MovieChat Forums > La Belle et la Bête (1947) Discussion > Beautiful DVD, Beastly Price

Beautiful DVD, Beastly Price

posted 20 years ago by BijouBob8mm
24 replies | jump to latest

Criterian has released a second version of director Jean Cocteau's 1946 classic, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (La BELLE et La BETTE), starring Joesette Day and Jean Marais. This wonderful transfer of the film comes complete with the extras of the earlier release, plus many more goodies, including a collectible booklet. This unusual film, unfortunately, also comes with the usual price of a Criterian title: $39.95, nearly 2-3 times that charged by any other company for the same amount of material. Keeping in mind that this is a single DVD release, as well as what it costs to produce a DVD (even taking into consideration licensing fees), it is an overpriced package...even for this magnificent masterpiece. However, let us focus on the positive. The original opening title sequence has been restored, which shows Cocteau writing the credits on a child's chalkboard (only to have, in turn, Marais and Day come up and erase their names as soon as they are written). And we have a choice of two sets of English subtitles; the ones with which so many of us have grown familiar over the years, as well as a new set that are a far more accurate translation of the original dialogue. The French fantasy film still retains a fresh, dream-like quality, with each frame filled with enchanting and unearthly beauty; making it as timeless as the tale upon which it's based. We are now treated to two different commentaries on the film, the Phillip Glass opera, onscreen talks with surviving cast & crew, and other treats that will appeal to those who love this incredible work.

[–] jasonhurd 20 years ago

Please don't forget, when criticising Criterion's admittedly high asking price, that the film was completely restored for this edition. A friend of mine and I were both very familiar with this film from repeated viewings in movie theaters and on television, and when we saw this Criterion DVD we were astonished at the high quality of the restoration. It was very much as if someone had painstakingly cleaned and restored a painting from one of the Old Masters. Work of this precision and professionalism is only accomplished through long hours by artisans who truly understand their craft, and it's only right they should be remunerated handsomely for their achievement. Keeping this in mind, $39.95 begins to seem more and more like a bargain.

[–] BijouBob8mm 20 years ago

A very valid point, but not all of their releases undergo the same degree of restoration (in some cases, the films were not in so much need)...the $39.95 price tag for a single DVD from them seems almost automatic on ALL of their titles. Add another $10-20 for a double DVD. I appreciate they need to recover their costs, but the higher price tag could alienate potential purchases. I would think lower cost could equal higher sales and, in the long run, a greater profit. I've read a number of reviews criticizing Criterian for the very same reasons, and I've noticed a number of stores in this area that seem to have a very difficult time selling Criterian titles because of the price. When I picked up my copy of LA BELLE ET LA BETE, I was told I was one of the few customers who actually bought a Criterian film because so many customers felt they were overpriced. (Although I grant you the average DVD buyer may not be a serious film fan to realize what Criterian does do.) As a result, when the store pulls inventory from the shelves and sends it back because it is not moving, they have a high volume of Criterian product they return. Because of this, they are considering no longer carrying ANYTHING from the Criterian Collection. It sounds crass, but the sales have to be there for them to stay in business. Also consider Kino Video, as well, has played a major part in classic film restoration, and yet manage to keep their DVD prices considerably lower than Criterian.

[–] 20 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jasonhurd 20 years ago

I would imagine Criterion does well enough from their online sales through Amazon and other outfits not to have to be inordinately concerned about slate-and-mortar sales dropping off. I don't know precise numbers, but I can't help but think that MTS, Inc(Tower Records/Video/Books)'s recent financial difficulties were brought on partly by their inability to compete successfully with online vendors. Also, your point that the average DVD buyer is unaware of Criterion's mission is perceptive. Criterion did well with LaserDisc as that was a medium of interest primarily to serious film students and connoisseurs who could appreciate the firm's considerable efforts. DVD on the other hand is analogous to VHS in its marketing, meant to appeal to the broadest market share possible. I'm not surprised that some, if not most, DVD customers are ignorant of some of the reasons for Criterion's pricing policy.

[–] BijouBob8mm 20 years ago

Excellent points about Criterion establishing themselves among serious film fans back in the days of laser disk. In fact, I still have a few old catalogs from then around the house.

