The Criterion Channel is a streaming media service that has been gaining popularity amongst movie lovers and critics alike. The service offers an impressive selection of classic and contemporary films, with more than 1,000 titles available to stream. In addition, it also provides exclusive interviews, commentaries, and other special features.
What sets this service apart from other streaming services is its commitment to curating “the best of international, classic and contemporary films“. It includes films from Alfred Hitchcock, Ingmar Bergman, and Federico Fellini, as well as contemporary favorites like Parasite and Lady Bird. The platform also offers a selection of international films from countries such as Japan and South Korea.
The Criterion Channel also brings together a wide range of unique features and supplemental material to enhance the viewing experience. It includes introductions from well-known film personalities such as Martin Scorsese, Richard Linklater, and Roma director Alfonso Cuarón. There are also exclusive interviews, commentaries, and even educational shorts from filmmakers and scholars.
The platform also boasts an impressive selection of special collections, including films from influential directors, a collection of movies from the French New Wave, and a series of films featuring the work of female filmmakers. In addition, it allows viewers to explore different film genres, learn more about cinema history, and watch compelling movies worldwide.
The Criterion Channel is an excellent choice for film fans, offering an extensive selection of films and unique features. The breadth of content, combined with its emphasis on curation, has made this service an essential part of any movie lover’s library.
History
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service that provides instant access to an ever-growing library of celebrated classic and contemporary films. Established in the 1990s, the platform has become a beloved source of high-quality movie entertainment for millions of viewers worldwide.
The Criterion Collection was formed in 1984 by film fanatics Janus Films and the Voyager Company. They began releasing “essential” films worldwide in laser-disc format and creating “The Criterion Collection“, a series of DVDs that included classic and contemporary cinema.
In the early 2000s, the Criterion Collection began producing Blu-ray discs, and in 2010, it launched the first-ever Criterion Channel. This groundbreaking service allowed viewers to access the vast library of Criterion Collection films, bonus features, special programs, and exclusive content. It was an instant hit, allowing viewers to access classic movies and new releases without purchasing discs or DVDs.
In 2016, The Criterion Channel launched its streaming service, allowing viewers to stream content directly to their TV, computer, or mobile device. It has continued to grow in popularity and has become a staple of movie culture.
It is widely recognized as the premier streaming service for classic and contemporary cinema, offering over 1,000 titles, including classic films such as Casablanca, The Godfather, and Citizen Kane.
Today, the service continues to provide a rich source of entertainment for movie lovers around the world. It is a platform for discovering and appreciating new and old films and enjoying exclusive content, special programs, and interviews with filmmakers.
With its vast content library, The Criterion Channel has become a cornerstone of movie culture and a favorite streaming service for millions of viewers.
Design
The Criterion Channel website has six main sections: Browse, Search, All Films, Criterion.com, Start Free Trail, and Sign in. The Browse section allows viewers to browse through the entire library of films and curated collections based on various topics.
In the My Criterion section, viewers can save their favorite movies, create playlists, and view their watch history. The New Releases section showcases the latest films added to The Criterion Channel. In contrast, the Special Features section contains exclusive interviews, documentaries, and special programming related to the movie in the library.
The Criterion Channel website also features robust search capabilities, allowing viewers to find films by title, director, actor, or keyword. Additionally, the website has a powerful filtering system that will enable viewers to sort movies by genre, country, year, language, and other criteria.
Its design is modern and clean while retaining the classic feel of Criterion’s brand aesthetic. The homepage has a large image of a featured film with a brief synopsis and a search bar for cinema.
There is also a main navigation bar on the top of the page, offering various categories and subsections of films and access to the My Criterion and Criterion Collection pages.
Overall, the website provides viewers an enjoyable and convenient way to explore and discover films worldwide. With its user-friendly design, powerful search capabilities, and robust filtering system, The Criterion Channel website is ideal for film enthusiasts to explore and enjoy classic and contemporary films.
