The cult of Criterion : the Criterion Collection as a commercial canon

Abstract

The rise of home video gave to the rise of the home video collector. For the last forty plus years, consumers have purchased their own copies of films, and amassed libraries. Within this group, The Criterion Collection has stood as the advance guard for the possibilities of what home video could offer its audience. Tracing the company’s history, back to its inception in 1983, consistency in quality has been a trademark for Criterion. Constantly innovating what home video could offer its audience -- through the creation of supplemental features, providing uncut films, and having personal relationships with directors -- Criterion has been able to continue its quality through differentiation. Looking at the distinct historical periods within this company has operated, a history can be formed that answers questions to how the company deals with questions of canon formation, authorship, film history, etc. As the technology continues to radically change the market, Criterion remains adamant about providing the best quality product for its customer, and expanding its idea of what home video should be to a larger market.