The Sunday Read: ‘Sure, It Won an Oscar. But Is It Criterion?’
In this installment of The Daily, Joshua Hunt, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, and Julian Barnes dive into the revered process of The Criterion Collection, examining its steadfast mission to showcase and preserve the world's most significant films. Reflecting on the Collection's adaptation across eras, from laserdisc to streaming, the speakers reveal Criterion's secret to longevity. Through conversations with team members like Rebecca Ottak, they uncover how Criterion's unwavering dedication to directors' visions helps maintain their distinctive place in a rapidly advancing industry.
The episode further explores how Criterion's meticulous approach to restoration, such as the revival of Satyajit Ray’s damaged trilogy, benefits not only film aficionados but also shapes future creatives. Filmmakers, including Josh Safdie, relay how Criterion’s treasure trove of supplemental materials provided them with unprecedented insights into the craft of film legends. The Criterion Channel’s emphasis on human-curated content, discussed with staff such as Altman, signifies a bridge between the charm of indie cinemas and digital convenience, positioning The Criterion Collection as a seminal force that nurtures a diverse and rich film heritage for generations to come.
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1-Page Summary
The Criterion Collection's mission to preserve important films
The Criterion Collection operates with a clear and focused mission to curate and preserve significant films from around the globe. Team members including Rebecca Ottak discuss the Collection's resilience through changing technologies while remaining steadfast in their dedication to directors' creative visions. This commitment has influenced numerous filmmakers and has enabled The Criterion Collection to gracefully enter the streaming age with a unique strategy emphasizing human-curated content.
How Criterion survived industry shifts while prospering
Since its inception in the early 1980s, Criterion has navigated multiple shifts in the film industry, from laserdiscs to VHS, DVDs, Blu-rays, and eventually to streaming. The Criterion Channel notably diverges from the mainstream by choosing curation over algorithmic selection, as highlighted by staff member Altman. This approach stems from Criterion's commitment to provide access to essential films and their resolve to honor unique filmmaking.
Criterion's emphasis on restoring directors' visions
Criterion collaborates with directors to ensure their films are preserved and presented as originally intended. This is evident in their rigorous restoration projects, such as the revival of Satyajit Ray’s trilogy post-fire damage. Moreover, Criterion produces various versions of films to convey the complete story behind a film’s production, as seen in the special edition of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil." They also enrich their film editions with director commentaries, influencing filmmakers like Wes Anderson and ensuring films are aligned with the directors' visions, as Lee Klein ensures through his work on restorations.
How Criterion has shaped generations of filmmakers
Criterion's comprehensive supplemental materials have served as an educational resource for filmmakers. For instance, Josh Safdie gained a deeper understanding of François Truffaut’s directing techniques through Criterion’s edition of "The 400 Blows." Additionally, the Collection's inclusion of documentaries and insightful commentaries have shared intimate aspects of filmmaking, influencing new generations of creators. Criterion has also shed light on independent and underrepresented filmmakers, thus enhancing their recognition within the industry and reshaping film discourse to be more inclusive.
The commitment behind Criterion's human-curated streaming
The Criterion Channel stands apart from other streaming services with its human-centric curation, mirroring the environment of independent cinemas and offering handpicked films complemented with exclusive content like video essays and interviews. With its commitment to cinematic excellence and its extensive library representing diverse voices, Criterion defines itself not only as an archive but also as an active voice in current film culture. The collection's producers are pivotal in advocating for powerful storytelling from all corners of the world, demonstrating The Criterion Collection's role as a thoughtful and influential film curator in the digital era.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Criterion Collection is a renowned home video distribution company known for curating and preserving important films from around the world. Since the early 1980s, Criterion has adapted to various technological shifts in the industry, from physical media like laserdiscs and DVDs to the digital era of streaming. Criterion's emphasis on restoring directors' visions and providing comprehensive supplemental materials has influenced generations of filmmakers and reshaped film discourse to be more inclusive. The Criterion Channel, their streaming service, sets itself apart with human-curated content and a commitment to cinematic excellence, serving as a significant voice in current film culture.
