The Criterion Collection LaserDiscs: THE ENTIRE COMPLETE COLLECTION

This is a collection video showing THE ENTIRE Criterion Collection Laserdiscs, from Spine No. 1 (Citizen Kane) to the last Spine No. 384 (Armageddon), and everything in between.
To follow along, please refer to the list that made available by the fine folks at LASERDISC DATABASE, and which can be found here:
www.lddb.com/list.php?format=...
The Spine Numbering is based on the LaserDisc Database list (including counting HELP! as Spine No. 16 (though there is room for discussion as to whether this is really accurate)).
I realize that the video is long, and so if you need it, here are some time markers for your reference:
1:26 No. 1 CITIZEN KANE
10:57 No. 25 GRAND ILLUSION
17:06 No. 50 THE RULES OF THE GAME
22:55 No. 75 GHOSTBUSTERS
27:13 No. 100 NOTORIOUS
32:56 No. 125 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
38:14 No. 150 BOYZ N THE HOOD
42:43 No. 175 THE PLAYER
46:01 No. 202 THE EMPEROR JONES
48:54 No. 225 TWO ENGLISH GIRLS
53:18 No. 250 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
56:54 No. 275 COUP DE TORCHON
1:00:51 No. 300 WALTZ OF THE TOREADORS
1:04:50 No. 325 TRAINSPOTTING
1:08:49 No. 350 SLING BLADE
1:13:48 No. 384 ARMAGEDDON
1:15:28 Closing Remarks and End Credits
* Note: Please note that, generally speaking, this video presents one version of each title only in the event that a variant release of a title has the same spine number. For example, I do not show the two releases of ZULU, or ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, or SHINE. However, an exception to this rule is CITIZEN KANE (spine no. 1) and KING KONG (spine no. 2) where I show two separate versions of the "silver cover" releases.

[@june306]

Yo I find it crazy how you not only have every criterion on laserdisc but have almost every version of each film on laserdisc. I really respect your level of dedication, collect on brother

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much for your comment, and yes, the Criterion LD library is really amazing in terms of the scope of films that are included. Cheers and I hope you are well.

[@billyworkmna]

I am very impressed with your collection. I really hope Akira and Trainspotting both get bluray remasters, like princess bride some day, because holy shit they are amazing movies which deserve to be a part of the collection.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello! And thank you so much for your kind words about the laserdisc collection. Oh yes, I agree with you, it would be great to see AKIRA or TRAINSPOTTING in the current collection one day. The TRAINSPOTTING has a leaflet that serves as a glossary of terms of Scottish slang, and so this would be a great extra to have if ever Criterion were to release it in the current blu ray collection. Thank you so much and I hope you are well!

[@eriklarson5874]

@@DaisukeBeppuThey just added Trainspotting!

[@BowandArrowful]

Incredibly insightful video. What I would give to have a Blu Ray Criterion Collection release of movies like Blade Runner, 2001, Boogie Nights, and a long number of the titles that you exhibited. Thanks again!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Robert, and thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I am totally with you: it would be great to see some of these Laserdisc titles "return" to the Criterion Collection. Other titles as well, like Ghostbusters, Halloween, Akira, Pink Flamingos, etc. to name some others! Please be well and once again, thank you very much!

[@BowandArrowful]

@Henry & Trooper Film Productions Yes! "Blade Runner" is my all time favorite movie, but with how popular 2049 is, I think WB is probably not going to let anyone else rerelease those films. But now with "Raging Bull" coming back, I think "Taxi Driver" might be on the way!

[@tyhen12]

Wow dude! Unintentional ASMR as well! Definitely subscribing!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you so much for your kindness in subscribing. I really appreciate it! I hope you are well.

[@ChannelHandle143]

Excellent, excellent video. I appreciate you not rushing during the video, and showing the CLVs as well. Moving your hand so we can see the complete artwork, was also an amazingly considerate touch. Thank you for posting! I am currently a 4K blu ray snob, but I love getting a great dose of nostalgia through videos like your’s. beautiful collection, and presentation.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Channel, thank you very much for your kind comment. It really means a lot. In particular this video, because the laserdisc collection is something that I am very proud of and I really think these Criterion laserdiscs are real pioneering works in many ways. It is my pleasure to be able to share this video with the community. So to read comments like yours makes it all worth it. Thank you so much again for your lovely kindness. Cheers from Tokyo.

[@eric_richey6094]

So enjoyable seeing all of the laserdiscs. I can only hope to have a third of your collection someday.

[@mariogiresi6792]

This is still my favorite of your videos. A true classic👍🏻

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow!!! Thank you! That means a lot because it is one that focuses on the laserdiscs.

[@crimsonstudios680]

I hope Blade Runner gets a modern Criterion release at some point. Would love to see what materials they’d include and the cover art they’d do!

[@jonathanreshdiz8304]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AND COLLECTION!!! A GOLDEN MASTERPIECES!!!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and wow, thank you so much. What a kind thing to say!

[@jamesconfrey9117]

Awesome !!! Huge Respect, you are a true collector.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello James and thank you very much for your very kind words. I really appreciate it.

[@FullmetalCowboy]

I discovered your channel a while back thanks to CultureDog. Even though this video was over an hour long, I watched with awe and wonder that you own the entire Criterion Laserdisc catalog and showing each title. Same applies to your multi-part DVD/Blu-ray Spine Number collection and Criterion Eclipse collection videos and so on. Keep up the good work 🤠 👍

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Fullmetal Cowboy, thank you very much for your very nice comment. It is very kind of you to say so. Yes, I am a big fan of the Criterion Collection, and so even though the videos are long, I really appreciate your watching them. Thank you again!

