A Comprehensive Guide to Criterion Collection Movies: An Enthusiast’s Journey

Do you own any Criterion Collection movies? For those who are passionate about film, the Criterion Collection is a treasure trove of meticulously restored and presented classic movies. Today, I will embark on a journey through my own collection, revealing the joys and challenges of being a Criterion movie enthusiast.

The Criterion Collection: A Lifetime Journey

The Criterion Collection started with LaserDiscs, a format long forgotten in the age of DVDs and Blu-rays. However, it’s the digital age that has brought the Criterion Collection to a new level of excellence. As a long-time fan since Criterion began releasing DVD versions, I am happily building my collection to include numerous Blu-ray titles. My journey so far includes around 500 titles, not counting duplicates from DVD/Blu-ray releases, including various Eclipse and Essentials editions.

Purchasing a Collection

Acquiring a collection can be both exciting and tiring. When I hear about a semi-annual 50% off sale at Barnes Noble, I start looking for titles that are missing from my collection. I have purchased classics like Citizen Kane and Somewhere at high prices, but thankfully, today, with the basic rate for DVDs and Blu-rays coming in at just $40, these titles are more accessible than ever.

A Gift of the Heart

During the holidays, my wife surprised me with a reveal from my Amazon wishlist. She even wrapped each of the titles separately, making me a 'lucky man' with a new section on my Blu-ray shelf. This act of love and support has fueled my passion for collecting even more. Some of the films she included are Days of Heaven, A Touch of Zen, and Scully.

Highlights and Favorites

My collection includes a variety of iconic films, and here are some of my favorites:

Citizen Kane Somewhere Brazil North by Northwest Rashomon Memento Città Paradiso Paris, Texas L'Avventura Life Of Oharu Mt. Aso

These films are not just movies to me; they are a part of my life, each with a unique story of how I discovered them or why they hold a special place in my collection.

Quality Restorations and Transfers

One of the highlights of the Criterion Collection is undoubtedly the quality of restorations and digital transfers. For instance, Criterion's restoration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula surpasses Paramount's release, even though both use the same source material. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every film in the collection, and it's one of the key reasons why I collect these DVDs and Blu-rays.

Collecting with Michael and Justin

Michael and Justin both have impressive Criterion collections too. Their selections often showcase distinct tastes but share a common love for depth and quality in film. For instance, Days of Heaven is a visually stunning film with one of the best film-to-digital transfers, which is a testament to the Criterion Collection’s dedication to quality.

Conclusion: A Community of Filmmakers

The Criterion Collection is not just a collection of films but a community of filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. With each purchase, one is enriching their cinematic experience, contributing to a legacy of preserving and celebrating the art of cinema. As a collector, I am grateful for every film that has found a place in my collection, each one a story of discovery, passion, and the joy of sharing the magic of cinema with others.