agree - criterion blus always tend to be amazing transfers anyway so I will not be upgrading my existing ones

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

@@premiumblurays1785 True , three of my favorite Criterions are, Sword Of Doom (1966), The Friends Of Eddie Coyle (1973) and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1963), the DVD's were already very good (upconverted) there wasn't any extra extras on offer so why bother?

[@Bfrodv]

I dropped a sizeable amount in July on my first batch of Criterion’s, all Blurays and 4K’s, picked up around 60, but this was on my mind. People are still buying Criterion DVD’s, they’re always buying different items within the massive and excellent selection, and others are always starting out. They have great resell value, which was why I bought the amount I did. So whatever pops up as 4K, I’ll just list my item and be patient for a while, they always sell eventually. But yes - why can’t Criterion just release 4K and Bluray simultaneously now? If they don’t start this soon, it will become ever more apparent how business-focused that strategy is.

[@professorabronsius]

You are a clear and concise blu ray connoisseur around, I love your comments 👍👏👏👏🇨🇱

[@ElliotCoen]

Thank you so much 😊

[@RenePeraza]

Don't get me started about Criterion. I bought Blue Velvet and Mullholland Drive based on their new 4K scans but were only 1080P at the time. AND, was told by them they were not going UHD media, which of course they did just two years later. Frankly, left a bad taste and have been really careful now.

[@ElliotCoen]

Yeah for the longest time they said they had no plans for 4K and then I think they felt the pressure

[@RenePeraza]

@@ElliotCoen indeed - and I was told directly from Jon Mulvaney at Criterion with whom I had a prior dialog. I must also add that Mulholland Drive has quite a noisy digital picture in areas and not from film grain. Wish I could simply buy the 4K disc for a nominal price and not the whole set again.

[@kjetilfrugard8395]

Luckily for me, most of my favorite movies are well known blockbusters, critically acclaimed movies or cult movies anyways. So they have a high possibility of getting a 4K release anyways, if the haven't already. Nor do I want thousands upon thousand of movies. I rather have 3-400+ ones I know I will watch again and again. Streaming and digital purchases and renting is good enough for the rest imo. And I simply don't have the time I use to to watch as many movies these days. So by the time I get around to buy it, the movies I want already have been through the blu-ray and then 4K-release anyways.

[@Celestialrob]

Yup, impacts us collectors. I’ve stopped buying Blus of popular films from some companies as I know a 4K will happen eventually.

[@ElliotCoen]

It’s a smart move in these times

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

Paramount is a good example of a studio that releases 4k movies around 3-6 months after their blu ray release

[@chrisjfox8715]

I've actually been eyeing Brazil lately..in the mood to pick it up but hesitant too thinking it could get announced within the next year.

[@SgtGnome]

Most of my bluray collection was formed well before 4k was even a thing. So now when any new movie comes out, I get the 4k version. I have slowly started upgrading some of my blurays to 4k, but that is a slow burn. I can wait for a lot of those to be heavily discounted, and I only buy the new ones if I want to watch them immediately. Tis the season, so I picked up Elf and Christmas Story on 4k cause I wanted to see them now. I have a ton of others I can upgrade, but dont see a need right now and can just wait for a big sale to do some upgrades. Especially on entire series like Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc, as those box sets tend to be pretty pricey. Though some new movies, at times won't have a 4k release at launch which is frustrating. Like the 1st Downton Abbey film. Game Night never got a 4k release, even though it came out when 4k was a thing. Another movie was SPLIT, I at least waited on that and sure enough they ended up releasing a 4k version months later. TV series is a whole other thing. I don't see full TV series on 4k really at all, only Game of Thrones and movie a few others? I would love all of Walking Dead on 4k or The Office.

[@MagnitudeReviews]

Criterion titles resell incredibly well. Like you can easily sell a title used for $20 when it’s not during a sale time. So it’s really only a $5 upgrade if you sold the bluray version.

[@S1ngefou]

if you value your time at $0 and dont factor in selling fees

[@LUCCI_25]

@@S1ngefou it takes 3 minutes to list an item

[@ModernPlague]

My problem is that most movies don't get re-watched _that_ much, so if I watch one, I want it to be the best possible experience since that might be the only time. For instance, I saw Fellini Satyricon years & years ago and loved the visuals---I want to see it again, and in the most colorful, vivid format possible; but if I get the blu-ray now, then watching it again on 4K later will be less thrilling than if I just waited for the 4K---that's probably not a movie I'd want to watch again & again as I would a David Lynch film.

