The Cult of the Criterion Collection

[@AliAMotamed]

“It’s a better academy award than the academy awards” is a very good line, I love it

[@klausweasley]

Tis true: If you're a young, aspiring filmmaker and you only had to choose: One of your films winning the Best Picture Oscar or one of your films becoming a part of the Criterion Collection, I think more will choose the latter.

[@gateauxq4604]

Accurate.

[@Jesus_Zendejas]

I remember I when I found out that Criterion had Netflix movies i was surprised. I google like articles to see like reactions and someone from Netflix released a statement basically saying "Holy Fuck! Yes Yes Yes. You have my permission "

[@1165mac]

Very true

[@gabbar51ngh]

@@klausweasley Michael Bay has two movies in criterion collection while Spielberg doesn't.

[@JakeOkoa]

I had no idea Criterion invented audio commentary. I used to listen to those all the time when I was a kid...be it either the Director or the whole cast. It was so cool to hear what they were thinking behind the scenes.

[@dnoodspodu1159]

I never saw sense of re-watching a movie I had jus watched, specially with somebody babbling about it. And never will

[@toyotatacoma1616]

I still love commentary tracks, they’re like a third of the reason I buy dvds and Blu-rays

[@TVAlien]

​@@dnoodspodu1159I can see why'd you think that. It's done and dusted.

[@NrettG]

@@dnoodspodu1159 I think there's only a couple I truly watched because I was just mainly curious on what they had to say. That being the Simpsons Movie, Tropic Thunder (that one is a REAL treat that ties into the film once more), and Evil Dead 2.

[@ToomanyFrancis]

@@dnoodspodu1159 The movie playing is secondary to the audio. You aren't re-watching the movie with somebody "babbling" about it, you're listening to somebody "babble" about their experience making a piece of art while that piece of art plays on the screen for reference. I don't care if you enjoy audio commentaries, I generally don't listen to commentary tracks myself, but there's really no reason to put people down for liking them.

[@gardenbro4207]

When you'll never be on Criterion Closet so you have to find a Barnes and pretend.

[@mr.anitabonghit]

True, and I will talk about every Blu Ray I have slight knowledge of like the camera is on.

[@SedDelMar]

Uh...? A-huh huh huh uh huh!

[@hornek]

When you live in Brazil and don't even have a Barnes to go and 1 dollar equals 5 of our money.

[@rahultej2248]

@@hornek When you live in India, with no Barnes and $1 being equal to almost 70 bucks of our money🥵

[@diegom-a7970]

I laughed so hard 😂😂 thanks

[@chonthings]

Oh dude I worked at Barnes and Noble for years and I was in charge of this section. People rarely shopped for Music and Movies but I had some of my favorite conversations with fellow film buffs when the Criterion Sale came around. Thanks for the video!

[@cpetrizzi]

I was one of those "film buffs" at B&N. I became buddies with the CC workers and brought in my OOP collection once.

[@artophile7777]

​OOP collection? @@cpetrizzi

[@natanmaurer3510]

The production quality on this channel is literally insane. You have a gift, man.

[@ChrisOsbyrne]

Right? I feel like he'll soon be doing essays FOR The Criterion Collection

[@MirroredReality]

@@ChrisOsbyrne In his Before trilogy video, he opened up the Criterion booklet and there was an essay with his name on it. He just made it for the video but for a second I thought it was real

[@juliettedemaso7588]

“We’re gonna make a pile” - the language of every trip to Barnes and Noble

[@eddyblanco7210]

Piles are dangerous, Smh 🤦🏽‍♂️ Lol

[@terencereyes696]

You don't have to collect every single release, but there's just something special when the film you love the most gets released in a special packaging, the tangible aspect reminds me of the good ol' days when you receive a present from your parents or friends.

[@increible8822]

😎

[@stanleyteriaca2184]

I want to see more anime in Critation Collection. Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, Robot Carnival, Castle of Calliastro, Kiki's Delivery Service, among others. Yes, they did Akira for once. For Laser Disk.

[@csjcsj2906]

GKIDS handled notable animes from Satoshi Kon and Ghibli, so I don't see them going to Criterion any time soon.

[@ArcherSuh4721]

Agreed, but it might be a licensing nightmare. I hope they do a release of Urotsukidoji personally. If they did one for Salo, I don't see why that one should be off the table.

[@stanleyteriaca2184]

@@ArcherSuh4721 Which version? The made as an OVA version in five parts, or the movie version (Movie 1 = OVA 1, 2, and 3. Movie 2 = OVA 4 and 5.)? Also there is a licensed in the USA release of the OVA collection which is still in press. Which hasn't stopped Critation before... Critation is not known for doing releases of "porno glitter" 70's films (Deep Trough, Behind the Green Door, Chatterbox, blah blah blah). I can see them doing Urotsukidoji IF they do the others listed also.

