Very eloquently put Aaron. We come down on similar sides of this argument as you make many of the points I made in my video on the subject. As someone who has been through the formats multiple times. VHS went to DVD and then subsequently to Blu Ray and streaming and my habits have changed as I’ve aged. This video has gotten my mind ticking in lots of directions about the nooks and crannies and psychology of the subject. Thanks for this. 👍
Thanks Chris. I’ve been watching some amazingly well done videos on both sides and I know my tastes change and evolve. I have a list of films in the back of my head that I regret letting go
I totally agree with you. I think we're about the same age you and I. And I collect movies I love. My collection is also to future proof myself so that I have an awesome collection of eclectic movies to savour again slowly and rediscover them. Some movies you have now might not be available next time.
Impassioned statement of your collecting habits Aaron… agree with many of them. I also have a larger collection and collect for the present, medium, and long-term future and to future proof - who knows where streaming (vertical integration of the larger media corporates) will take physical media in the years ahead. To have access to a large collection, much of which is not present on any local streaming service, is wonderful and offers myself and others access too a great many wonderful films we have not heard of let alone seen. Keep it real.
I have nothing against people who collect differently in fact the people mentioned are some of the great film RUclipsrs we have. I just wanted to put a different take on it from my perspective. Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Great discussion. I have tons of films and I only get rid of copies that are upgraded and what not. BUT films that I have just bought even if I won’t watch them again, I will clean up the collection by putting them in a storage box in the closet or something. Then I write down what is in the box. I just feel like I will always revisit something one day. Even if i didn’t care for it. Great video!
Thanks . Long time subscriber of your channel btw. I’m at the same point I only get rid of upgrades unless the features are different. I’m a sucker for good features than I try to put them together to make an ultimate edition of the film. I think for me there’s an age aspect of looking towards what I want to study and experience long term as well
@@CultofCinema for sure man! Yea I keep some. For instance, Favorite films of mine I’ll do the huge set as well. The ones I get rid of are like just plain catalog titles that I upgrade. BUT lately I have been giving them to people that I know. I don’t really get trade value for them near where I live and I like the idea of giving them to someone else who will enjoy them. I recently gave like 100 DVDs to someone and they had never really seen a black and white film. They are now kinda obsessed. I find that so much more enjoyable than just trading them in.
Yeah it's a real challenge. I'm no minimalist, but I have to split my budget between the discs and the vintage toys I collect that I make videos about.
I hope the term minimalist doesn’t come off wrong it was meant as a term of endearment and in all honesty it just flowed better than collection paring down lol I think this year has been a real struggle for a lot of us and we’ve had to take a long look at how we collect and can comfortably continue to do so. Your channel navigated me through the world of Super Frriends collecting and for that alone I’m eternally grateful. I’ve been really enjoying all your content
Absolutely agree with the fact that down the line you will regret selling a movie from your collection when you want to watch it again in future and realize that it is out of print and not available on any streaming platform or digital store. Does not mean you should buy every movie that comes out but the ones you do, it makes sense to keep them in my opinion.
I agree. I have actually taken to more carefully deciding where to spend my hard earned dollars this year so I’ve passed on some things I would have out right blind bought before but I can’t in good conscience get rid of any films that made it into the collection because I’m all honesty if I went out and bought them it was for a reason and if I’m not feeling them at the moment I very well might down the road
Passion, is the right word and what you said, " I'm collecting for today and collecting for tomorrow" And the other is line, " what am I going to watch, not today , not tomorrow, not next week , but down the road," I'll just leave it at that...
I'm glad you made this video, as a collector, I think it's important to get these different perspectives on how other collect. I often see how much how much the display, organization and/or space plays into a collector's collection but these different takes in selection of content is just as interesting. I've always buy discs I think i will enjoy but i do have films in my collection i wonder if i will ever get to. I don't buy as much as many of the film collectors I watch on RUclips/listen to pods, but have found myself prioritizing getting in must have certain titles that may be older releases vs the hip newer title that just got released. And I also make sure I don't just end up upgrading my dvds and I get in new unseen films or missing titles from my collection. The options can overwhelm at times
Thanks Matthew. My hopes in making this was to give a different perspective without downing any one else’s choices. It can be overwhelming with so much content and seemingly more coming out every year to the point it feels like you are drowning in choices and anxiety. At the beginning of each year I theme my year out and try my best to stick to collecting regarding that theme as I find it takes the pressure off a bit needless to say companies tend to throw us curveballs where we need to make that quick decision sometimes. At the end of the day we are all collectors with a love for these films . It’s great to have so many options and viewpoints without getting negative on any of them
@@CultofCinema I agree, sometimes it's nice to see how the sausage is made and not just what the ingredients that are used but the techniques as well! This is why I watch special features on discs, I want to see how they made the movies. And yeah, I want to see how my peers collect because collecting is just as fun as watching and talking about movies!
