That's impressive. And I suspect you may be right. There are a some movies that simply require multiple viewings.

I think WB in general likes to keep all of it's films close to home, and not license them any one other than themselves.

WB and Criterion merged with select laserdisc titles, but the DVD, bluray releases have been WB 'only' releases.

I mostly agree, but Criterion did release Dr. Strangelove on laserdisc, so they have some exclusive extras. Here's a short description from this site:

The first Criterion Laserdisc pressings of Dr. Strangelove included a copy of Kubrick's first script draft in still-frame form. The draft was radically different than the finished film. (It was actually bookended by aliens who visit the destitute shell of Earth centuries after our nuclear decimation.)

Kubrick was very upset about this and made Criterion reissue the discs without that supplement after the first pressing run. He didn't like viewers to know behind-the-scenes details about the making of his films. He felt that it ruined the "magic" of movies to know how they're made. The only supplements he authorized were pieces about the Cold War that provided some context for the story. (Likewise, supplements on the Criterion LD for 2001 were all about the space race, not about the film specifically.)

I've heard in the past that Criterion will send you a booklet if your DVD or Blu is missing one, would that also apply to the slipcover for something like Curious Case of Benjamin Button?


Edit:
Also, I can get a used copy of the Notorious DVD for $15, is that worth it?

I see Spirit of the Beehive is supposed to be out of print now, according to this reliable threed: http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/52...l#post11444882

Could this mean a blu-ray is coming? Or did they lose the rights?

Any OOP title is probably worth more than $15 depending on its condition.

Criterion's website says the following:

I doubt that's what it would say had they lost the rights, so maybe a new edition is coming.

Thanks for that!

Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to me that a blu-ray upgrade for Spirit is indeed inevitable.
Guillermo Del Toro has been in their offices on more than one occasion this year, probably working on Devil's Backbone but it would not surprise me in the least if they recruited him (or if he volunteered) to do a commentary for it.
It's one of his favorite movies and one that's been an obvious influence in his own work.

I'd be shocked if it didn't have a commentary from him.

Anyone else have any knowledge of this?

I misplaced the booklet for the Sparacus Criterion DVD a long time ago. They initially refused to send me a new booklet when I told them I lost it. I later told them the dvd didn't come with one and they sent one.

Can anyone remind me who the second contact person other than Jon is? Getting my Carlos replacement disc has proved to be a rather frustrating experience.

TCCoBB has always been manufactured and distributed by Paramount. Paramount essentially licensed the Criterion name for prestige.

Thanks, I can live without the slipcover.

I emailed Criterion about a new slip cover for my TCCoBB Blu-ray a year or so ago. They never replied back to me.

Considering my Benjamin Button blu-ray doesn't match my other Criterions due to the standard blue case anyway, the lack of slip cover doesn't really bother me.

Criterion did not license a single title from Warner Brothers in the laserdisc era. On laserdisc they released many classic films from MGM and RKO. They licensed those films directly from those companies. Warner Brothers did not buy the RKO and pre-1980 MGM library until the late 90s. Those films are now owned by Warner Brothers but most certainly were not when Criterion released them on laserdisc. This is part of why Badlands is such a big deal and sets a real precedent.

I know for a fact Criterion licensed Blade Runner ("The International version) from Warner Bros, so there's one title.

Just pulled up the b&n sale 1/2 on my phone and it looks like they are taking 1/2 off on pre-ordered items as well.

Not sure if they will honor it in-store... But worth a try.

^ I was able to pre-order two of the December titles this morning. January releases aren't discounted though.

Anyways, their latest newsletter clue:

Maybe they're saving City Lights for a super special release?

Blade Runner was owned by The Ladd Company and others, and now by The Blade Runner Partnership. Warner Bros was only ever a distributor. So Criterion did not license it from Warner, unless they sublicensed it. I don't have the laserdisc, but I imagine it confirms that it was licensed directly from the owners.

I'm pretty sure the Twitter post uses the card from the Eyes Wide Shut trailer.. remember how they flashed those cards? "CRUISE".... "KIDMAN"..... "KUBRICK"... "EYES WIDE SHUT"... I agree with most here that it's unlikely, but it would be pretty spectacular to get some sort of stellar new transfer with some hefty extras (that friggin' missing Sydney Pollack commentary for one).

Here's an e-mail I received from Criterion back in June when I asked them about obtaining replacement slipcovers or booklets:

Replacement packaging, including booklets, covers, and slip cases, are $5 each. This includes shipping and handling.

Payment can be made, via PayPal to [email protected]. Please include your name and address in the message field, along with the items you are ordering, and as soon as we receive payment, we'll ship your item(s) to you!

Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Thank you for supporting the Criterion Collection!

Best,

Jon Mulvaney