I exhausted Criterion’s samurai flicks entirely too early — ravenously blew through them as if there were no tomorrow.  I suppose I assumed they’d just keep coming out here and there, but I was surely wrong.  Now, I spend my days pacing around in hurried circles, scratching at my skin and [...]]]>

I exhausted Criterion’s samurai flicks entirely too early — ravenously blew through them as if there were no tomorrow.  I suppose I assumed they’d just keep coming out here and there, but I was surely wrong.  Now, I spend my days pacing around in hurried circles, scratching at my skin and stopping only to cradle my knees in the corner and rock back and forth, slobbering.  Feudal Japan withdrawal is the most insatiable demon.

When I saw the cryptic sketch in this month’s Criterion newsletter, I first thought, “wow, that lion kinda looks like me.  I wonder if he misses samurai flicks, too.”  Then, I thought, “hey, could this be a hint at a release of Kihachi Okamoto’s AKAGE, also titled RED LION?  That’s got Toshiro Mifune in it…AS A SAMURAI!”  Then, I spent about thirty minutes licking my lips and laughing and talking to myself.

After that, though, I right-clicked the image and noticed that the file name was “thinredlion.jpg.” My fantasies of swordplay where thwarted, but my heart remained eager.  This could mean only one thing:

Terrence Malick’s THIN RED LINE is coming to the Criterion Collection on DVD and Blu-Ray

It makes perfect sense that Criterion would want to capitalize on the success and positive feedback they’ve been receiving from the Blu-Ray release of DAYS OF HEAVEN.  They’ve been using the Blu-Ray platform to showcase auteurs known for their arresting cinematography, and Malick is already an established director in the Collection.  We can officially look forward to the likes of George Clooney, Nick Nolte, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly, and a slew of others making their way into the club.

My level of certainty:  85%

While it would be extraordinary to receive some more Okamoto from Criterion (and while they should definitely still consider a RED LION release), all signs point to THIN RED LINE as the answer to our March clue.  Though I’m more than excited about this gem, it looks like I’ll be twitching and mumbling for the foreseeable future…

This year’s Tribeca Film Festival lineup was announced today in New York City.  The film festival will showcase 85 feature-length films and 47 short films from 38 countries.  46 of those are world premieres.  Most film festivals run an average of 120 feature-length films but this year at Tribeca, they decided [...]]]>

This year’s Tribeca Film Festival lineup was announced today in New York City.  The film festival will showcase 85 feature-length films and 47 short films from 38 countries.  46 of those are world premieres.  Most film festivals run an average of 120 feature-length films but this year at Tribeca, they decided to scale down the exhibition and competition.

According to Nancy Schafer, the festival’s executive director who spoke with Daily Variety, “We decided to go smaller.  This is New York City, so 120 films was overwhelming.  We feel our program reflects harder choices being made.  I’m energized by the strong lineup.”

The Tribeca Film Festival was started by Jane Rosenthal, Craig Hatkoff and Robert DeNiro in a response to the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center.  As a way to celebrate the multi-cultural power and experience of film.  And also a way to showcase New York City as a major filmmaking center during the recovery of lower Manhattan.

I’m actually getting really excited for this film festival.  I don’t have to travel too far to cover a film fest.  I just have to hop on a downtown 6 train.  We are still waiting to get word if we got our press credentials.  Rest to sure, The CriterionCast will cover the festival for all of our listeners and readers.

The Tribeca Film Festival will run between April 21st to May 2nd 2010.

Source:  Variety

The List of Films Being Showcased At The 9th Annual Tribeca Film Festival:

World Narrative Feature Competition:

“Buried Land,” Geoffrey Alan Rhodes, (U.S., U.K., Bosnia and Herzegovina)

“Dog Pound,” Kim Chapiron, (France)

“Loose Cannons,” Ferzan Ozpetek, (Italy)

“Lucky Life,” Lee Isaac Chung, (U.S.)

“My Brothers,” Paul Fraser, (Ireland)

“Open House,” Andrew Paquin, (U.S.)

“Paju,” Chan-ok Park, (South Korea)

“Gainsbourg, Je t’Aime… Moi Non Plus,” Joann Sfar, (France)

“Snap,” Carmel Winters, (Ireland)

“When We Leave,” Feo Aladag, (Germany)

“The White Meadows,” Mohammad Rasoulof, (Iran)

“William Vincent,” Jay Anania, (U.S.)

