A Criterion Collection release often signifies cinematic significance and high-quality presentation, but the sad truth is, even these meticulously curated films can fall out of print. The primary reason a Criterion film goes out of print boils down to licensing agreements expiring or becoming economically unviable, requiring Criterion to remove it from their catalog.
The Complex Web of Rights and Licenses
The Criterion Collection, lauded for its commitment to preserving and presenting important films, doesn’t own the rights to every film they release. They operate by licensing films from studios, independent distributors, or even the filmmakers themselves. These licenses are agreements that grant Criterion the right to distribute the film for a specific period, often with specific territorial restrictions.
The Expiration Factor
The most common reason for a Criterion film becoming unavailable is simply that the licensing agreement has expired. When the agreement runs out, Criterion no longer has the legal right to sell copies of the film. The rights revert back to the original owner, who may choose to renew the license with Criterion, offer it to another distributor, or even re-release the film themselves.
Shifting Rights Holders
Ownership of film rights can be a dynamic landscape. Companies merge, studios are bought and sold, and rights can be transferred between entities. A film Criterion once licensed from one studio may now be controlled by another, leading to renegotiations or the outright termination of the original agreement.
The Economics of Print
Even with an active license, a film can go out of print if it’s no longer economically feasible to produce and distribute. This can happen if sales decline significantly, rendering further production unprofitable. The cost of remastering, producing packaging, and maintaining inventory can be substantial.
Factors Influencing Licensing Decisions
Beyond the expiration of licenses, several other factors play a role in why a film might disappear from the Criterion catalog.
Studio Reclaims
Sometimes, studios decide to reclaim the rights to their films to pursue their own releases, often leveraging technological advancements like 4K Blu-ray or streaming platforms. This can be a lucrative strategy for the studio, leaving Criterion with no option but to remove their version from circulation. This particularly affects films that have gained popularity, making them more valuable to the original rights holder.
Competition in the Marketplace
Increased competition from other distributors offering similar editions or formats can also impact Criterion’s decision to maintain a title. If another company offers a comparable or superior version (perhaps with more extensive bonus features or a better restoration) at a lower price, Criterion may find it difficult to compete effectively.
Production Costs and Market Demand
Fluctuating production costs, particularly related to physical media like Blu-rays and DVDs, can make a title less attractive to keep in print. Furthermore, shifts in market demand, such as declining interest in certain genres or directors, can affect sales figures and lead to a film being discontinued.
Preservation and Legacy
The Criterion Collection is deeply committed to film preservation, and the disappearance of a title from their catalog doesn’t necessarily mean the film is lost to posterity. Often, Criterion’s restoration work is incorporated into subsequent releases by other distributors. However, the loss of the Criterion edition, with its unique features and essays, can be disappointing for collectors.
The Digital Age
The rise of streaming services has further complicated the issue of rights and availability. Some films may be removed from Criterion’s physical media catalog to make way for exclusive streaming deals, either on the Criterion Channel or other platforms. This shift towards digital distribution impacts the market for physical releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Criterion Out of Print Titles
Here are some common questions and answers to further illuminate the reasons behind Criterion films going out of print:
FAQ 1: What does “out of print” actually mean for a Criterion film?
It means that the Criterion Collection is no longer manufacturing or distributing new copies of the film. You can’t purchase it directly from Criterion, and retailers will eventually run out of stock. The rights have reverted back to the original owner.
FAQ 2: How can I tell if a Criterion film is going out of print?
Criterion often announces which films are going out of print on their website, social media, and in their newsletter. Look for phrases like “Going out of print” or “Last chance to buy.” Online forums and communities dedicated to the Criterion Collection also provide valuable information.
FAQ 3: What happens to the restoration work Criterion did when a film goes out of print?
The restoration work often remains accessible, though its fate depends on the rights holder. Sometimes, the restoration is incorporated into future releases by other distributors. Other times, it may be withheld, depending on the agreement with Criterion.
FAQ 4: Does Criterion ever re-release out-of-print films?
Yes, it happens occasionally! If Criterion can renegotiate the licensing rights with the rights holder, they may re-release a film, sometimes in a newly remastered edition. This is often driven by sustained demand and the film’s cultural significance.
FAQ 5: Are out-of-print Criterion films more valuable?
Generally, yes. Due to their scarcity, out-of-print Criterion films often fetch higher prices on the secondary market, especially if they’re in excellent condition and are sought-after titles.
FAQ 6: Are there specific genres or directors more prone to going out of print?
There’s no definitive rule, but niche films, older films with limited contemporary appeal, and titles that are difficult to license due to complex rights issues are more likely to go out of print.
FAQ 7: How does the Criterion Channel affect the print status of films?
The Criterion Channel, their streaming service, sometimes impacts the availability of physical media releases. A film may be temporarily unavailable on Blu-ray or DVD while it’s exclusively streaming on the Channel. This is often a strategic decision to drive subscriptions.
FAQ 8: Can I still find out-of-print Criterion films?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to explore the secondary market, such as eBay, used bookstores, or online forums specializing in film collecting. Be prepared to pay a premium price.
FAQ 9: What can I do to prevent a film I love from going out of print?
While you can’t directly prevent it, supporting Criterion by purchasing their releases, engaging with their content on social media, and advocating for specific films can demonstrate demand and potentially influence their licensing decisions.
FAQ 10: Does the type of media (DVD vs. Blu-ray) influence the likelihood of a film going out of print?
As technology evolves, DVDs are becoming less popular, making DVD-only releases more vulnerable to going out of print. Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray releases tend to have greater longevity, but they’re still subject to licensing agreements.
FAQ 11: What is the best way to ensure I don’t miss out on a Criterion release before it goes out of print?
Staying informed is key. Subscribe to the Criterion Collection’s newsletter, follow them on social media, and regularly check their website for announcements about upcoming releases and titles that are going out of print.
FAQ 12: Is Criterion transparent about why a specific film is going out of print?
Criterion rarely provides specific details about the reasons behind a film going out of print. They typically cite “licensing issues” without elaborating further, due to the often confidential nature of these agreements. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for collectors, but it’s often dictated by contractual obligations.
In conclusion, the journey of a Criterion Collection film isn’t always linear. While the label strives to preserve and celebrate cinematic masterpieces, the complex landscape of copyright, licensing, and market forces often dictates whether a film remains readily available or fades into the realm of “out of print.” Understanding these factors helps cinephiles appreciate the ephemeral nature of physical media and the importance of supporting film preservation efforts.