I so wish criterion would do a 4k restoration of David Leans oscar winning 1970 film 'Ryan's Daughter' ... a spectacular love story filmed in glorious 70mm on the rugged West Coast of Ireland ... the film was such a critical failure and remains overlooked with Leans other classics. I know I'm not the only one who adores this movie!!!
@@ElliotCoen another masterpiece! You also have a great ASMR vibe to your videos, which is what I do. 🤩🤩 Movies and ASMR are kinda what I'm aiming to do but exploring some ideas 👍👍 loving working through your content 👍👍
Follow your gut, discover your taste and then explore other tastes and branch out from there at your own pace. Let your collection grow according to you. I find the growth of a film collection to be deeply personal and I love it. There is no right or wrong way to collecting criterion, just your own way.
@@jaustengirl441 just watched it a few hours ago, everyone on the internet makes it sound way more disturbing than it really is, it’s definitely worth watching
This was my first criterion blu ray I bought. I was watching a video on the most scariest movies ever made and I was directed towards this movie. What an experience. It crushed my soul especially when realizing this stuff did happen on history. Makes me mad how our culture now a days believes that this level of cruelty didn’t happen. We need films like this to remind us of the humanity that we could lose within all of us if we don’t constantly read through historical and real life accounts.
My Criterion picks, Top 10 to get into The Criterion Collection... - Seven Samurai - Brazil - Yojimbo - Paths of Glory - The 400 Blows - Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - Barry Lyndon - The Royal Tenenbaums - Come and See Honorable Mentions: - The Grand Budapest Hotel - Eraserhead - Good Morning - Rosemary's Baby - On the Waterfront - Moonrise Kingdom - High and Low - Citizen Kane - Quadrophenia - The 39 Steps
I would say Kurosawa is a great way to get into older movies. Makes you realize not all B&W are boring, his early B&W stuff rivals anything made today. Great suspense, humor, heart.
Sidney Lumet, Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa have to be 3 of the most entertaining directors out there recommend them to anyone who wants to get into film
Seven Samurai is one of my favourite movies of all time. But I'm holding off buying it again on disc as a 4k restoration was recently done and shown in 4k cinemas on Japan. That 4k master will likely be used for a future 4k remastered blu ray or a 4k blu ray release.
I'm an aspiring filmmaker and I've been collecting films for study material but didn't have much guidance on that sort of thing. I am now so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I was aware of the existence of most of the films but your explanation was so well done on these it gave me even more of an understanding of cinema history. Love the content, man!
I just received some Criterion Collection movies for Christmas. I wanted Barry Lyndon and Come and See because of your recommendation. I got Rififi as well. I know this has already been said, but your voice is relaxing. Your videos make me want to get a cup of coffee and relax.
I am so glad to find someone who loves "Barry Lyndon". It is in my top 5 of all my favorite movies and you listed all the reasons why it is so wonderful.
Excellent video! I only have the Godzilla set and Pan's Labyrinth but I absolutely adore them. Looking forward to collecting more Criterion, especially Memories of Murder.
This was very informative. I’ve been acquainted with the CC for about a year now but I still feel lost at times. Many of the films you’ve mentioned I have either seen, own and seen or own from the CC. Yet I still loved how kind and not pretentious at all you were with your recommendations. Thanks
I mostly buy horror movies from Criterion cause I love all the extras about the practical effects and interviews with the filmmakers about how they see horror and their own work. Hearing David Cronenberg say all those thoughts I have regularly out loud made me feel so understood and at home
Criterion's film noir catalog alone is staggering. From hits like The Third Man all the way to Billy Wilder's Ace In the Hole. Absolutely essential; if it weren't for Criterion I would be a monk in Tibet
I’m at 232 spine numbers (just counted because I was curious) along with the Ingmar Bergman box set and I’m still watching this. I still have some here I don’t own.
Thanks for your video, I think that you suggested excellent movies in an excellent range for the serious movie viewer starting out. I began collecting seriously about five years ago and concentrated on films with a "pedigree". After a while I noticed that I was favouring certain publishers, and this included Criterion. Since then I have looked out for Criterion material because they are reliably good. I have watched many films that I may never have come across had they not appeared on Criterion.
Thank you this is super helpful! I just bought my first Criterion film, Blood Simple, because I really enjoy that movie and it was it was cheaper than most of the other ones. La Haine, Come and See, Barry Lyndon, In the Mood for Love, Persona, Bicycle Thieves, Paths of Glory, and many others are on my priority purchase list!
Excellent video as always Elliot, it was great to hear your thoughts on these great films. For me it’s certainly been the month of criterion, I’ve bought quite a few! Even some from the US sale, including come and see. Thanks for making great videos mate!
Technically, my first Criterion Collection was All That Heaven Allows (which I will watch soon hopefully) that I got for free at my college library since they were getting rid of all their DVDs, and I found it so interesting that the packaging looked nothing like the packaging now. I asked for Some Like It Hot on Criterion for Christmas but I think my brother got scared of the 40 dollar price, so I was gifted a regular one, which is understandable. I will get it on Criterion one day 😤But I couldn't resist Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire during their last flash sale. There's so many more that I want now. 😅
This is a great idea for a video. Some of the people I’ve spoken to online say they have no idea where to start when it comes to collecting Criterion discs. This video will prove to be very helpful, Elliot. Well done! For me, I started off collecting just the classic Hollywood titles because those were the ones I was most familiar with. From there, I started to dip my toes into international cinema and more modern stuff too.
I honestly don't clearly remember what my very first Criterion purchase was. I'm pretty sure, but not positive, that it was Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" three disc set. I'd already seen the film a couple of times and just could not get it out of my head. Another contender for first purchase is the four disc edition of Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor." Again, it was a film I'd already seen. I was blown away by its sheer beauty and historical scale. Early additions include Kubrick's "Spartacus" 2-disc set, and Gilliam's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Then came "The Man Who Fell To Earth" deluxe edition with the book, "Watership Down" (oh, God, they're killing each other! Probably the most traumatizing animated film I've ever seen), another Gilliam - "Time Bandits" (his films should just go direct to Criterion), a few by Wes Anderson, some Kurowawas......"The Complete Lady Snowblood," which I need to dig into. I just visited the Criterion website and created a list of films I want to add to my collection - 26 individual movies and three box sets. I need to win a big lottery jackpot. Criterion is a drug.