Some great points here Aaron. One thing I thought of was that there are films that I didn't "get" on first viewing but I found something about it interesting to where I would want to give it another shot, or give it another shot because it has a great reputation. Other times I didn't "get" it and decided I wouldn't want to or just thought it sucked. All the minimalism thing to me is is that, unless you're captain moneybags with unlimited space, you have to have some system of collecting to decide what you are going to buy. This is just a way of creating more restrictions on yourself. Blu-ray minimalism to me would be like you have a few box sets on shelves in an aesthetically pleasing and spare way.
We don't all have to run a museum, but films become unavailable and inaccessible. I buy what I really like - and it's still a struggle to decide that. It would be easier just to buy everything! I don't like having to pay streaming services, however. I like having my own copy in case the world screeches to a halt.
Well the reality is the vast majority of the worlds population are movie collecting minimalists. A collector buys vastly more movies than almost anyone on earth. I don’t see how this can be minimalism? I’m with you on all these points. I agree with the Cereal at Midnight philosophy which is collecting is all about access. I just want access to a movie without having to worry about streaming availability. I usually only get rid of a movie if I really don’t like it AND I can get a good price for it so I can buy more films.
I was hoping the minimalist name would have more of an artsy positive spin but I fear now some people have taken it as a diss. I’ll have to rectify in tonight’s live vid just in case. I use to collect comics, I almost opened up my own comic shop in the 90s and eventually when I had to pare it down I got overexcited and went all in getting rid of things that have pretty much become irreplaceable. I think that definitely affected my viewpoint on how I personally collect. I also agree with Heath. It’s important to be able to access and the most unreliable is a streaming service
I went through a phase where I was buying anything that was on sale mostly from the major labels. I decided to clear a lot of those out of my collection. They were mostly big hits that I watched once and never cared to watch again. If I did care to watch again I could easily find streaming or a rental. I'm definitely never getting rid of my copy Purple Noon.
Great video Aaron. I been buying movies since the mid 90's and I do regret selling some movies over the years, that's why I stop doing that. I'm very careful of buying movies nowadays, it really have to be a film that I love watching over and over again.
Thanks and it’s so true. Every collector has that story of the one they wished they never let go. I theme my collecting by year and I find it’s really let me breathe a bit easier
What I do understand is why Criterion is releasing the same old stuff, but leave out lost classics. Like the Fernandel movies, the original Le Grand Meaulnes, the film noir based on James Hadley Chase movies, the films with Jean Marais eg Fantomas and Louis de Funes and the Hercules, Tarzan and Samson peplum movies with Steve Reeves, Reg Park Gordon Scott etc. The real matinee movies.
Some nice thoughts and a good talk, Aaron, and it's something that crossed my mind a while ago as well. In fact nowadays, precisely because of what you say, I kind of have a rule not to sell something if I don't take to a blind-buy on first view. I pledge to give it another go in year or two and if I still don't take to it on second viewing then it can go. Of course if I truly hate something on first view then it can go!
Great video Aaron! I am really interested in the dialogue that we are having throughout the community and I agree with you, I don't feel like there are sides. Everyone has something going on in their own lives and it's important to think about what we collect. I think I'll be tweaking a new video coming out soon, cause this has a lot of food for thought. Love you my friend, I greatly appreciate this video and more importantly, you.
Thanks. My only concern with the video is that some people would take it as different camps when we all live under the same glorious collecting sun. Though I sometimes wonder if curator isn’t a better term than collector since collector can have negative connotations. The Pandora’s Box is opened now lol
I would be of the same thinking as you Aaron 👍🏻💿 I only get rid of titles if I upgrade them, and even at that I'm spotting some bonus content that doesn't move from dvd to Blu etc.
Thanks for bringing this to light Aaron. I'm a collector and I will continue to do that. The augmentation of the minimalist movement is temporary i believe. Thanks Aaron for all you do for this community.
In terms of my collecting movies, it is pretty much what I personally enjoy plus recommendations from the community such as yourself and Cereal at Midnight (plus items that I can get on sale or for cheap). I don't worry about FOMO or anything like that. Plus it is rare that I remove items from the collection (unless it is an upgrade or something).
Thanks for commenting. I find it fascinating to see how people chose to do their own personal collecting . The best thing you can do is not stress about FOMO since that’s the biggest issue in grabbing titles you don’t want. Hope my recommendations haven’t steered you wrong yet :)
I love collecting but I have to admit at times it’s gotten out of hand and I now try to limit my spending a bit. I get why people would want to down scale their collection but I feel like they might regret it in years to come
It’s a hard one to figure. I completely understand people limiting spending for financial or just anxiety related reasons. Was just giving a different take on it. This year when I realized pretty much my entire Criterion Collection was unavailable until I move made me realize what might seem like a good idea in the moment might not in the long run
Yeah minimalist thing isn't for me. At the same time I don't collect to the max either. I don't have to have 10 different releases of the same film with various covers or packaging. Also I don't buy boxsets or limited edition releases that I wont open up. I try to buy movies and tv shows that I like and get the best available edition at that time. And yes the taste changes. Or in my case I would say widens. I still like the films I liked before, but younger me would definitely not have as much drama in the collection.