[@dravenlee4473]

Gotta say, I'm a bit of a 4K snob now. To me, getting a 4K is like getting the ultimate copy of a film. I'm happy with Blu-ray but knowing I'm missing out on an even better version with HDR stinks. I'm being very selective on my Blu-ray purchases and only getting movies that I don't think that have a chance of getting UHD releases and going out of my way to import UHD versions not available in the States. Blu-ray is fine and I still get them but 4K is the final physical media format and knowing that you have the best it can get on your shelf is a nice feeling.

[@analogblues]

Totally agree with everything you said! 4K with HDR is peak!

[@michaelleblanc7974]

I run into this dilemma every time there’s a Criterion sale. I stood in Barnes and Noble this past weekend holding Straw Dogs and Sisters. I know the moment I purchase these, the 4K will be announced. I also have this problem with David Lynch and David Cronenberg’s films that are currently on Blu only. I know these will be released in 4K at some point soon. I always also check release dates on the backs of Criterion releases. If it’s 8 to 10 years old, I feel I need to hold off. Great topic and thanks for posting.

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

Interesting, I have Straw Dogs on Criterion DVD and 2 copies (don't ask) of the Blu, It's not the most gorgeous looking film cinematographically speaking, I don't see you gaining much but not sure? The Few Lych releases on Criterion looked great to me, and Lynch is sooo praticular. Sisters I got from Arrow and again it's good but it isn't RAN or Days Of Heaven or something. I say save the $$

[@Kashif314]

Very well put video and this is what makes me frustrated always. Glad you startled a discussion on this. The thing is Criterion should preserve their collections to 4k and for titles that they feel won't sell well, they can produce them on demand and charge a high price. There are some movies which I believe will never come to 4k but they ll benefit big time with a 4k hdr color grading. Also its not just Criterion. "X" is coming on 4k but we don't know when. "Pearl" is being released on blu ray with no promise of a 4k but we may eventually have a 4k for "Pearl" as well. I wrote to A24 studios but they replied they can not confirm anything. I honestly don't understand when new movies also don't make it to 4k format. Also Kino Lorber have license for some beautiful movies like The Scent of Green Papaya and many more which gonna look breathtaking given the 4k treatment but I doubt it will happen. It makes me sad. I really want studios to bring out everything on 4k.

[@lurcharoni]

Deep Cover Bluray is stunning with the 4K Restoration ... Can't imagine how a real 4K release would improve much.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

I think it boils down to being realistic on the title in question. Is Plan 9 From Outer Space going to get an UHD 4K release ever?

[@spaceodds1985]

Problem is Criterion seems hesitant to release 4K. Decided to import Raging Bull and now Lost Highway on 4K but normally I would wait, just look at Mulholland Drive, Studiocanal released the Criterion version, so much so that they left the Criterion logo at the beginning.

[@kevinwillson341]

I get it, that happened to me with Night of the Living dead, honestly I'm ok with the Blu ray version as it's gorgeous

[@robsavage3217]

This is an excellent video as I'm sure it's an issue many collectors are grappling with. It's unfortunate that Criterion was so slow getting into the 4K game and has created all this uncertainty (which is likely hurting their Blu-ray sales). My current philosophy is to avoid any English-language titles as they currently seem to be the most likely candidates for 4K upgrades. It was interesting to hear your take on possible 4K upgrades for works by Bergman, Godard and Tarkovsky. I don't know if Criterion has any connections with BFI but something with Studiocanal might be possible. Presumably, that might also include 4K editions of the Elephant Man and the Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie. It certainly looks like the David Lynch filmography might continue to be upgraded to 4K. And as much as you may not like me posting this, I wouldn't recommend buying Barry Lyndon until we see whether it gets a 4K upgrade by either Criterion or Warner Bros. 😁

[@MagnitudeReviews]

I will only wait for a 4K release if I’ve heard rumors of a 4K restoration currently floating around in some theatrical previews. Like rn I wouldn’t buy The 400 Blows, Godzilla (individual release… not the boxset), and Three Colors Trilogy.

[@cinemasprite]

Hey it’s you from the Intercut lives, you have good taste my friend!

