The Criterion Collection

The Criterion Collection
Name	The Criterion Collection
Founded	1984
Founders	Robert Stein, Aleen Stein, Joe Medjuck
Country	United States
Headquarters	New York City
Key people	Peter Becker (President), Jonathan Turell (CEO)
Products	Home video releases (Laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray, 4K UHD)
Website	www.criterion.com

The Criterion Collection. It is an American home video distribution company founded in 1984, renowned for licensing, restoring, and distributing important classic and contemporary films. The company is celebrated for its high-quality physical media editions, which are accompanied by extensive supplemental materials and scholarly essays. Its releases are often considered definitive versions, serving as essential references for film studies, cinephiles, and collectors worldwide.

History and founding

The company was established in 1984 by Robert Stein, Aleen Stein, and Joe Medjuck, with its first release being the laserdisc edition of Citizen Kane. This pioneering release set a standard by including supplemental materials like commentary and essays, a novel concept for home video. Early influential figures included Roger Ebert, who contributed audio commentary, and the partnership with Janus Films was crucial for accessing a library of international cinema. The venture was initially part of The Voyager Company, focusing on educational multimedia. A significant early success was the laserdisc release of *King Kong*, which demonstrated the market for premium home video. The company later transitioned to DVD in 1998, beginning with a release of *La Grande Illusion*, which solidified its reputation in the new format.

Mission and curation philosophy

The central mission is dedicated to publishing "important classic and contemporary films" in editions that offer the highest technical quality. The curation philosophy is auteur-driven, emphasizing the director's vision, with significant focus on world cinema and films from movements like French New Wave, Italian neorealism, and Japanese New Wave. Selections often include challenging works from directors like Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, and Andrei Tarkovsky. The editorial process involves commissioning new essays and interviews from noted scholars and critics, treating each release as a comprehensive cinematic monograph. This approach aims to contextualize each film within film history and highlight its artistic significance.

Distribution and formats

Initially exclusive to the laserdisc format, the company successfully migrated to DVD in the late 1990s, becoming a leader in that market. It later embraced Blu-ray and, more recently, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, often offering films in multiple formats. Distribution is handled through a partnership with Warner Home Video in North America and via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment internationally. The company also operates a subscription streaming service, The Criterion Channel, which offers a rotating selection of films from its library and beyond. Physical releases are sold through major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, which often hosts exclusive sales.

Special features and restoration

A hallmark is the extensive suite of special features created for each release, which may include audio commentaries by directors like Martin Scorsese or scholars, documentary supplements, and archival interviews. The company invests heavily in film restoration, working with archives such as the British Film Institute and The Museum of Modern Art to source the best possible film elements. Restoration processes often involve meticulous digital cleanup, color correction, and, for silent films, commissioning new scores from composers. Notable restoration projects have included *The Red Shoes*, Seven Samurai, and the complete works of Satyajit Ray. These efforts ensure that films are presented as closely as possible to their original theatrical presentations.

Influence and cultural impact

It has profoundly influenced home video culture, establishing the model for the "special edition" and raising consumer expectations for quality and context. The distinctive design of its packaging and its numbered spine system have become iconic, with collecting its releases a common pursuit. The company has played a vital educational role, making historically significant but obscure films accessible for teaching and scholarship in film studies programs. Its existence has helped preserve the cultural legacy of physical media in an era of digital streaming. Furthermore, its support for independent and foreign-language cinema has introduced audiences to filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami, Chantal Akerman, and Wong Kar-wai.

Notable releases and editions

Notable editions include lavish box sets such as the complete Éric Rohmer *Six Moral Tales*, the exhaustive Zatoichi film series, and the collection of Agnes Varda's work. Landmark single releases have included Seven Samurai, The 400 Blows, *The Night of the Hunter*, and Do the Right Thing. The company has also released contemporary classics like *Parasite* and *Moonlight*. Special editions often feature unique packaging, such as the replica film can for *The Great Escape* or the novel-like design for Fanny and Alexander. These releases are frequently celebrated at events like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and are recognized with awards from institutions like the National Society of Film Critics.

Category:American film distribution companies Category:Home video companies Category:Film restoration