[@ArcherSuh4721]

@@stanleyteriaca2184 My dream release would be the original US version of Overfiend with the cut scenes included in the film or in the supplements and Demonwomb in a boxed set, along with the "Return of the Overfiend" and "Inferno Road" installments on bonus discs. Pretty much what I have in the Hell On Earth boxed set but with huge loads of supplements. I know it's a tall order and would never happen, but I'd be more than happy if Criterion just did Legend of the Overfiend (with the cut scenes included and of course, supplements). I know they're notorious but I think there's a lot more to the films than being just "tentacle r*pe p*rn" that they're dismissed as and should get a proper release.

[@daelen.cclark]

Cagliostro would be nice, but maybe not yet.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

I can’t believe you didn’t even mention the amazing restoration work they do

[@theduckczar6051]

Yep. I wanted to show this to kind of "explain" what the heck a Criterion is to people that ask me, but he skips perhaps the biggest reason why people like them. Sure, I do like premium packaging with nice little booklets to read... But what's most important is the film itself. They not only carefully select what gets added to the collection, but also do an incredible amount of restoration work on some that would have been otherwise lost. Essentially, nobody would be watching the Apu trilogy, or A Brighter Summer Day without Criterion. I buy them not because they are "luxury items" but because the restoration work and the quality of the transfers are simply the best... Which is a shame that it isn't really even talked about in this video.

[@alyh3721]

@@theduckczar6051 Their restoration of Watership Down is jaw dropping and beautiful

[@JoseRodriguez-lo9wi]

I was waiting for him to say that, never did 😑

[@rabidfollower]

Sometimes Criterion does the restoration, and sometimes Criterion borrows (licenses) other people's restorations. Of course, some restorations are a lot more work than others. Digital-only repairs of a print is, of course, much less work than repairing a physical negative or print, scanning the repaired print, then doing digital work. The booklets usually provide detail of the work. If it doesn't mention other companies' names, then Criterion most likely did all the work.

[@ivm_stray6618]

I love your profile picture

[@MedlifeCrisis]

Incredible production. I’m not sure my views on the Criterion Collection have changed but absolutely loved this. A veritable Criterion Collection Cover in the form of a KZbin video.

[@adikravets3632]

What is your view? Medlife Crisis

[@xant8344]

@Mitch they're literally a cardiologist lol

[@slofty]

@@xant8344 FWIW, MD's tend to be interesting people who are fairly erudite on a variety of topics. That said, most of them scoff upon hearing such a thing, remarking, "Ha! You haven't spent a moment around my colleagues!"

[@SecondThought]

This was fantastic! Your content just keeps getting better. I loved how you incorporated the categories and script text into the Criterion pamphlets. Really clever.

[@jonathanbandiera196]

i love watching hasan react to ur videos! lmao i need to actualy sub to you BUT WHATRE U DOIN HERE

[@CrimsionVision]

What is this? A crossover episode?

[@teddyfurstman1997]

I love your Videos Second Thought. Nice Anti-Capilism Videos.

[@matthewvalente3346]

Ayy I like this crossover

[@pdzombie1906]

Second Thought: Capitalism is unsusteinable!!! Also Second Thought: When's the next Criterion sale? Just joking, love your videos, man!!!

[@xXChronoTriggerXx13]

I love the Criterion Collection and my niche is Japanese cinema. I actually feel the same about High and Low being Kurosawa's best film! People always get mad at that opinion, but tell me another director that can pull off Hitchcock level of intensity and suspense, better than the man himself.

[@brandothecatmeow]

Are you a fan of Seijun Suzuki?

[@BazukinBelyugovich]

Kurosawa was one of the best filmmakers ever. No one else made stories of morality and human purity with that level of skill for proportion, meaningful storylines, cinematography, intelligent writing, and overall beauty. I think my favorites are Red Beard and To Live, though I also really like lesser-known films like Dreams and Dersu Uzala, his one Russian film; actually, any movie of his with Toshiro Mifune is a win, Kurosawa and Mifune went together like bread and butter.

[@GrantKanigan]

Any Kurosawa film is his best film tbh

[@ElazarY]

@@BazukinBelyugovich Dersu Uzala didn’t feel like Kurosawa for some reason. I’ve got to watch it again.

[@wfelixluck]

High and Low is my personal favorite, with Stray Dog at its heels.

[@jupiterkansas]

"The Barnes & Noble Criterion sale is a major event!" as he shops there all by himself.

[@owenchapman8320]

it's absolutely not a major event. that shit happens like three times a year

[@lordbunbury]

It’s a major event for someone who loves to buy Criterion Collection dvd’s.