That’s the biggest thing I think to consider. There are films that are favourites for me now that were not in a thought a few years back. We all grow and change and through different experiences are film tastes can evolve as well.
I’ve been collecting blu rays since 2010, and I can’t find anything on my shelves because of all the movies I own. a collection purge is necessary for me Doesn’t help that the amount of entertainment we have access to now is overwhelming.
I bought Escape from New York and Jaws on DVD way back when it was first released on the platform and watched it then and felt like it wasn'T my thing.. many years later I grew older and gained an appreciation for those 2 movies to a point that they have become some of my favourite movies in my collection. I purchased them on Blu Ray since.
At the start of 2020 i made a resolution, i should watch what i buy. At the time i felt i was buying too much and watching too little. Now i still buy a lot but i watch everything and that justify's my buying. Now storage is becoming a huge problem, but i won't stop buying.
I’ve been watching a lot more in the last few months and that’s even after starting to read more. Storage has been my issue here as well. Hoping it will be ok in the condo
Pretty sure this whole movement is driven by people who are impulsively spending money on everything opposed to just getting titles they’re interested in. I see this frequently where people go all in on collecting then realize they’ve gone way too far later down the road and end up selling most of what they bought.
As has always been pretty much the case, my purchase habits are dictated by available budget. I’m also an LP enthusiast, and in trying to get some of my favorites back in the collection, blu-rays are, by and large, limited versions of favorites (if I have the cash and/or can justify the purchase to myself) with some catch-up during sale time or lucky finds in stores. Trust me, if I had everything I wanted, I’d be buried in discs!
Yeah, the choice-making is brutal, but between tracking what gets released in editions that I can’t miss out on (Mondo red case FEMINA RIDENS) vs. Arrow titles I can hold out on for a bit, I’ve got a decent rhythm at least.
I’m also in the process of moving to and around Houston Tx from Austin Tx been in Austin19 yrs going back toward home but I’ll always watch RUclips and will be on RUclips
I tend to enjoy a film on the 2nd or 3rd time. Its due to my ADD tho-seriously. I catch and retain certain things on the first viewing but I really start to understand the film after a 2nd or 3rd viewing. Thus the reason I began to collect. My mind goes elsewhere when I go to the movie and it’s hard for me to focus. When I own a film, I can revisit it many times over.
I have a few collector friends that are the exact same way. It helps me to rewatch a film as I don’t usually get everything out of it within one watch . Film is definitely a medium ripe for rematches
I'm not sure if I'm a 'minimalist' or an 'exclusive connoisseur'? As much as I love Criterion, and would like to get ALL their movies - I'm only going for the titles that I know and respect. If I see a deal on say Benjamin Button, or Chasing Amy I'll check it out and keep it. But for their BIG boxsets like Bergman and Godzilla, I don't have much interest in. Not that I don't like Bergman or Godzilla, I don't think I could respect the sets like many do? Now for 'unsung/classic' titles that I like, I will break the bank for. Movies like Snowpiercer, Phase IV, Network, 2001, etc - I got some really 'regal' editions of and adore. But now with say VS, Severin, and the like - thanks to you Aaron, and others that join in, I'll take your recommendations. Most I enjoy and/or learn something from - but, can easily get my money back by selling them again on Ebay. Nothing against The Stendahl Syndrome, interesting stuff on the Argento's and all. But is it really 'my bag'? No. But something like The New York Ripper I keep just to say 'yeah, I gotta giallo. And one of the weirdest ones there is!' LOL Now Criterion OOP titles I went nuts on. Became an obsession to get them ALL! And that did give me respect for say Fellini, Morrisey, Forman, etc. But when Criterion reissues them, onto Ebay they go for me. With no desire to see the reissue, or get it again in the big boxset.
I like your comment . It really shows you as a collector or mayhaps a curator since I’m thinking collector no longer fits what we do as film lovers. Everyone has that area that just encapsulates the joy they feel when the got that film that really reached them and sometimes it’s almost like we are chasing the dragon lol
Thanks - and I like 'curator'. As even with fancy things like Carlotta's release of Network, I got it because it has a great doc on Sidney Lumet with it. And can point out the parallels to it and Broadcast News as to what 'news' has become today, much to the chagrin of Marshall McLuhan I'm sure. We totally have 'the medium' at our fingertips now, but 'the message'....? LOL And a find like Putney Swope from VS - that's a keeper for me as well now. (sans the sleeve though, dang it!)