World Documentary Feature Competition:

“American Mystic,” Alex Mar, (U.S.)

“The Arbor,” Clio Barnard, (U.K.)

“Budrus,” Julia Bacha, (U.S., Palestine, Israel)

“Earth Made of Glass,” Deborah Scranton, (U.S.)

“Feathered Cocaine,” Thorkell Hardarsson and O¨rn Marino Arnarson, (Iceland)

“Freetime Machos,” Mika Ronkainen, (Finland, Germany)

“Into Eternity,” Michael Madsen, (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Italy)

“Monica & David,” Alexandra Codina, (U.S.)

“Sons of Perdition,” Jennilyn Merten, Tyler Measom, (U.S.)

“Thieves By Law,” Alexander Gentelev, (Israel, Germany, Spain)

“The Two Escobars,” Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist, (U.S., Colombia)

“The Woodmans,” C. Scott Willis, (U.S., Italy, China)

Showcase (not in competition):

“Blood and Rain,” Jorge Navas, (Colombia, Argentina)

“A Brand New Life,” Ounie Lecomte, (South Korea, France)

“Heartbreaker,” Pascal Chaumeil, (France)

“Lola,” Brillante Mendoza, (Philippines, France)

“Metropia,” Tarik Saleh, (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)

“Moloch Tropical,” Raoul Peck, (Haiti, France)

“Road, Movie,” Dev Benegal, (U.S., India)

Special Events (not in competition):

“Doctor Zhivago,” David Lean, (U.S., U.K., 1965)

“Untitled Eliot Spitzer Film,” Alex Gibney (U.S.)

“The Western Front,” Zachary Iscol, (U.S.)

Once or twice on the podcast we’ve mentioned our love for the incredible artwork that the Criterion Collection provides us with for their DVDs and Blu-rays. On occasion, we’ve also mentioned the posters available via the store on Criterion.com. Two new posters showed up on their website yesterday, and they are both certainly going to [...]]]>

Once or twice on the podcast we’ve mentioned our love for the incredible artwork that the Criterion Collection provides us with for their DVDs and Blu-rays. On occasion, we’ve also mentioned the posters available via the store on Criterion.com. Two new posters showed up on their website yesterday, and they are both certainly going to be beautiful additions to your home.

First off you can now purchase a poster from the 2009 theatrical run, and cover DVD/Blu-ray cover art, for Max Ophul’s Lola Montes. The painting is from the fashion artist David Downton, whose personal website can be found here (I’d highly recommend going through some of his illustrations of other people, he has an incredible style). This limited edition one sheet, measures 27 inches by 39.5 inches, with a matte finish. The poster is rolled and not available for gift wrap. You can hear some of my thoughts on the film on one of our recent Disc 2 episodes, found here.

Finally, you can now own a 27 inch by 40 inch poster from the 2009 theatrical run, and cover of the re-release DVD, for Federico Fellini’s Amarcord. Featuring artwork from Caitlin Kuhwald (you can find her personal website here), the poster has a glossy finish. Along with the poster, you can buy a print of the entire image, which has been available for some time now. Our podcast episode discussing Amarcord will be broadcast live next month, and available for download a couple of days afterwards. You can always find our schedule of upcoming episodes at CriterionCast.com/schedule.

As Travis has mentioned during our discussions of the poster art available, on our podcast, the one-sheets can be difficult to frame, unless you have it custom framed. I think we can all agree that artwork of this caliber deserve to be well taken care of, no matter the price, rather than thumb-tacking them to a wall.

Are you planning on purchasing either of these? Are there other Criterion covers that you’d like to own high quality posters for? Let us know in the comments below!

SPECIAL GUEST: Justin Vactor – The Host of Entertainment Overload and The Geekland Podcast.

Disc 2 episodes are bonus/supplement episodes of The CriterionCast. Rudie Obias, Ryan Gallagher & Travis George ramble on and on about movies and movie experiences. “On The Screen” is where they discuss anything and everything that has [...]]]>

SPECIAL GUEST: Justin Vactor – The Host of Entertainment Overload and The Geekland Podcast.