[@frankgetz6743]

You bring up some great points. To me, it's always going to be a gamble. I'd say do your research, talk to those in the know, trust your gut & if it is an important title to you get it regardless. But it's always going to be a roll of the dice, just hopefully it doesn't come up snake eyes.

[@reverendkylelove3822]

I bought "House(1977) because I don't see that coming to 4k. Great video!

[@ElliotCoen]

Thanks, Kyle!

[@joshuajames1071]

I just started getting into the Criterion collection recently and my basic strategy, although admittedly petty or superficial, has been to add blu ray titles if they have great packaging and art work like the digipacks for Dazed and Confused and Repo Man. Otherwise I will wait for 4K unless I just really love or want to watch something now, like Seven Samurai I grabbed. Seems some of the 4K’s are getting downgraded packaging like with Night of the Living Dead getting basic blu ray case.

[@joshuajames1071]

Love the topic though this has been my dilemma and was hoping you would cover it!!

[@rickshaw5459]

Its happened with The Thing, American Werewolf in London, Robocop, Police Story where the Blu was released and only some months later the 4k is announced/released. Maybe they used the blu sales to finance the 4k release.

[@rodrigollanes7619]

I agree with your points. Rather, before buying, wait for Eliot's reviews! Just kidding, I used to buy more old Criterion titles. Now, if I see that the transfer is 4k, I wait for the possibility of a UHD 4K. For most new blu ray releases I wait for reviews and the possibility of a 4k uhd. Blu ray releases like Derzu Uzala (from Imprint) I buy right away no matter if a 4k uhd will come out later.

[@OzzyMandias]

I have a small room/office where I watch my movies, I have a new 32" non 4k TV, due to being closer I TV doesn't seem smaller than my 50" downstairs, I have a non 4k Blu Ray player, movies look fantastic to me and I saved loads just buying second hand Blu Ray's off Ebay, sometimes I save even more just buying DVD's as player upscales them and look great to me....go smaller sit closer...

[@JohnJohnson-bo5sv]

I am still enjoying my 1080p Plasma screen and I haven't really seen too much 4K content. My QUESTION is how do you rate a good 1080p blu-ray upconverted to 4K? When blu-ray players came out with upconverting capability DVD benefitted greatly, would you say the same is true ? Also with my preference for older films, old B&W, 80's horror, 70's cinema or Spaghetti Westerns ect, am I really missing that much, I have never seen an upconverted blu-ray so I really dont know? Sorry one last thing, in the transition from DVD to Blu-ray we saw a lot of titles that were just ported over with there not being a big upgrade in quality unless they took the time to get it right. Do you see a lot similar cash grabs for 4K? I think those sort of releases hurt blu-ray, we know from great releases like Blade Runner, Alien, Suspiria ect that they (even an old film) can look great if they spend the $$$

[@allcoolro]

Helo BB! Can you make a presentation of your complete Hitchcock collection that you said you own? Thanks brother! And also a presentation of your most valuable dvds, because we all know that there are great films that have no other type of support release, only dvd. Keep up the good work!

[@steffylovesmedia7735]

Great info been buying movies for over 20 years I buy movies I'm going to watch more than once not just sit on a shelf I upgrade a lot of sales will never upgrade everything I have bluray s I've only watch once some I've never watch my copy only on tv I looked at the movie

[@premiumblurays1785]

Criterion blus hold their value so if you can get a tenner for a standard it might be worth upgrading

[@ElliotCoen]

Very true!

[@GrayWolf5000]

I would always say wait for the 4k if it's a movie you really want or are a big fan of. If it's a movie you just want in your collection but only plan on watching it once and maybe again years down, then just get the cheaper Blu ray, which will still have great image quality. I only double dip on releases of my favorite movies. For example the new 4k Halloween movies 6-resurrection, I did not buy again because I don't care for these films. Only way I would get them is if they release a nice box set for a good price.

[@griffin2674]

Hi all, where do you guys buy 4k Blu Rays that are only on sale in the USA? Are there any reliable web sites that offer this service? Also, what is the best website that shows all the up and coming 4K releases in the UK . I am trying to find out if Frightnight 4K is going to be released in the UK, as all I can see is the 4K Steelbook release in the USA. Thank you for any advice

[@Dan89201]

I wonder why we haven’t got 4K releases in the UK, especially when we’re getting blu-rays over here at the same time the US is getting a 4K eg shaft, menace 2 society, lost highway, the power of the dog, in the mood for love, baron munchausen, blow out, okja etc.

