Get over it, seriously. In one thread you're claiming you have 5 pages worth of DVDs, yet you think it's too much to spend 25 dollars for a Criterion (and they're generally much less than that, I got the Kurosawa box of four movies for 60 dollars). Make up your mind. It's like you're complaining and arguing for its own sake, and it's getting old.

to look at a Criterion disk is somewhat intimidating, with its lines that go up and across the edges of the case and the little printing that says 'criterion collection' at the top, then you turn it over and the case is not only havy, but the small print lists off the billions of little things that this dvd has... right down to: 'plays actual movie', then you're like: what have they done?! It's like the unveiling of Frankensteins monster. Prestigious and snobby.

I know for me, I dont mind paying the high prices, because for a lot of my favorite films (Kurosawa, older French Films,) its the only chance I have to get them on DVD. Also, compared to the studio releases (Rushmore, Videodrome, Fear and Loathing, Brazil), the Criterion Releases are so much better as far as video presentation and special features I dont spending the extra money. For the most part, they release films that will not sell well, even if they charge 15-20, but if it wasnt for them, who knows if I could get some of the titles...

they simply don't like the kinds of movies that criterion releases!!!

And why do u think people will not buy Criterion at bargain prices?

It's a difficult juggling act. I know that several DVD Town users buy Criterions when they find bargains, but the reality of that situation is that people who buy discounted Criterions will buy Criterions anyway. On the other hand, there are people who won't buy Criterions, no matter how cheap the discs are. Therefore, again, a price threshold actually makes more sense than selling cheap DVDs.

I understand the whole pricing setup for the Criterion discs. But I feel their can be a better pricing structure for more sales..

I have tough time believing that they don't have Studios backing in making these discs. Criterion might be using their own staff for doing restoration and making documentaries. They have to pay licensing fees and royalties to the studios. This is the factor that increases the price of the Criterion disc. For example, Great Expections is available for $34.99 but MGM was planning to release it for $13.99.
However, you have to also see most of the time people are looking for better versions of the film and they will not buy it if it is too pricey. At the end of the day, these discs are consumer items, the more you sell, the more money you will make. You can spend countless hours on restoration and documentaries but if it is expensive, as a consumer I will think twice. Onijay, brings out a valid point, what kind of consumer segment Criterion is targeting? Criterion marketing strategy confuses me sometimes but they do have some great releases! Thats what makes them unique:)

onijay,

if you don't like them (based on the movies themselves, their prices, or whatever), then you don't have to buy them. no one is making you add criterions to your library.

eddie

whoever said I would buy them? I certainly never did, I'm just trying to understand why they would make them so expensive, now I have the answer...