Disc 2 episodes are bonus/supplement episodes of The CriterionCast. Rudie Obias, Ryan Gallagher & Travis George ramble on and on about movies and movie experiences. “On The Screen” is where they discuss anything and everything that has been on their screens in the week. So anything from TV & movies to music & web junk, everything “On The Screen” is up for grabs. This is what they recommend to you, their listeners.

Topic of Discussion:

Do Top Tier Directors Get A Critical “Pass”?

What do you think of their show? Please send them your feed back: CriterionCast@gmail.com or call their voicemail line @ 347.878.3430 or follow them on twitter @CriterionCast or Comment on their blog, http://CriterionCast.com.

Thank you for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to their podcast and please leave your reviews in their iTunes feed.

They broadcast every episode LIVE on Ustream every Friday @ 7pm EST/4pm PST. Join in on the conversation @ CriterionCast.com/LIVE

Our next episode they will highlight and discuss Criterion #305 Jean Renoir’s Boudu Saved From Drowning.

Add It To Your Netflix Queue & Available Through Netflix Watch Instantly (we recommend the Disc)

Show Notes:

(00:00 – 00:10; “Rush Apart” by The Rural Alberta Advantage)

(00:11 – 02:06; The CriterionCast – Episode 026.5 – Disc 2)

(02:07 – 08:34; Cop Out – Justin Vactor)

(08:35 – 09:54; Bioshock 2 – Justin Vactor)

(09:55 – 14:04; Heavy Rain – Justin Vactor)

(14:05 – 22:09; LOST – Justin Vactor, Rudie Obias & Ryan Gallagher)

(22:10 – 25:59; Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans – Travis George)

(26:00 – 28:04; 10,000 B.C. – Travis George)

(28:05 – 29:34; The Worst Movie Travis George Has Ever Seen!!)

(29:35 – 33:38; Cloverfield – Travis George)

(33:39 – 39:47; The Hurt Locker – Ryan Gallagher)

(39:48 – 42:26; Precious: Based On The Novel “Push” by Sapphire – Ryan Gallagher)

(42:27 – 47:17; The Secret of Kells – Ryan Gallagher)

(47:18 – 50:34; Lola Montes – Ryan Gallagher)

(50:35 – 54:16; Archer – Rudie Obias)

(54:17 – 55:57; Frisky Dingo – Rudie Obias)

(55:58 – 57:59; Shutter Island – Rudie Obias)

(58:00 – 1:05:52; Listener Feedback)

(1:05:53 – 1:09:23; Wrap Up & Contact Info)

(1:09:24 – 1:09:37; Music Credits)

(1:09:38 – 1:09:51; Broadcasting Live Every Friday On Ustream)

(1:09:52 – 1:10:03; Next – Jean Renoir’s Boudu Saved From Drowning – Criterion #305)

(1:10:04 – 1:10:44; Follow Along With Us @ CriterionCast.com/Schedule)

(1:10:45 – 1:11:53; “Sperm & Egg” by Flotation Walls)

(1:11:54 – 1:13:16; Outtakes)

Also Mentioned:

Michelle Trachtenberg Rappin’ – YouTube Video

Music Credits:

Opening Music:

“Rush Apart” by The Rural Alberta Advantage. Learn more @ TheRAA.com

Closing Music:

“Sperm & Egg” by Flotation Walls. Learn more @ FlotationWalls.com

Exciting news everyone! SXSW just announced that we’re getting some remake action at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.

First off, we’re going to get a “First Look” at Nimrod Antal’s reboot of the Predator series, produced by Robert Rodriguez. This is a project close to Rodriguez’s heart, as he wrote the script back in the 90s! [...]]]>

Exciting news everyone! SXSW just announced that we’re getting some remake action at this year’s SXSW Film Festival.

First off, we’re going to get a “First Look” at Nimrod Antal’s reboot of the Predator series, produced by Robert Rodriguez. This is a project close to Rodriguez’s heart, as he wrote the script back in the 90s! We’ve gotten various plot and casting details over the past year, and recently caught a glimpse of some on-set imagery courtesy of Facebook.

I’m really excited about this preview of the new Predators film, having had the first film burn such a deep brand in my brain at an early age. Personally, I like the second film, and the two Aliens vs Predators sequels don’t destroy the series for me. They’re obviously nowhere near as stylish or quotable or rewatchable as the first film, but I like how they expand on the mythology.