[@owenchapman8320]

@@lordbunbury You're speaking to someone who loves to buy Criterion. I have loads of them. I buy them wherever I find them regardless of price if I want it enough, and i'm not even wealthy, the sale at BNN is just a perk. But I won't say you're wrong. It is a nifty sale. I see your point if you can't find them cheap or you want big items. A tip though, if you're in the US, you can find Criterion for a better deal at just about every Half Price Books.

[@aarond9563]

@@owenchapman8320 Half Price Book is only in some states. Georgia and PA are the only ones on the east coast so...

[@popburnsy3207]

It's a physical bookstore sale for a dying medium, 1 person is basically Black Friday

[@Paint]

the animation was beautiful in this :]

[@ohlordy4567]

Nice to see you here on this side of KZbin :)

[@jordanb.4514]

:^]

[@houston-coley]

Man. That Before Trilogy release. It’s so beautiful.

[@paradoxicalcitizen1139]

Just like the movies

[@ChowDownDetroit]

I had to buy this Criterion because Before Sunset is my favorite movie of all time. I also bought all of Richard linkater Criterion. 😁

[@aarond9563]

Before Sunrise is so overrated to me. I haven't seen Sunset or Midnight yet but I hope they deliver more.

[@MkBluee]

@@aarond9563 u mightve watched it in the wrong mood/setting, it's def worth another shot. you prob wont like the other ones much if you didnt like the first one

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

Absolutely.

[@nathanpoag5633]

Saw you filming this at the Hurst B&N last month. Didn't realize what was transpiring would become one of the definitive videos on KZbin about the Criterion Collection. It's always a fun surprise to discover a big name creator lives down the street from you. Keep repping DFW with this great content!

[@highwind1991]

Love the Criterion Collection. I don't personally feel the need to always own every single one because for one, I have the Criterion channel, and two, buying a film to me is something I reserve for select movies that are personal and special to me. I don't always feel the need to own every movie I love

[@owengreene2653]

In the same boat as you. They have so much on the channel that I don’t need to buy now. Also, as you said, instead of creating an enormous library, I like buying stuff I really love. Especially films that aren’t on streaming services I already pay for.

[@bigdredwick1381]

Yeah, everyone agrees with you whether they say it or not. Nobody is rushing out to fill up a closet with every Criterion movie ever made. And who shops at Barnes & Nobles for movies?

[@scottmoore1614]

Wow. I honestly did not know that there was a Criterion channel. I was only familiar with the phenomenal DVD collection.

[@harrietamidala1691]

I’ve been a subscriber to the criterion channel from the very beginning. In fact I was originally subscribed to its predecessor FilmStruck before it went under in late 2018, but the criterion channel succeeded it and I am proud subscriber.

[@djstarsign]

I’m a massive film fan and a huge fan of CC. I’m glad they exist and that they have an uncompromising set of standards to treat films as a culture and art-and not just a commodity. But the insane devotion to own every edition of the film, to have a complete collection, it seems like the sign of an obsession that I stop short of. I own a lot of the collection but feel no need to own every release. And there are certain films that I’m not even sure I connected with after watching, so I don’t feel compelled to purchase it just because “it’s part of the collection”. But god bless those fanatics for keeping the brand in business. I’m grateful for that aspect. So even tho I’m not part of that clan, keep it going.

[@higginswalsan]

As someone who ADORES collecting things and has been trying to figure out how to really get into movies for years the Criterion Collection is everything I could ever want and more. I wish every type of physical media had something like Criterion.

[@sammyruntz]

This tickled me as a B&N employee who has been doing nothing but work on the Music/Movies section for two months in prep for Christmas

[@tinycrow]

I wish Criterion cared as much about animation as much as YOU care about Criterion.

[@essaywhu]

This is just a theory- Maybe it has less to do with them not caring about it and more to do with how hard it is to preserve or restore. I’m not sure, exactly. I do know that even Disney has done a poor job with some of their restorations. I remember hearing people weren’t happy with their Blu-Ray release of The Sword in the Stone. Also, Disney barely even tried when releasing some of their later Treasures sets of cartoons after doing a lot of work on the earlier sets.

[@deva561]

Why it should?

[@RickGenis]

A Criterion Akira would rock me up.

[@OrdinaryThings]

This was awesome. i've always admired Criterion from afar - only buying them they have some feature or special thing that's only on there specifically. Like Hunter S Thompson's commentary on Fear and Loathing, or the full TV version of Scenes from a Marriage. But that's the beauty of criterion, it takes every film in the collection as a seriously as each fan of that specific movie...still saving up for that Fellini boxset

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Fancy seeing you here, I was just binging your channel.

[@alexmanrique2280]

My favorite ordinary man

[@watchforever1724]

Still interesting movies

[@essdeecard]

I only buy if it's animated. Like Watership Down. But, I'm looking to study live action. So I'm thinking about buying some of their other films.

