By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow me on X.
Q. I’ve read that Criterion movies are very cool because they have extra features like documentaries about the film. But I notice that they sometimes cost more. So, are they really worth the extra money? And what exactly is Criterion? Is that a company? — Cynthia, Detroit.
Cynthia, The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that has a long history of working with filmmakers and film scholars to ensure that a classic film looks the way the director would want when it’s released on disc.
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The company, which has been involved in film distribution and remastering since the LaserDisc days, won’t issue a new release unless it’s been thoroughly vetted by some of cinema’s top authorities. That’s not to say that your average, run-of-the-mill studio release is of poor quality. But the Criterion team spends more time and resources on quality control. It’s their trademark.
Plus, a Criterion Blu-ray or 4K release will include supplemental material that you can’t find anywhere else. For example, the Criterion Blu-ray disc of The Silence of the Lambs features the following:
* New 4K digital restoration
* Audio commentary featuring Jonathan Demme, Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Tally and John Douglas
* 38 minutes of deleted scenes
* Hours of interviews, behind-the-scenes featurette, plus an introduction by Foster.
And a whole lot more.
As you can see, the Criterion release is for the true movie lover. Not only do you get to watch the movie in crystal-clear high-def, you get a chance to learn about its history, why it was made and what was done in the production process.
Buying a Criterion movie is like taking a course in film school.
However, like film school, you have to pay for the privilege of learning. Criterion Blu-rays almost always cost more. For example, the Criterion Blu-ray of The Silence of the Lambs costs $23.28 today at Amazon while you can get the regular Blu-ray edition of the film for just $16. That’s quite a difference. But if you’re really into movies — particularly that movie — it’s worth it.
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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.