[@Dan89201]

What do you use for region A discs, bought a region free player on Amazon and it was mis sold and wouldn’t play region A discs?

[@screamingeekmedia]

Just like with the Paramount titles that were getting Blu-Rays on their Presents line, now are getting 4Ks released. I tend to hold out due to budget constraints. Agree that some may never come. Like oddball titles from Shout Factory or Kino Lorber. I recently bought Spaced Invaders on BD. I highly doubt that will ever get a 4K transfer. I think they would lose money. So buying the BD is safe bet.

[@wileyjdraws7594]

I'm over here still buying dvds

[@jamied1579]

It's a typical catch-22 - the biggest indicator for these companies as to whether a 4k release will be worth is how well it does on Blu-ray. So if they release a title on blu - which can be an expensive exercise on its own for any label/distributer - and it does well, then they decide it's worth a 4k release - and perhaps, since they're often thinking of collectors, they do it deliberately, knowing that serious, die-hard collectors will grudgingly buy the 4k as well? It is even more frustrating if you live somewhere like Australia which does not get many Blu-ray releases, nor do we get any of the prestigious boutique labels like Criterion, Kino Lorber, Arrow, Shout! etc...so it can be very expensive to import these difficult-to-get titles, only to then hear about the 4k release, shortly after. On the other hand I have a stack of blu-rays to sell....lol

[@JerrisonOracion]

What about the thing where the transfer of the 4K version doesn't match the blu-ray version in the case of colour grading? Also, the special features in the 4K version are still in HD.

[@paulmassey1223]

just brought seven samurai criterion edition branded new should I have waited for a 4k edition to be released and if criterion does release a 4k edition should I it again

[@suemurray2109]

Not sure if this has been asked already… but what about all of the criterion movies that have come out on 4k from Kino.. does that mean it won’t release on 4k from criterion?

[@nationalcoasternews5798]

One thing I’ll say is if a Blu-ray was released 2019 or after I think it could be a while for a 4K upgrade seeing as they just put out the Blu-ray. I think the ones they’ll be upgrading for the foreseeable future, with maybe a few exceptions, are their older Blu-ray’s

[@AkilesVaestha]

Mulholland Drive?

[@nationalcoasternews5798]

@@AkilesVaestha Blu-ray came out in 2015

[@robmontoya8181]

I wish Criterion or ARROW would release Michael Mann's Thief on 4K Ultra HD. I have been holding off from purchasing Blu - rays at the Criterion sale I just buy 4K UHD only if I LOVE the film.

[@optimusgotslimed3175]

I always wait a few years to buy video games and movies. Way better that way. 😋

[@ElliotCoen]

You have much more restraint than most of us here :)

[@popey129]

I was torn to buy flight of the Phoenix criterion for this fact. I bought it and I love the film. Love to see where eagles dare criterion.

[@robmontoya8181]

I would love to purchase a 4K Ultra HD of Where Eagles Dare - day one!!! yes that would make my day...

[@branscombe_]

i am waiting for truman show 4k disc release, as i see it’s now available for streaming in 4k… i’ll wait a few more months then just get the blu ray if i don’t hear any news.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Do you still buy DVD's of CC movies you love that haven't even been upgraded to basic Blu-Ray yet, or do you hold off hoping they eventually will be? I don't have a 4k player - I've only got a basic Blu-Ray player a few years ago and have been slowly building my Blu-Ray collection since (including upgrading my favorite movies from DVD to Blu). I've been focusing the last few months on watching films I haven't yet seen, on the Criterion Channel, every day, and have found several classics I _love_ and want to own, but they're only on DVD _(Divorce Italian Style, Hand Over The City, Gate Of Flesh, Story Of A Prostitute,_ etc). Since I got a very big flat screen, the DVDs I own don't look very good, but I also don't know the odds of those films being upgraded. _Mafioso_ is another gem I've been wanting to own, but not sure CC will ever upgrade it even to basic Blu-Ray.