[@JoYiSgUiTaR]

I have the Fellini Boxset, I can vouch that it’s awesome, highly recommend

[@steve7745]

The first Criterion Collection film I got was their release of Obayashi's Hausu, one of my favorite movies ever. I discovered it with my father on a super late night tcm cult movies binge. It came on at like 2am pst, and we couldn't believe this weird, hilarious, artful, magical film we'd discovered. The Criterion Collection release of it is so special to me, it feels so unique with the awesome booklet of cool information about the filmmaking process, the art, everything involved feels so respectful to the art of film and the movies they select to release, and that's what really hooked me

[@bucklakelukie]

For a video with this title, it’s so lovingly affirming of the cult

[@EliMeadAZ]

One of us! One of us!

[@kostajovanovic3711]

Scary

[@2122Hellfire]

yeah i definitely came into this thinking it was gonna be somekind of takedown of criterion.

[@arsenalrocka16]

dani at the end of midsommar grinning at the burning effigy of cinema with a criterion blu-ray in her hand

[@deadbars8755]

5:54 is probably my comfort film

[@ujjwalmishra8962]

@Fabian Capelli not surprised

[@higginswalsan]

Same!

[@khaoulaabbadi3677]

This video is unapologetically snobby and pretentious and I love it.

[@Sx-xy2zi]

Aesthetics are lovely

[@khaoulaabbadi3677]

If you mean his aesthetics: yes they are, if you mean the Criterion aesthetics: yes they are

[@sunflowers2469]

it has a lot of good tips on how to be foreveralone 🤣

[@khaoulaabbadi3677]

@@sunflowers2469 also excellent tips on how to be broke

[@harrietamidala1691]

If you can’t afford to develop physical criterion collection, I recommend checking out the Criterion channel, their streaming service. It’s a little pricier for a monthly fee, or I would recommend doing a yearly fee, but it is so worth it. It’s like having a collection vicariously.

[@helious5056]

Only problem with the criterion collection, is that I feel their criminally lacking in animated films, I can think of 4 that they have currently in the collection for sale and if we include there old LaserDisc output that ups to 5 and it just feels like there are so many animated films that deserve to be in the collection but are neglected for one reason or another

[@yelloweyeball]

I think G kids is like the Animation equivalent of Criterion though. Criterion does need more animation.

[@helious5056]

@@yelloweyeball I actually have never heard of G kids, I'm going to have to check them out now, thank you for pointing me in there direction

[@yelloweyeball]

@@helious5056 They distribute international and indie animation. They have the distribution rights to Ghibli films too. Alot of the films they distribute have one awards or have been nominated or an oscar.

[@MarcMansfield]

i know this is a year old comment but Wall-e got announced today as a part of the collection

[@helious5056]

@@MarcMansfield I saw and I'm excited

[@ThatXavier]

The one criticism I have with the Criterion Collection is that there are hardly any animated films. There are animated movies in their collection, but it's less than 10 out of the thousands of other movies they have. I don't care if a Disney movie ever gets in their collection, but I do care if a studio Ghibli film doesn't or a studio Madhouse flick or any other fantastic animated movie outside of America. I hope one day the Criterion company at least considers more animated films to be added to their collection.

[@eyebelieve3096]

I vote in consideration for Grave of Fireflies (1988)

[@ThatXavier]

@@eyebelieve3096 I'm all for that

[@comradejosephstalinoftheus8698]

Spirited Away would be amazing.

[@ThatXavier]

@@comradejosephstalinoftheus8698 That's a good choice. I love all the Ghibli films, it's hard to pick my favorite.

[@otavioclassics]

REDLINE ON CRITERION COLLECTION LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@vivir339]

“You try it once or twice and get hooked when you realize there’s a whole new world of cinema to be discovered.” So true. As an animation fan, I decided to start with one of the few films I knew and got a dvd of Fantastic Planet. Now I have over a dozen of them, and am still getting introduced to more movies. The consistency of quality that each dvd has still amazes me. Also, as a graphic design major, their booklets and cover art are EVERYTHING to me.

[@JurassicLion2049]

Every time I think of the Criterion collection I always remember when they invited Guillermo del Toro over and he took like 20 dvds for his collection.