[@FullmetalCowboy]

@@DaisukeBeppu You're welcome.☺

[@thebubblegumyears]

I have just found your channel and am finding it endlessly fascinating. The reason i found it in the first place was because i saw my favourite movie, Dazed and Confused, had a special edition at my local retailer. Upon closer inspection i saw that it was a criterion collection release but didnt know all that much about it. It was quite expensive so i didn't want to commit to a purchase until i had done some research and thats how i found your channel. Now im afraid my financial situation may take a nosedive in the coming months thanks to you 😄😄😄. Keep up the great work. Thanks.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you so much for your kind comment! And I think that there are many options for Criterions, such as finding them used at a cheap price, or watching the Criterion Channel streaming service, or purchasing Criterion blu rays during sale periods. In any event, it is a very fun journey, based on your own tastes and views. I hope you enjoy it my friend. Cheers.

[@giturra]

sir, your video is remarkable. im also a movie collector (criterions being a priority) and i can tell the love and pride you feel towards such an amazing collection. its basically an archivist's lifework to catalog all these Laserdiscs yet you've done it ellegantly, eloquently and fun at the same time. my respects sir. I've already suscribed! regards from Chile!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello gonzalo iturra and thank you very much for your very very kind words! That means so much. And please, call me Daisuke as all my friends do! Cheers my friend and I hope you are well.

[@kd7luz88]

Daisuke- I just inherited quite a bit of laserdiscs along with a player from my grandpa! I’m so excited to begin collecting the Criterion titles. Thanks again for all you do for this community. Have a great day my friend.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I hope you enjoy your laserdisc journey!!!

[@Allthingsambient]

Love your channel.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much! You are very kind!

[@christopherthomason]

Very impressive & huge collection on every Criterion title that you've own in laserdisc format, I've seen most of these titles presented in this long video yet I know much about how some titles were re-released as well you've mentioned that Criterion skipped some numbers in releasing other titles (don't know why, but hey!). I don't think I've ever seen anyone else who's got the entire laserdisc collection on KZbin (to be honest), but you're the first one I know and that is so incredible. Always been thinking about collecting these Criterion laserdiscs for few years now since that's where all began with Criterion (as well some never got the Blu-Ray/DVD treatment) and I'm a huge fan on The Criterion Collection. Great presentation & great finds, once again, Mr. Daisuke. 👍❤📽

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you for commenting here also! That is so kind of you. The Criterion laserdiscs, yes, this is a very interesting and oftentimes confusing world, and while I am not sure exactly what the current market is like in terms of availability of titles and the prices on the used market these days etc, it is still something worth thinking about if you are interested in the history of the Criterion Collection I think. Though I think that Criterion is doing its best to try to upgrade as many of these titles as possible, still there is a kind of undeniable charm regarding these things that makes them so interesting and intriguing even now. Anyway my friend thank you so much for this and I hope you are well

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you for commenting here also! That is so kind of you. The Criterion laserdiscs, yes, this is a very interesting and oftentimes confusing world, and while I am not sure exactly what the current market is like in terms of availability of titles and the prices on the used market these days etc, it is still something worth thinking about if you are interested in the history of the Criterion Collection I think. Though I think that Criterion is doing its best to try to upgrade as many of these titles as possible, still there is a kind of undeniable charm regarding these things that makes them so interesting and intriguing even now. Anyway my friend thank you so much for this and I hope you are well.

[@christopherthomason]

@@DaisukeBeppu First of all, you're truly welcome. And I can tell, too. When you've mentioned that there were no numbers before jumping into the other titles that came out, I've found out that there were some titles that were announced for release but never made it (as I've researched the list again recently) like Blue Velvet or Easy Rider for example. Were you aware of that? And I'm not sure why some of the titles were released in new spine number (like with Blade Runner or Citizen Kane for example) due to the fact being CLV or Special Edition upgrade sometimes as well removing some extras & just keeping the original film itself of course, yet it's oddly interesting enough to see that happened (like the new artwork they've done on it at the time, by the way). So just to let you know...

[@yusufbasakn486]

Great archives 👍thank you for sharing..hi from to turkey 🇹🇷

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Yusef, thank you very much for your kind comment and for watching this video. I really appreciate it. I hope you are well! Cheers to you, from Tokyo.

[@darwinia55]

11:40 I catch myself calling it just NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. It seems so much more natural to me.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much!

[@Tim_Raths]

I love the cover art on a lot of these.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes the cover art is really excellent.

[@Allthingsambient]

Hi Daisuke I am a new subscriber as well as a new collector of the criterion collection. But more importantly I have to say you the most amazing pair of glasses I've seen. Mind if I ask where I could order a frame that shape? I wear reading glasses. That's a funky look.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh thank you so much! It is a pleasure to meet you. As for your question, yes, these are a pair of glasses called Preciosa. Here is the site of the store in Japan where I got them: www.ponmeganeweb.com/phone/product-list/164 They are not the exact same pair as George Romero’s, but they remind me of the kind that the filmmaker wore a lot and late in his life. So I wear these as a kind of tribute to George Romero. (I don’t wear these all the time, as I do have other pairs that I wear for work etc, but I do wear these a lot. Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@iamtheicelord]

How difficult is it to come across a good laser disc player these days? I commend you on an impressive collection. Once again, your determination in collecting is amazing.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you again! You are very very kind. Regarding players, I am very fortunate because there is still a strong market in Tokyo for used players.