I find it easier to pick a genre to stick to so u don't get overwhelmed by trying to collect everything...n im so opinionated that I only buy what I like in that genre lol...i collect Horror...but even with that there are so many subgenres within horror and it can become overwhelming and expensive from time to time so it's always good to not allow it to get too out of control because it can become an addiction and lead to hoarding which is never a good thing...but i guess there could be worse things to be addicted to in life...great video Aaron...very thought provoking
Thanks Thomas. Collecting by the genre you love is a great idea. It’s important to look at your collecting habits and to know what does work and doesn’t work for you. I usually chose in the first month of the year what and how I’ll collect this year
@@CultofCinema lol yes...unfortunately😖...the newly wedded wife of mine is cracking the whip haha...she doesn't understand my collecting ways but it will all pay off later on when I can educate my future children the correct way (from the cabinet of Dr. Caligari to current day cinema haha) in chronological order
To each their own. I will likely never be able to watch everything in my collection now that I'm paired up with kids. Gone are the days I'd watch 3 movies a day. These days I'm lucky if I get 3 movies a week. But, I will continue to purchase TV and movies that I do not own because of 2 things. 1. Introducing these elements to the kids (should they want to be introduced) and 2. I never know what I want to watch. I might want to watch a certain movie 10 times or I might feel like something I've never seen before. I may feel like watching a certain genre a lot and then suddenly change and want to watch a different genre.
I remember those days of my kids being young. It’s a busy time . It’s good to see you still have the energy to collect the films and shows that intrigue and you could eventually introduce to kids. Bringing up the next generation of movie lovers
I'm going to take a flying guess and say... is it perhaps fair to say most collections under 700 (maybe?) Blu's is small enough to presume is Minimalist? Without having to initially pair it down...
Sorry to scar you with the thoughts of Purple Noon going away but it was in my line of vision. Lol Nice to hear from you. It’s been awhile. Loving your channel
Eventually I came to the point where I said to myself.... I only want the films I know I WILL WATCH AGAIN. Saves me A LOT of money. lol If there's a film that borderlines on something I want for my collection... I'll give in.... in case it speaks to me more the next time I watch it. Another example.... I love MARIO BAVA... but I don't need EVERY film of his in my collection.
For me when it’s a director it really depends . If I’m watching just cause I enjoy specific directors films I grab those . If I want to study the progression of the direct and his work than I need all. I’m weird that way lol
Hey Aaron, it's nice to see this perspective on a bigger channel, although I have also grown to have bit more understanding with the "minimalist" people as they have explained their side more. It's been both fun and annoying to see many people think that I just buy everything from all the labels, I'm also apparently quantity over quality type of collector, and that apparently I'm "pretentious" and a "dork" for having my views. I never really meant to make this discussion to blow out of proportion, but I feel like it has a bit after Elliot's second video. I have had interesting chats too on the various comment sections, so there is a positive side too. Anyway, enjoyed hearing your thoughts and thanks for mentioning my channel!
I think both you and Elliot brought interesting ideas to this . If it wasn’t for videos like both of yours I may not have chimed in but I’m glad I did. It’s fascinating to see how different people approach film curating and how that evolves for them in the future. Experience and emotions evolve and change as do tastes and that can make a film that may not have resonated before mean something much more later. It’s like when you hear a breakup song right after your first breakup , the song means so much more now. Thanks for your video and commenting. I am subbed to your channel and look forward to future content
Hi Aaron-I think Elliot's point was more about the clutter(the actual, physical pieces lining his walls) that's been clogging up his free thinking. I think his point of view is more about less physical pieces staring at him in the face every day than the will-I-watch-again-or-won't-I? debate.
Hey. Elliot did mention in the latest video whether he felt he’s go back to it again in a year or so as a way to help make his decision. That being said you are correct . Don’t think my video was meant as a knock at him or his decision. Love Elliot’s stuff and he is someone I admire. I just thought it would be interesting to give my personal take on it . Hopefully you enjoyed the video :)
@@CultofCinema Oh no Aaron, please don't get me wrong. I Very much enjoyed your video and discussion and not for a mili-second did I construe your comments as a knock on Elliott. No please no. I just wanted to bring up the subject of media as clutter, which Elliott talked about. I very much enjoyed your talk. Please don't think I"m being critical.
Not at all. I really liked your comment and understand what you meant. It’s so refreshing to be part of a community that is so open and understanding to so many different viewpoints and ideas
You speak the truth. I collect both DVDs and Blu Rays and - to my eternal regret - have given away a good few films over the years only to come to regret it much later. Especially in the era of Covid and lockdowns. Never again.
Thanks. Yeah some films I no longer have are my deepest regrets. I gave away my copy of the old Achor Bay Mirror Mirror collection thinking it would be easy to pick up again, sadly I still haven’t found it again
@@CultofCinema Gave away two 25th anniversary editions of Day of the Dead '85 myself. That and numerous others. A lot were movies I wasn't too keen on at the time but feel I'd enjoy more at this stage of my life due to changing tastes and perspectives. I'll be much more conservative about clearing out titles going forward. I thought I could create more space at home. Ended up just filling it with more DVDs instead.