[@paulconway384]

That's why I'll never buy a huge screen TV. My collection is still mainly DVD and they upscale well on my 50" Sony.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

@@paulconway384 I only got one because a family member upgraded to an even bigger screen lol... it might've been a mistake - cuz my DVDs _used to_ look great! 🤦‍♂️😭

[@andrewquiroz4335]

Magic Conch, should I buy House or wait for the 4K?

[@garyrobinson8665]

For most films especially older classic films I'm happy with the blu ray. If I already own the blu ray on criterion I'm unlikely to double dip and and get the 4k. If I don't own the criterion blu ray I might get the 4k instead.

[@BirdArvid]

Personally, I would much rather have many more films in the collection on blu-ray before Criterion release any more 4k-discs. I have several things on my wish-list which are waiting for 1080p releases and are languishing on DVD.. Films like The Spirit Of the Beehive, Pandora's Box, Wings, Les dames du Bois de Boulogne and Diary Of A Country Priest, Cría cuervos . . . Grand Illusion, Cocteau's Orphic Trilogy, Trouble In Paradise, not to mention some Ozu (Early Summer, for instance..) the list is looong!!! I wouldn't buy most of those on 4k but I do want them on 1080p!!

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

🎯🎯🎯💯 _THIS!_ 👆 Don't even know if it's worth buying DVD's anymore, as they don't look great on my huge flat-screen... there are so many classics that CC have only released on DVD, it's really frustrating. To the films you mentioned, I'd add Mafioso, Divorce Italian Style, Hands Over The City, Gate Of Flesh, Story Of A Prostitute and so many of Akira Kurosawa's films, which are all essentials.

[@BirdArvid]

@@Jimmy1982Playlists Hear Hear!! I don't buy DVD's anymore, unless they're at the local charity store for 50 cents and things I want to see but don't really care about.. picked up some classic 50's musicals, for instance

[@paulconway384]

I wish Criterion would release I Married A Witch in the UK!

[@Stay_ClassyYT]

One part I learned last month was if you use the zoom button on your tv screen it fixes the black bars when it comes with CC.

[@garbhanmyles]

For sure many modern movies that are 4k are great, however I feel that many of the 4k restorations of older films can be a wee bit underwhelming compared to the blu rays. I was mightily impressed after watching blu ray restorations of many of my older fave films that I had on DVD, but I rarely felt this way when I bought the 4k blu rays when they came out (not always of course).

[@GameraS2K]

I've found that older films tend to benefit even more considering many modern films are shot and/or finished in 2k. Black and white films especially benefit imo thanks to HDR

[@Squishmallows24]

I usually only buy criterion during the sale. If the 4k version of a movie comes out I buy it for $25 and sell my blu ray for $15

[@juanaltredo2974]

to me there should be laws against the same company releasing a BR and a few months later a 4k. They should either warn the consumer or give around 2 years between releases, but as it is, this is killing the collectors market. I've stopped buying plenty of things Id bought just for this.

[@vernonspiker6629]

I don't know where this view falls, but for me, the movie itself is only half of why I buy something. For instance, I have a few dvd in the cardboard snap cases that Warner Bros loved when dvd first came out, and those copies r now 25 years old, and is still my favorite packaging/version! So yeah I paid $20 brand new (when I only made 5.45 an hour back then), and yes, 25 years later I still look at it and go, "well that was a good investment". I've done pretty good on not triple dipping--yet. Only a few do I own dvd, blu, and 4k. Like "The Thing" is one of them, but who can argue that?

[@dinosaurmonkey666]

That's why it's important to collect what you really love, not just for the sake of collecting. I've paid for the DVD then bluray then 4k for some titles but I'm ok with it because of the love of the film.

[@heartofcinema3454]

Don't care about 4k. My question is whether to buy a blu ray version that 100% needs a restoration, or whether to wait for a new restoration by say criterion. I brought Cure on blu ray from Eureka in May in Uk for £13 (and on view it clearly needed a restoration), then 2 months later I heard of a brand new 4k digital restoration on blu ray by Criterion. I traded the Eureka version in for £3 and then spent £33 on the criterion version - the overall cost impact £43, for a blu ray which if released in UK by criterion would have cost £27 brand new. I totally agree there are so many dilemmas here. In the end one needs to judge how Interested/excited one is at a particular point in time to watch the film straight away. No point buying for the sake of it for the film to gather dust.

[@jeremywadian310]

I suspect that The Elephant Man will come to Criterion 4K.

