Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Fellini, Cocteau, Truffaut, Renoir mark start of eminent home film library in new format

November 10, 1997 - Laserdisc pioneers The Criterion Collection made a long-awaited announcement today that they would begin publishing DVD editions in February of 1998.

Previously available only on laserdisc, The Criterion Collection's black top-banner has become a mark of distinction for discriminating film lovers. Since the launch of DVD in the spring, vocal early adopters have wondered what Criterion might do with the new format.

"Our mission on DVD will be the same as it has been on laserdisc. We are going to provide a coherent, truly remarkable annotated film library for the home viewer," said Peter Becker, director of the collection. "Our curatorial mission is to gather the greatest films from around the world under a single banner so that the consumer never has to doubt that a Criterion film is a classic of its kind."

Six towering masterpieces from around the world will mark the beginning of The Criterion Collection on DVD: Alfred Hitchock's The Lady Vanishes, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai, Federico Fellini's Amarcord, Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast, François Truffaut's The 400 Blows, and Jean Renoir's The Grand Illusion, all under exlusive license from the Classic Collection, a joint venture of Janus Films and PMI/Home Vision Cinema.

Criterion also announced that it would release two milestones from Hong Kong action master John Woo, Hard Boiled and The Killer, under exclusive license from Image Entertainment and Fox-Lorber Home Video. Criterion's best-selling laserdisc special editions of these titles have won numerous industry and consumer awards.

A Night to Remember, the original film masterpiece about the Titanic tragedy, under exclusive license from Janus Films and the Rank Organisation, rounds out the Criterion announcements. The 1958 Academy Award nominee is a cinematic landmark for its elaborate, realistic special effects and historically accurate details, and is widely recognized as the inspiration for James Cameron's blockbuster, Titanic.

During the past fourteen years, Criterion has been known not only for what pictures it released, but also for how it released them. As a pioneer in the laserdisc industry, Criterion almost single-handedly popularized letterboxing, audio commentaries, and supplements that included everything from production designs and storyboards to deleted scenes and interactive essays.

"Each Criterion disc is a collaboration of film historians, technicians, producers, and filmmakers," said Mr. Becker. "We aim to present each film as the filmmaker would want it seen in the best possible version, in a pristine transfer made from the best available elements. Laserphiles have come to know what it means for these films to get `the Criterion treatment.' "

"In many cases we will also include supplemental materials that will enhance the viewer's understanding and enjoyment of the film," he said. "It's not a matter of 'added value.' Good supplementary materials should give you a context in which to appreciate a film. Trailers are great fun, but a strong, carefully built audio commentary can open up a whole new world of film appreciation."

The detailed contents of each release are expected to be made public within two weeks. Most are expected to include intelligent menus, interactive essays, and commentary tracks, while some will include the more elaborate video supplements for which the company has been known in recent years. Prices for Criterion's initial releases will range from $29.99 to $39.99.