The mobile criterion closet made its way to Los Angeles this past weekend! Established in 1984, The Criterion Collection is a home-video distribution company that emphasizes, restores, and redistributes “important and contemporary films.” Their mission reads: “ Since 1984, the Criterion Collection has been dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning original supplements… Criterion has maintained its pioneering commitment to presenting each film as its maker would want it seen, in state-of-the-art restorations with special features designed to encourage repeated watching and deepen the viewer’s appreciation of the art of film.” The Criterion Collection contains over 1,500 movies in their own special edition. The collection also offers over 2,000 films in its streaming service, The Criterion Channel. The Criterion Collection, here’s their website.
The mobile Criterion Closet has no reservations, but get there as early as you can. Visitors get three minutes each; only three movies can be selected, and you receive a Polaroid photo afterwards. The mobile criterion closet is on the wheels version of their closet, which allows movie lovers and fanatics to get their favorite movie on the special edition. In collaboration with Vidiots, a non-profit video store, the Criterion Mobile Closet made its stop outside the shop. Vidiots, located in Los Angeles, Eagle Rock Blvd, mission reads: “ Vidiots is dedicated to inspiring human interaction around film through communal theatrical presentations and preserving growing and providing access to its diverse DVD, BluRay, and rare VHS collection, showcasing the work of emerging, master, and underrepresented artists, and producing unique and affordable film events and vital education programs.” About Us – Vidiots– here’s their website!
The Criterion Collection has gained further recognition with collaborations with Letterboxd, a social media platform for film lovers. Letterboxd allows users to pick their top four favorite movies and allows users to explore a number of selections. The Criterion Collection has collaborated with a number of actors such as Winona Ryder, Ben Affleck, Kevin Bacon, Francis Ford Coppola, and many more. This allows actors to pick their three picks from the closet.
The Criterion Mobile Closet is coming back to Los Angeles in the Santa Monica Area on June 6th and 7th at 11 am-8 pm at the American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair at the Aero Theatre located at 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica. For more information, reference this informational article: Next Stop: The Criterion Mobile Closet in Los Angeles | Current.
