What's Happening?
The Criterion Collection has announced a 50% discount on the 4K Blu-Ray edition of the animated film Flow, as part of its holiday sale on Amazon. Flow, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
in 2024, is available for $25 on 4K Blu-ray, $20 on Blu-ray, and $15 on DVD. The film, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, follows a cat's journey through a flooded world, meeting various animals along the way. The Criterion edition includes a remastered version of Zilbalodis' first film, Away, along with multiple inserts, short films, a making-of documentary, and other special features. The 4K digital transfer and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound upgrade were approved by Zilbalodis, ensuring high-quality viewing across all formats.
Why It's Important?
This discount on Flow's Criterion Collection edition is significant for collectors and fans of animated films, offering access to high-quality versions of critically acclaimed works at reduced prices. The inclusion of additional content such as documentaries and short films provides deeper insights into the filmmaking process, enhancing the viewing experience. The sale also highlights the growing recognition of animated films within prestigious collections like Criterion, which traditionally focused on live-action cinema. This move could encourage more animated features to be included in such collections, broadening their appeal and accessibility.
What's Next?
As the holiday season progresses, more discounts and promotions are expected from Criterion and other distributors, potentially increasing sales and interest in high-quality film editions. Collectors and fans may anticipate further releases and discounts on other animated films, especially those that have received critical acclaim or awards. The success of this sale could influence Criterion's future decisions regarding the inclusion of animated films in their catalog, possibly leading to a more diverse range of offerings.
Beyond the Headlines
The inclusion of Flow in The Criterion Collection and its subsequent discount reflects a broader trend of recognizing the artistic value of animated films. This could lead to a shift in how animated films are perceived in the industry, potentially influencing awards, funding, and production decisions. The success of Flow, made with open-source software and a modest budget, also highlights the potential for independent filmmakers to achieve critical and commercial success, encouraging innovation and diversity in the animation sector.
