I am new to the Criterion collection DVD. Is it that much better than the regular edition DVD? The Criterion collection DVD costs so about twice as much as the regular DVD. Do you guys thinks it is worth it?

Near the top of the list of threads in this forum is a post entitled Release Updates, Frequent Topics, Newcomer Help. Please read it. Your question comes up very often, and you can find out lots of information by doing using the search function of this forum.

DJ

It's not as if every DVD is released both as a "regular edition" and a "criterion edition." There are many, many DVDs that have only been released by Criterion and no other company. So if you want the movie, you don't always have a choice.

Thanks for the info, I will refer to the newcomer help.

Most Criterion DVDs are movies that no one has ever heard of and some are very good. Some people (like myself) collect criterions just for the spine numbers. But since your new to criterions you should probably just get the movies you are interested in and not worry about the spine numbers.

Movies that no one has ever heard of indeed! That could only be said by somebody who has minimal knowledge of movies and movie history. But hey, enjoy the spine numbers!

There's also a criterion collection forum, which can answer almost any question on specific criterion releases and give other info:

http://pub125.ezboard.com/bcriterioncollectionforum

Thanks for all the members' inputs in this. I think I will begin by collecting the movie I am actually interested in. I'll be the first to admit I only have a minimal knowledge of movies. Aside from that, is there any Criterion Collection movies that you guys have watch and really like?

If you truely want to appreciate great foreign film making I suggest starting with 8 1/2 and Seven Samurai.

If you're only interested in the spine numbers e-mail me - I'll sell the spine numbers to you for half-off what Criterion charges.

I think it's time to change your username again. You've sullied this one.

Go to http://www.dvdcompare.org.uk/comparisons and check if there's a better (and cheaper) regular version of a Criterion release.

I would start off with:

Seven Samurai
&
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Then go from there...

I personally fall under the lighter side of the Criterion collectors on this board. I'm not a big indie / foreign film fan which is where Criterion really shines.

The Criterions that I personally collect are primarily the more well known American / British films and all of Akira Kurosawa's films (my favorite director of all time).

that statement is utterly false. anyone with an appreciation of film will recognize the majority of their titles. granted there are some obscure ones, but i find that i know of almost all of them.

Perhaps the better statement is:

Most Criterion DVDs are movies that the average person has never heard of.

The average person does not have "an appreciation of film".

Newbie, although you committed instant suicide in some people's eyes with this question, I wwill try to be productive in my answer:

If you are truly interested in learning more about film and the history of film worldwide, then Criterion is a great place to start. They will lead you to film school, without having to go to classes... If not, I would buy the 'title of the week' from Best Buy's new release shelf.

Or you can be like me and do both.

I would also agree with the suggestions of starting with 8 1/2 and Seven Samurai. Though you may be most familiar with movies like The Rock or The Royal Tenenbaums. Classic foreign films are the heart of the collection.

The Third Man rules. I also really like my copies of

The Red Shoes
The 39 Steps
Notorious
Rebecca

I'm a sucker for classic movies.

Criterion puts out wonderful quality discs of great movies!

I cherrish my copy of Armageddon CC everytime I glance at my DVD collection.

I'd sell you my original, sealed Salo to start up your collection, except that I just sold it for $750 on ebay.

Yeah? Well, I have an enormous penis.

its really up to your taste in film...criterion specialize in classic foreign films. if your thing is big blockbuster, current, 90s, 00s movie, then criterion is not for u. if ur into obscure film legends that left a mark in film history, then my friend..welcome to the criterions

I would not call most of the films that Critrion release obscure. However, I agree with the "film legends that left a mark in film history".