[@Coffeaddictedcinephile87]

They did a comparison between criterions Silence Of the lambs bluray with Kinos 4k and there's virtually no difference between the two. They both look amazing.

[@shadrichardson6627]

4K makes a big difference in video games, but a good Blu Ray looks better than ever on a 4K TV. I'm always let down when I splurge on a UHD Film copy. Viva la Blu!

[@jerrycalva7567]

Bro why did you post this I just bought every single movie on the thumbnail

[@ElliotCoen]

Haha!

[@timecapsule5604]

NOTLD also best thing to do is most of us that buy Criterion already have a collection of their blue rays now at this time I noonger buy blue rays and that goes for just about any brand Criterion Arrow Kino doesn't matter wait for the 4k don't double dip if u think that there won't be a 4k version don't fall for it if they have released old films like Casablanca all the Universal monster films every film is coming to 4k sooner or later stop double dipping be smart and wait even if it takes a year or 2 after a blue ray release

[@m.dorado6966]

What is just as bad is when you wait for the 4K release, pick it up and then a couple a months later the much awaited 4K release is 60 to 70% off the price you paid for. If that isn't a kick in the head then I don't know what is.

[@ModernPlague]

Or you find out there was some error made in the audio transfer, or a visual glitch like in 12 Monkeys where 10 seconds of video repeats...

[@Stay_ClassyYT]

To me I perfer blu ray over 4K. As a casual collector I still never get the hype of 4K where the only time I first experienced 4K was somewhere near 2015 when I first saw a COD game on PS4 pro where it looks cool, but that's all it is not something that needs to be the standard as the current trend at all

[@nachoamb1]

Only of the movie is worth it. For example I did get the power of the dog in 4k because its such a beautiful film

[@mitch89014]

Personally I am tired of upgrading, happy with blu ray period, been buying DVD’s from the beginning and now finally catching up with all blu ray releases especially on Criterion, not upgrading anymore, my wife will throw me and by blu rays and dvd’s out of the house, over 3,000 in my collection, probably more in my storage unit I have not counted For new collectors I can see it, or if it is a film you really true love, but upgrading my whole collection again? No, the only films I would ever consider is the Technicolor films from The Archers” my collection is mostly B/W films from the 40’s -50’s the difference is marginally

[@Gregbaltzer]

The third option is buy the DVD if it's cheaper. I will still buy DVD if it's the cheaper option. I'm still happy with the image quality of DVD. I don't get the point of 4k? Nothing in real life looks that sharp, so why would I want my movies to be? I prefer the natural look to real life in movies and I think 4k goes too beyond that

[@paulbrien9902]

Problems …problems! Sigh! There are plenty of classic films not on blu ray. I have watched certain dvds on a 4K tv and most have been acceptable - flaws and all. I like the idea of being selective - I upgrade from dvd to blu ray if I think it’s worth it. Same goes for blu ray to 4K. Should I upgrade my Criterion ‘Some Like it Hot’ for the 4K? Unlikely. Will I upgrade my ‘Godfather’ dvd boxset to the 4K set? Definitely - when I can afford it. One day a new format will arrive to make what we have now obsolete. Meanwhile, winter is coming!

[@johnhyatt4905]

There are a lot of content that drives my decisions as well “My Dinner With Andre” Is not a colorful action film that will benefit from an upgrade.

[@VIDEOgameDROME]

There's honestly no reason for me to ever buy a standard Blu-ray now that we have 4K so it's a pretty simple answer... I'm willing to wait for 4K because that's what I want.

[@GSwiss40]

I wonder if we'll ever get The Third Man 4K blue ray?

[@ElliotCoen]

I have a strong feeling it is coming!

[@happygotlucky4309]

That used to be one of my own favourites as I used to play the Zither.

[@MikeSmith-rh5gc]

I saw it on Amazon for $499. Must be an awesome movie

[@CoinOpTV]

would like Wes Anderson 4k movies

[@tomahawk238]

I still love blu rays personally

[@juancmorenor]

I am not upgrading all films to 4K! Only the ones that I think they deserve! For example: I keep my Blu Rays of Mulholland Drive and Night of the Living dead and I will not upgrade them to 4K! I would like The Man who Fell to Earth , the Spirit of the Beehive , Andrei Rubliev, Blow Up, Cries and Whispers and other gems in 4K!

