I tend to believe the six track exists and Criterion once again decided to pretend it does not. Shouldn't be that hard to tell if one was to compare the two.

I'd rather have the original 2.0 audio than a 5.1 "remix".

Agreed. If there's no official 6 track available then give me the original stereo.

Keep in mind that the 70mm 6-channel sound format is not directly mappable to our modern 5.1 standard. It consisted of 5 channels across the front and a mono surround channel. It would have to be remixed to adapt to 5.1 regardless.

Also, even if the 6-channel mix for this film was completed during the original release (which is still in question), that doesn't necessarily mean that Criterion has access to those materials. They can only work with what the rights-holders give them.

In a case like this, it's likely that MGM gave Criterion a choice of either the original stereo track or the 5.1 remix that MGM completed itself for the prior release. The 6-channel track was probably not even on the table. Given those options, Criterion typically opts for the "purest" presentation, unless the filmmakers are involved and request differently. (For example, the Criterion Blu-ray for Wings of Desire has a brand new 5.1 remix different from the one on the old DVD, because Wim Wenders supervised and approved the new track.)

There's no reason why Criterion couldn't have both tracks on the disc. Plenty of space.

It isn't a question of space or a technical issue. Criterion's policy is to present either the filmmaker's preferred version of the movie, or (lacking their involvement or convincing evidence for that) the version truest to the original theatrical release.

If the director is involved and approves a new remix, Criterion will use that. But if they're dead or otherwise unavailable, Criterion will default to the best available theatrical sound mix. A remix some studio contractor prepared without any involvement from the filmmakers is not something Criterion wants.

A thought I had recently - is there some reason Criterion doesn't include the MPAA ratings on films (where applicable) ?

Some of them do have the ratings on the back. Others don't. I'm not sure if they are just an oversight or if there is any reason behind it.

I don't think Criterion's audience cares too much what a film is rated.

Through that, they managed to get In the Realm of the Senses and Salo into my local suburban Barnes and Noble. Which is pretty impressive.

I'd like to have some general idea of what I can watch with my 7 y.o. son.

I can always look up reviews online, but the ratings were invented for a reason.

Criterion doesn't specialize in family-friendly films, but they recently put out the animated film Watership Down, which I've heard good things about.

The ratings system is completely voluntary so there are probably a number of Criterion films that are Unrated. And that doesn't necessarily mean there's material unsuited for a 7 year old; it just means it wasn't submitted for a rating. And, because Criterion releases a number of foreign films, I suspect a good percentage were never submitted or never submitted in the form released on the Criterion disc. Add to that the fact that MPAA ratings system is a joke, your best course is to always look at reviews because you simply can't trust the ratings.

"family friendly" and 'Watership Down' don't equate - it maybe animated but it's tone and grimness doesn't exactly make this appropriate for all children.

I'm waiting for a domestic release of this:

Show him Au Revoir Les Enfants.

Criterion actually has a Kid's movie suggestion page here:

Ten Old Movies To Watch With The Kids

^

I was going to suggest Y Tu Mama Tambien.

What about Sweet Movie?

ergh. I keep waiting for a McCabe & Mrs Miller announcement that just doesn't seem to be coming.

The Last Temptation of Christ is a great Sunday afternoon movie to watch with the whole family.

I was thinking The Night Porter.

or 'WR Mysteries of the Organism'

Antichrist is suitable for the whole family, don't let the title fool you. At the center of the story is a stable loving couple, a little boy who likes to dive into the snow, a cuddly fox, a cute dear and a suave raven.