Max and HBO have officially solidified their commitment to cinephiles worldwide by announcing a multi-year extension deal with The Criterion Collection, ensuring that a rich catalog of both classic and contemporary films will continue to be accessible for streaming audiences.
As part of the new deal extension, Max will enhance its library with an exciting selection of films, among which are Isabella Rossellini’s provocative short film series “Green Porno” (2008), the powerful drama “Kiss of the Spiderwoman” (1985) directed by Héctor Babenco, Mira Nair’s culturally rich “Mississippi Masala” (1991), Alejandro Amenábar’s mind-bending psychological thriller “Open Your Eyes” (1997), and the mesmerizing adventure “Walkabout” (1971) by Nicolas Roeg. Additionally, fans of the iconic monster genre will be thrilled to find three classic “Godzilla” films joining the rotation, including Koji Hashimoto’s “The Return of Godzilla” (1984), Kazuki Ōmori’s “Godzilla vs. Biollante” (1989), and “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” (1991), enriching the streaming service’s offerings for genre enthusiasts.
“We are excited to continue to bring the Criterion Collection’s catalog of top-quality films to our audiences,” expressed Royce Battleman, the executive vice president of content acquisitions at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Both the existing and new additions to the collection provide Max viewers with the opportunity to experience cinematic excellence as part of our offering, showcasing a dedication to the art of filmmaking.”
The Criterion Collection is renowned for its meticulous restoration and publication of both classic and contemporary films, presenting them in editions that promise the highest technical quality. Among its illustrious titles are cinematic masterpieces such as Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times,” Yasujiro Ozu’s “Tokyo Story,” Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love,” George A. Romero’s landmark “Night of the Living Dead,” and Agnès Varda’s introspective “Cléo From 5 to 7.” Additional celebrated titles within the collection include Michelangelo Antonioni’s “L’Avventura,” David Lynch’s haunting “Eraserhead,” Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Emperor,” James Ivory’s romantic “A Room with a View,” Paolo Sorrentino’s visually stunning “The Great Beauty,” Federico Fellini’s “La Strada,” Ingmar Bergman’s poignant “Fanny and Alexander,” Federico Fellini’s surreal “8½,” Gabriel Axel’s culinary classic “Babette’s Feast,” Akira Kurosawa’s legendary “Seven Samurai,” and Bergman’s deeply emotional “Cries and Whispers.”
Warner Bros. Discovery has demonstrated a strategic vision by forging similar multi-year licensing deals with celebrated studios such as A24 and Studio Ghibli. This positions Max as the premier streaming destination in the U.S. for acclaimed films like “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Uncut Gems,” “Priscilla,” “The Zone of Interest,” and “The Whale,” as well as Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpieces, including “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “The Wind Rises,” and the latest, “The Boy and the Heron.”
What specific films from The Criterion Collection are being added to Max’s library, and how do they cater to diverse audience tastes?
**Interview with Royce Battleman: Max’s Commitment to Cinephiles through The Criterion Collection**
**Editor:** Welcome, Royce! Thanks for joining us today. With the recent announcement of the multi-year extension deal between Max and The Criterion Collection, what motivated this partnership?
**Royce Battleman:** Thank you for having me! Our commitment to cinephiles is at the heart of this collaboration. The Criterion Collection is renowned for curating films that are not just entertaining but also culturally and artistically significant. We recognize the value that these films bring to our streaming audience and believe this extension will further enhance our library.
**Editor:** That’s exciting news! Can you tell us about some of the specific films that will be added to Max’s library as part of this deal?
**Royce Battleman:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to include a diverse array of films. For instance, Isabella Rossellini’s bold short film series “Green Porno” showcases innovative storytelling. We’re also adding powerful dramas like “Kiss of the Spiderwoman” and “Mississippi Masala,” which provide rich cultural perspectives. Additionally, psychological thrillers like “Open Your Eyes” and the visually stunning adventure “Walkabout” will undoubtedly captivate our viewers.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s something for everyone! I noticed that fans of the monster genre will also have something to look forward to. Could you elaborate on that?
**Royce Battleman:** Certainly! We’re adding several classic “Godzilla” films, which are iconic in the monster genre. Titles like “The Return of Godzilla,” “Godzilla vs. Biollante,” and “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” not only celebrate the legacy of this beloved franchise but also demonstrate the artistry behind these films. It’s all about enhancing our offerings to cater to various tastes among our audience.
**Editor:** It seems like a well-rounded selection. What do you hope viewers take away from the films in this collection?
**Royce Battleman:** I hope viewers experience a sense of cinematic adventure and discovery. Each film in the Criterion Collection has been handpicked for its storytelling and artistic merit. We want our audience to engage with these films, appreciate their craftsmanship, and perhaps even broaden their understanding of different cultures and genres.
**Editor:** That’s a noble goal. Lastly, can you share your thoughts on the future of streaming services in relation to curated content like the Criterion Collection?
**Royce Battleman:** Curated content is essential in the ever-evolving landscape of streaming. As viewers seek quality rather than quantity, partnerships like ours with The Criterion Collection allow us to offer a unique, enriching experience. We believe that a curated approach will not only elevate the viewing experience but also foster a more dedicated community of cinephiles.
**Editor:** Thank you, Royce, for sharing these insights! We look forward to seeing how this partnership unfolds.
**Royce Battleman:** Thank you for having me. We’re excited to share these incredible films with our audiences!
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