[@connorbowen3987]

They couldn't stop me from taking 1 of each of everything in that damn closet lol

[@GojiCollector1954]

And also grabbed like 5 films within 5 seconds of entering the closet, man is so movie cultured

[@titojwonnie]

I discovered the Criterion Collection at my college library, and was instantly drawn in. The covers were so alluring. Eyes without a face, Lord of the Flies, Ugetsu, and Ivan the Terrible just to name a few. From there I took a nose dive into the world of film. I am a big fan of Criterion, but I haven’t bought a DVD/Blu-Ray. I will need to do some soul searching to make the perfect purchase. 😊

[@CastlesComments]

I love Criterion. But I also like to remind people that there are many other boutique blu-ray studios out there, many of which top Criterion's releases and can be much cheaper. While their Before Trilogy, Bergman and Varda sets could not be praised enough, BFI's Wages of Fear, Masters of Cinema's Shoah and Indicator's Dietrich/Von Sternberg sets are vastly superior. Even recent releases like Elephant Man and Crash can't match the 4K discs Studiocanal and Arrow have been putting out over the pond. If anyone reading this is at all able and cares about the best presentation available, make sure to invest in a region free player and another world of film will be opened to you :)

[@FigmentForever]

I’d argue Shout Factory as well

[@lamecasuelas2]

Kino!!

[@FigmentForever]

@@lamecasuelas2 Kino’s 4K selection has been popping off lately. Eternal Sunshine, Silence of the Lambs, etc. I’d also argue that Arrow & Second Sight releases are impeccable as well - depending on your taste in movies

[@lamecasuelas2]

@@FigmentForever hell yeah! Criterion is overpriced IMHO

[@Crocomum]

In Australia we have something called imprint. It’s definitely more niche films, they’re not always the greatest but it’s like the 5th most popular films in directors catalogue and I love that. Plus the cover art is *chefs kiss*

[@AceAttorny]

As someone outside of America (so no Barnes & Noble), and someone outside of the Criterion culture, what really grabs is the sheer love of the artistry of it. I recently learned the cartoonist Seth made some covers for Chaplin films in the Criterion Collection. And that just struck me because... It's such an effort. Most companies would just take the film, put it on a disc, then put the movie poster on the cover, maybe with some press quotes over it. But with Criterion going "No, we're gonna contact this totally unrelated artist in a completely different field to create an entirely new cover just for this release." that just shows to me how much they care. And today more than ever, that's so striking.

[@highwind1991]

Also yes, High and Low is secretly Akira Kurosawa's best film. It's one of my top five favorite thriller movies of all time.

[@marionlomboy8217]

No. It's Silent Duel. fitem e

[@Wired4Life2]

_High & Low_ is _Prisoners_ before _Prisoners._

[@airmark02]

Yes , its very good Have you seen Kon Ichikawa's Burmese Harp?

[@highwind1991]

@Randy White vertigo, the conversation, parasite, zodiac

[@geezus4418]

12 angry men is the best crime movie of all time and I will not listen to any complaints on that.

[@KMO325]

Kurosawa was my gateway into the Criterion Collection. I watched Rashomon on Google Video back in 2006 and wanted to find more films like it so I heard they sold the movie in Barnes & Noble…the rest (and my disposable income) is history.

[@kryptonicification]

Also add Arrow, Shout Factory, 88 Films, Second Sight. All doing amazing work resurrecting films.

[@Colidape]

I'm more of a Shout/Scream factory guy. I own more of their blu-rays than I do criterion.

[@kenneththompson8933]

TARTAN AS WELL!!

[@mrjohn.whereyoufrom]

Eureka has a fabulous collection from John Ford westerns to Hong Kong action.

[@noahfortner2]

GKIDS is rivaling my Criterion purchasing at the moment, probably because of all their incredible animated titles. Criterion is in dire need of some animated releases.

[@gnalkhere]

Indicator, Eureka, Oscilloscope (if at least on the basis of what they did for Dear Zachary), Vinegar Syndrome as well. Network and BFi in the UK are good too.

[@GMoneyChuck89]

I cried out "No! Don't do that to him!" When you pulled out Jeanne Dealman for your camera man.

[@hunmiliengtipi9218]

Why do I want to be a filmmaker? Tell great stories, entertain people and become a part of history? Nah. I just want to be in the Criterion closet!!!!!

[@blanchjoe1481]

An important aspect to remember is that Criterion began to exist at almost exactly the same time as VHS Rentals. At the time the plethora of films that we all now take for granted did not exist. No one knew what "Seven Samurai" was unless you went out with a girlfriend who was a film major and followed all the local film art house schedules. So it did not take long for one to realize that more and more of the films you had never heard of, and completely LOVED, were owned by the Criterion Collection. After a while it did not make any difference if the movie had subtitles, or if the story synopsis was bizarre sounding, the fact that it was from the Criterion Collection almost guaranteed it would be amazing, and it was. To be all honest, I believe that brand has "watered down" themselves to generate more income and to broaden their audience. Many films they carry on their label I do not believe are justified, but that is a different subject for another time.

[@WillScarlet16]

It's good to know there are still others like me who feel movies, like books and records, should be treasured as individual items rather than crammed together in one digital grab-bag.

[@jedibatman123]

Honestly the way you've improved in animation, design and just overall presentation in these videos is absolutely terrific. I love the way you incorporate leaflets, letters and other unintuitive concepts to make the video more interesting.