Boutique Blu-rays with Elliot Coen HECK YEAH, Punch-Drunk Love!!! Great pick. That one is my 6th favourite movie ever. Not only is Sandler fantastic in that movie, but for one of his movies to even be on Criterion is quite an accomplishment.
I started my collection years ago. My first two were #11 Seventh Seal and #164 Solaris. Almost at one hundred movies in my Criterion Collection and I love them all.
Hi Elliot. Great intro to the Criterion Collection. I am a big fan of PTA so glad you selected one of his movies for your video. One of my favorites and I love the soundtrack from Jon Brion. 8 1/2 is such a classic. I'm hoping to pickup the Fellini set before the end of November. Hope you are doing well.
My top 10 criterion picks are 1. In the Mood for Love 2. Army of Shadows 3. Good Morning 4. Ivan's Childhood 5. Bottle Rocket 6. Y Tu Mama Tambien 7. Au Revoir Les Enfants 8. M 9. Rashomon 10. Badlands. I think those are great buys for a first time collector. I'd also recommend Cold War, Charade, Yojimbo/Sanjuro, Brazil, The Devil's Backbone, and The 400 Blows
I first saw Barry London on a scratchy 35mm print a few years ago at my local art house cinema, The Belcourt Theater in Nashville. I went out and bought the blu-ray right after.
@God Reigns Man, I have watched Ran. Really epic in scale and I see why so many consider it his masterwork but I didn't love it as much as the others I listed above.
My first one (of many more, I hope) has been Parasite. I’m saving for the nexts, because it’s more expensive un Spain, because of the taxes. I’ll go maybe with Punch-drunk-love. I love that movie. Thanks for the video.
@@SamuelMcIntosh It's quite complete. The BR is supervised and approved by Bong Joon-ho. It has interviews with the production designer, cinematographer and the editor. And also an interview with Bong Joon-ho with the critic and translator Darcy Paquet, the audio commentary with Tony Rains, and others essays and interviews about korean cinema, with Park Chan-wook. But the best extra is the Black-and-white version of the film. It's a new approach to the movie, and I loved it. Sadly, I don't have Dolby Atmos, but also has this feature in both discs.
@@Aprendercine Wow! Thanks for the response. That sounds awesome. Have been dying to see the B&W version! Criterions whole New Korean cinema section on their streaming service is amazing too.
Having seen A Matter of Life and Death recently, I absolutely agree with you, Elliot! It certainly is a brilliant story that I would definitely keep in my collection!
It's an amazing coincidence that you use a Wes Anderson film as the first to introduce us to The Criterion Collection, as I was just watching an unboxing of the "Fantastic Mr Fox" Criterion box set and I fell in love, making me search up about Criterion and want to start collecting! I have just started collecting Bluray's and 4K UHD Blurays since about a month ago and can't get enough! Thank you for your selection and this wonderful video
Great video Elliot! Really enjoyed this showcase of films that have different aspects to look at for those just beginning in the collection or even those who have collected for a while. Good work my friend, keep it up!
Good list. I’m fairly selective and often go for cheaper BFI, Studiocanal or non boutique major releases. But I’ve got Midnight Cowboy, Stalker, Night of the Living Dead and The Cranes Are Flying and I swear by all of them. I think Criterion are brilliant but don’t demolish the competition to the extent of the price difference.
Well, that is a tremendous selection you have there. The Cranes Are Flying in particular was a revelation for me. Incredible cinematography and camera movement in that one too. Thanks for watching :)
Picked up my first Criterion movie yesterday and got The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, never seen it but I love the novel and pretty much every book by John Le Carre!
@@greydecaire8 just watched it last night it’s really good, it’s an older one too so the black and white really fits obviously they didn’t have a choice though lol
Couldn't agree with you more on The Grand Budapest Hotel! Forever I was leery of Wes Anderson. His synopsis and subjects were just TOO weird for me to get into. Taking a chance on getting a cheap used DVD copy of The Grand Budapest, I was more than pleasantly surprised. And have since bought and cherish Criterion's release! A funny fantasy that flies right along! For me though with Criterion, it started with the love for Terry Gilliam's Brazil. I knew a bit about the different cuts and controversy beforehand. But to get Criterion's extensive 3 disc set, what a terrific entry! Whether one's a fan of Gilliam and/or the movie. Never heard of him or knows the backstory. Or even hates fantasies and bonus crap about movie making - Brazil is a MUST just to see how a simple idea can flourish, the pains to make it come to life, and the fact it can be 'Frankenstein-ed' while it's still alive to take on another life for better or for worse is so much worthwhile knowledge to this day! And not to diss Criterion, but they've broken the set down now I believe, and not sure if the full scope is still covered? But if one doesn't know much about movies, Criterion, or Terry Gilliam - go for the FULL set of Brazil I'd say!
I'm looking to buy The Tree Of Life on Criterion, I have the standard version, curious to see the extended version. Would also like The Age Of Innocence.
I think you'll like it if you like the theatrical cut. The Age of Innocence is secretly one of Scorsese's best films, but rarely gets the time of day because it doesn't fit the rest of his filmography all that well.
Barnes & Noble is having their 50% off Criterion sale right now, too. The average sale price is $19.99 per title. I just picked up War Of The Worlds and Night Of The Living Dead yesterday.
I’ve managed to still get the extra 10% off at Barnes and Noble with my membership even though their technically not supposed to offer it during the sale lol.
My favorite lesser known Criterion collection film: Le Samurai My least favorite Criterion collection film: Salo😆😆😆 And yes, I did briefly own it and watched it just to say I had seen it. Brutal to sit through and the allegory was completely lost on me😬😬😬
I started with my favorite movies that received the criterion treatment like The Philadelphia story, Leave her to heaven and They live by night. Those are movies that I’ve already watched a bunch of times and now I want to experienced the criterion special features 😊
Elliot, awesome video! Love those recommendations, and yes, Wes Anderson indeed has a unique style. I love Some Like it Hot as well, and Come and See is one of the most visceral war films I’ve ever seen. Dazed and Confused is a classic. Cheers!
