Visiting Criterion Collection

For show notes, please visit our corresponding discussion thread.  Full Criterion visit documented in the podcast episode, available via the audio player below.

Sam Posten and Home Theater Forum Co-Owner Ron Epstein visit Criterion Collection in New York.  Sam interviews Technical Director Lee Kline, Producer Abbey Lustgarten and Audio Supervisor Ryan Hullings about how they work with assets provided by film rights-holders to put out the best series of serious films.

Although the tag on the YouTube video indicates there are more videos in the series, we were only authorized to publish this one.

 

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Sam Posten

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I am so incredibly excited to have you all hear this episode. Ron and I had an absolute blast and I could not thank Brian enough for all his editing prowess here. This was my first effort taking podcasting gear on the road and we did the best we could with the echos in the room, so I'm pretty happy with how it all worked out. But the key is just how honest and forthcoming the folks at Criterion were. We learned a TON there and know you guys will be super satisfied with the answers to (most!) of your questions, even if the answer was a smiling 'Maybe!'

Let us know what you think! If you enjoyed it please share the link with any and all outlets you think will also enjoy it!

Thanks once again to Lee, Abbey and Ryan, you guys were AWESOME!
 
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Sam Posten

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Shhhhhh =)

For the record, Mr. Sayles has said publicly that this was in the works, but keep in mind that no date has been set yet.

I was fascinated participating in that demo for sure, it's cool how they use the tricks of the trade to make sure to get it as accurate as possible.
 

Sam Posten

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BTW October announcements were supposed to go up yesterday. They got pushed to today. I’m expecting some real excitement :) Will they announce spine 1000????
 
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Lord Dalek

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Since I just read the review of Europa Europa in Criterion Forum (another Director Approved transfer that the reviewer took offense over for having a yellow/cyan push), these comments by Lee are far more interesting in retrospect.
 

Sam Posten

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Yeah one of the Reddit guys was complaining about Garfield being green. I had to pull that one up, AFAIK there is no Criterion release of Garfield, that would be weird...
 
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JohnRice

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Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviewers and critics have no idea what they're talking about. Even paid ones from supposedly legitimate sources. We're in an age when saying negative things always comes off as being more discerning than those who don't. There's a subconscious reaction to any negative comment that the person making it must know what they're talking about. I guess people get their enjoyment where they personally find it, but I tend to be amazed by how many supposed movie lovers seem to spend an awful lot of effort looking for things to dislike about movies, and how they're presented.
 

Lord Dalek

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Unfortunately, the vast majority of reviewers and critics have no idea what they're talking about. Even paid ones from supposedly legitimate sources. We're in an age when saying negative things always comes off as being more discerning than those who don't. There's a subconscious reaction to any negative comment that the person making it must know what they're talking about. I guess people get their enjoyment where they personally find it, but I tend to be amazed by how many supposed movie lovers seem to spend an awful lot of effort looking for things to dislike about movies, and how they're presented.

This is why the "Teal/Orange Brigade" has always struck me as being full of themselves. Just need another excuse to demand a new format or feed their confirmation bias.
 

Bradley Newton

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My favorite take-away is when Lee Kline is asked about a possible upgrade to David Lean’s SUMMERTIME (Criterion has released it previously on Laserdisc and DVD), Kline responds ”It needs an upgrade, I think it will come out at some point, and…uh…God, SUMMERTIME would look fantastic from the original negative in 4K, so I would personally like to see that one, I imagine that will happen.”
That made my day! One of my favorite films! Let’s hope that happens soon!
 
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JohnRice

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It's so frustrating that the Blog Post makes it look like the only content is the video =(
Yes, but those of us who want to listen (yeah, I've listened to all of every podcast) need to plan the 100 minutes to listen to it, plus I'm guessing most also have it waiting in iTunes or wherever we subscribe, waiting for us when we have time.
 

Sam Posten

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Yeah, for the locals it's obvious. But we have traffic coming in from both Reddit and likely other podcasts like Criterion Cast so i want to make it easy for folks to get to the right place. @Brian Dobbs just updated the blog post to do so, so woohoo for that!
 

PMF

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How wonderful to know that the topic of "Teal" has finally been addressed and answered;
yet still, all had made me wonder if there would ever be a "maybe" release of "Anna and the King of Cyan".;)

But seriously, though, I extend a most sincere congratulations to both Sam and Ron on pursuing, producing and fulfilling this solid 90 plus minute interview; along with a bundle of thanks to Criterion, as well, for their informative, insightful and generous tour.:thumbs-up-smiley:

My suggestion for those who have yet to listen to this podcast is to just turn off your phones; put out the cat;
open up a nice bottle of wine; and sit right back in your easy chairs to immerse and enjoy.:)
 
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Sam Posten

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Thanks @PMF it's very much appreciated. If you or any listeners can toss those kudos on the iTunes ratings too it really helps. I know, I know, I hate the damn influences and their 'smash those like and subscribe buttons' but the game is rigged and all positive feedback helps.
 
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