So, this year I stumbled upon the great world of Criterion Collection movies. The lost wonders and hidden gems that make for an incredible amount of visuals for true movie fans. Maybe I’m late on the boat maybe I’m not but either way I’ve had quite a find.
Criterion is all on it’s own, all it’s original genre without a genre. The collection redistributes old classics from a forgotten time period and is classified with such art and amazement.
The collection gives posters, booklets and bonus footage and a Q and A with directors.
It’s movies done right, and it’s not all in your face with critics clamming up the cover of the title with “Two thumbs way up.” It’s without the ads, and without the notoriety of NY Times.
Altogether criterion is the simplest form of a movie’s marketing ability. “those who know, know.” Simple as that. “The movie fans who skip the bullshit” is what I would like to think of criterion would be, if it had a slogan.
With all that talk of criterion, I’ve made a few dents in some classics that I believe will be worth your time, if you have not already watched.
The Night of The Hunter (1955)
I was sceptical about buying this movie, had no idea about it until my friend said it was the best he has ever seen. Wouldn’t have thought that from a 50’s movie but it’s true. The aura, the lighting and the significant acting cascade this of it’s time classic. Never thought I would feel this way about seeing a movie that was made in the 50’s.
Brazil (1985) 
Unreal, imaginative, eccentric are the words that come to mind when watching this. So much behind it and so much depth. The orwellian touch has us wanting more. If you aren’t aware of Gilliam’s directing work than I suppose it’ll be much harder to describe this movie to you because it is out there.
Blow Out (1981) 
This is Travolta at his finest besides Pulp Fiction. Holy shit, his acting his movement throughout the movie is so interesting. Crazy that I haven’t seen it sooner. Watching the bonus feature on the criterion edition it has a Q and A with director Brian De Palma who made Scarface, what a beauty.
Paris, Texas (1984)
Another 80’s movie, and another that I can’t believe I missed. So wonderfully filmed with such great cinematography. A movie you will feel so different after watching. So in depth and just lightens the mood, might have been my favorite of the criterion movies I’ve came across so far.
My final thought on Criterion movies is that it gives you a chance to look back on what you missed through the years, dating back to even the Chaplin days. Fans will watch it in it’s purest form.
Cult Crap and Classics 