Great video. I've heard of it and respect it. But I can't follow this movement, I feel like so much of my time would have been wasted collecting throughout the years.
I understand both takes it’s just not personally for me. I thought it would be interesting to give my own take on it and how and why I collect or curate in general
Exactly. I think one person thought when I said minimalist it was a knock on the amount of films but it was meant as a appreciative nod at that style of collecting
Public service announcement for everyone please open your movies and watch them drivers me crazy people showing there v in sin collection and saying here's a movie i bought a year ago and it's just sitting on there shelves o well my opinion good sow 🤟
I have a few it’s taken me time to get around too but eventually all my films get enjoyed sometimes several times. I tend to watch Vinegar Syndrome titles pretty quickly . I think we need to movie away from the work collector to curator as someone who acquires and enjoys movies.
Here’s an idea ...STOP BUYING ANY AND EVERYTHING JUST TO BEEF UP YOUR NUMBERS AND THEN YOU WON’T HAVE THAT PROBLEM!!! ONLY BUY WHAT YOU KNOW YOU MAY LIKE OR LOVE!!!!
@@CultofCinema With all due respect we both know that’s not exactly true. Some people do exactly that for exactly that reason to have something to brag about. Those are probably the very people that then turn around and abandon physical media for streaming because they are running out of space. It’s ridiculous! You may not be aware of it but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. To them I say one thing....more for me!!! That includes slipcovers and discs.
@@CultofCinema And no I didn’t miss the point! When a person has a Blu Ray collection totaling 1800 discs and wants to downsize his collection to a total of 600, that’s a problem, and a big one! I buy to keep, not to downsize! I thought that’s what collectors did but I guess we aren’t all created equal.
Very eloquently put Aaron. We come down on similar sides of this argument as you make many of the points I made in my video on the subject. As someone who has been through the formats multiple times. VHS went to DVD and then subsequently to Blu Ray and streaming and my habits have changed as I’ve aged. This video has gotten my mind ticking in lots of directions about the nooks and crannies and psychology of the subject. Thanks for this. 👍
Thanks Chris. I’ve been watching some amazingly well done videos on both sides and I know my tastes change and evolve. I have a list of films in the back of my head that I regret letting go
@@CultofCinema me too. I’ll never be able to get that Alan Clarke set now without paying an absolute fortune 😂
I totally agree with you. I think we're about the same age you and I. And I collect movies I love. My collection is also to future proof myself so that I have an awesome collection of eclectic movies to savour again slowly and rediscover them. Some movies you have now might not be available next time.
Completely agree. At my age now I’m not just buying for this year or the next but I’m planning my cinema excursions for years to come
Impassioned statement of your collecting habits Aaron… agree with many of them. I also have a larger collection and collect for the present, medium, and long-term future and to future proof - who knows where streaming (vertical integration of the larger media corporates) will take physical media in the years ahead. To have access to a large collection, much of which is not present on any local streaming service, is wonderful and offers myself and others access too a great many wonderful films we have not heard of let alone seen. Keep it real.
I have nothing against people who collect differently in fact the people mentioned are some of the great film RUclipsrs we have. I just wanted to put a different take on it from my perspective. Glad you enjoyed the video :)
Great discussion. I have tons of films and I only get rid of copies that are upgraded and what not. BUT films that I have just bought even if I won’t watch them again, I will clean up the collection by putting them in a storage box in the closet or something. Then I write down what is in the box. I just feel like I will always revisit something one day. Even if i didn’t care for it. Great video!
Thanks . Long time subscriber of your channel btw.
I’m at the same point I only get rid of upgrades unless the features are different. I’m a sucker for good features than I try to put them together to make an ultimate edition of the film.
I think for me there’s an age aspect of looking towards what I want to study and experience long term as well
@@CultofCinema for sure man! Yea I keep some. For instance, Favorite films of mine I’ll do the huge set as well. The ones I get rid of are like just plain catalog titles that I upgrade. BUT lately I have been giving them to people that I know. I don’t really get trade value for them near where I live and I like the idea of giving them to someone else who will enjoy them. I recently gave like 100 DVDs to someone and they had never really seen a black and white film. They are now kinda obsessed. I find that so much more enjoyable than just trading them in.
Yeah it's a real challenge. I'm no minimalist, but I have to split my budget between the discs and the vintage toys I collect that I make videos about.
I hope the term minimalist doesn’t come off wrong it was meant as a term of endearment and in all honesty it just flowed better than collection paring down lol
I think this year has been a real struggle for a lot of us and we’ve had to take a long look at how we collect and can comfortably continue to do so.
Your channel navigated me through the world of Super Frriends collecting and for that alone I’m eternally grateful. I’ve been really enjoying all your content
Absolutely agree with the fact that down the line you will regret selling a movie from your collection when you want to watch it again in future and realize that it is out of print and not available on any streaming platform or digital store. Does not mean you should buy every movie that comes out but the ones you do, it makes sense to keep them in my opinion.