I was a little wary of the idea of Adrien Brody and Topher Grace as mercenaries capable of taking on the Predators, but I think having the likes of Danny Trejo alongside them will balance out the equation. Hopefully this preview will give us a glimpse of Brody and Grace in action.

The Predators First Look happens on Friday, March 12, at 10:15 at the Alamo Ritz Theater.

Back in 2005, a little film from Georgian director Géla Babluani hit the festivals, causing many a cautious spoiler avoiding conversation to be had. I’ve actually never seen 13 Tzameti, but had it’s twists spoiled for me on several film podcasts. As with most foreign films that generate any kind of buzz here in the States, a remake was quickly announced, with the likes of Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, and Ray Winstone to star.

13 will screen at Midnight on Saturday the 13th, at the Alamo South Lamar, courtesy of Tim League. I’m embedded the trailer to 13 Tzameti below, to give you an idea of the pacing and style of the original.

Below you’ll find the original press release from SXSW.

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ PRESENTS SPECIAL FIRST LOOK AT PREDATORS AT SXSW

RODRIGUEZ, DIRECTOR NIMRÓD ANTAL, TO APPEAR AT MARCH 12 EVENT

ALSO ANNOUNCED, WORLD PREMIERE OF 13

Austin, Texas – March 3, 2010 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival has announced Austin-based filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and director Nimród Antal will present a “First Look” at their upcoming motion picture Predators, at SXSW on March 12, 2010.  SXSW also announced the world premiere of Géla Babluani’s 13, the previously announced Super Secret TBA as part of the SX Fantastic midnight section.  The 2010 event will take place March 12 – March 20, 2010.

The special presentation of Predators will take place at the Alamo Ritz Theater in downtown Austin, at 10:15pm. Doors open at 9:45pm, and the special event is only open to SXSW Badge-holders on a first-come, first-served basis. An audience Q&A follows the unveiling.  SXSW Badges are still available for purchase at www.sxsw.com/attend.

A bold new chapter in the Predator universe, Predators was shot on location under Rodriguez’s creative auspices at the filmmaker’s Austin-based Troublemaker Studios, and is directed by Nimród Antal.  The film stars Adrien Brody as Royce, a mercenary who reluctantly leads a group of elite warriors who come to realize they’ve been brought together on an alien planet… as prey. With the exception of a disgraced physician, they are all cold-blooded killers – mercenaries, Yakuza, convicts, death squad members – human “predators” that are now being systemically hunted and eliminated by a new breed of alien Predators. In addition to Adrien Brody, the film stars Topher Grace, Alice Braga, and Laurence Fishburne.  Co-starring are Walton Goggins, Danny Trejo, Oleg Taktarov and Mahershalalhashbaz Ali.

Predators was written by Alex Litvak & Mike Finch based upon characters created by Jim Thomas & John Thomas. The producers are Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellàn.  Twentieth Century Fox releases Predators in theaters everywhere July 9, 2010.

Commented Robert Rodriguez: “My director Nimród Antal and I are excited to bring this first look at Predators to Austin’s SXSW Film Festival, an event that’s become vital to the filmmaking scene. Austin is my home and I’m proud that Predators was conceived and filmed here.”

Said Film Conference & Festival Producer Janet Pierson: “Robert Rodriguez and Troublemaker Studios are a continued fountain of filmmaking creativity and innovation here in Austin, TX.  We couldn’t be more proud to present the unveiling of Predators at our 2010 event.”

Additionally, SXSW has revealed the identity of the Super Secret TBA in its SX Fantastic section – the anticipated world premiere of Géla Babluani’s 13 will take place at Midnight on Saturday, March 13 at the Alamo South Lamar Theater.

13, a remake of the 2005 French film 13 Tzameti, also directed by Babluani, stars Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Ben Gazzara, and Alexander Skarsgard. The thriller follows the story of Vince, who unwittingly becomes involved in a degenerate, clandestine world of mental chaos behind closed doors.

2010 marks the second year of the SX Fantastic section, a series of mind-bending international midnight films at SXSW programmed by Tim League, founder of the Austin-based Fantastic Fest.  This year features a diverse slate of five action, thriller, sci-fi and just plain fantastic films from all corners of the world.  For more information on the SX Fantastic section, as well as the rest of the Festival program, visit www.sxsw.com/film.

