Sony Inks Distribution, Admin Deal With Criterion

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Criterion Nov. 4 said they have signed a multi-year distribution and administrative deal. Under terms of the agreement, Sony will handle distribution, replication, inventory management, shipping and accounts receivable for Criterion.

David Bishop, president of SPHE, said Criterion’s 30-year legacy of delivering important classic and contemporary films into the home entertainment market is buttressed by the exacting standards each Blu-ray Disc and DVD release must meet.

“This is why SPHE is honored that Criterion has chosen to partner with us to ensure its future legacy by duplicating and efficiently distributing products equal to the high standards it demands,” Bishop said.

The Criterion Collection features more than 150 movies. Each film is presented uncut, in its original aspect ratio, as its filmmaker intended it to be seen. Criterion uses state-of-the-art telecine equipment and select colorists during the film-to-video digital transfer, according to CEO Jonathan Turell.

Whenever possible, Criterion works with the original directors and cinematographers to ensure that the look of the releases does justice to their intentions.

Turell said Criterion’s bonus material enables viewers to appreciate the films in context, through audio commentaries by filmmakers and scholars, restored director’s cuts, deleted scenes, documentaries, shooting scripts, early shorts and storyboards.

“We’re proud to release many great films from Sony’s library in Criterion and very much look forward to continuing our long relationship,” Turell said. “We think they are an ideal partner as we look forward to expanding our direct relationships with our key customers.”