[@benvanasse3397]

Awesome collection!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Ben, thank you very much. I am sorry that I haven't had a chance to address any John Woo films yet, but I was occupied with preparing this LaserDisc video. I have not forgotten your request regarding John Woo. By the way, I have to ask: do you happen to collect laserdiscs? Thank you very much for your time, and best regards from Tokyo.

[@benvanasse3397]

No worries - I do not have any laserdiscs only DVD and BD (50 of which are CC). Can you tell me what music you used for this intro? Best regards from Toronto

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for your comment and kindness and understanding. The music is a piece found in the KZbin Music Library, which is available to access via your KZbin channel page's Creator Studio area. This is a music library that has a ton of music pieces which can be used on KZbin videos without worrying about copyright infringement issues. This particular piece is called "Strange Stuff", which is attributed to Matt Harris. I hope that helps! Best regards.

[@benvanasse3397]

Interesting - It reminded me of the Bach theme from Tarkovsky's Solaris

[@DaisukeBeppu]

That is a very interesting comparison, and oh man! Your comment has made me want to go home now and watch SOLARIS, the lovely SOLARIS!! Thank you so much for inspiring me!! That is a beautiful theme in that film, is it not. Also, I forgot to mention that the closing theme I use at the very end of my video is called "Ether" and is by Silent Partner. This is also found in the KZbin music library archives.

[@nessiesearcher]

Another amazing video. I couldn't stop watching once I started. I think a whole series of Godzilla films were supposed to go in there (maybe in the missing 370s?) but were cancelled. What a shame! I noticed you were occasionally reading from a numbered list. Is this something you created yourself or is it available online? Wonderful video. So many more titles to collect!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

monsterfan hey!! Thank you for commenting here too 😃👍. So the list I used is from Laserdisc Database, which has a sortable Criterion list! Here is the link: www.lddb.com/list.php?format=ld&list=crit&sort=spine I think it is a fine list and one of the best lists out there. It is certainly better than the list that is available on wikipedia, which itself is not so bad either 😃 Oh and also... yes I’d love to have seen Godzilla on LD! However as you may already know, it seems that Criterion may be planning on releasing the Showa era Godzilla films very soon.

[@prime63829]

Wow had no idea some of these titles were in the collection.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you! Yes, the LD world is filled with so many riches and surprises!

[@donpride1]

Hi, Just thought you'd like to know: There is a CLV version of Hidden Fortress. I continue to really enjoy your videos!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Don Pride thank you for your great comment! Yes, you are absolutely correct! I think it is LD Spine No. 232. I have it, and indeed I show it at around the 50:09 mark in my video. 😃👍. It is the CLV release. Please take a look if you have a moment 👍. Best regards.

[@donpride1]

Thanks Daisuke. I'm sorry. I should have watched your entire video. It's very strange how they gave some CLV versions new numbers. I never realized that. I wonder why. Do you know why they did that?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I don't know the specific reason. But, as you know, many of the CAV titles that also have CLV title equivalents usually had the same spine number (but with the "A" designation added to the CLV titles). However there were titles that were released early in the collection (like HIDDEN FORTRESS, and also BLADE RUNNER and THE GRADUATE, etc.) where the CAV release was made relatively early, but then much later the same title was released on a CLV equivalent. The same was true for BRAZIL as well. It could have been that the decision was made later to release a CLV release, but by then the spine number was well passed, and so it was decided to give such title a whole new spine number.... I am not sure and if anyone out there knows the answer I would love to know. However, it does seem that generally speaking the CC at this time did not appear to have a consistent spine number policy, and so having this separation of spine numbers between a CAV release and its CLV equivalent is not necessarily totally surprising, and of course the CC has my respect on this point because at this time no other company was doing this.

[@classicvideogoodies]

@@DaisukeBeppu @Don Pride Actually, all CC laserdiscs had different spine numbers. Some might appear to share the same numbers, but technically, 67 was different from 67A, for instance -- because of that "A". That was because CAV and CLV editions differed a great deal in disc content. CLV discs were often barebones while CAVs were often fully-loaded with extras. From a business standpoint, there needed to be a way to differentiate the releases. CC DVDs and BDs can share spine numbers because there is no such difference in content. Whether you buy the DVD or BD edition you get exactly the same special features and movie. When they release a new DVD/BD edition that has different extras from the previous DVD/BD edition, they immediately put the previous edition out of print. So the new release can keep on using the spine number.

[@shaunsalt2540]

Loved the video (watched it in one sitting). I was alarmed to discover that there were catalogue numbers literally missing from the criterion collection. I was puzzled as to why some titles were released more than once (with different spine numbers. Most puzzling of all why were 2 completely different titles released with the same spine number?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Shaun Salt thank you for your comment, and for your fortitude in watching the video in one sitting! (I really have to apologize for how long the video is!!). As to your question, it is a great question. I admit to not knowing the details but my understating is: - Regarding the unused spine numbers, these were allotted to titles that for whatever reason ended up not being released, and Criterion decided for whatever reason not to used those now-vacant spine numbers with other available titles. - Regarding titles that share the same spine number, my understanding is that this was likely a numbering error or printing error. I didn’t go into any discussion here, but in fact there are many more issues regarding ISBN, catalog numbers, and copyright information that are indicated on the covers of some of these laserdiscs that are incorrectly or inconsistently indicated, which makes for a very challenging and daunting task if one seeks to correctly catalog this stuff. And there is one very intrepid person on Facebook who indeed does this (and it is not I!).