Over the course of nine days, the 2010 Festival will host a total of 134 features, including 64 world premieres, and will open with the world premiere of Kick-Ass, directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Aaron Johnson, Cholë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicolas Cage. SXSW will also host more than 80 Film Conference panels, which will take place Friday, March 12 – Tuesday, March 16.  For the complete program of films and panels, as well as schedule information, visit http://my.sxsw.com.

SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Carr – The Co-Host of Fat Guys At The Movies and Film Critic for Film School Rejects.

This is the podcast dedicated to The Criterion Collection. Rudie Obias, Ryan Gallagher & Travis George discuss Criterion News & Rumors and Criterion New Releases, they also analyze, discuss & highlight Criterion [...]]]>

SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Carr – The Co-Host of Fat Guys At The Movies and Film Critic for Film School Rejects.

This is the podcast dedicated to The Criterion Collection. Rudie Obias, Ryan Gallagher & Travis George discuss Criterion News & Rumors and Criterion New Releases, they also analyze, discuss & highlight Criterion #326, Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, along with “Variations on a Theme”.

This week’s theme:

Unrequited Love in Movies

What do you think of their show? Please send them your feed back: CriterionCast@gmail.com or call their voicemail line @ 347.878.3430 or follow them on twitter @CriterionCast or Comment on their blog, http://CriterionCast.com.

Thank you for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to their podcast and please leave your reviews in their iTunes feed.

They broadcast every episode LIVE on UStream every Friday @ 7pm EST/4pm PST. Join in on the conversation @ CriterionCast.com/LIVE

Our next episode they will highlight and discuss Criterion #305 Jean Renoir’s Boudu Saved From Drowning.

Add It To Your Netflix Queue & Also Available Through Netflix Watch Instantly!!

Show Notes:

(00:00 – 00:20; “A United Theory” by God Help The Girl)

(00:38 – 01:53; The CriterionCast – Episode 026 – The Royal Tenenbaums – CC #157)

(01:54 – 01:58; News & Rumors)

(01:59 – 07:59; Walmart Buys Vudu)

(08:00 – 19:03; Blockbuster To Close 150 More Stores)

(19:04 – 23:16; Will Smith To Produce & Star in Alfred Hitchcock Remake)

(23:17 – 27:27; Criterion New Releases)

(27:28 – 27:54; DVD Geeks Spot)

(27:55 – 1:09:06; Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums – CC #157)

(1:09:07 – 1:09:54; Break Music by Carlos Segovia)

(1:09:55 – 1:11:10; Variations On A Theme – Unrequited Love in Movies)

(1:11:11 – 1:15:09; There’s Something About Mary – Kevin Carr)

(1:15:10 – 1:21:29; Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind – Ryan Gallagher)

(1:21:30 – 1:26:34; Lucas – Travis George)

(1:26:35 – 1:31:54; Juno – Rudie Obias)

(1:31:55 – 1:33:36; Wrap Up & Contact Info)

(1:33:37 – 1:33:55; Music Credits)

(1:33:56 – 1:34:06; Broadcasting Live Every Friday On Ustream)

(1:34:07 – 1:34:19; Next – Jean Renoir’s Boudu Saved From Drowning – Criterion #305)

(1:34:20 – 1:34:34; Follow Along With Us @ CriterionCast.com/Schedule)

(1:34:35 – 1:34:56; Goodbyes)

(1:34:57 – 1:35:35; “Working Poor” by Horse Feathers)

(1:35:36 – 1:37:14; Outtakes!!)

Music Credits:

Intro Music by God Help The Girl. Learn more on iTunes and their website, GodHelpTheGirl.com.

Break Music by Carlos Segovia. Learn more @ GhostRamps.com.

Outro Music by Horse Feathers. Learn more on iTunes and their MySpace Page, MySpace.com/HorseFeathersMusic.

You are listening to The Criterion Cast: Disc 2 – Episode 025.5

Disc 2 episodes are bonus/supplement episodes of The CriterionCast. Rudie, Ryan and Travis ramble on and on about movies and movie experiences. In a new segment, “On The Screen”, this is where they discuss anything and everything that has been [...]]]>

You are listening to The Criterion Cast: Disc 2 – Episode 025.5

Disc 2 episodes are bonus/supplement episodes of The CriterionCast. Rudie, Ryan and Travis ramble on and on about movies and movie experiences. In a new segment, “On The Screen”, this is where they discuss anything and everything that has been on their screens in the week. So anything from TV & movies to music & web junk, everything “On The Screen” is up for grabs. This is what they recommend to you, the listeners.

