Criterion finally joins the 4K party with six titles out in November
They’ve taken their sweet time with it but Criterion are finally joining the 4K game.
The exclusive boutique label have been the longest hold outs on the UltraHD format but later this year they will release their first six titles:
Citizen Kane, Menace II Society, The Piano, Mulholland Dr., The Red Shoes, and A Hard Day’s Night
The rumours have been gathering pace in recent months, especially related to Citizen Kane and Mulholland Drive — but now fans know for sure that they are coming. The price point is yet to be confirmed but I’d hazard a guess somewhere between $50-$60 sounds reasonable.
Kane has a special place for Criterion, it being their first ever laser disc release some 37 years ago. What price for that now?
The announcement on Criterion’s Current blog doesn’t mention a UK release however the beauty of 4K is that the format is entirely region free and US releases will play on UK UltraHD players (including the Playstation 5).
Shipping would still be an issue of course.
https://twitter.com/812filmreviews/status/1425494023532331012
Criterion promise more details in the forthcoming November announcement next week. It means the titles should hit the shelves (in the US at least) throughout November.
The bad news for collectors is that all their cherished films are now second class citizens compared to their 4K brethren and die hards will have to seek upgrades. Keep a sharp eye out on eBay over the next few months.
Personal requests? The New World (I’ll happily double dip),