[@darwinia55]

8:46 I've come to the conclusion that non-spine numbered HELP should be considered Spine #14, for two reasons: it was released before SHOCK CORRIDOR (#15), and the ISBNs assigned to the CLV and CAV edition of HELP fall sequentially after that given to BLACK ORPHEUS (#13) and before that given to SHOCK CORRIDOR (#15). Of course, since neither 14 nor 16 were physically apparent on the spines of any release, it's equally valid to assign either of those numbers to HELP. In the long run, it's a moot point. Still making my way through the video, but love it so far. Thanks!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear darwinia55, what are you talking about! It is not a moot point!! It is an absolutely wonderful point and really spot on! Yes, I totally agree with you about HELP! and you are right. Now thinking back, I should have made a note about that when I was recording (to say at least that the spine was not numbered). But I was lazy and did not do so. But as it is difficult to edit the video now, what I have done is edited the description to state that this numbering is in accordance with the LDDB list, though I acknowledge that there might be room for discussion. Perhaps this might work. And, once again, this is a great point! If you have any more points to make, please let me know. Best regards from Tokyo.

[@kellymadden]

criterion should randomly release a new title on laserdisc as 14

[@kylesmoviecollection]

I just finished making a complete list of all the laserdiscs along with the different versions (CAV/CLV). This video has been a HUGE help! Thank you so much for sharing! My goal is to collect them all just like what you have! I only have like 20 or so at the moment (I focus more on the dvd/ Blurays). One question though, Do you happen to know the reason why Criterion skipped some spine number/ Why some numbers didn't get a title? Thanks much!

[@samuelstephens6163]

I'm happy to see the first three Bond films were part of the collection in some form. They're probably too readily available to be any kind of top priority for dvd/bluray rerelease, but it's great knowing they aren't too "lowbrow" for Criterion. I love Moonraker and wish it would get some unironic Criterion love. It's fun, has great costumes, sets, is quirky, and has a great ironic performance by Michael Lonsdale. Not pretending it's Kane, but just wanted to communicate that I think it's wonderful.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much and I am a big fan of MOONRAKER. I saw it when I was young, and it made a big impact on me. Such that to this day, I still love the film.

[@darwinia55]

33:29 This film has been released by Criterion under two variant titles: 1) WAGES OF FEAR, spine #127 on laserdisc and spine #36 on DVD (1999), and 2) THE WAGES OF FEAR for the 2005 reissue on DVD, and the 2009 Blu-ray upgrade (both spine #36).

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much!

[@neonnights1912]

Wow, what a monster video. Very nice. Thanks for making it one big video. You had the courage to make it one video. Most other youtubers would divide it into 10 minute increments which for me would have been annoying. Most youtubers think that their viewers have an attention span of a goldfish but personally i like long videos. When you first started your Criterion videos you were missing quite a bit but you said they were all coming in the mail around the same time. You have quite a few sealed Criterion laserdiscs so did you get a lot of the missing laserdiscs from one major seller? Since you collect variations are you missing any? Are there any laserdiscs you are missing now? Thanks. Matt

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you Matt, for your great comment. So, you and I seem to share a lot of things in common, including our views of KZbin videos in general. When I first started, I thought I needed to be like other KZbinrs, but thanks to the support of people like you who have been there "since the very start", I have become a little more confident about this and realize that I can do whatever I want!! And one of those things I wanted to do was to show the CC LD collection in its entirety, in one go (edited of course). I think the way I tried to do it earlier (breaking it up into shorter segments) was not so easy for me to watch, and I did not like it. Those earlier videos are still on the channel. As for your question, yes, back in May, I was still needing about 25 to 50 titles. I had ordered them, but as you can imagine, orders take a while to get here. Also, I have a friend who was going to visit me in June from California, and he is a LD master and so he was going to bring me a good bunch of those missing titles that I had. So that was why I kept saying things like "I am missing so and so title, but I will plan to get it in June", because I was going to meet my friend in June. I bought my discs from a variety of sellers, but there are a number that I think are much better than others. If you ever are interested, just reach out to me and I can let you know privately. As for now, yes, I am Criterion complete. However, there are a few supplemental buys I want to make. For example, I have a first printing of 2001 CAV, but I would really love to have a second printing CAV. I haven't been able to find those yet. Also, I am just 2 discs away from being Voyager complete.

[@douglasfreer]

It’s crazy how close the numbers between the LD and DVD/BD were and how long some took to get their new spine! It must’ve been a pain getting the multiple number ones like Akira, Blade Runner, Brazil, Citizen Kane, Dead Ringers, Fellini Satyricon, Halloween, Hard Boiled, L’Avventura, Robocop, The Graduate, The Hidden Fortress, The Horse’s Mouth, The Killer, The Princess Bride, The Silence of the Lambs, This is Spinal Tap and Throne of Blood, especially those with the exact same cover art. While watching I realized how weird some of the choices seem now like Oz, James Bond and Halloween. It’s also sad that some are held by Shout meaning it’ll be a while before the upgrades can be made.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh yes, there is a bit of a difficulty in keeping track of some of the laserdisc titles, due to the spine number issues that you allude to. And, yes, the Criterion laserdisc catalog has a lot of films that might be considered nowadays to be "surprising", which makes the LD catalog really fascinating!

[@jacktorrance2633]

Incredible collection! I need a new Laserdisc player since my old Pioneer died. Do you have any suggestions on what model I should look for?

[@darwinia55]

33:00 There's another printing of the CAV edition of #125 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS which comes in a box instead of the trifold packaging.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes!!!! This is true! I love this comment!!! So, yes, I showed my trifold edition, but I also have the box set, which I should show as well. I will see about making a video on this title one of these days. Thank you for pointing this out! I love it!