[–] adam_s_martin 18 years ago

I work at Barnes and Noble in the Music/Dvd department and we have quite a selection of criterion movies and they sell pretty well. Of course they arent priced that much different from our other movies, new releases average 29.99 at b&n. of course it helps that we have a few colleges in our area so we get students, professors and serious film collectors coming in.

"Truth will not disappear because certain facts are ignored." Aldous Huxley

[–] ben-152 19 years ago

It's also one disk, and they usually are less than special editions. This and Diabolique deserve special editions cause they're so good. And Blow Up should too, it's chriterion enough.

"Robot Chucks Norris Owes You Nothing!"

[–] MaynardRules 20 years ago

Check out www.criteriondvd.com. Beauty and the Beast costs only $28.73.

[–] mad19571 20 years ago

Yes, the Criterion (not Criterian) Collection charges more than most.
There are several reason for this, some general and some specific to this film.

First and foremost, there are , as others on this message board have pointed out, alternative ways to see their dvds without paying full retail price. Online discounters and/or Netflix will keep you from paying top dollar to experience the CC's films.

Second, and maybe more foremost, any films made in this era have the dvd extras written into the contract of all involved and they have already been paid. Also, no reseach has to go into unearthing documentaries and relevant news from the past as apply to the CC's selections. And how many of us have paid for a two dvd set that only has one to two hours worth of extras on the second dvd which would have easily fit with the movie on the first dvd.

Third, the CC's film are hardly first run fare with an assured audience of millions. The bulk of their films, until now, could only have been experienced in film classes (which in my day meant that you still had the joy of experiencing them on a big screen). Also, the extras on their recent releases have given me more and deeper understanding of the films than any two professors combined.

As to the specifics of this film:
1) there are EIGHT! new features from the original release. Only one of the three extras on the original CC release is the same, A. Knight's commentary track. The lecture by the professor from South Carolina (which was edited from its original broadcast which I saw in the late 1970's) is missing and the translation of the original tale is now written on the enclosure.

2) As jasonhurd pointed out the transfer is completely new and cleaned to the point that it was like a completely new film the first time I saw it.

3) The chance to experience the Phillip Glass Opera version, which by the way was when the subtitles were updated for the first time since the 1950's, created yet another time to realize a familiar love as though it was brand new. Its inclusion alone could have easily doubled the price of this release and still justified its expense. Again reinforcing johnhurd's assertion that this dvd is a bargain.

Having said all this I don't disagree that the price that the CC charges is frustrating, especially on those films from their laser disc days which have limited extras. I just hope that it doesn't interfer, to much, with your enjoyment of the films that they bring to you.

[–] EarlWeber 19 years ago

Hmmm.

Try www.dvdplanet.com - you can pick up this wonderful DVD for a smashing $25.97. In fact, most Criterion DVDs are running at about 35% off the retail price. There's no limited time sale or anything - that happens to be their major selling point.

I've been ordering from them for about seven months now & no problems. Other options are on-line auctions - but always at risk of getting bootlegged editions.

Good luck!

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] directorscut 19 years ago

Criterion ARE a rip-off. Other labels such as Anchor Bay and Blue Underground also have to pay for license fees, restoration and extra material and their DVDs aren't half the cost of Criterion.

Warner also put out products for classics better than Criterion that usually cost $10-15!

...I want to be Bey Logan...

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] pressdarlings 19 years ago

I have the exact same one. But if you hit the audio button you get the Philip Glass score/opera. It's fantastic.

[–] soprismb 19 years ago

Hey look on the bright side: First edition Criterion copies of "Beauty and the Beast", spine #6 run you around $100. It is mostly a collectors item, but for serious CC fans, it's a must have

[–] dance_passion83 19 years ago

You think that's bad? Mine cost $64.99 + tax!!! But, it's worth saving up for.

[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] madscientist2787 18 years ago

Well, I went to see it at the marvelous Lincoln Center Theater for seven bucks (student discount). So nyah.

[–] stephen-javaras 18 years ago

I did too, it was wonderful!