[@jcmurie]

This simultaneously called me out and encouraged me

[@HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA]

Glad to see Daisuke in this video! His channel is one of the best for people wanting to explore the Criterion Collection.

[@ElliotCoen]

Come and join the Criterion cult everyone! Brilliant video as always, and thanks for the reference - I'd love to see your own trip to the Criterion Closet!

[@Guigley]

I almost melted with delight when they released _Come and See._

[@jamesburgess2k]

"Is there another stimulus check coming? I can get a few more of there is." I'm 100% sure I've said that exact phrase sometime last month

[@christianblair8663]

I met the Criterion Collection with their Seven Samurai and Dr Strangelove releases. I felt in love. In an era where everything is more digitized, a lot of media has lost a soul to its presentation and presence, Criterion makes sure to bring new life to physical releases.

[@JoshuaSutlive]

This perfectly captures my obsession with the criterion collection. I mean the incredible films, supplements, and artwork are more than enough reason to get them. But having those spine numbers on the sides just sets me on this never ending, wallet-draining quest to buy them all!

[@Jared_Wignall]

The Criterion Collection is one of the best things to happen to film.

[@calhowell6798]

Criterion pours so much love into the work they do so it’s almost impossible for someone who genuinely loves film to not notice. Ever since I began collecting criterion’s my love for the art has grown like never before. I imagine working there would be the coolest thing ever.

[@SolitaryWolf]

Thank you for expressing my feelings in such a wonderful video. During the Covid lockdown I’ve watched so many in my Criterion collection I can’t even count them. Everything you mentioned about the excitement of criterion fills my heart with joy as well. Right now my latest movies of the nights are the Godzilla collection and the Bruce lee collection.

[@sienabrown2612]

The Criterion Collection mask SENT ME

[@bacarandii]

I have been a Criterion devotee since their first LaserDiscs with commentaries and extras came out in the mid-1980s. Their restoration of "The Magnificent Ambersons" was available ONLY on LD for many years and didn't get a Blu-ray release until 2018. That, as others have said, is probably as close to a Holy Grail for cinephiles as we'll ever get. But, you know, Masters of Cinema and Arrow Video and a few others put out editions that are just as good, sometimes better. And I feared the appearance of "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" on Criterion was a sign of an imminent "Dr. Strangelove"-style nuclear apocalypse. My mom took me and my sister to a matinee when we were kids and we were all totally miserable the whole time -- each of us assuming that the others were enjoying it. Nobody was.

[@NickOwens]

I love how you just used this as an excuse to make your own Criterion Closet video.

[@jakewoods8847]

Even seeking clout through the recycling of past Criterion Closet guest's picks. (John Waters)

[@rithwick]

I came back a year later to see this video. Still as fresh as I saw it then. Awesome. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@johnfinger7220]

Saw the thumbnail and title. This is seriously me when the 50% off sale at B&N lol. I'm deadass apart of this cult.

[@kitkat8842]

Just watched Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls and it’s so campy and delightful. The dialogue while inane sometimes is colorfully ambitious and its surprisingly goes into depth with the characters more so than I thought it would. I would totally recommend if you like your movie knowing of what it is.

[@seanramsdell4117]

Same goes to Shout Factory, the pop nerd's Criterion (even for fans of MST3K, which I hope ROFS do an essay on soon)

[@TheWickedWizardOfOz1]

Shout Factory also goes for TV, and that's a nice bonus. Sapphire and Steel was available through them, albeit the transfer wasn't great... but then, I think bad picture quality was necessary to hide how cheap the sets were. :)

[@TheMisfitPond]

You know you’re a true kinolord when you have to make a “definitely” and “maybe” pile. Relatable af

[@TheMisfitPond]

Randy White same! Cool that you found me! Lol

[@nukliozz]

Disappointed on your reaction to Pasolini's Saló. That film is everything!

[@ricahrdb]

It is imho one of the greatest films ever made but I also would never recommend that movie to anyone. That film taught me that great cinema isn't necessarily enjoyable cinema.

[@tomasmicak9041]

True, it is an amazing movie... and also only movie ever that made me physically sick (but that is just because I watched it when I was relatively young, and before I discovered Japan cinematography)

[@firetube2ndchannel]

@@ricahrdb what exactly is so great about it? I didn’t find it disturbing or even interesting in the least.

[@alwallace4538]

I had a bar regular who already had 1000 or so DVDs when the Criterion Collection came out. His attic (man cave) is ridiculous now. He is in general a normal person. Upper middle management in a large tech company, one wife for thirty some years, 3 kids, and a normal social life. Oh, and he doesn't wait for the specials. The only word I can use to describe him is addicted.