[@TheJohnWhites]

I wish I had your video about the laserDiscs on LaserDisc

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your comment!

[@TheJohnWhites]

@@DaisukeBeppu Your channel is enriching my love of cinema immensely. Thank you sir!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

thejohnwhites wow... I am so honored by your lovely comment. I admit that I am not at all an enlightened scholar or expert. And I wish I had more knowledge and skill. But to receive your comment really makes me very happy. Thank you so much my friend for it. I hope you are well.

[@comicbookninja5268]

Wow! what an impressive collection. How long did it take for you to complete it? On Wikipedia there is a list of every Criterion Collection LD including a bunch of titles with potential spine numbers that were announced but never released for one reason or another (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Criterion_Collection_LaserDisc_releases). Could you tell me what the special features are for the Princess Bride laser disc (latter release). I had an opportunity to get it years ago but never got it. Thanks for putting together the video.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much!

[@darwinia55]

10:37 Something I never realized before: the title of SECRET AGENT is given in quotation marks, on both the front and the back. I wonder why.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Doesn't Criterion do that every once in a while? Am I right in recollecting that the current blu ray of STAGECOACH has quotation marks?

[@darwinia55]

I never realized that until you pointed it out. I'm thinking it was just a design choice and has nothing to do with how the film is actually titled.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I don't recall how the title "Stagecoach" appeared in the actual title sequence of that film. I don't recall the SECRET AGENT title sequence as well for that matter. I suppose this could be a little pet research project...!

[@johnta17]

I had laserdiscs but in hindsight they were still 720x480 and you had to flip them mid movie like vinyl

[@DaisukeBeppu]

The image quality issue of course is something that in today's age makes blu ray very attractive for many consumers of course. However at the same time LDs were an integral part of the development of physical media, and even now blu rays are doing things that were pioneered by the LD era. This is of course not to say that everyone needs to be into LDs, but I think there are so many aspects to LDs that are worth it to many people even now, and for many, oftentimes the LD version is preferred due to certain traits like image quality or sound quality or supplements. Again, it is a subjective thing and every person approaches physical media in his or her own way, which is why I totally understand and appreciate your comment.

[@albertmesa7034]

your EL CID CRITERION LASERDISC is Beautiful and the extra features from the laserdisc is not even in the dvd which is out of print. Peace

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you very much for your nice comment. Cheers and I hope you are well.

[@markrepp6667]

I'm new to studying laserdiscs. I started my collection with DVDs back in the late 90s. At first I didn't understand the difference between CAV and CLV, but I did some research and it makes sense now. A few questions: 1) Why did Criterion skip so many numbers for no apparent reason and 2) Why did they re-release so many films under different spine numbers, some of which had the same cover (ie: Silence of the Lambs et al)? Your collection is second to none! Let's hope you never have a fire or theft :-) Loved the video!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Mark, my friend. It is good to hear from you and thank you for the great comment. 1. My understanding is that so many numbers were skipped because there were planned releases and numbers were set aside for such planned releases. However, ultimately, those planned releases never actually materialized, and so, for whatever reason, Criterion/Voyager decided not to use those numbers going forward. 2. So, the main reason is that there are sometimes CAV releases and CLV releases of a same title. During the early days, these CAV and CLV releases would occupy the same spine number, but the CLV release would be distinguished by the addition of an "A" to the spine number. For example, Spine No. 60 is 2001: A Space Odyssey. The CAV box release has spine number "60". But the CLV release has spine number "60A". Then, at some point, Criterion decided to release CLV versions of some titles that had already previously been released, but, in these cases, rather than give those subsequent release versions the same spine number but just with an added "A", Criterion decided to give these subsequent releases a whole new spine number. Examples are BLADE RUNNER and THE GRADUATE, and then later titles such as AKIRA, HALLOWEEN, BRAZIL, etc. Why they decided to do this is unclear to me, but I think it can be reasonably guessed that Criterion might not have had a uniform cohesive policy on spine numbering, as I think it was the first time that something like this was being implemented in this way. It is a frustrating and amazing journey to try to make sense of the spine numbering, and I find myself getting confused often!! And, yes, sometimes the same cover will be used, as in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS as you so rightly point out. However, the differences will be in the back covers, as the contents and tech specs will be slightly different. Does that answer your questions? Best regards!

[@markrepp6667]

Thanks for answering my questions. Although it doesn't completely make sense to us (in logic), your explanation is perfectly understandable. Now that I know the difference between CAV and CLV, I can see why Criterion might have had trouble organizing the two different formats and numbering them was obviously a challenge, too. They were feeling their way early on - and numbering wasn't as important as it is now. Today, they will issue a blu-ray (re-release) version of an earlier DVD with the same spine number, but it's just a more updated release. Interesting evolution.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you, Mark. Yes, it is a pretty difficult thing to keep track of sometimes, from the point of view of a collector. However, as you say, it is a fascinating evolution from the LD days to the current DVD and blu ray days, and now that streaming is in full swing, who knows what the future will hold!

[@donpride1]

Thank you! That answers my question from earlier. I remember when I started to become interested in Criterion back in the Laser Disc Days and discovered the spine numbers. Without the internet, it was hard to find out what spine numbers were what or even what was actually IN the Criterion Collection.I think that was part of the fun, though. It was like a treasure hunt to find out. It was especially hard to find Criterion titles in Maine. I had to make special trips to Sight and Sound, a laser disc place in Waltham, Massachusetts. A two-and- half hour drive from where I lived. Plus, laserdiscs were expensive back then, so you had to really choose carefully if you weren't super-wealthy. I took some chances on things like Lola Montes and discovered movies I hadn't even heard about back then. But after awhile, i knew I liked most everything Criterion put out. This was in the late 1980's. Sorry to ramble on but I thought you might enjoy hearing what it was like back then. All the best, my friend!