Currently have 11 films in my collection, and have preordered The Irishman from HMV. I’ve started by looking at directors I’m already familiar with, Scorsese, PTA, Linklater etc. All the recommendations here are great! I look into the ones I don’t own
Hey Jimmy. Yes, I think that's a brilliant way to tackle collecting. Start with what you know and then slowly push the boundaries of that. I also cannot wait for The Irishman!
@@CorneliusCollection I’m not sure if you’re asking me or Elliot but if you’re asking me, then yes you can do that in a future video! Anything to support physical media, especially labels like Criterion
I recently got The Irishman, even tho I have it on my Netflix, but I love Scorsese and have almost all his films so I couldn't help but have a tangible copy. Can't wait to get Secrets and Lie when released next March
I'm exactly the same! A big fan of Scorsese so I have to have his films on blu-ray where possible. I too cannot wait for Secrets and Lies - one of my favourite Mike Leigh films! Thanks for watching.
I'm guessing rights issues regarding PEEPING TOM keep it from being a Criterion bluray. Nevertheless, the standard DVD from Criterion for that is a MUST. TOKYO DRIFTER, WAGES OF FEAR, KUROSAWA...all good starting points.
Thank you. As always i find your videos very informative and very thorough. I will watch out for some of these that you reccomend. I hear the gunfighter from 1950 has just been released on blu ray by Criterion. I have never seen this film but reading up on it this sounds really inpressive. I feel criterion blu rays are going to be more worth the purchase in future as 4ks are not tending to lean towards such great box art and insert so I think blu ray is the way forward for alot of these titles
Simple. Step 1: have a sincere curiosity for film that drives you to explore your tastes naturally. Step 2: you’ll get to a point where certain directors get on your radar and your curiosity will make you want to familiarize yourselves with their work. Step 3: some films will resonate on a deep level, making your journey more exciting. Step 4: some of those films are worth owning and you’ll find that some of those are part of the CC Step 5: wait until they have a half off sale and start collecting the films that have a special meaning to you. Step 6: don’t collect a film just because it’s part of the collection, unless you have a lot of money and you’re more interested in the brand and not the movies themselves. Step 7: feel free to disregard these rules and just do what’s natural to you.
Been trying to delve into more art house films within the criterion realm. Just grabbed two movies during the 50% sale at Barnes and Noble. Hope to collect more in the future. Thank you so much for sharing your suggestions to us.
I also did a video of which film in the criterion collection is accessible for beginners before they go to bigger films. Anyways great selection that is great to start entering the world of criterion since I started collecting criterion in the year of 2014 (first one is Godzilla and I bought cause is Godzilla and I knew nothing of criterion going in and it open my mind as a film fan). Keep up the great work. Take care. P.s. I picked 11 titles in the November sale. -bernardo cisneros
The first Criterion I had seen was The Seventh Seal. The first one I bought was 12 Angry Men. It becomes a gateway drug where you spend hundreds of dollars at Barnes and Noble twice a year.
If you can order from Target, they are having a buy two get one free sale. And most of their blu ray prices are $25-30, so they come to $18-20 per disc. So I got 8-1/2, Revanche and Wages Of Fear... And no, I dont work for Target... Lol
@@ElliotCoen In the UK, HMV currently have a 3 for £30 sale on selected Criterion titles. Not sure how long it goes on for. The same offer is available through the BFI online store.
For all those interested, currently there is a massive price reduction on Criterion collection blurays on Amazon through the global store, many films are currently £15.38 with import fees (Approx £5) making many extremely cheap, including films such as Come and See, High and Low, Repo Man (digibook), Silence of the lambs (digibook) and more : )
Hey can you do a video on 4K discs Vs Criterions. Something I've been wondering is why Criterions are more expensive than the 4K versions of films because at the end of the day the most important thing definitely for me is getting the best picture quality of the film itself as I can find tons of special features online.
It's so hard to choose for yourself. So glad you can finally buy. I will only buy the movies you recommend because you and I must have exactly the same taste.
Frankly, I usually have a pretty good idea of what to buy next in regards to criterion releases. Most of the collection's world cinema is what personally interests me the most, thus I try to watch or buy accordingly. I'm sure this video is helpful to many, but I suppose I'm just used to jumping into something at full force by just doing it Hopefully I don't sound rude or anything. I'm happy to have come across your channel :) I'd love to see more Korean and Taiwanese films in the collection, as it's highly lacking
6:17 it’s a widely repeated myth that this film was shot on natural light. Rather, Kubrick went to great lengths to emulate natural lighting by doing things such as placing powerful light sources outside of windows and such. But make no mistake, extensive lighting equipment was put to clever use. The candlelight scenes, however, were mostly shot with candlelight alone.
I collect Cds, Vinyls and Blue ray Movies, Im very cautions, i have a small collection but all my items have been carefully picked. I collect based on 3 rules> 1. I have to love it, not just like it. 2. I collect for the quality and fidelity. 3. Has to be rare or limited or discontinued.
It felt like a mixtape of movies. Not just a great selection, but they're also arranged with a very nice flow. Like making a mixtape/playlist for a friend. Thanks!
@@ElliotCoen I enjoyed Cleo, but 400 I’m going to need to re watch. Also, been slowly building my criterion collection. I just got 8 1/2 from EBay for $9 so that was a steal. I’m still waiting on two more to make it to my doorstep. My favorite though is The Princess Bride, both because it’s like a storybook and I got it signed by Cary Elwes. Such a phenomenal man IRL.
Got my first Criterion recently, The Irishman. It's not the first Criterion I bought though. My first was Come and See, but thanks to everything going on right now, it's been exactly a month since I ordered it, and I still haven't received it. Knew I had to see it though after watching the video titled "The scariest movie ever made isn't a horror film". I honestly want to collect more of these.
Paths Of Glory is a masterpiece. It really deserves to get a re-release with a proper 4k scan of the original 35mm film negative. The 2k scan from the original 35mm film negative from the Criterion and Eureka blu ray discs are good but could look even better.