[@princepeachfuzz]

Dude criterion remastered Kiarostami's films in 4k Yet we haven't had a single Blu-ray release in the entirety of Iran's history They're my heroes Masters of the film remaster

[@pen64]

Kiarostami is so good...

[@princepeachfuzz]

@@pen64 from Taste of Cherry to the Koker Trilogy all the way to 24 Frames, i never thought iran would have such a cohesive & hard working filmmaker, i learn something new from him on every film & every re watch, his work is timeless...

[@paulhardin9731]

The build-up of waiting for a Criterion release of Stalker for years and the rush of excitement when the announcement was made brought me a level of excitement not felt since Xmas morning 1988.

[@mandobrownie]

For anyone watching this who really wants to watch a lot of Criterions but doesn't want to buy each one or get the streaming service, the Criterion Collection subreddit has a monthly trade thread. For the mere price of like, 2.73 (USPS Media Mail) you can trade releases with other people and watch them all!

[@Colidape]

There's also the public library. That's how I decide if I want to buy a title or not so this way my money is not wasted.

[@AnonymousAccount514]

im 46 years old....and i am envious of this generation....when I was in my early 20s when the Criterion DVDs first started being released....I was the only one I knew who was obsessed with them....now....there is a whole community

[@jessegrubbs507]

The Definite and Maybe pile is a decade long tradition between my wife and I. The massive pile then eventual paring down is half the fun

[@ArchLars]

I didn't know that "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" had a Criterion release! That's one of my Top 5 movies. It's so good.

[@adarshjose3891]

Everyone is a gangsta untill - 5:53 - "umm..Never mind" 😂😂😂

[@reevsyboy1116]

If only there were more region B criterion collections. It’s so hard to come by in Australia

[@formdissolve]

Oftentimes there are better versions on Region B from companies like Arrow, Eureka, etc.

[@ryanb5098]

When you showed a Harkins theater and said theaters are dying, that hit a little too close to home. The Harkins in my Texas town that I went to my entire childhood just closed a month ago.

[@EyebrowCinema]

This video has made me a subscriber. Wonderful, wonderful work. I appreciate how you correctly critique our little cult as a form of brand worship and consumerism yet still painted with a loving brush.

[@mrmogford8117]

Yeeeeeesssssss! You included Daisuke! You sir are truly a ‘Dear Friend’ of the Channel

[@JacobHTMHF]

What’s that 4 hour movie about a French woman cleaning her apartment? I heard about it a couple years ago and have been trying to remember what it is. I can’t read it in the video Edit: found it. It's "Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels"

[@TheWickedWizardOfOz1]

It's every bit as boring as that sounds. Beware.

[@pete49327]

@@TheWickedWizardOfOz1 I tend to agree, but I heard the ending would be climatic and make up for the first couple hours, and it did somewhat, as that was one totally unexpected fast scene but I don't think I'll ever watch again. I mean, is it really necessary to watch the woman shine her son's shoes from start to finish in real time? lol. Or to watch her mash and fold her ground beef dinner 100 times in real time:) I understand the purpose for those scenes, but just overdone. Movie imo was about a half hour too long. But hey, it is a wildly critically acclaimed movie and plenty of viewers love it, so give it a try.

[@loganleorobert]

This is one of the most well put together videos I've seen in a long time, the editing and typography is top notch. Also get some Cronenberg in that collection, get some top notch schlock.

[@chibiktsn3]

I need to start collecting Criterion blu rays for their cover art. I'm still a traditional media person, and while I do stream, if I love a movie I purchase a physical copy of the thing. I know disc's can be lost or scratched, but now that we've seen shows and movies changed or censored by streaming services, I'll take my disc, thank you very much!

[@envy8762]

this is absolutely my favorite video i’ve ever seen on youtube

[@austins.2495]

Criterion Collection is an expensive addiction 😔

[@andrewmiller407]

You forgot to mention that some films you just can't get otherwise, there is no other Blu-Ray release. Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker, for example.

[@emkostanyan9186]

You made a cynical former film student fall in love with movies again. Just wanted to say thank you and happy new year :)

[@benjaminorr1823]

I love the criterion collection and what they're doing for the film landscape. They really are a film school all of their own. That said I only buy physical media if the movie is in my favorite of all time list (of which I try to own all of them on bluray) or I can't watch it anywhere else (IE: Bamboozled, Yi Yi, Dekalog, Etc.) But that's what I find so special about Criterion. They care enough about history and preservation to find and make available movies you can't watch anywhere else. And they can afford to do so by putting out sure-fire pop culture movies they know will sell (IE: Princess Bride & Breakfast Club)

[@Knightmessenger]

Is there a new criterion of Princess Bride? It was on laserdisc but a lot more mainstream titles like Wizard of Oz, Robocop, Spinal Tap, Goldfinger and Blade Runner were on criterion LD because studios werent as interested in releasing deluxe editions of their major hits at first.