[@darwinia55]

35:16 There are two printings of #136 ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, each with a different catalog number. One of them duplicates the catalog number (CC1267L) of the CLV edition of #132 GOLDFINGER.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are AWESOME!!! I purposefully left out a discussion of the catalog numbers because that, as you know, is a whole different kettle of fish and yet another murky area of the Criterion LaserDiscs. However, this issue should be addressed. And yes, you are absolutely right about ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. I have both versions (with the different catalog numbers).

[@darwinia55]

Subject for another video perhaps? All of the errors of spine, catalog, and ISBN numbering in the laserdisc era? They should be at least an hour-long episode!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

darwinia55 I am seriously considering it!! 😅

[@VanessaButtino]

Hi Daisuke! I hope you're doing well :) I have a question - what does CLV stand for?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much for your question. So, laserdiscs were formatted based on encoding (which essentially means how the data is encoded for purposes of data playback and user interaction). The two formats for commercial use LDs were CAV and CLV. CAV is a standard playback format meaning constant angular velocity, and the end result of this formatting was that the amount of film running time was limited per one disc side, but the data was such that freeze frame and slo mo playback etc was possible (which was a fairly novel thing back in the day). CLV is an extended playback format meaning constant linear velocity and this essentially allowed for more running time to be put onto one disc side. So, with all this, Criterion ld releases usually had CAV releases for their "special editions" (meaning multi disc releases with special features), and then CLV releases for their non special editions (i.e. releases of a film that were spread out on fewer discs (usually only one), but usually also without the wealth of special features). To make things a bit more complicated, Criterion would sometimes release CAV and CLV releases of the same title, and sometimes on the same spine number but sometimes on a different spine number. This is all to say that for many CC LD enthusiasts, people usually speak of CAV or CLV versions whenever speaking about a particular CC LD title or release.

[@VanessaButtino]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you for taking the time to explain it all to me. I really appreciate it!

[@oscarurdaneta2706]

I’m pretty new to exploring the criterion collection and I have a question/observation regarding the spine numbers. Why do some some numbers have no titles while other criterion releases (such as Prince of Tides) that was never even public circulation, has received a spine number.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for the question. Simply put, this is because sometimes a release was planned (all the way up to a spine number) but was ultimately never released or manufactured for whatever reason. and at the time, I think that Criterion did not necessarily have any "rules" regarding spine numbering, which could account for "lost" numbering. Also, the reverse could be true, such as Prince of Tides (first release) that you refer to.

[@lightbulbfilms450]

Help me settle something once and for all… Do you know what the total number of laserdiscs is including variants? Thanks as always. I come back to this video often. (It’s Vinnie from LDF)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

What a great question... I have never done a physical count of them. And even if I did, my number would likely not be accurate because I think I am missing some variant editions of some titles (though I think I have most of them, but I cannot ever be 100% sure). I can't do it now, but I could one day if you like do an actual physical count of the titles that I have on my shelves. If you are interested, please let me know (drop me a line, preferably on Facebook messenger or Instagram messenger as those are the best ways to reach me).

[@darwinia55]

18:00 There's a second printing of #54 ZULU which duplicates the catalog number of #47 ADAM'S RIB.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, thank you for pointing this out! You are absolutely correct, and I have both of such versions of the ZULU laserdisc. However, for the sake of this video, I did not mention it. (I also did not mention the second release of SHINE, though I have both versions.)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

This is an important point by darwinia55. Thank you. I have made a note in the description to this video to address this point. It is a pretty difficult thing to do, but for the sake of at least some semblance of consistency, what I decided was NOT to show the double releases of ZULU or ARSENIC AND OLD LACE or SHINE, as they are identical in cover design and in terms of a release as that "spine number". In other words, for purposes of the video, I just showed the one "major" printing of a release, rather than show all the variants of a single release. The exception to this was CITIZEN KANE and KING KONG, and those titles where there is an "A" CLV release. I am sorry for not being more detailed, but I felt some kind of structure was needed. That being said, your comment is great! I love it!!!

[@voxem7907]

Sick collection ! Is it easy to find some laserdics in Tokyo ? Good deals ?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Dear Voxem Voxem, thank you very much. I really appreciate it!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

By the way, are you into collecting the Criterion LaserDiscs?

[@voxem7907]

I bought a bunch, but no Criterion so far. There are a few I would love to own. But on the net, it's a bit expensive. So always looking for good deals. How difficult it is to find Lds in Tokyo ?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thanks for the quick reply, Voxem Voxem! So, yes, it is not impossible to get CC LDs in Japan, and there are indeed some sellers in Japan who sell them here. However, the majority of the discs I bought are from sellers abroad, and so there is always the issue of shipping, as well as the ordinary risks of the potential for damage in shipment.

[@voxem7907]

Funny is 90 pourcent of my Lds are japanese edition, just love the design and obi. And i dont really mind japanese subs. There is one title I'm looking for is "Dawn of the Dead_Perfect collection), it's my dream Ld haha

[@TheGyroBarqusShow]

There's a film you might want to get on LD, Tarkovsky's Nostalghia Yep they released it

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you. Actually I already have it, including on the Criterion LD. Cheers.

