The Criterion Channel
American subscription streaming service specializing in classic and contemporary art-house films from the Criterion Collection.
Company Type
private
Founded
2019
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
About The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Collection and Janus Films operate as film distribution companies specializing in classic and art-house cinema. The Criterion Collection was founded in 1984 and is known for its film preservation work and high-quality home video releases. Janus Films was founded in 1956 and is a leading distributor of international and art-house films in North America.
The companies' business model combines streaming subscriptions with physical media sales and theatrical distribution. The Criterion Channel generates revenue through monthly and annual subscriptions, while the parent companies continue to sell Blu-ray releases and license films for theatrical exhibition.
The Criterion Collection and Janus Films employ approximately 30 people for the streaming service, with their headquarters in New York City, New York. The companies continue to invest in film restoration, preservation, and digital distribution technologies. The service maintains a close relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO Max platform, which frequently houses Criterion-released titles.
History of The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel was launched in 2019 by The Criterion Collection and Janus Films as a dedicated streaming service for classic and art-house cinema. The service was created to provide a curated platform for the extensive film libraries of both companies and to offer classic films to modern audiences after the shutdown of FilmStruck in November 2018.
The service launched with a carefully curated selection of films from The Criterion Collection's library, including restored versions of classic films, international cinema, and contemporary art-house releases. The platform quickly gained recognition among film enthusiasts and cinephiles for its high-quality presentations and expert curation.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, The Criterion Channel expanded its content offerings with new film additions, special collections, and exclusive programming. The service introduced features like director retrospectives, themed collections, and supplemental content including interviews and commentary tracks.
In 2022 and 2023, the service continued to enhance its platform with improved streaming quality, enhanced search functionality, and mobile applications. The Criterion Channel also expanded its partnerships with international film festivals and distributors to bring more diverse cinema to subscribers.
Throughout the 2020s, The Criterion Channel has established itself as the leading streaming service for classic and art-house cinema, competing with larger platforms while maintaining its focus on film preservation and curation. The service continues to release curated monthly programming lineups featuring themed collections and new additions.
Brands Owned by The Criterion Channel
The Criterion Channel owns 0 brands in our database.
The Criterion Channel Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Access to extensive library of classic and art-house films from Criterion Collection and Janus Films
- +Expert curation and film restoration capabilities with monthly themed programming
- +Strong reputation among film enthusiasts and cinephiles for quality and educational value
- +High-quality presentations with extensive supplemental features and commentary tracks
- +Niche market positioning with dedicated audience and minimal direct competition
- +Established relationships with international filmmakers and distributors for content acquisition
Considerations
- -Limited audience compared to mainstream streaming services, estimated under 50,000 subscribers
- -Dependence on film licensing and restoration costs which can be substantial for classic films
- -Competition from larger platforms with classic film sections and greater marketing budgets
- -Need to balance artistic curation with commercial sustainability in niche market
- -Geographic limitations to United States and Canada, restricting potential subscriber base
- -Market challenges in streaming entertainment with consolidation among major platforms
Frequently Asked Questions About The Criterion Channel
Is The Criterion Channel owned by another company?
The Criterion Channel is owned by The Criterion Collection and Janus Films as a joint venture. Both companies are independent film distribution companies specializing in classic and art-house cinema, with decades of experience in film preservation and distribution.
Is The Criterion Channel publicly traded?
No, The Criterion Channel is not publicly traded. The service is privately owned by The Criterion Collection and Janus Films, which are privately held film distribution companies with no public stock trading.
When was The Criterion Channel founded?
The Criterion Channel was launched on April 8, 2019 by The Criterion Collection and Janus Films. The streaming service was created to provide a dedicated platform for classic and art-house cinema after the shutdown of FilmStruck in November 2018.
Who founded The Criterion Channel?
The Criterion Channel was founded by The Criterion Collection and Janus Films. The streaming service was created as a joint venture between these two established film distribution companies to bring classic cinema to streaming audiences with expert curation and high-quality presentations.
What is The Criterion Channel's market position?
The Criterion Channel holds a premier position in the classic and art-house film streaming market. The service competes with larger streaming platforms while differentiating through its expert curation, film preservation focus, and extensive library of classic and international cinema available primarily in the United States and Canada.
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