I was in college and working at a video store when Punch Drunk Love was released on dvd. People rented it thinking it was a Happy Madison film, and they would return it incredibly pissed. I had to start giving customers full disclosure when they brought it up to the counter. " Just to let you know, this is a P.T Anderson film. NOT an Adam Sandler film." 😂
Barry Lyndon is actually my favorite Kubrick movie of all time. 2. would be Clockwork Orange and 3. Space Odyssey. Space is a movie about the progress of human tools while Barry is a movie about human society: no matter what time you live in, society will never change !!
Have seen all except Matter of Life and Death, and the only ones that would make my list are Grand Budapest, 8 1/2, Barry Lyndon, Tree of Life, so good choices there, we agree. But the worst of the lot to me was Punch Drunk Love....I watched it and no way would watch again, very disappointed after all the media hype. But that's just me, thanks. Others in my beginner's list would have to include Fanny and Alexander, Babette's Feast, The Piano Teacher, Persona, Blood Simple, Paris Texas, IL Sorpasso, I Knew Her Well, And God Made Woman, Knife in the Water, Stalker, Claire's Knee.
Nice vid and channel. Barry Lyndon is allright. Never really got why People are Gaga over Kubricks films in general. Imo his only true masterpiece is 2001. But what do I know right, I haven't even starten a Criterion collection yet 😝 I think Id start with some kurosawa films if that would be the case. Anyhow, Keep doing your thing.
I bought my first three criterion movies last week. Au Hazard Balthazar, In a Lonely Place and Punch-Drunk Love. Total price was 33 pounds (about 43 us dollars) including postage. I was planning to buy Taste of Cherry to pop my criterion cherry, but then i found 3 for 30£ discount I could not pass.
Check out my Criterion Collection Sale Guide here -> th-cam.com/video/JFCN2mAkj5U/w-d-xo.html
Loving it!
I so wish criterion would do a 4k restoration of David Leans oscar winning 1970 film 'Ryan's Daughter' ... a spectacular love story filmed in glorious 70mm on the rugged West Coast of Ireland ... the film was such a critical failure and remains overlooked with Leans other classics. I know I'm not the only one who adores this movie!!!
@@whisperinstorytellerASMR I'd love that too. Also, David Lean's Summertime!
@@ElliotCoen another masterpiece! You also have a great ASMR vibe to your videos, which is what I do. 🤩🤩 Movies and ASMR are kinda what I'm aiming to do but exploring some ideas 👍👍 loving working through your content 👍👍
@@ElliotCoen What i want to know who decides if a movie is worthy of being added to the criterion collection.
Thank you
Follow your gut, discover your taste and then explore other tastes and branch out from there at your own pace. Let your collection grow according to you. I find the growth of a film collection to be deeply personal and I love it. There is no right or wrong way to collecting criterion, just your own way.
Fr
I fully agree. Actually, I don’t quite understand the rationale behind Ethan’s specific recommendations for beginners.
Thank you for saying this! I find some Criterion collectors to be extremely snobbish about what should and shouldn’t be in someone’s collection.
THIS
I think better advice for people new to Criterion would be to start first with films that they know and love. After all, restoration is their forte.
People should really talk more about Come and See, one of the best movies ever.
I wanted to see it but then I heard there’s real life animal abuse and death, which makes me really uneasy.
@@jaustengirl441 just watched it a few hours ago, everyone on the internet makes it sound way more disturbing than it really is, it’s definitely worth watching
Carter Vincent pretty sure a cow is gunned down very briefly
This was my first criterion blu ray I bought. I was watching a video on the most scariest movies ever made and I was directed towards this movie. What an experience. It crushed my soul especially when realizing this stuff did happen on history. Makes me mad how our culture now a days believes that this level of cruelty didn’t happen. We need films like this to remind us of the humanity that we could lose within all of us if we don’t constantly read through historical and real life accounts.
Never seen - just bought it :) Looks immense and I imagine I’ll already recommend to people whether I personally like it or not.
You said "we need a film to just chill-" and I knew exactly what was coming. Dazed and Confused is such a vibe.
Haha, I love that. Thanks, Alex!
My Criterion picks, Top 10 to get into The Criterion Collection...
- Seven Samurai
- Brazil
- Yojimbo
- Paths of Glory
- The 400 Blows
- Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
- Barry Lyndon
- The Royal Tenenbaums
- Come and See
Honorable Mentions:
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Eraserhead
- Good Morning
- Rosemary's Baby
- On the Waterfront
- Moonrise Kingdom
- High and Low
- Citizen Kane
- Quadrophenia
- The 39 Steps
I would say Kurosawa is a great way to get into older movies. Makes you realize not all B&W are boring, his early B&W stuff rivals anything made today. Great suspense, humor, heart.
Sidney Lumet, Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa have to be 3 of the most entertaining directors out there recommend them to anyone who wants to get into film
Just bought my first criterion movies today: Seven Samurai and The Irishman!
Oh brilliant! Enjoy :)
Funny enough these were the first two I purchased as well! 😂
Seven Samurai is one of my favourite movies of all time. But I'm holding off buying it again on disc as a 4k restoration was recently done and shown in 4k cinemas on Japan.
That 4k master will likely be used for a future 4k remastered blu ray or a 4k blu ray release.
Well, you're off to a great start! LOL
@@C--A I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a 4K release from Criterion. New Blu-ray from a 4K restoration, maybe so.
I'm an aspiring filmmaker and I've been collecting films for study material but didn't have much guidance on that sort of thing. I am now so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I was aware of the existence of most of the films but your explanation was so well done on these it gave me even more of an understanding of cinema history. Love the content, man!
Hey Ivan, thanks so much. It's a pleasure to meet you! Would you like any other particular videos on the Criterion Collection from me?
@@ElliotCoen Yes, definitely!
I find your voice very calming 🙂
Aww thank you, that's very nice of you to say :)
Same
Absolutely, I agree totally. I wonder if he has done any audio productions. If not, why not.
I just received some Criterion Collection movies for Christmas. I wanted Barry Lyndon and Come and See because of your recommendation. I got Rififi as well. I know this has already been said, but your voice is relaxing. Your videos make me want to get a cup of coffee and relax.