I agree. I have actually taken to more carefully deciding where to spend my hard earned dollars this year so I’ve passed on some things I would have out right blind bought before but I can’t in good conscience get rid of any films that made it into the collection because I’m all honesty if I went out and bought them it was for a reason and if I’m not feeling them at the moment I very well might down the road
Passion, is the right word and what you said, " I'm collecting for today and collecting for tomorrow"
And the other is line, " what am I going to watch, not today , not tomorrow, not next week , but down the road,"
I'll just leave it at that...
I'm glad you made this video, as a collector, I think it's important to get these different perspectives on how other collect. I often see how much how much the display, organization and/or space plays into a collector's collection but these different takes in selection of content is just as interesting. I've always buy discs I think i will enjoy but i do have films in my collection i wonder if i will ever get to. I don't buy as much as many of the film collectors I watch on RUclips/listen to pods, but have found myself prioritizing getting in must have certain titles that may be older releases vs the hip newer title that just got released. And I also make sure I don't just end up upgrading my dvds and I get in new unseen films or missing titles from my collection. The options can overwhelm at times
Thanks Matthew. My hopes in making this was to give a different perspective without downing any one else’s choices. It can be overwhelming with so much content and seemingly more coming out every year to the point it feels like you are drowning in choices and anxiety. At the beginning of each year I theme my year out and try my best to stick to collecting regarding that theme as I find it takes the pressure off a bit needless to say companies tend to throw us curveballs where we need to make that quick decision sometimes. At the end of the day we are all collectors with a love for these films . It’s great to have so many options and viewpoints without getting negative on any of them
@@CultofCinema I agree, sometimes it's nice to see how the sausage is made and not just what the ingredients that are used but the techniques as well! This is why I watch special features on discs, I want to see how they made the movies. And yeah, I want to see how my peers collect because collecting is just as fun as watching and talking about movies!
Some great points here Aaron. One thing I thought of was that there are films that I didn't "get" on first viewing but I found something about it interesting to where I would want to give it another shot, or give it another shot because it has a great reputation. Other times I didn't "get" it and decided I wouldn't want to or just thought it sucked.
All the minimalism thing to me is is that, unless you're captain moneybags with unlimited space, you have to have some system of collecting to decide what you are going to buy. This is just a way of creating more restrictions on yourself. Blu-ray minimalism to me would be like you have a few box sets on shelves in an aesthetically pleasing and spare way.
We don't all have to run a museum, but films become unavailable and inaccessible. I buy what I really like - and it's still a struggle to decide that. It would be easier just to buy everything! I don't like having to pay streaming services, however. I like having my own copy in case the world screeches to a halt.
Well the reality is the vast majority of the worlds population are movie collecting minimalists. A collector buys vastly more movies than almost anyone on earth. I don’t see how this can be minimalism?
I’m with you on all these points. I agree with the Cereal at Midnight philosophy which is collecting is all about access. I just want access to a movie without having to worry about streaming availability. I usually only get rid of a movie if I really don’t like it AND I can get a good price for it so I can buy more films.
I was hoping the minimalist name would have more of an artsy positive spin but I fear now some people have taken it as a diss. I’ll have to rectify in tonight’s live vid just in case.
I use to collect comics, I almost opened up my own comic shop in the 90s and eventually when I had to pare it down I got overexcited and went all in getting rid of things that have pretty much become irreplaceable. I think that definitely affected my viewpoint on how I personally collect.
I also agree with Heath. It’s important to be able to access and the most unreliable is a streaming service
I went through a phase where I was buying anything that was on sale mostly from the major labels. I decided to clear a lot of those out of my collection. They were mostly big hits that I watched once and never cared to watch again. If I did care to watch again I could easily find streaming or a rental. I'm definitely never getting rid of my copy Purple Noon.
Great video Aaron. I been buying movies since the mid 90's and I do regret selling some movies over the years, that's why I stop doing that. I'm very careful of buying movies nowadays, it really have to be a film that I love watching over and over again.
Thanks and it’s so true. Every collector has that story of the one they wished they never let go. I theme my collecting by year and I find it’s really let me breathe a bit easier
Cool vid, some of the reasons you mentioned are the reason I've gone mostly digital for movie collecting!
That’s an interesting take on it. Thanks
What I do understand is why Criterion is releasing the same old stuff, but leave out lost classics. Like the Fernandel movies, the original Le Grand Meaulnes, the film noir based on James Hadley Chase movies, the films with Jean Marais eg Fantomas and Louis de Funes and the Hercules, Tarzan and Samson peplum movies with Steve Reeves, Reg Park Gordon Scott etc. The real matinee movies.
Some nice thoughts and a good talk, Aaron, and it's something that crossed my mind a while ago as well. In fact nowadays, precisely because of what you say, I kind of have a rule not to sell something if I don't take to a blind-buy on first view. I pledge to give it another go in year or two and if I still don't take to it on second viewing then it can go. Of course if I truly hate something on first view then it can go!