[@darwinia55]

48:15 Is it true that copies of #220 OTHELLO are rare because Welles' daughter brought a suit against Criterion, claiming they didn't have her permission to release this version, but mainly because it competed with her 1992 "restoration"?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much!

[@neilgibson2337]

Hi Daisuke, hope you’re well. Was wondering what your favourite laserdiscs are and do you still watch any from your collection ? Many thanks Neil

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello neil and thank you very much for the question. I might have made a video about this some time back if I remember correctly, but lately, yes, I still revisit the laserdiscs and quite often in fact. For instance, the King Kong laserdisc is really wonderful, as well as others like Criterion's release of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Also there is the LD of Dersu Uzala (and I know many people would love to see this film re-released by Criterion). Also, I know that Criterion released Polyester, but its earlier Criterion LD of that film had a great supplements section that I wish could have been carried over in its entirety. There are many many more.

[@neilgibson2337]

@@DaisukeBeppu thank you !

[@JCRUEDAESTEVEZ]

hello thank you, do you have 2001 space Odyssey on laser with a different cover than the criterion ? and what is the difference ?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much. So, when you say "with a different cover than the criterion", it sounds like the question is about whether I have non-criterion releases of 2001 on laserdisc. So, I do not have any 2001 LD editions other than the Criterion releases. Within those, however, there are the two different releases. You can find info on LDDB.com, here: www.lddb.com/laserdisc/03062/CC1235L/2001:-A-Space-Odyssey www.lddb.com/laserdisc/00997/CC1160L/2001:-A-Space-Odyssey:-Special-Edition

[@BaileeWalsh]

I'm not familiar at all with what Criterion released on laserdisc. From watching this complete collection, I'd love to see these titles in particular get a blu-ray/dvd release: Citizen Kane, King Kong, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, It's A Wonderful Life, Adam's Rib, The Adventures of Robin Hood, West Side Story, Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia, The Great Escape, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Last Tango In Paris, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Arsenic And Old Lace, Carrie, The Adventures of Baron Muchausen, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Two English Girls, The Woman Next Door, Three Cases of Murder, Pulp Fiction, Tristana, A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese, and Evita. I list some of these titles because I've seen them and I'm a fan, I'm intrigued by it and want to see it, or it seems like a film that would be on Criterion because of its reputation/acclaim/significance. It seems like they've been pretty good at releasing a lot of these titles in the blu-ray/dvd line up, which I like and think it's great, even though some are now OOP.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for watching this video also! So, yes, the titles that you list are all titles that have yet to be "re-released" into the current Criterion Collection DVD and blu ray catalog. I think that some of the ones that you mentioned would be potential hits for the label (such as TAXI DRIVER, CARRIE, PULP FICTION, etc.). Of course, there are always issues regarding intellectual property rights and licensing issues, which is likely at the core as to why these films have not been released into the current collection. The one that I usually mention whenever I talk to someone who is completely new to Criterion Collection laserdiscs, is the film GHOSTBUSTERS, which was released on CC LD (two of them, in fact!). Also I mention the film HALLOWEEN, which was released on two separate spine numbers! So, these are examples of just how rich and interesting Criterion's laserdisc history is.

[@BaileeWalsh]

I think it is interesting as well that it seems like most of the laserdisc releases are fairly well-known films, especially for cinephiles and film buffs. But something I love about Criterion now, and I know others can agree, is that they release titles I'm SO unfamiliar with and they introduce me to whole worlds I didn't know about before. I'm glad their main line releases are a mix of all kinds of film and it really does prove their model. I've always been a fan of a couple statements about the label that they have on their releases: "The Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films, presents _[insert film title here]_" and "The Criterion Collection is dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions of the highest technical quality, with supplemental features that enhance the appreciation of the art of film."

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, this is so true. And when I think very hard about those mission statements of the Criterion Collection, I think I always come to the conclusion that almost anything can fall into that mission statement so long as there is someone willing to champion the film. And so I think this can help to explain why the Criterion Collection is very broad in terms of the kinds of films it has, and in particular the laserdisc collection is very vast in this respect. I am happy you brought this up because the mission statements of the Criterion Collection are incredibly important to me and to many other collection enthusiasts. Well done!

[@BaileeWalsh]

😊

[@kilroyishere6190]

Amazing collection…I have 2500+ LDs ,of which 96 are Criterion…I was heartened by the fact that not all you collection was absolutely Mint..a little rubbing and corner dings..I say character…between sellers pathetic grading and packing ,and the USPS making frisbees out of them..its near impossible to collect Perfectly Pristine LDs..doesnt mean I dont try…I left for around 6 years because of it…now that Im back to collecting again, I dont suffer BS any longer…it helps that so many Sealed LDs have come on the market in the last decade… ANALOG FOREVER

[@classicvideogoodies]

A lot of special features on these laserdiscs never made it to any DVDs or BDs. Even when a LD eventually came to DVD or BD, not all the extras were carried over. Many of the multi-disc CAV discs had huge still-frame sections that would be a huge undertaking to carry over. In the pre-Internet days, these extras were valuable because you couldn't just google anything about movies. Nowadays, maybe they are less valuable because the Internet has a huge amount of content and keeps adding to it.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your comment. You are absolutely correct. And yes, there is always the internet where we can hopefully get a chance to see what these supplements were. Cheers and thank you again for your great comment. Have a nice rest of your day.

