The Criterion Collection is renowned for its exquisite selection of classic and contemporary films, meticulously restored and presented with impeccable care. But have you ever wondered who is behind the scenes, making the crucial decisions on which films to include in this esteemed collection? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of film curation and explore the minds behind the Criterion Collection.
The History of the Criterion Collection
Founded in 1984 by Jerry Harvey, the Criterion Collection has been the gold standard for home video releases of classic films. Initially, the company focused on laserdisc releases, but with the advent of DVD and Blu-ray technology, Criterion expanded its reach and reputation. Today, the Criterion Collection is a subsidiary of the Criterion Pictures company, which is owned by Janus Films, a distributor of foreign films.
The Criterion Collection’s dedication to film preservation and restoration is unmatched. They work closely with film archives, studios, and filmmakers to ensure that the films are presented in their original glory, with meticulous attention to detail. But what drives the selection process? Who determines which films make the cut?
The Criterion Collection Team
The Criterion Collection is led by a team of film enthusiasts, curators, and experts. While the specific individuals involved in the decision-making process may change over time, the core team is responsible for shaping the collection’s direction and selecting the films. Here are a few key players:
- Susan Arosteguy: As the current President of Criterion Pictures, Arosteguy oversees the company’s overall strategy and direction. With a background in film distribution and marketing, she has been instrumental in expanding Criterion’s reach and influence.
- Janet Bergstrom: A renowned film scholar and critic, Bergstrom has been a key figure in the Criterion Collection since its inception. She has worked on numerous releases, including the esteemed “Essential Art House” series.
- Kent Jones: A film critic and historian, Jones has been involved with the Criterion Collection for over two decades. He has written essays and commentary for numerous releases, and has played a significant role in shaping the collection’s direction.
The Selection Process
So, how do these experts decide which films to include in the Criterion Collection? According to Bergstrom, the process is “organic and intuitive.” She explains, “We’re always looking for films that are significant, influential, or simply great. Sometimes we’re driven by a passion for a particular director or genre, and sometimes we’re responding to the cultural moment.”
The team draws inspiration from various sources, including film festivals, archival discoveries, and recommendations from filmmakers and scholars. They also consider factors such as a film’s cultural significance, historical importance, and artistic merit. As Jones notes, “We’re not just looking for great films, we’re looking for films that matter.”
A Balancing Act
The Criterion Collection strives to strike a balance between classic films and contemporary releases, as well as between different genres and styles. According to Arosteguy, “We want to appeal to a broad range of audiences, from film enthusiasts to casual viewers. We’re always looking for ways to introduce new viewers to the world of art house cinema.”
This balancing act is reflected in the collection’s diverse range of releases, which include everything from Akira Kurosawa’s Sanshiro Sugata to Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. By embracing this diversity, Criterion ensures that its collection remains vibrant, eclectic, and engaging.
Filmmaker Involvement
Filmmakers play a crucial role in the Criterion Collection’s selection process. Many directors and cinematographers are involved in the restoration and transfer of their films, ensuring that the final product meets their artistic vision. According to Bergstrom, “Filmmaker involvement is essential to our process. We work closely with directors to ensure that their films are presented in the best possible light.”
Some notable filmmakers who have collaborated with Criterion include:
- Francis Ford Coppola: The director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now has worked closely with Criterion on numerous releases, including the epic Digital Restoration of his Godfather trilogy.
- Terry Gilliam: The director of Brazil and 12 Monkeys has been involved in Criterion’s releases of his films, providing commentary and insight into his creative process.
Restoration and Transfer
Once a film is selected for the Criterion Collection, the real work begins. The company’s team of experts undertakes a painstaking restoration process, using state-of-the-art technology to ensure that the film is presented in its original glory.
This process involves several stages, including:
- locating and securing the best possible source materials, such as original negatives or fine-grain prints;
- conducting a thorough digital restoration, removing dirt, scratches, and other defects;
- creating a new transfer, using advanced scanning and encoding technologies;
- fine-tuning the audio, ensuring that the soundtrack is clear and immersive;
- adding special features, such as commentary tracks, interviews, and documentaries.
Attention to Detail
Criterion’s commitment to detail is unparalleled. The company’s experts spend countless hours fine-tuning every aspect of the release, from the menu design to the packaging. According to Jones, “We’re not just releasing a film, we’re creating an experience. We want viewers to feel like they’re experiencing the film for the first time.”
This attention to detail has earned Criterion a loyal following among film enthusiasts. As one fan notes, “Criterion’s releases are like a work of art in themselves. The care and attention they bring to every aspect of the release is truly remarkable.”
The Future of the Criterion Collection
As the Criterion Collection continues to grow and evolve, the team remains committed to its core mission: to present the greatest films in the best possible way. With the rise of streaming services and changing viewer habits, the company is adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Arosteguy notes, “We’re always looking for new ways to engage with audiences and make our films more accessible. Whether it’s through streaming, DVD, or theatrical releases, our goal remains the same: to share these incredible films with the world.”