[@zuffin1864]

We need HARD BOILED ON 4K DAMMIT

[@Bozlee22]

I love first world problems But I wait for 4K on 90% of released depending on the mastering

[@richardking3206]

The very definition of a First World problem. I have a few 4K discs (3), but only of films that I really love. I don’t have a 4K player or tv, yet. I will never buy many of these discs, anyway. My eyes probably won’t be able to see much difference. I don’t have the cash to throw at these things. In any event, I’d rather give the money to a deserving cause. Yes, a tenner won’t buy much these days, but better it helps keep someone alive than goes into an executives pocket.

[@sothatsdevintart2562]

I’ve known about other 4K releases of films such as The Elephant Man, Crash, and The Seventh Seal, so I’m decided to not buy them during my haul.

[@daninilsen7657]

To me it comes down to if an upgrade would enhance my enjoyment og the content of the film. I have come to the conclusion that this only very rarely happends from blu ray to 4k. From Laserdisc and DVD to blu ray it is more likely. Cheers and thank you for you exellent channel! Dani from Norway.

[@MegaIkedog]

Here's my take: 4K UHD discs just don't do it for me. I'll buy a 4K edition if the Blu-ray that comes with it is remastered. UHD discs look too dark on my 4K tv, and 9 times out of 10, all the bonus features are still on the Blu-ray only. When a film gets a 2K or 4K remaster on Blu-ray, that's good enough for me. I'd be more inclined to get a 4K edition from Criterion if they'd gone back and used the new transfers on the Blu-ray. However, their Blu-rays are already so fantastic that I see no need to upgrade.

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

I personally wouldn't buy from any of the premium labels like Criterion. If I can get the same movie for £15 from a good label like Studio Canal that usually does a pretty good job with their restoration work

[@JungleJeffarnold]

If it says scanned in 4k i'm not buying the blu ray *looking at you arrow video*

[@danboy77]

I’m not sure it’s such a big deal, if people feel strongly about a movie they will double dip, if it’s a film their indifferent about they won’t lose sleep if it comes out on 4k further down the line.

[@d.r.martin6301]

No 4Ks for me, period. For the most part, I'm happy with my Blu Rays and DVDs. Besides, I'm too old to start up with a new format, however super-duper. I've done Beta...VHS...DVD...Blu Ray. That's enough. I'm done. Though I'll keep collecting Blus and DVDs, when something really good comes along.

[@jjchmiel78]

If it is a Paramount new Blu-ray release, just wait a year for the 4K.

[@daddy_1453]

I stick with Blu Ray if I know 4k didn't exist when the original movie released. This is because retrospective upscaling damages the quality and make it pointless. For example, Man of Steel released in 2013. Blu ray was certainly around back then, so getting blu ray over DVD makes sense. But 4k wasn't around back then, so blu ray is better. Look at comparisons for The Matrix on KZbin. Dvd vs blu ray vs 4k. You will see DVD looks the best, because that is the format that existed in the 90s and that is the format the movie was designed around.

[@Goku-nc8sx]

Have you heard of torrent

[@lawyer1165]

Recently, I had to decide whether to replace a DVD with a blu ray issued in 2011 or wait for a better blu ray issued by Warner Archive or even a 4K. I’m waiting for one of the latter options. .

[@ericbakke3060]

I buy the blu-ray if the audio is the same as the 4K. I care more about sound than picture. I purchase the bulk of my blu-rays from Redbox when they go on sale, dirt cheep!

[@SquidkidMega]

I only buy 4k versions of my absolute favourite movies, otherwise I’m happy with 1080p for all the rest.

[@MrCREWCRUSHIN95]

I think if any film has a 4K TRANSFER/RESTORATION it will be released in 4K. the scan has been done. It's sitting right there. Companies like Arrow use this as an opportunity to get consumers to double dip and make more money. The Arrow ROBOCOP 4K is identical to the blu ray package, just released a year later. THEY KNEW. Ths blu ray is from a 4K scan. Any 4K scan will get made into a 4k blu ray. It's money.

[@Jumpman67]

I made the decision to only buy 4K from now on.

[@rhumash5977]

Some movies don't need a 4k. I didn't buy the Heat 4k because the bluray is not that different from the 4k

[@MikeSmith-rh5gc]

I heard a lot that the Heat 4k was garbage. I decided to just keep my Blu-ray