Since 1984, The Criterion Collection has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality with award-winning, original supplements. Over the years, as they’ve moved from laserdisc to DVD, Blu-ray disc, and online streaming, they’ve seen a lot of things change, but one thing has remained constant: their commitment to preserving the defining moments of cinema for an ever expanding audience.

The foundation of the collection is the work of such masters of cinema as Renoir, Godard, Kurosawa, Cocteau and Hitchcock. Each film is presented as its maker intended it to be seen, uncut and in its original aspect ratio. Criterion tracks down the best available film elements in the world and uses state-of-the-art equipment to make sure their rigorous standards for pristine image and sound are met.

Whenever possible, they work with directors and cinematographers to ensure that Criterion DVDs do justice to the filmmaker’s intentions. Their supplements enable viewers to appreciate the films in context, through audio commentaries by filmmakers and scholars, restored director’s cuts and inclusion of rare materials relating to the film’s production. To date, more than 150 filmmakers have lent their names to Criterion’s Director Approved DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and laserdiscs.