I am so glad to find someone who loves "Barry Lyndon". It is in my top 5 of all my favorite movies and you listed all the reasons why it is so wonderful.
Thanks so much Jon!
It's only available in the US, right? There hasn't been a UK release as far as I know
Excellent video! I only have the Godzilla set and Pan's Labyrinth but I absolutely adore them. Looking forward to collecting more Criterion, especially Memories of Murder.
This was very informative. I’ve been acquainted with the CC for about a year now but I still feel lost at times. Many of the films you’ve mentioned I have either seen, own and seen or own from the CC. Yet I still loved how kind and not pretentious at all you were with your recommendations.
Thanks
My pleasure, Gabriel! Thanks so much for watching :)
I saw the thumbnail and just thought, "You have to get both"
I mostly buy horror movies from Criterion cause I love all the extras about the practical effects and interviews with the filmmakers about how they see horror and their own work. Hearing David Cronenberg say all those thoughts I have regularly out loud made me feel so understood and at home
Criterion's film noir catalog alone is staggering. From hits like The Third Man all the way to Billy Wilder's Ace In the Hole. Absolutely essential; if it weren't for Criterion I would be a monk in Tibet
Me, with like 40~ criterion’s already
“Well if Elliot posts a criterion video I gotta watch it”
Haha, I love it. Thanks for watching, Mark!
I’m at 232 spine numbers (just counted because I was curious) along with the Ingmar Bergman box set and I’m still watching this. I still have some here I don’t own.
@@Idonotsa49 me: with none😳
Thanks for your video, I think that you suggested excellent movies in an excellent range for the serious movie viewer starting out. I began collecting seriously about five years ago and concentrated on films with a "pedigree". After a while I noticed that I was favouring certain publishers, and this included Criterion.
Since then I have looked out for Criterion material because they are reliably good. I have watched many films that I may never have come across had they not appeared on Criterion.
That's great to hear, David. You're welcome!
Thank you this is super helpful! I just bought my first Criterion film, Blood Simple, because I really enjoy that movie and it was it was cheaper than most of the other ones. La Haine, Come and See, Barry Lyndon, In the Mood for Love, Persona, Bicycle Thieves, Paths of Glory, and many others are on my priority purchase list!
Excellent video as always Elliot, it was great to hear your thoughts on these great films. For me it’s certainly been the month of criterion, I’ve bought quite a few! Even some from the US sale, including come and see. Thanks for making great videos mate!
Thanks for the support as always! I'm glad you managed to pick up some new films :)
Technically, my first Criterion Collection was All That Heaven Allows (which I will watch soon hopefully) that I got for free at my college library since they were getting rid of all their DVDs, and I found it so interesting that the packaging looked nothing like the packaging now. I asked for Some Like It Hot on Criterion for Christmas but I think my brother got scared of the 40 dollar price, so I was gifted a regular one, which is understandable. I will get it on Criterion one day 😤But I couldn't resist Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire during their last flash sale. There's so many more that I want now. 😅
This is a great idea for a video. Some of the people I’ve spoken to online say they have no idea where to start when it comes to collecting Criterion discs. This video will prove to be very helpful, Elliot. Well done! For me, I started off collecting just the classic Hollywood titles because those were the ones I was most familiar with. From there, I started to dip my toes into international cinema and more modern stuff too.
Thank you so much, Vanessa! My Man Godfrey was your first, right? What a CLASSIC!
@@ElliotCoen Yes, that’s right! It was My Man Godfrey on DVD
I honestly don't clearly remember what my very first Criterion purchase was. I'm pretty sure, but not positive, that it was Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" three disc set. I'd already seen the film a couple of times and just could not get it out of my head. Another contender for first purchase is the four disc edition of Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor." Again, it was a film I'd already seen. I was blown away by its sheer beauty and historical scale. Early additions include Kubrick's "Spartacus" 2-disc set, and Gilliam's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Then came "The Man Who Fell To Earth" deluxe edition with the book, "Watership Down" (oh, God, they're killing each other! Probably the most traumatizing animated film I've ever seen), another Gilliam - "Time Bandits" (his films should just go direct to Criterion), a few by Wes Anderson, some Kurowawas......"The Complete Lady Snowblood," which I need to dig into. I just visited the Criterion website and created a list of films I want to add to my collection - 26 individual movies and three box sets. I need to win a big lottery jackpot. Criterion is a drug.
Boutique Blu-rays with Elliot Coen HECK YEAH, Punch-Drunk Love!!! Great pick. That one is my 6th favourite movie ever. Not only is Sandler fantastic in that movie, but for one of his movies to even be on Criterion is quite an accomplishment.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching, Stefan!
@@ElliotCoen You're welcome!
This video is perfect. Because Criterion spans so many films in so many genres it can be a hard place to start
Thanks so much, Aaron. I hope it helps some folks looking for Criterion recommendations!
It definitely helped me!
I started my collection years ago. My first two were #11 Seventh Seal and #164 Solaris. Almost at one hundred movies in my Criterion Collection and I love them all.
Those are great first choices, my friend :)
paid for stalker today as my first personal criterion selection (was gifted grey gardens a while ago and wasnt too into it). so excited to watch it :)
Hi Elliot. Great intro to the Criterion Collection. I am a big fan of PTA so glad you selected one of his movies for your video. One of my favorites and I love the soundtrack from Jon Brion. 8 1/2 is such a classic. I'm hoping to pickup the Fellini set before the end of November. Hope you are doing well.
Hi Dave. Thanks so much for watching! I hope you're doing well too :)
Thank you for the suggestions. I will take you up on these.
My top 10 criterion picks are 1. In the Mood for Love 2. Army of Shadows 3. Good Morning 4. Ivan's Childhood 5. Bottle Rocket 6. Y Tu Mama Tambien 7. Au Revoir Les Enfants 8. M 9. Rashomon 10. Badlands. I think those are great buys for a first time collector. I'd also recommend Cold War, Charade, Yojimbo/Sanjuro, Brazil, The Devil's Backbone, and The 400 Blows
Cheers for the shoutout and you nailed the pronunciation of my surname! I'm impressed ;-)
I first saw Barry London on a scratchy 35mm print a few years ago at my local art house cinema, The Belcourt Theater in Nashville. I went out and bought the blu-ray right after.