The Criterion Collection’s dedication to film preservation, restoration, and curation has made it an indispensable part of the cinematic landscape. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the Curators of Cinematic Excellence will continue to surprise and delight audiences with their impeccable taste and unwavering commitment to the art of filmmaking.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Criterion Collection’s influence extends far beyond its own releases. The company’s commitment to film preservation and restoration has inspired a new generation of filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. As Bergstrom notes, “We’re not just curating films, we’re preserving a cultural heritage.”
In an era of fleeting attention spans and endless distractions, the Criterion Collection stands as a beacon of quality, a testament to the power of great filmmaking to inspire, educate, and delight. As we celebrate the company’s ongoing legacy, we are reminded of the importance of film as an art form, and the significance of the Curators of Cinematic Excellence who bring it to life.
In the words of Kent Jones, “The Criterion Collection is a reflection of our shared passion for cinema. It’s a reminder that, no matter how fleeting our lives may be, the art of filmmaking can transcend time and touch our hearts in ways that nothing else can.”
What is the Criterion Collection?
The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that specializes in releasing classic and art-house films on DVD, Blu-ray, and online streaming platforms. The company was founded in 1984 and is known for its meticulous restoration and presentation of films, often with new transfers, director-approved special editions, and supplements such as documentaries, interviews, and commentaries.
The Criterion Collection is particularly revered for its eclectic selection of films, which range from silent classics to contemporary independent cinema, and from Hollywood blockbusters to obscure foreign art-house films. The company’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the art of cinema, and to make these films accessible to a wide audience.
Who decides which films are included in the Criterion Collection?
The selection of films for the Criterion Collection is made by a small team of curators and film experts, led by the company’s founder and president, Janus Films founder Jerry Harvey, and later by Criterion’s current president, Jonathan Turell. This team is responsible for seeking out and acquiring the rights to films that they deem to be cinematically significant, culturally important, or historically relevant.
The curators’ decision-making process involves a rigorous evaluation of each film’s artistic and cultural value, as well as its technical quality and historical significance. They also consider factors such as the film’s availability and popularity, as well as the level of interest from film scholars, critics, and enthusiasts. The goal is to create a collection that is not only diverse and eclectic but also coherent and meaningful.
What is the criteria for selecting films for the Criterion Collection?
The Criterion Collection’s selection criteria are quite broad and encompass a wide range of factors. The company looks for films that are considered classics, either critically acclaimed or historically significant, as well as films that have been overlooked or underappreciated. They also seek out films that are culturally or socially important, or that have had a significant impact on the development of cinema as an art form.
In addition to artistic and cultural merit, the Criterion Collection also considers the technical quality of the film, including the cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall production values. The company is also interested in films that have been restored or preserved, and that can be presented in a high-quality transfer that does justice to the original material.
How does the Criterion Collection restore and present its films?
The Criterion Collection is renowned for its meticulous restoration and presentation of films. The company works closely with film archives, studios, and filmmakers to acquire the best possible materials, including original camera negatives, prints, and sound elements. These materials are then carefully restored and transferred to digital formats using state-of-the-art technology and techniques.
The resulting transfers are often stunning, with vibrant colors, crisp sound, and a level of detail that is unmatched by other home video releases. The Criterion Collection also adds a range of supplements, including commentaries, interviews, documentaries, and essays, which provide context and additional insights into the film’s production, themes, and historical significance.
What is the significance of the Criterion Collection in the world of cinema?
The Criterion Collection has played a crucial role in the preservation and celebration of cinematic art. By releasing classic and art-house films in high-quality editions, the company has helped to raise the bar for home video releases and has set a new standard for film distribution. The Criterion Collection has also helped to introduce new audiences to classic films, and has provided a platform for filmmakers, critics, and scholars to share their insights and perspectives.
Furthermore, the Criterion Collection has contributed to the development of film studies and scholarship, by providing access to previously obscure or hard-to-find films, and by facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of cinematic art. The company’s commitment to film preservation and restoration has also helped to ensure that these works of art will be preserved for future generations.
How has the Criterion Collection evolved over the years?
The Criterion Collection has undergone significant changes and evolution over the years. In the early days, the company focused primarily on releasing classic films on LaserDisc, a precursor to the DVD format. With the advent of DVD and later Blu-ray, the Criterion Collection began to release its films in these formats, taking advantage of their higher video and audio quality.
In recent years, the Criterion Collection has expanded its reach to include online streaming, with its own streaming service, the Criterion Channel. This has enabled the company to reach a wider audience and to provide access to its films on a variety of devices. The Criterion Collection has also continued to innovate and experiment, releasing films in new formats, such as 4K Ultra HD, and exploring new ways to present and contextualize its films.
What is the future of the Criterion Collection?
The future of the Criterion Collection looks bright, with the company continuing to release new titles and expand its reach through its streaming service and online platforms. The Criterion Collection is committed to preserving and celebrating the art of cinema, and to providing access to these films for audiences around the world.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the Criterion Collection will likely adapt and innovate, embracing new technologies and formats while remaining true to its core mission. With its reputation for excellence and its dedication to the art of cinema, the Criterion Collection is poised to remain a major player in the world of film distribution and preservation for years to come.