[@TheWickedWizardOfOz1]

@@Knightmessenger Yes, there's a new release of TPB.

[@keenanthomas1319]

Among everything in this video, I want to add that “The Hidden Fortress” Criterion is the single best looking blu ray I have ever seen. That alone makes me buy them when I can.

[@AdityaSingh-oh2fw]

And I am obsessed with this channel.

[@watchforever1724]

Me too

[@totoro5874]

Same

[@shirshodas3572]

Me too

[@kostajovanovic3711]

Don't be

[@mimicrybypravesh]

I love the smell of consumerism in the morning. Ha, nice one.

[@filmisjustmovingpictures]

I was never fussed with Criterion, but I watched this video, googled the titles they have. And now I think I might be joining the cult.

[@scrambled5948]

One place where the criterion collection lacks is animated movies. Animation is an art medium that’s been around for about as long as movies themselves and yet there are only 7 animated features in the collection.

[@JamieRyanZERO]

Damn rolled up to B&N with the Criterion face mask like the guy with wearing the bands shirt to the concert. Love Daisuke and that you shouted him out, he does such lovely film discussions on his channel even on stuff outside the Criterion Collection.

[@Pinkie-Red-Studios]

Me too I like his videos a lot !!!!

[@kei_nishimaru]

This hits really hard for us UK fans. We didn’t start getting these until a few years ago and we don’t have all of em. Imagine trying to get their version of Hoop Dreams rather than the recent release. It’s hard, man.

[@CookieMonsterMC11]

As a swede, I relate, we don't get any discounts and we have like 30 criterion movies to choose from. Hopefully it get's better the next couple of years

[@killar1one]

aswell us UK peeps don’t have amazing stores like barnes and noble

[@BillyOGrady]

Is it sad that I know every KZbinr featured here? No, it's great

[@Tim_Raths]

You're not alone.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

How many were here, i remember Rlm

[@RobertF]

I dropped almost $200 on the last 50% sale. Even went back for Wall-E at full price when released, later got Infernal Affairs Trilogy at 30% off.

[@sudevsen]

1:38 the legend Daisuke Beppu himself

[@Pinkie-Red-Studios]

Yes Daisuke the legend , the man , the guy , the collector his great 👍

[@mssaraprek]

This is such a well produced video. The production value is astounding

[@HEAVENBOUNDHE4RT]

just picked up my first two criterion films yesterday. “Blue Velvet” and “Dazed and Confused”

[@cheerful71]

Great start. Do you know about the Criterion sales, both on their web site and from B and N?

[@CiNEMACHiNE]

This video captures the importance and love of Criterion. Thanks so much for posting this. I've now watched a couple of times. Great work!!

[@MrX-pc5xn]

"Better academy award than the academy awards themselves." I totally agree.

[@thecastiel69]

Hobby for rich people

[@lisa-minniezondi3118]

Not necessarily. From all the videos I’ve watched people wait till there is a sale then buy to add to their collection.

[@thecastiel69]

@@lisa-minniezondi3118You're right, $15 is not much expensive. But in India it costs $70 or more, and there are no sale. Importing gets more shitter, only custom duty costs around 130% the shipping and conversion rates are additional. We can't afford hobby like Movie collection or Console Gaming(especially Nintendo) without pirating. Atleast for Indians it's a hobby for rich people.

[@lisa-minniezondi3118]

@@thecastiel69 I understand completely I also live outside the USA and the exchange rate is ridiculous.

[@Waitukubuli]

$12/month streaming from their website. Much better films than elsewhere. Film-snob? Yes. Rich? Not necessarily.

[@2122Hellfire]

This kinda goes for Collecting in general tbh. It requires a certain amount of privilege to spend this much money on stuff that's accesible by other means, just cause you like having the physical version.

[@totoro5874]

I have the Godzilla and Lone Wolf and Cub collections, and they look and sound fantastic

[@MultiApfelmuss]

How does it feel to walk on Olympus... ?

[@LohnJang]

I may have gotten a job at B&N last year just to stack my employee discount on top of the Criterion 50% off sale...

[@littleghostfilms3012]

This is flippin' fantastic!! I have been obsessed w/ Criterion Collection for a long time. I have my own Criterion Closet. It's called my bedroom bookshelf. They are the Mount Olympus of film packages. Best restorations, interviews, archival docs, commentaries, booklet supplements! Be Best!

[@ONEFATE9]

I have several of the Criterion Collection . Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Straw Dogs , The Ruling Class, and last but not least, Gojira(Godzilla)!

[@markjacobproudlock7130]

Never have I felt so personally validated by a KZbin video 😂

[@dillonjohnson5288]

i keep coming back to this video because i believe it is one of the best and most informational videos ever