I’ve been collecting for about 3 years and these are all great picks. My first Criterion picks were Seven Samurai, Solaris, Eraserhead & Scanners
Seven Samurai was one of my first too! Have subsequently become obsessed with Kurosawa. Ikiru, High and Low, and Throne of Blood are so great.
@God Reigns Man, I have watched Ran. Really epic in scale and I see why so many consider it his masterwork but I didn't love it as much as the others I listed above.
My first one (of many more, I hope) has been Parasite. I’m saving for the nexts, because it’s more expensive un Spain, because of the taxes.
I’ll go maybe with Punch-drunk-love. I love that movie. Thanks for the video.
How are the special features/commentary on the Criterion Parasite?
@@SamuelMcIntosh It's quite complete. The BR is supervised and approved by Bong Joon-ho.
It has interviews with the production designer, cinematographer and the editor. And also an interview with Bong Joon-ho with the critic and translator Darcy Paquet, the audio commentary with Tony Rains, and others essays and interviews about korean cinema, with Park Chan-wook.
But the best extra is the Black-and-white version of the film. It's a new approach to the movie, and I loved it. Sadly, I don't have Dolby Atmos, but also has this feature in both discs.
@@Aprendercine Wow! Thanks for the response. That sounds awesome. Have been dying to see the B&W version! Criterions whole New Korean cinema section on their streaming service is amazing too.
Having seen A Matter of Life and Death recently, I absolutely agree with you, Elliot! It certainly is a brilliant story that I would definitely keep in my collection!
It's an amazing coincidence that you use a Wes Anderson film as the first to introduce us to The Criterion Collection, as I was just watching an unboxing of the "Fantastic Mr Fox" Criterion box set and I fell in love, making me search up about Criterion and want to start collecting! I have just started collecting Bluray's and 4K UHD Blurays since about a month ago and can't get enough! Thank you for your selection and this wonderful video
my first purchase was Seven Samurai, then I followed up with other Samurai films. I also have the very first DVD spine 1 Grand Illusion.
such an underrated channel, just bought Beau Travail and La Haine, can't wait!!
Thank you so much for that lovely comment. I still need to get Beau Travail myself!
Great video Elliot! Really enjoyed this showcase of films that have different aspects to look at for those just beginning in the collection or even those who have collected for a while. Good work my friend, keep it up!
Thanks so much, Nathan :)
Good list. I’m fairly selective and often go for cheaper BFI, Studiocanal or non boutique major releases. But I’ve got Midnight Cowboy, Stalker, Night of the Living Dead and The Cranes Are Flying and I swear by all of them. I think Criterion are brilliant but don’t demolish the competition to the extent of the price difference.
Well, that is a tremendous selection you have there. The Cranes Are Flying in particular was a revelation for me. Incredible cinematography and camera movement in that one too. Thanks for watching :)
Picked up my first Criterion movie yesterday and got The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, never seen it but I love the novel and pretty much every book by John Le Carre!
That's a great spy thriller! I hope you enjoy the Criterion disc :)
Have you seen it yet? Love the novel so I really think I should get it.
@@greydecaire8 just watched it last night it’s really good, it’s an older one too so the black and white really fits obviously they didn’t have a choice though lol
@BMC Wonderful. Thanks, although I don't need much endorsement lol All I know is the legendary Richard Burton is a spy - I'm sold
Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris. Brian De Palma's Blow Out. Black Narcissus by Pressburger and Powell. Gojira by Ishiro Honda.
Couldn't agree with you more on The Grand Budapest Hotel! Forever I was leery of Wes Anderson. His synopsis and subjects were just TOO weird for me to get into. Taking a chance on getting a cheap used DVD copy of The Grand Budapest, I was more than pleasantly surprised. And have since bought and cherish Criterion's release! A funny fantasy that flies right along! For me though with Criterion, it started with the love for Terry Gilliam's Brazil. I knew a bit about the different cuts and controversy beforehand. But to get Criterion's extensive 3 disc set, what a terrific entry! Whether one's a fan of Gilliam and/or the movie. Never heard of him or knows the backstory. Or even hates fantasies and bonus crap about movie making - Brazil is a MUST just to see how a simple idea can flourish, the pains to make it come to life, and the fact it can be 'Frankenstein-ed' while it's still alive to take on another life for better or for worse is so much worthwhile knowledge to this day! And not to diss Criterion, but they've broken the set down now I believe, and not sure if the full scope is still covered? But if one doesn't know much about movies, Criterion, or Terry Gilliam - go for the FULL set of Brazil I'd say!
The Life Aquatic is equally spectacular.
I'm looking to buy The Tree Of Life on Criterion, I have the standard version, curious to see the extended version. Would also like The Age Of Innocence.
I think you'll like it if you like the theatrical cut. The Age of Innocence is secretly one of Scorsese's best films, but rarely gets the time of day because it doesn't fit the rest of his filmography all that well.
The Tree of Life was really great, the cinematography is top notch
Barnes & Noble is having their 50% off Criterion sale right now, too. The average sale price is $19.99 per title. I just picked up War Of The Worlds and Night Of The Living Dead yesterday.
Yes, the sale is a great time for collectors! Great pickup choices there :)
I’ve managed to still get the extra 10% off at Barnes and Noble with my membership even though their technically not supposed to offer it during the sale lol.
My favorite lesser known Criterion collection film: Le Samurai
My least favorite Criterion collection film: Salo😆😆😆
And yes, I did briefly own it and watched it just to say I had seen it. Brutal to sit through and the allegory was completely lost on me😬😬😬
I started with my favorite movies that received the criterion treatment like The Philadelphia story, Leave her to heaven and They live by night. Those are movies that I’ve already watched a bunch of times and now I want to experienced the criterion special features 😊
Elliot, awesome video! Love those recommendations, and yes, Wes Anderson indeed has a unique style. I love Some Like it Hot as well, and Come and See is one of the most visceral war films I’ve ever seen. Dazed and Confused is a classic. Cheers!
Got Marriage Story half off during the sale and I’m in love with it. Next up is The Elephant Man for sure.
