The Criterion Collection

*While there are many that I admire, and whose work I look forward to with zeal (so stoked for PT Anderson's "The Master"), I have to say Spielberg because it was his work that first fired my imagination and made me aware of film in a very cognizant way. "Jaws" will forever remain my favourite film, and for better or worse the man has shaped the film industry, viewing habits, and expectations for Hollywood film. he has also produced and directed far too many enduring and varied classics to be ignored or dismissed by anyone (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, Jaws, The Colour Purple, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park). His films were my youth, and they brought me into the world of film and exposed me to magic. (Was that a little cheesy? Maybe, but screw it). **Yes, I said 'Armageddon', and yes Criterion actually put out a Michael Bay film (2 actually, as they also released 'The Rock'). And that is why it is my favourite, because it is so out of place among most of their film releases, and I do like the film - but I also really enjoy telling my film buff friends that I have a Criterion Edition of the film... It messes with their heads. I will blind buy just about anything that Criterion puts out, and most of my Criterion Collection is made up of blind buys (it is small, but growing ever so slowly) and I have yet to be disappointed. I like films from all eras, though for most of my life I have been a 'blockbuster kid' - always attracted to the latest and biggest from modern Hollywood. But, as the Hollywood machine continues to pump out more and more mediocre fare, I turn to the past, and to independent and foreign films. I am no where near as well versed as I would like to be, but I that is why I love Criterion - they open my eyes and expose me to stuff I have never heard of or even imagined existed. A quick film bio - if you're interested... Went to film school, had fun, moved to Vancouver, worked one day on Scary Movie 3 second unit, screwed up, couldn't get another job, meandered for several years, now I make websites and posters, etc., but i still write when I can and hope to get some short films off the ground soon, and I watch as many films as I can in a week - sometimes I watch a lot of 'crap' (I am an unapologetic Michael bay fan, for real), but I love discovering something new (to me) and expanding my film knowledge and appreciation (see above).