Matthew Dessem is a man with an unusual dream.  Like a lot of people affiliated with the film industry, he’s a movie buff.  However, he’s got an unusual, and noble, goal.  Matthew wants to watch every DVD in The Criterion Collection.  Actually, he’s not just watching them.  He’s watching them and then publishing in-depth reviews at his blog The Criterion Contraption.  He’s managed to get through 96 of the 500 or so movies Criterion has released.

Why is this a noble goal?  Well, Criterion only releases the best of the best, regardless of genre, and every release comes with hours of special footage, DVD commentaries, special promotional material, and the best possible restoration of picture and sound.  These are the Cadillac of DVDs.  For example, Criterion has released such films as This Is Spinal Tap, Seven Samurai, Chasing Amy, M, Brazil, and The Blob.  Everything from German Expressionist to modern raunchy Kevin Smith gets the Criterion eye.  If it’s good, they’ll go after it and put out the best DVD money can buy.

I love Criterion releases, and I think Matthew is my new personal hero.

Tags: the Criterion Collection, DVD collection, man wants to watch every Criterion DVD, Mount Criterion, Matthew Dessem, Los Angeles, California, movie collections

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