Currently have 11 films in my collection, and have preordered The Irishman from HMV. I’ve started by looking at directors I’m already familiar with, Scorsese, PTA, Linklater etc. All the recommendations here are great! I look into the ones I don’t own
Hey Jimmy. Yes, I think that's a brilliant way to tackle collecting. Start with what you know and then slowly push the boundaries of that. I also cannot wait for The Irishman!
Great strategy! I just started collecting criterion. Could I use you as a source in one of my upcoming videos?
@@CorneliusCollection I’m not sure if you’re asking me or Elliot but if you’re asking me, then yes you can do that in a future video! Anything to support physical media, especially labels like Criterion
@@CorneliusCollection check your Instagram DMs
@@jimmyschofield9138 awesome!
I recently got The Irishman, even tho I have it on my Netflix, but I love Scorsese and have almost all his films so I couldn't help but have a tangible copy. Can't wait to get Secrets and Lie when released next March
I'm exactly the same! A big fan of Scorsese so I have to have his films on blu-ray where possible. I too cannot wait for Secrets and Lies - one of my favourite Mike Leigh films! Thanks for watching.
I'm guessing rights issues regarding PEEPING TOM keep it from being a Criterion bluray. Nevertheless, the standard DVD from Criterion for that is a MUST. TOKYO DRIFTER, WAGES OF FEAR, KUROSAWA...all good starting points.
Feeling validated about my past criterion purchases from the past because a lot of them made this video
Thank you. As always i find your videos very informative and very thorough. I will watch out for some of these that you reccomend. I hear the gunfighter from 1950 has just been released on blu ray by Criterion. I have never seen this film but reading up on it this sounds really inpressive. I feel criterion blu rays are going to be more worth the purchase in future as 4ks are not tending to lean towards such great box art and insert so I think blu ray is the way forward for alot of these titles
Simple.
Step 1: have a sincere curiosity for film that drives you to explore your tastes naturally.
Step 2: you’ll get to a point where certain directors get on your radar and your curiosity will make you want to familiarize yourselves with their work.
Step 3: some films will resonate on a deep level, making your journey more exciting.
Step 4: some of those films are worth owning and you’ll find that some of those are part of the CC
Step 5: wait until they have a half off sale and start collecting the films that have a special meaning to you.
Step 6: don’t collect a film just because it’s part of the collection, unless you have a lot of money and you’re more interested in the brand and not the movies themselves.
Step 7: feel free to disregard these rules and just do what’s natural to you.
Well said
These are really good suggestions. Yes, there are many more which could have been mentioned, but no doubt, these are all gems.
I just bought repo man growing up as a old school punk kid it was one of my favs..
Been trying to delve into more art house films within the criterion realm. Just grabbed two movies during the 50% sale at Barnes and Noble. Hope to collect more in the future. Thank you so much for sharing your suggestions to us.
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy those wo movies you picked up :)
@@ElliotCoen Thank you! I grabbed “Wes Anderson’s Rushmore” and “Come and See”
Great selection also your voice is very soothing. You just gained a new subscriber, thanks
Thank you Adriana! That's very nice to say about my voice :)
Great video! Just started my collection last month, and can’t wait to get my first Criterion film. New sub, and you’ll get to 10K subs in no time!
I also did a video of which film in the criterion collection is accessible for beginners before they go to bigger films. Anyways great selection that is great to start entering the world of criterion since I started collecting criterion in the year of 2014 (first one is Godzilla and I bought cause is Godzilla and I knew nothing of criterion going in and it open my mind as a film fan). Keep up the great work. Take care.
P.s. I picked 11 titles in the November sale.
-bernardo cisneros
Wow man just saw come and see. Amazing film. Thanks for the recommendation
My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed.
The first Criterion I had seen was The Seventh Seal. The first one I bought was 12 Angry Men. It becomes a gateway drug where you spend hundreds of dollars at Barnes and Noble twice a year.
If you can order from Target, they are having a buy two get one free sale. And most of their blu ray prices are $25-30, so they come to $18-20 per disc.
So I got 8-1/2, Revanche and Wages Of Fear...
And no, I dont work for Target... Lol
No way! I need to go check that out! Thank you
That's great! Thanks for sharing :)
@@ElliotCoen In the UK, HMV currently have a 3 for £30 sale on selected Criterion titles. Not sure how long it goes on for. The same offer is available through the BFI online store.
For all those interested, currently there is a massive price reduction on Criterion collection blurays on Amazon through the global store, many films are currently £15.38 with import fees (Approx £5) making many extremely cheap, including films such as Come and See, High and Low, Repo Man (digibook), Silence of the lambs (digibook) and more : )
With the miniseries coming out in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to buy Black Narcissus!!
Yes! I got to see a 35mm print of it projected a few years back. What a film!
I need to check that one out!
@@ElliotCoen Awesome! Speaking of which, I just did a blind buy of A Matter of Life and Death!
Keep the videos coming!
@@CorneliusCollection It's great! From 1947 and some of the directing techniques are still used today. Very well made and acted.
Great vid, Elliot. I'm still new to the CC and have been wondering where to start. Appreciate the suggestions.
My pleasure, Doug!
Hey can you do a video on 4K discs Vs Criterions. Something I've been wondering is why Criterions are more expensive than the 4K versions of films because at the end of the day the most important thing definitely for me is getting the best picture quality of the film itself as I can find tons of special features online.
@God Reigns I don't think I mentioned piracy anywhere in my comment
M was the first one I ever bought. Great introduction to the films of Fritz Lang. Perhaps my favorite film maker of all time.
It's so hard to choose for yourself. So glad you can finally buy. I will only buy the movies you recommend because you and I must have exactly the same taste.
@@LNKtheWizard I’m glad to hear we have similar tastes :) thanks for watching
Nice video! Thinking of buying Scanners, The Grand Budapest, Uncut Gems, and Brazil
I just ordered Wild Strawberries and Eraserhead and my firsts, great video!
Great video Elliot! Would be great if you could this kind of video for other boutique labels, maybe one for Indictaor or Eureka too
Thanks, Shane!