Topic of Discussion:

Does IFC fit with The Criterion Collection?

What do you think of our show? Please send your feed back: CriterionCast@gmail.com or call our voicemail line @ 347.878.3430 or follow us on twitter @CriterionCast or Comment on our blog, http://CriterionCast.com.

Thank you for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and please leave your reviews in our iTunes feed.

We broadcast every episode LIVE on UStream every Friday @ 7pm EST/4pm PST. Join in on the conversation @ CriterionCast.com/LIVE

Our next episode we will highlight and discuss Criterion #157 Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums.

Add It To Your Netflix Queue (Also Available Through Netflix Watch Instantly)

Show Notes:

(00:00 – 00:10; “Rush Apart” by The Rural Alberta Advantage)

(00:11 – 00:49; The CriterionCast – Episode 025.5 – Disc 2)

(00:50 – 09:04; Eagle Vs Shark – Travis George)

Order Eagle vs. Shark on Amazon

(09:05 – 14:57; Alone In The Wilderness – Travis George)

Order Alone in the Wilderness on Amazon

(14:58 – 17:14; Reservoir Dogs – Rudie Obias)

Order Reservoir Dogs on Amazon

(17:15 – 17:55; Hunger – Rudie Obias)

Order Hunger on Amazon

(17:56 – 29:56; LOST – Ryan Gallagher)

(29:57 – 33:14; Cloverfield – Ryan Gallagher)

Order Cloverfield on Amazon

(33:15 – 34:56; Travis George Wants To Watch Cobra Now!!)

Order Cobra on Amazon

(34:57 – 41:01; Sunshine – Ryan Gallagher)

Order Sunshine on Amazon

(41:02 – 56:40; Does IFC fit with The Criterion Collection?)

(56:41 – 58:14; Wrap Up & Contact Info)

(58:15 – 58:27; Music Credits)

(58:28 – 58:39; Broadcasting Live Every Friday On UStream)

(58:40 – 58:54; Next – Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums – CC #157)

(58:55 – 59:09; Follow Along With Us @ CriterionCast.com/Schedule)

(59:10 – 59:27; Goodbyes)

(59:28 – 1:00:37; “Sperm & Egg” by Flotation Walls)

(1:00:38 – 1:01:34; Outtakes!!)

Also Mentioned: Defying Gravity – WATCH IT!!

Music Credits:

Opening Music:

“Rush Apart” by The Rural Alberta Advantage. Learn more @ TheRAA.com

Closing Music:

“Sperm & Egg” by Flotation Walls. Learn more @ FlotationWalls.com

This past week we were treated to a joining of two of our most talked about topics on CriterionCast: Hulu unveiled a channel devoted to the Criterion Collection. While this is certainly cause for celebration, they have only added 6 Zatoichi (the Blind Swordsman) films. This generated a collective head scratching across the internet, as [...]]]>

This past week we were treated to a joining of two of our most talked about topics on CriterionCast: Hulu unveiled a channel devoted to the Criterion Collection. While this is certainly cause for celebration, they have only added 6 Zatoichi (the Blind Swordsman) films. This generated a collective head scratching across the internet, as these Zatoichi films have never been hinted at receiving the Criterion treatment. This also is but a tiny sampling of the Zatoichi series (you can currently find dozens of films, over the course several decades, on Netflix).

You might be thinking to yourself, “self, this is pretty weak news, seeing as how these films aren’t technically in the Criterion Collection?” You would be correct in this train of thought, that is, until next month when theoretically we could see said box set named. Now, you could be this negative nabob, or you, like I, could go and dig a little deeper into those films available on Hulu, and discover that there were already several Criterion Collection films which you can stream for free right this very second.

Below you’ll find, in no particular order, seven films contained within the Criterion Collection, that are available to watch right now on Hulu. This was a list that I wrote up several months ago, so there may have been even more films added to this list. If you know of any more, feel free to add links to the comments below. Also, share this list with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, thus spreading the joy of the Criterion Collection across the world.

Are you looking for even more Criterion films to stream on your computer / TV? Check out all of the links for Criterion films on Netflix here.