MovieChat Forums > The Ice Storm (1997) Discussion > The Criterion Monopoly

The Criterion Monopoly

posted 17 years ago by jsd42
25 replies | jump to latest

Just saw that they picked up this film for their collection. While I'm sure it'll get a nice treatment, that means the lesser expensive copies are now going out of print. That means a film I could easily own for 10 bucks is now going to cost upwards of $40. Same thing is happening with "The Last Emperor".

With most films, you can get either deluxe or single-disc addition, depending on your wallet. Now, when the mighty Criterion takes over, it means they get exclusive rights, and you have to pay out the nose for the privilege of viewing the same film with a few extras and "insight". There is no middle ground with this company.

I used to applaud Criterion for making available films most other distributers wouldn't touch. Now they're sucking up everything just to turn a profit. Makes sense on a business level, but doesn't allow the average guy to build a collection.

[–] london777 8 years ago

Bought my copy from Amazon for US$0.01 plus p&p. Not Criterion, but a good copy.

[–] yatzo376 8 years ago

Criterion blurays are on sale this month at Barnes and Noble for $20.

I upgraded my Ice Storm today!

"You work your side of the street, and I'll work mine"

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] YuunofYork 8 years ago

I know this is an old thread, but since this was about prices over time I might as well report on it. The regular release DVDs are still available and have already been re-printed, and you can get either printing for $6 sealed from retailers.

The Criterion release is still $30 from their site, but retailers will have it cheaper. I got mine for $14, sealed, from an ebay retailer (perfectly legally). If you have the money and you like film, go ahead and support Criterion by buying direct.

I'll detail some of the Criterion features here, but just so everyone understands I'm not a plant, let me say not all Criterion releases are worth it, and I believe they've devalued their brand over the years by offering such titles as Armageddon (yikes).

This one has plenty of material on the 2nd disc. I found 1 of the 5 featurettes to be filler (some live event thing), and the Moody interview to be a waste of time (except to find out how mixed his feelings on getting screen-adapted really are, but really, we knew that already). The 2x 30 min interview segments (one with actors and the other with art crew) are very enlightening, as are the commentaries on disc 1.

There are 4 deleted scenes that still exist, and at least two of them are pretty important to whittling down interpretations of certain events in the film, so I think they're a must-see.

Don't forget that the Criterions are also remastered and HD.

Et ses mains ourdiraient les entrailles du prêtre
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