Frankly, I usually have a pretty good idea of what to buy next in regards to criterion releases. Most of the collection's world cinema is what personally interests me the most, thus I try to watch or buy accordingly. I'm sure this video is helpful to many, but I suppose I'm just used to jumping into something at full force by just doing it
Hopefully I don't sound rude or anything. I'm happy to have come across your channel :) I'd love to see more Korean and Taiwanese films in the collection, as it's highly lacking
I jumped and screech like a little girl when you mentioned A Matter of Life and Death. I saw it in class and I love it and have it in my collection
6:17 it’s a widely repeated myth that this film was shot on natural light. Rather, Kubrick went to great lengths to emulate natural lighting by doing things such as placing powerful light sources outside of windows and such. But make no mistake, extensive lighting equipment was put to clever use. The candlelight scenes, however, were mostly shot with candlelight alone.
I collect Cds, Vinyls and Blue ray Movies, Im very cautions, i have a small collection but all my items have been carefully picked. I collect based on 3 rules>
1. I have to love it, not just like it.
2. I collect for the quality and fidelity.
3. Has to be rare or limited or discontinued.
It felt like a mixtape of movies.
Not just a great selection, but they're also arranged with a very nice flow.
Like making a mixtape/playlist for a friend.
Thanks!
Just a few hours ago I bought my first Criterion BluRay (L' Avventura by Antonioni) and now I see this video... What a coincidence, HAHA!
Oh wow, haha! Antonioni is a brilliant filmmaker. L'Avventura is one of those that completely flipped storytelling structure.
Cleo from 5 to 7 and The 400 Blows were taught in my french new wave class.
Did you like them? I actually love both these movies!
@@ElliotCoen I enjoyed Cleo, but 400 I’m going to need to re watch. Also, been slowly building my criterion collection. I just got 8 1/2 from EBay for $9 so that was a steal. I’m still waiting on two more to make it to my doorstep. My favorite though is The Princess Bride, both because it’s like a storybook and I got it signed by Cary Elwes. Such a phenomenal man IRL.
Just saw Cleo! So great.
Tarkovsky stalker criterion and his other films are worth getting into criterion as it is
Brilliant video!
Thanks so much, Brian!
Got my first Criterion recently, The Irishman. It's not the first Criterion I bought though. My first was Come and See, but thanks to everything going on right now, it's been exactly a month since I ordered it, and I still haven't received it. Knew I had to see it though after watching the video titled "The scariest movie ever made isn't a horror film". I honestly want to collect more of these.
Awesome video idea! So many great recommendations here for anyone wanting to get into collecting the Criterion Collection 👍 cheers pal
Thanks so much, Sam! I even managed to not say that they're all 'one of my favourite films' ;)
I did notice that aha well done, must have been a challenge not to say it!
Love Punch-Drunk Love and bought Barry Lyndon along with Paths of Glory a couple weeks ago :)
Ah excellent. Enjoy :)
Paths Of Glory is a masterpiece. It really deserves to get a re-release with a proper 4k scan of the original 35mm film negative.
The 2k scan from the original 35mm film negative from the Criterion and Eureka blu ray discs are good but could look even better.
Interesting video Elliot! 👍🏻💿
Thanks so much, Rob!
Just bought my first two.
Repo man
Mulholland drive
I was in college and working at a video store when Punch Drunk Love was released on dvd. People rented it thinking it was a Happy Madison film, and they would return it incredibly pissed. I had to start giving customers full disclosure when they brought it up to the counter.
" Just to let you know, this is a P.T Anderson film. NOT an Adam Sandler film." 😂
Barry Lyndon is actually my favorite Kubrick movie of all time. 2. would be Clockwork Orange and 3. Space Odyssey.
Space is a movie about the progress of human tools while Barry is a movie about human society: no matter what time you live in, society will never change !!
I just bought the ingmar bergman box set from amazon us, as its on sale atm
Great buy!
One of the finest boxsets ever made!
@@CorneliusCollection thanks man looking forward to watching more of his films
@@ElliotCoen it does look amazing from video unboxings i have seen
Just got this too!
After viewing this video I am now another step closer towards becoming a more sophisticated film afficianado of yesteryear...👌🏼😌💯✔
I love to hear it!
Should I start with Blu rays or just dvds?
Just ordered Come And See. It’s been reheated in Germany under some other lable but seems to be the same scan.
I still only have 3 in my collection, i have a few i plan on picking up next but, fund are tight this month.
Which 3 do you have?
@@ElliotCoen Lone Wolf and Cub, Samurai Trilogy and The Life of Oharu
Big fan of Japanese cinema, I see :D. I have Oharu myself, but still haven't seen it.
@@pavelsimeonov4062 Yes i do enjoy Japanese Cinema, the others i want are all Japanese too.
Have seen all except Matter of Life and Death, and the only ones that would make my list are Grand Budapest, 8 1/2, Barry Lyndon, Tree of Life, so good choices there, we agree. But the worst of the lot to me was Punch Drunk Love....I watched it and no way would watch again, very disappointed after all the media hype. But that's just me, thanks. Others in my beginner's list would have to include Fanny and Alexander, Babette's Feast, The Piano Teacher, Persona, Blood Simple, Paris Texas, IL Sorpasso, I Knew Her Well, And God Made Woman, Knife in the Water, Stalker, Claire's Knee.
Nice vid and channel. Barry Lyndon is allright. Never really got why People are Gaga over Kubricks films in general. Imo his only true masterpiece is 2001. But what do I know right, I haven't even starten a Criterion collection yet 😝 I think Id start with some kurosawa films if that would be the case. Anyhow, Keep doing your thing.
Kurosawa is also a mighty fine way to start. I could have easily mentioned Seven Samurai in this list. Thanks for watching :)
I bought my first three criterion movies last week. Au Hazard Balthazar, In a Lonely Place and Punch-Drunk Love. Total price was 33 pounds (about 43 us dollars) including postage. I was planning to buy Taste of Cherry to pop my criterion cherry, but then i found 3 for 30£ discount I could not pass.
Great choices, Veri! Enjoy the new Criterions :)
“The Barry Lyndon and Other Blu-rays Channel with Elliott Coen”
Yeah, maybe I should rename?
Top stuff Elliott
Thanks so much for watching, Mat!