[@irish66]

I must get out of the habit of calling The Night of Hunter, NIght of the Hunter. ☺ Interesting to watch. Many of my favourite movies there. I don't have a laserdisc player. The only dvds I hold onto are ones of my favourites movies. If I buy another copy of the same movie, it's usually because I forget or am not sure if I already have that movie. Sometimes there might be different and /or additional extras on them. What interested me most about the discs you show is what is written on the back of the cover ie besides the credits that is. I would like to know if you have actually watched all those movies.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and wow thank you for watching this video and commenting! It has been a while since I initially made this. But yes I have now seen all these films and on the laserdisc format as well. It is an interesting part of Criterion’s history and the collection of titles themselves is really amazing. Thank you again!!

[@irish66]

@@DaisukeBeppuThank you too.

[@annirose5835]

can laser discs be viewed on a standard dvd player. I've always wondered what is laser disc?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you. So a laserdisc is a very large (about 30 cms. in diameter, which is about the same size as a vinyl record) and is no longer produced. It used to be a kind of home media format. So, unfortunately, a laserdisc won't play on a DVD player.

[@annirose5835]

@@DaisukeBeppu thanks for your answer 😄

[@paulcasino9511]

Why are certain spine numbers skipped over?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

There were titles that were planned and had spine numbers but ultimately were not released, but the spine numbers remained for those.

[@miguelrubiorincon3904]

What I don, t like at all about the Criterion LD releases is the poor general design of the covers . Instead of using the original art posters in full size for the covers , they used merely a small photo or freezed photogram of a films sequence. There are some few exceptions as the release of Coppola,s Dracula , 2001, the Princess Bride and few otherThey didn,t have good art covers designers or they didn,t give any importance to this point . Thanks for sharing your collection with us the few or many LD lovers left worldwide .

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you very much for your great comment. Yes, I totally get your comment about the cover art designs for most of the Criterion LD releases. I think as the releases progressed, the cover art designs got better, and so the later releases are usually where the cover art tends to shine more. But your comment is really well stated.

[@Tim_Raths]

Why does Citizen Kane have two different spine numbers?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello my friend. So, yes, this was due to the title having been released at two different times, and on the second occasion, it was decided to have the title emerge with a new spine number. This actually happens occasionally with a number of titles that appear more than once.

[@charlesbarkley5044]

Do you know why Criterion missed so many spine numbers and why are there duplicate titles for different numbers? What is your theory?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you. The theory is that, back in the day, during the LD era, when Criterion would prep a title for LD release, they would assign a spine number to such title. That would mean that essentially a spine number would be assigned as Criterion would be prepping the release. But then, there would be instances when, during the prepping, the release ended up not happening or getting cancelled, etc. So, when that happened, it would appear that there was the spine number that would remain unused. However, Criterion would not reuse such spine number, but rather, leave it unused and then move on to the next title. That is what ended up happening for a lot of the titles I think. of course I cannot speak for Criterion because I was not working for them and so I do not know what the decisions and circumstances are for each unused spine number. But my understanding is that generally speaking that is what happened.

[@84paratize]

An embarrassment of riches!!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Tim Holm haha! You are so kind to say so, Tim 😃👍

[@darwinia55]

54:55 Don't you think that the cover for #261 THREE CASES OF MURDER looks more like an Almodovar film than a crime thriller? :) Every now and then I have to question Criterion's design choices during the laserdisc era. It was nowhere near the level achieved in the mid-2000s through to recent releases.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes. I also find the covers of other titles around this spine number range to be a bit... iffy. But, there are other titles with splendid cover designs.

[@rodneyleon3645]

You said #3 is The 39 Steps and #39 is The 3 Penny Opera.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

That is an excellent observation.

[@adintijerina7596]

Why do certain ones have no titles?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you for your question. I assume you are asking about spine numbers, right? Specifically, you are asking why some spine numbers were not used? This is because some titles that were planned to be released with a specific spine number were, for whatever reason, never eventually released, and subsequently such unused spine number was never used again (for whatever reason).

[@adintijerina7596]

That is just bizarre

[@DaisukeBeppu]

The Criterion Collection was still finding its bearings when it came to spine number consistency, but, yes, there are many instances of this happening with the laserdisc spine numbers.

[@adintijerina7596]

What is 278?

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Based on my information, there was never any Spine No. 278 release.

[@sethp3d]

Amazing video. Its we the wieners that should tank yo for your time!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your kind comment!

[@Earthtime3978]

Laserdisc spelled wrong on the header page

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you! When you say “header page” what are you referring to? I checked the video title and the description box. As i understand that “LaserDisc” is an acceptable spelling, I can’t find any misspelling error. But if you find any, please let me know and I’ll be sure to correct it. These are comments that I really appreciate and so if you catch any errors that I miss, this is very helpful.

[@Earthtime3978]

Daisuke Beppu Probably the wrong term but I was referring to the first graphic you see when surfing KZbin

[@DaisukeBeppu]

AJ Steele thank you! Do you mean the thumbnail? from where you are, how is it spelled? The thumbnail I have included the word “LASERDISCS” in all caps I think, and so I don’t see any spelling error there...

[@Earthtime3978]

Daisuke Beppu maybe I could have sworn it was spelled wrong but I see that it’s not now . Ok then , carry on

[@darwinia55]

31:35 There's another printing of the CAV edition of #120 RAGING BULL which has trifold packaging instead of a box.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Yes, you are absolutely correct! I am so impressed with your sharpness. Yes, the release of the CAV Raging Bull is more common as a trifold, but it was also released as a box. I showed the box here, and I have the trifold as well. One of these days, when I do a Raging Bull video, I want to highlight the trifold and the box together. Thank you though for pointing this out.