Great video Aaron! I am really interested in the dialogue that we are having throughout the community and I agree with you, I don't feel like there are sides. Everyone has something going on in their own lives and it's important to think about what we collect. I think I'll be tweaking a new video coming out soon, cause this has a lot of food for thought. Love you my friend, I greatly appreciate this video and more importantly, you.
Thanks. My only concern with the video is that some people would take it as different camps when we all live under the same glorious collecting sun. Though I sometimes wonder if curator isn’t a better term than collector since collector can have negative connotations. The Pandora’s Box is opened now lol
I would be of the same thinking as you Aaron 👍🏻💿 I only get rid of titles if I upgrade them, and even at that I'm spotting some bonus content that doesn't move from dvd to Blu etc.
We have twin mindsets when it comes to how we collect. If there are different features I usually put them together to make an “ ultimate edition”
Gotta check out more about this MCM but i think I am like you Aaron in this matter. My 7000 discs tell me so. Greetings from Sweden!
Thanks for bringing this to light Aaron. I'm a collector and I will continue to do that. The augmentation of the minimalist movement is temporary i believe. Thanks Aaron for all you do for this community.
"I'm always curating." I feel the same way, Aaron. Great points all around.
In terms of my collecting movies, it is pretty much what I personally enjoy plus recommendations from the community such as yourself and Cereal at Midnight (plus items that I can get on sale or for cheap). I don't worry about FOMO or anything like that. Plus it is rare that I remove items from the collection (unless it is an upgrade or something).
Thanks for commenting. I find it fascinating to see how people chose to do their own personal collecting . The best thing you can do is not stress about FOMO since that’s the biggest issue in grabbing titles you don’t want. Hope my recommendations haven’t steered you wrong yet :)
I love collecting but I have to admit at times it’s gotten out of hand and I now try to limit my spending a bit. I get why people would want to down scale their collection but I feel like they might regret it in years to come
It’s a hard one to figure. I completely understand people limiting spending for financial or just anxiety related reasons. Was just giving a different take on it.
This year when I realized pretty much my entire Criterion Collection was unavailable until I move made me realize what might seem like a good idea in the moment might not in the long run
Too right!!!! About downscaling. Never do it.
Yeah minimalist thing isn't for me. At the same time I don't collect to the max either. I don't have to have 10 different releases of the same film with various covers or packaging. Also I don't buy boxsets or limited edition releases that I wont open up. I try to buy movies and tv shows that I like and get the best available edition at that time.
And yes the taste changes. Or in my case I would say widens. I still like the films I liked before, but younger me would definitely not have as much drama in the collection.
That’s the biggest thing I think to consider. There are films that are favourites for me now that were not in a thought a few years back. We all grow and change and through different experiences are film tastes can evolve as well.
I’ve been collecting blu rays since 2010, and I can’t find anything on my shelves because of all the movies I own. a collection purge is necessary for me
Doesn’t help that the amount of entertainment we have access to now is overwhelming.
I bought Escape from New York and Jaws on DVD way back when it was first released on the platform and watched it then and felt like it wasn'T my thing.. many years later I grew older and gained an appreciation for those 2 movies to a point that they have become some of my favourite movies in my collection. I purchased them on Blu Ray since.
At the start of 2020 i made a resolution, i should watch what i buy. At the time i felt i was buying too much and watching too little. Now i still buy a lot but i watch everything and that justify's my buying. Now storage is becoming a huge problem, but i won't stop buying.
I’ve been watching a lot more in the last few months and that’s even after starting to read more. Storage has been my issue here as well. Hoping it will be ok in the condo
Awesome video Aaron! I'm not giving up any of my media anytime soon! Lol
Thanks. I feel the same. Empty shelves might make me feel emptier lol
Pretty sure this whole movement is driven by people who are impulsively spending money on everything opposed to just getting titles they’re interested in. I see this frequently where people go all in on collecting then realize they’ve gone way too far later down the road and end up selling most of what they bought.
As has always been pretty much the case, my purchase habits are dictated by available budget. I’m also an LP enthusiast, and in trying to get some of my favorites back in the collection, blu-rays are, by and large, limited versions of favorites (if I have the cash and/or can justify the purchase to myself) with some catch-up during sale time or lucky finds in stores. Trust me, if I had everything I wanted, I’d be buried in discs!
If only we all had massive disposable income, time and the space huh
Yeah, the choice-making is brutal, but between tracking what gets released in editions that I can’t miss out on (Mondo red case FEMINA RIDENS) vs. Arrow titles I can hold out on for a bit, I’ve got a decent rhythm at least.
I’m also in the process of moving to and around Houston Tx from Austin Tx been in Austin19 yrs going back toward home but I’ll always watch RUclips and will be on RUclips
Hope your move goes quickly and stress free :)
I just picked up ordered Shout factory of Twins from Amazon should be in today
I tend to enjoy a film on the 2nd or 3rd time. Its due to my ADD tho-seriously. I catch and retain certain things on the first viewing but I really start to understand the film after a 2nd or 3rd viewing. Thus the reason I began to collect. My mind goes elsewhere when I go to the movie and it’s hard for me to focus. When I own a film, I can revisit it many times over.
