For years, the Criterion Collection has been the mark of quality when it comes to curating cinema. First on DVD and Blu-ray physical media formats, and now, via streaming platforms. Now, thanks to a report in Variety, we’ve learned that streaming service Max and HBO have announced a multi-year deal extension with the Criterion Collection to keep bringing its catalog of films to the platform. Among the many titles are several classic Godzilla films. These include Koji Hashimoto’s The Return of Godzilla (1984), Kazuki Ōmori’s Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991).
Some of the other titles coming as part of the deal include the following: Isabella Rossellini’s Green Porno (2008), Héctor Babenco’s Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985), Mira Nair’s Mississippi Masala (1991), Alejandro Amenábar’s Open Your Eyes (1997), and Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout (1971). Right now, on Max’s rival streamer Netflix, there are only a small handful of films pre-1980 on the platform. Even fewer pre-1960s. Many of the Criterion Collection films are of an older vintage. So the extension of this deal helps fans find those films on a streaming service. This way, they don’t remain out of reach. At least one of these streaming platforms is preserving a good amount of cinematic history. At the present time, anyway.
In a statement, Royce Battleman, executive vice president of content acquisitions at Warner Bros, said this about the partnership. “We are excited to continue to bring the Criterion Collection’s catalog of top-quality films to our audiences. Both the existing and new additions to the collection provide Max viewers with the opportunity to experience cinematic excellence.” Warner Bros. Discovery has similar multi-year licensing deals already going with studios A24 and Studio Ghibli. Hopefully, for true fans of cinema, the Criterion Collection will continue to find ways of bringing classic films to modern audiences.