- Laserdiscs were a precursor to DVDs and Blu-rays, offering better video and audio quality than VHS tapes. They were larger in size, resembling vinyl records, and could hold more content. Laserdiscs were popular among cinephiles and collectors for their ability to provide special features and director commentary, making them a niche but important format in the history of home video distribution.
- Criterion's curation strategy differs from mainstream platforms by prioritizing human curation over algorithmic selection. This approach involves a team of experts handpicking films based on their artistic and cultural significance, rather than relying on automated recommendations. By emphasizing curation, Criterion aims to provide access to essential and influential films, ensuring a diverse and thoughtfully curated collection for cinephiles. This strategy sets Criterion apart by offering a more personalized and curated viewing experience compared to the more algorithm-driven approaches of mainstream streaming services.
- Film restoration is a meticulous process that involves repairing and enhancing the visual and audio quality of a film to ensure it is preserved for future generations. This process is crucial in maintaining the director's original artistic intent and ensuring the film is presented as intended. Restorations often involve cleaning up imperfections, repairing damage, and aligning the final product with the director's vision. Through restoration, films can be experienced in the best possible quality, allowing audiences to appreciate the work as it was meant to be seen.
- Criterion's supplemental materials, such as documentaries and commentaries, provide valuable insights into filmmaking techniques and the creative process. These resources offer filmmakers a deeper understanding of cinematic artistry and storytelling methods, influencing their own approaches to filmmaking. By showcasing behind-the-scenes details and directorial intentions, Criterion's materials serve as educational tools that inspire and inform both aspiring and established filmmakers. The inclusion of these materials in Criterion's editions helps shape the perspectives and skills of generations of filmmakers, contributing to a richer and more nuanced film culture.
- Criterion collaborates closely with filmmakers to preserve and present their films as intended. This involves restoration projects, producing various versions of films, and enriching editions with director commentaries. The Collection's efforts influence filmmakers like Wes Anderson and ensure that films align with directors' visions. Additionally, Criterion's comprehensive supplemental materials serve as educational resources for filmmakers, influencing new generations of creators.
Counterarguments
- While Criterion curates significant films, some critics argue that their selection can be Eurocentric and may not represent global cinema as comprehensively as it could.
- The dedication to directors' visions is commendable, but it may sometimes overlook the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where writers, cinematographers, and other crew members also have significant creative input.
- Criterion's adaptation to industry shifts is impressive, but their physical media can be expensive, potentially limiting access for some film enthusiasts.
- Emphasizing curation over algorithmic selection is a distinct approach, but it may not cater to the personalized tastes of a broader audience as effectively as services that use sophisticated algorithms.
- The collaboration with directors to preserve films as intended is valuable, but it might not always account for the historical or cultural context in which older films were made, which could be important for contemporary audiences.
- Producing various versions of films is informative, but it could also be seen as overwhelming or unnecessary for casual viewers who are not as invested in the filmmaking process.
- Special editions with director commentaries are insightful, but they might also present a singular perspective on the film, potentially overshadowing other interpretations or critical analyses.
- While supplemental materials are educational, they may not always be accessible or engaging to all audiences, particularly those new to film studies or non-academic viewers.
- Criterion's influence on filmmakers is notable, but it could also contribute to a homogenization of style and technique if filmmakers rely too heavily on the Collection's curated examples.
- Shedding light on independent and underrepresented filmmakers is crucial, but there may be criticism that Criterion still has room to improve in terms of diversity and inclusion within its catalog.
- The Criterion Channel's human-curated content is unique, but it competes in a market where many consumers prefer the convenience and variety of algorithm-driven platforms.
- Mirroring independent cinemas is a niche strategy that may not appeal to mainstream audiences who are accustomed to blockbuster content and more commercial film offerings.
- Advocating for powerful storytelling from diverse voices is important, but some may argue that Criterion's pricing and marketing strategies still cater to a more privileged and niche audience.
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The Criterion Collection's mission to preserve important films
Established as a repository of cinematic history, The Criterion Collection continues its quest to gather and preserve the greatest films from around the world. Rebecca Ottak and several Criterion staff discuss its survival through technological shifts and its unwavering dedication to directors' visions, shaping generations of filmmakers and confidently stepping into the streaming era with a thoughtful, human-curation approach.