Key Features
Extensive Collection
The Criterion Channel has an extensive content selection from the Criterion Collection. This streaming service is truly unparalleled, focusing on classic and contemporary films.
Criterion Curated
The Criterion Channel has a team of expert curators who carefully curate the titles library. The curators are experts in film, art, and culture, and they bring their knowledge to the selection process. As a result, it ensures that only the best titles are on the Criterion Channel.
Interactive Features
The Criterion Channel also offers interactive features that help viewers dive deeper into the movies. It includes scene analysis, interactive commentaries, and more. It allows viewers to make the most out of their viewing experience.
Curated Collections
The Criterion Channel features a variety of curated collections that focus on specific topics or genres. It has something to offer whether you are interested in the works of a single director, the films of a specific country, or the art of a particular period. The collections range from “Essential Art House” and “The Best of the Decade” to “Surrealism” and “Film Noir.”
Exclusive Offerings
The Criterion Channel also offers exclusive content, such as Criterion Collection editions of classic films and original documentaries. You can also check out hand-picked collections from directors, actors, and other filmmakers.
Special Events
It hosts events like watch-along with filmmakers and virtual Q&As. You can also check out their “Criterion Collection Curator” section for interviews, essays, and more.
Free Trials and Subscriptions
The Criterion Channel offers a 14-day free trial to test the service and see if it’s right for you. After that, you can choose between a monthly and yearly subscription. The yearly plan offers a notable discount.
Regularly Scheduled Programming
The Criterion Channel offers regularly scheduled programming, such as theme nights and series. This content allows viewers to explore new films and learn more about the filmmakers and the movie.
Online Discussion
The Criterion Channel also has an active online discussion community, which allows film fans to discuss the films and exchange opinions. It provides an excellent platform for film fans to interact and learn from each other.
Themed Series
Besides its collections, the Criterion Channel also offers a variety of themed series that explore a particular topic or genre in greater depth. These series often feature multiple films and shorts, and some also include supplemental material such as featurettes, interviews, and essays.
Staff Picks
The Criterion Channel’s staff offers viewers a chance to discover something new. Every month, the Channel’s editorial team selects a handful of recent releases and older films that deserve a wider audience.
Special Features
The Criterion Channel also provides an array of special features, including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and featurettes, and audio commentaries. These extras not only provide a deeper understanding of the films but also help to enhance the overall viewing experience.
Criterion Cuts
The Criterion Channel offers an exclusive selection of Criterion Cuts, special editions of classic films that are improved and restored to their original glory. Each Criterion Cut features a unique package of bonus features, such as commentaries, featurettes, and more.
Pricing and Plans
The Criterion Channel has two primary subscription plans. The Standard Plan offers access to the Criterion Channel library of over 1,000 titles. In addition, you can watch whatever you want without ads or commitments. The Standard Plan is $10.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
The second plan is the Premium Plan, which offers the same library as the Standard Plan but has some added benefits. With the Premium Plan, you get exclusive content, early access to newly released titles, and discounts on Criterion Collection Blu-rays and DVDs. The Premium Plan for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
For those who are just looking to watch movies occasionally, the Criterion Channel also offers a Pay-Per-View option for $4.99. It allows you to rent or purchase individual titles without any subscription commitment. Prices for Pay-Per-View titles vary and may include extras like behind-the-scenes featurettes and interviews.
Content
The service is curated with the tastes and sensibilities of cinephiles in mind, offering an eclectic selection of films from renowned directors, cult favorites, and celebrated classics. So, whether you want to watch a rare foreign movie like Elisa & Marcela, a jaw-dropping new release like The Lighthouse, or a beloved classic like Casablanca, the platform has something for everyone.
The Criterion Channel also features exclusive streaming premieres, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from filmmakers and actors. In addition, the Channel offers an ever-growing selection of documentaries, shorts, and series to explore. With more than 1000 titles to choose from, The Criterion Channel provides something for everyone’s inner cinephile.
