PopcornTreeCt

Criterion DVDs aren't that expensive compared to Universal's very Limited Editions of Jarhead or United 93. Or even the 2-disc Ghost Rider.

I think it's great that we can great titles for cheap from the major studios but the truth of the matter is, that the studios don't even bother releasing some of these films. If... and Ace in the Hole are both by Paramount. These wouldn't even have come out in Region 1 if it wasn't for Criterion.

MikeDeN2K

People who have answered with shit like this have no grasp on what seperates a Criterion DVD from an average one. Like Criterion constantly explains, it's an expensive process to take a print that most often looks like garbage, buy rights to it, clean it up, and then release it. The MSRP on a new one-disc Criterion is the exact same as it is for a new one-disc major studio release, so I don't know why everyone's always bitching. And ten extra dollars isn't much to ask for an extra disc, considering the high, high quality of Criterion's bonus features.

chris_sc77

I think why the bitchers are bitching is because the titles in the Criterion collection to not drop in price (except for wes anderson disks and chasing amy i cant think of any others) and they wont pay the prices Criterion wants for the films.
I know that there are prob about 10 or 20 i would pick up if the price was around $10.
But that prob wont happen so i wont get those titles.

MikeDeN2K

Right. But the reason other films drop in price like they do is because they are heavily stocked everywhere imaginable, and it's most cost-effective for the studio and retailers to cut the prices and try to sell more after the initial wave of interest, once they make their way onto the alphabetized shelves like everything else. Criterion films aren't as mass-produced or popular as other ones, so even if they dropped the prices, they're not going to sell a whole shitload more copies of "Sweet Movie" at the local Best Buy, so it simply doesn't make sense for them cost wise.

Giggles

I personally doubt they'd increase sales dropping prices. Criterion titles are mostly for cinephiles, and the amount of the latter will never be as big as the amount of average DVD-buyers. Ultimately, who needs CC titles? Maniacs like us. The majority buy 'Spiderman', 'King Kong' and 'Lord of the Rings' (don't get me wrong - we also do, but I think you get me. And certainly no offence to anyone who buy them). Criterion has a fairly small amount of popular titles (Robocop and Silence of the Lambs come to mind), and huge sales usually go with popular titles no matter the price.

Reservoir

They have more value for perespective owners. Simple. Same as a Lamborghini is worth more that a VW Beetle even though VW own Lamborghini ie it a quality marque. Even when Chrysler owned Lamborghini it was still a Lamborghini.

Many years of quality product from a respected marque. Mistakes happen (Criterion refused to go anamorphic/16:9 thinking they knew best) but overall people know they're gonna get their money's worth.

animatedude

i told you,i keep discussing this subject with ppl and i always get the same angry responses.

what ppl need to understand is "things never last." don't expect ppl to keep paying crazy prices for their DVDs when other dvds keep dropping in prices.

i said it and i will say it again, Criterion WILL drop the prices of their DVDs sooner or later and TRUST ME that doesn't mean it's a bad thing for them,it's actually very good for them...and not to mention very good for us.people will buy more and their profits will increase and they will be like "ohh maybe we should've dropped the prices years ago...ah greed"


"animatedude theory": artsy farsty boring ass classics yuppies who keep buying anything Criterion releases and shove them down the shleves throats will vanish slowly in the next couple of years.

MikeDeN2K

Uh, having been barely able to read that sentence - if I might translate - you're saying that appreciators of classic and artistic cinema and high quality DVD releases of said cinema are going to vanish slowly?

Where are they going, again?

PopcornTreeCt

I doubt Criterion will ever drop their prices. And I really hope they don't because it pisses me off with every release coming out at $16.99 on release week and then dropping to $9.99 3 months later. At least Criterions hold a value.

And I would think Criterion releases only get more popular everyday when new people learn to open their minds and enjoy the many, many amazing films Criterion offers.

Drexl

While licensing and limited appeal for titles plays a role, the same could be said for others such as Image Entertainment and Anchor Bay/Starz, that don't charge more like Criterion. The difference is that Criterion sees itself as a special brand and wants their discs priced higher because of the perception of value. They know there are people who will buy and value their titles because of the Criterion name.

MikeDeN2K

Sigh.. Image and Anchor Bay don't put nearly as much effort into restoration, features, or overall quality as Criterion does. Anyone who can't tell the difference shouldn't even be posting here.

Drexl

I understand that. I just don't think the treatment Criterion gives is the only reason they're priced higher.

GoldenJCJ

You also have to take into account a couple other factors:

1. No forced trailers on Criterion discs; It just goes straight to the menu. That's worth an extra buck or two for me!

2. Quality inserts/booklets. In a time when most DVDs don't even come with a single page insert, Criterion releases booklets with great material which adds to the supplementary portion of the DVD. Not only is the booklet informative, it's also very high quality paper. Hell, it's almost cardboard.

mikelowry

They should at least drop the price of early spine/titles. I think it won't do them any harm.

animatedude

exactly.

DVDTalker002

Lets say I was buying the complete collection how much would this be worth if each dvd is opened but in excellent condition?

Imail724

You realize there is over 400 of them, right?

EdTheRipper

$8.6 million.

mcharro3

They're up to number 436, so...assuming you could get everything (including the out-of-print ones) for an average of $30 each...you're looking at $13,000 at the very least.

Mountain Biker

Why would you want to buy every Criterion title?

Shagrath

Why wouldn't you?

Mountain Biker

Riiiggghht

Living Deadpan

If you're *really* inclined to do the math...

http://www.criterion.com/asp/browse_spines.asp

DVDTalker002

those are sealed I said used

Nick Danger

Used, like these?