How Criterion survived industry shifts while prospering
Founded by Bob Stein and others, Criterion began selling laserdiscs in the early 1980s, exploring the possibilities of the medium, and later moved on to VHS. They even released the original cut of "The Man Who Fell to Earth" on laserdisc at David Bowie’s request. Criterion's dedication to providing access to seminal films carried it through the transition to DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming. The Criterion Channel now sets itself apart by focusing on curation over algorithms, as articulated by staff member Altman.
Criterion's emphasis on restoring directors' visions
Working closely with directors, Criterion aims to preserve and honor their original cinematic visions. They undertake extensive restoration processes, such as the meticulous work on Satyajit Ray’s trilogy to repair damage from a fire. For Terry Gilliam's "Brazil," Criterion produced a special edition to showcase both Gilliam’s and the studio's cuts. Lee Klein ensures the restoration works align with directors' intentions, while the addition of director commentaries on titles such as "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull" has impacted filmmakers like Wes Anderson.
How Criterion has shaped generations of filmmakers
Criterion’s supplemental materials have been instrumental in educating up-and-coming filmmakers. Josh Safdie, for instance, learned about François Truffaut’s directing process through supplementary features of "The 400 Blows." These offerings, which have included documentaries and the industry’s first audio commentary on "King Kong," have enabled filmmakers to gain intimate insights into the film-making process.
Moreover, Criterion has provided crucial visibility for independent and marginalized directors. Early on, they were champions of the new wave of African American cinema, with releases such as John Singleton’s "Boys in the Hood". Also, Kelly Reichardt’s inclusion in the collection gave her work visibility alongside established male directors, an acknowledgment of Criterion's power to shape film discourse, which had been criticized for supporting a largely white and ...
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The Criterion Collection's mission to preserve important films
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Laserdiscs were a precursor to DVDs and Blu-rays, known for their superior video and audio quality compared to VHS tapes. They were popular among cinephiles and collectors for their ability to showcase films in higher resolution and with additional features. Criterion Collection's early distribution of films on laserdiscs helped establish its reputation for preserving and presenting important cinematic works. The format played a significant role in the history of film preservation and distribution before the rise of digital formats.
- Criterion Collection's restoration processes involve meticulous work tailored to each film's needs, such as repairing damage caused by events like fires. They collaborate closely with directors to ensure that the final restored version aligns with the original cinematic vision. For example, they produced a special edition of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" to showcase both the director's cut and the studio's version. Additionally, Criterion includes director commentaries on certain films to provide insights into the filmmaking process and honor the creators' intentions.
- Criterion's supplemental materials, such as documentaries and director commentaries, provide valuable insights into the filmmaking process for aspiring and established filmmakers. These materials offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative decisions and techniques employed by directors, enriching the understanding of film as an art form. By including in-depth analyses and historical context, Criterion's supplements serve as educational tools that inspire and inform filmmakers about different cinematic approaches and storytelling methods. The inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in these materials broadens filmmakers' horizons and encourages a deeper appreciation for the craft of filmmaking.
- Criterion Collection plays a significant role in showcasing films from independent and marginalized directors, providing them with crucial visibility and recognition in the film industry. By including works from diverse filmmakers in their collection, Criterion helps broaden the representation of voices and perspectives in cinema. This effort acknowledges and supports filmmakers who may not have had the same level of exposure or opportu ...
Counterarguments
- The Criterion Collection's focus on "important" films can be seen as subjective, potentially overlooking popular or genre films that also have cultural significance.
- While Criterion has adapted to new formats, the high cost of its products may limit accessibility for a wider audience.
- The emphasis on directors' visions might overshadow other important aspects of filmmaking, such as the contributions of writers, editors, and cinematographers.
- The educational impact of Criterion's supplemental materials may not be as widespread due to the niche market it serves.
- Criterion's efforts to provide visibility to independent and marginalized directors could be criticized for being too little or too late in addressing the diversity of voices in cinema.
- Human curation, while valuable, may also introduce biases and limit the diversity of film selections compared to more algorithmically diverse platforms.
- The claim of ...
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