The Criterion Channel also offers unique collections timed to significant film anniversaries and important milestones. These collections feature some of the most respected and influential works of cinema. This provides an in-depth look at the history of particular genres, directors, or movements.
The Criterion Channel also offers its subscribers access to its movie library, allowing them to explore the best cinema worldwide.
The Criterion Channel’s library constantly expands, offering an ever-growing selection of films from some of the world’s most renowned directors. So, The streaming service is the perfect destination to explore cinema history and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form.
The platform also offers a selection of special features, including introductions to films, filmmaker interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. Additionally, it has a selection of original programs, such as Adventures in Moviegoing and The New Classics. Finally, the site also offers documentaries like The First Movie and The Story of Film: An Odyssey.
Compatibility
The Criterion Channel is compatible with various devices, including Apple, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast. And unlike some streaming services, watching the Criterion Channel on multiple doesn’t require extra payment. So, you can access the Criterion Channel and stream it from any device.
It is also compatible with various types of television sets. For example, you can access the service with your smart TV, or if you have an Apple TV, you can download the Criterion Channel app. The Criterion Channel is also available to stream on Google TV sets.
The Criterion Channel also works well with a variety of streaming media players. You can install the app on famous streaming media players such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and game consoles.
Finally, the service is compatible with various virtual reality headsets. For example, it is accessible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Samsung Gear VR headsets. In addition, you can access the Criterion Channel on the Criterion Channel website and YouTube.
Mobile/Desktop Experience
With the ability to watch films on both desktop and mobile devices, the Criterion Channel provides a truly immersive experience. On the desktop, the Criterion Channel provides an easy-to-navigate and intuitive interface.
Movies are organized and categorized by various genres, directors, and collections, so it’s easy to find something to watch. The home page also displays a carousel of featured films and collections and a selection of curated lists to find something new and exciting quickly.
With streaming on both desktop and mobile, the service allows you to watch your favorite movies whenever and wherever you want. You can access the same great content on mobile devices as on desktops simply by downloading the app.
In addition, the app allows you to watch movies on the go and includes helpful features, like adding films to watch later and creating a watchlist.
Whether streaming on desktop or mobile, the service provides a unique film-viewing experience. With an extensive library of timeless classics, modern masterpieces, and exclusive Criterion Collection releases, there’s something for everyone. And with both desktop and mobile streaming, you can enjoy the platform wherever you go.
Suggestions that We Have for The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel offers an impressive selection of films, but there’s still room for more. With so many notable films out there, it would be great to see more added to the library. For example, the Criterion Channel could add more foreign films, indie films, and classic titles.
The platform makes it easy to find your favorite content, but the search and navigation need a few tweaks. For example, making it easier to search for a specific title or director would significantly improve.
The Criterion Channel has already added a few exclusive titles, but it could do more. For example, it could add more exclusive documentaries, interviews, and content related to the films in The Criterion Channel’s library.
The Criterion Channel is a great way to discover new films, but more user interactivity would be a great addition. For example, allowing users to post reviews and ratings of the movie they’ve watched would be a great addition.
The Criterion Channel should improve its exclusive features, such as interviews. These features can often be limited or difficult to access. By streamlining its exclusive features, the Criterion Channel can ensure viewers have easy access to the content they crave.
Conclusion
The Criterion Channel is a streaming service that has become a staple for film fans and cinephiles. With its expansive library of classic and contemporary films, a robust selection of supplemental material, and a wide array of special features, the Criterion Channel is an invaluable resource for movie lovers. From its fantastic piece of classic films, exclusive content, and curated collections, the Criterion Channel is the perfect place to explore the world of cinema.
The Criterion Channel offers something for everyone, regardless of taste. So, whether you like a classic film, a documentary, or a foreign language film, the Criterion Channel has something for you. And with its constantly expanding library of content, there’s always something new to explore.
