Criterion Collection

Criterion Predictions

From the Criterion FAQ page:

How does Criterion decide which films receive the “Criterion Treatment”?

We aim to reflect the breadth of filmed expression. We try not to be restrictive or snobby about what kinds of films are appropriate. An auteur classic, a Hollywood blockbuster, and an independent B horror film each has to be taken on its own terms. All we ask is that each film in the collection be an exemplary film of its kind. Of course we can’t just pick movies and put them out. The process of getting the rights to release a film can take years. Even if we want a film, we can’t work on it unless the film’s owners grant us the rights. Why so few films from South Asia or China?”—and we’re continually working to fill those gaps.

So, we've got the discussion of which films we think should get the treatment. Are there any films you guys think will get the treatment.

It also seems that Criterion releases titles that typically don't allready have a "special" or "collectors" edition released by their studios. This makes sense, I'm sure MGM or Artisan is going to much more reluctant to grant Criterion the rights to release a copy that's going to be better than the one they just released.

Some I think may be seen someday.

Miller's Crossing - I think there is a Coen Brother box set coming out that does not include this one. And I just think this one has a lot of potential for extra features and great artwork.

Pi - This is an indy classic that doesn't really have a great release

1984 - To the best of my knowledge, there is still no dvd release availiable for this movie.

Re:Criterion Predictions

The Science of Sleep- Michel Gondry's first writer/director effort.  Gondry and his work fit perfectly into the realm of other Criterion releases, especially this film in that it is foreign and it is quite avant-garde.  It's a wonderful movie, and it's DVD release is decent but pretty barren in terms of extras.  Definitely seems like a Criterion pick.

The Assassination of Jesse James- This may just be a strange hunch of mine, and I keep mentioning it when it comes to future Criterion releases, but it really seems like the type of film they'd do.  The current DVD's transfer is very good, but there are absolutely no extras.  Dominik has been fighting to get a director's cut of the film released, and is really not getting very far.  If Criterion manages to pick up the rights to this, it will be an amazing release, and very well-deserving.  The one and only setback I would think in terms of this being released in Criterion (besides obvious rights issues) is that it may be too Malick-esque, and they've already released Days of Heaven.  I hope they wouldn't think that way, but who knows.

Those are both very contemporary and recent films, I know, but these are the two that first come to mind.

Re:Criterion Predictions

leeroy711:

1984 - To the best of my knowledge, there is still no dvd release availiable for this movie.

There was one a while ago, but it's indefinitely out of print, and is going for about $60 USED on Amazon.  Quite ridiculous...that would be a great one though.  I loved the book, have yet to see the movie.

Re:Criterion Predictions

Smooth_J:

leeroy711:

1984 - To the best of my knowledge, there is still no dvd release availiable for this movie.

There was one a while ago, but it's indefinitely out of print, and is going for about $60 USED on Amazon.  Quite ridiculous...that would be a great one though.  I loved the book, have yet to see the movie.

I also thought of Dark City, if for no other reason than it's early German industrialism feel and that a few critics (especially Ebert) loved it. But I think I just read that New Line is releasing a director's cut of it soon so I don't think criterion will be getting it for the next 20 years or so.

I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though.

Re:Criterion Predictions

leeroy711:

I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though.

I've been meaning to see that, but I really can't find it anywhere reasonably priced, so I really hope your right about a Criterion release.

A couple of films that I feel definitely deserve and most likely will receive Criterion release because of currently crappy DVD releases are the Bunuel and Dali collaborations Un Chien Andalou and L'age d'Or.  They're both amazing films, very influential, and Criterion's got a good collection of Bunuel released (have yet to see any of them though) I'd think at some point they may present both of these short(er) films as a package deal.

And, considering their upcoming release of Guy Maddin's Brand Upon the Brain (can't wait!!), I have a feeling that they'll release at least a couple more of his films, possibly depending on the success of BUTB.  My best guesses would be some more of his short films (a couple are on the BUTB release) and maybe some of his older stuff that has bad or out of print releases, such as Careful.  I'm hoping for a release of My Winnipeg, because that looks amazing, but I'll really take any release for that.

Re:Criterion Predictions

leeroy711:

I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though.

No Z, but they just announced that they're releasing Costa Gavras' Missing in October.  I have to say I'm disappointed that Bottle Rocket's still not announced...

Re:Criterion Predictions

Smooth_J:

leeroy711:

I definately think (and hope) at some point they release Z. This is one that came finally made it to dvd in (I'm guessing) a very limited release. The only place you can find a copy is online and the asking price is usually around $35-45. There isn't much to speak of when in regards to special features. This is one of my favorite films and I'm reduced to finding it at the library everytime I want to watch it. I wouldn't mind paying the $30+ for it if it were criterion though.

No Z, but they just announced that they're releasing Costa Gavras' Missing in October.  I have to say I'm disappointed that Bottle Rocket's still not announced...

I may have to pre-order that one.