I have a few collector friends that are the exact same way. It helps me to rewatch a film as I don’t usually get everything out of it within one watch . Film is definitely a medium ripe for rematches
I'm not sure if I'm a 'minimalist' or an 'exclusive connoisseur'? As much as I love Criterion, and would like to get ALL their movies - I'm only going for the titles that I know and respect. If I see a deal on say Benjamin Button, or Chasing Amy I'll check it out and keep it. But for their BIG boxsets like Bergman and Godzilla, I don't have much interest in. Not that I don't like Bergman or Godzilla, I don't think I could respect the sets like many do? Now for 'unsung/classic' titles that I like, I will break the bank for. Movies like Snowpiercer, Phase IV, Network, 2001, etc - I got some really 'regal' editions of and adore. But now with say VS, Severin, and the like - thanks to you Aaron, and others that join in, I'll take your recommendations. Most I enjoy and/or learn something from - but, can easily get my money back by selling them again on Ebay. Nothing against The Stendahl Syndrome, interesting stuff on the Argento's and all. But is it really 'my bag'? No. But something like The New York Ripper I keep just to say 'yeah, I gotta giallo. And one of the weirdest ones there is!' LOL Now Criterion OOP titles I went nuts on. Became an obsession to get them ALL! And that did give me respect for say Fellini, Morrisey, Forman, etc. But when Criterion reissues them, onto Ebay they go for me. With no desire to see the reissue, or get it again in the big boxset.
I like your comment . It really shows you as a collector or mayhaps a curator since I’m thinking collector no longer fits what we do as film lovers. Everyone has that area that just encapsulates the joy they feel when the got that film that really reached them and sometimes it’s almost like we are chasing the dragon lol
Thanks - and I like 'curator'. As even with fancy things like Carlotta's release of Network, I got it because it has a great doc on Sidney Lumet with it. And can point out the parallels to it and Broadcast News as to what 'news' has become today, much to the chagrin of Marshall McLuhan I'm sure. We totally have 'the medium' at our fingertips now, but 'the message'....? LOL And a find like Putney Swope from VS - that's a keeper for me as well now. (sans the sleeve though, dang it!)
I find it easier to pick a genre to stick to so u don't get overwhelmed by trying to collect everything...n im so opinionated that I only buy what I like in that genre lol...i collect Horror...but even with that there are so many subgenres within horror and it can become overwhelming and expensive from time to time so it's always good to not allow it to get too out of control because it can become an addiction and lead to hoarding which is never a good thing...but i guess there could be worse things to be addicted to in life...great video Aaron...very thought provoking
Thanks Thomas. Collecting by the genre you love is a great idea. It’s important to look at your collecting habits and to know what does work and doesn’t work for you. I usually chose in the first month of the year what and how I’ll collect this year
I've been putting myself on a 100 dollar budget per month at the start of the new year...we will see how that goes lol
@@thomaswhite2700 Even sale months ?
@@CultofCinema lol yes...unfortunately😖...the newly wedded wife of mine is cracking the whip haha...she doesn't understand my collecting ways but it will all pay off later on when I can educate my future children the correct way (from the cabinet of Dr. Caligari to current day cinema haha) in chronological order
To each their own. I will likely never be able to watch everything in my collection now that I'm paired up with kids. Gone are the days I'd watch 3 movies a day. These days I'm lucky if I get 3 movies a week. But, I will continue to purchase TV and movies that I do not own because of 2 things. 1. Introducing these elements to the kids (should they want to be introduced) and 2. I never know what I want to watch. I might want to watch a certain movie 10 times or I might feel like something I've never seen before. I may feel like watching a certain genre a lot and then suddenly change and want to watch a different genre.
I remember those days of my kids being young. It’s a busy time . It’s good to see you still have the energy to collect the films and shows that intrigue and you could eventually introduce to kids. Bringing up the next generation of movie lovers
I'm going to take a flying guess and say... is it perhaps fair to say most collections under 700 (maybe?) Blu's is small enough to presume is Minimalist? Without having to initially pair it down...
It has nothing to do with the amount in your collection it’s in the movement
Preserve old titles yes
Many stellar points, agreed. I do confess to chucking inferior duplicates. Could "minimalist collecting" be an oxymoron? 🤔
_"Let's say Purple Noon goes out of print."_ *let's not!* No going oop on my watch! 👀
😜
Sorry to scar you with the thoughts of Purple Noon going away but it was in my line of vision. Lol
Nice to hear from you. It’s been awhile. Loving your channel
Eventually I came to the point where I said to myself.... I only want the films I know I WILL WATCH AGAIN. Saves me A LOT of money. lol If there's a film that borderlines on something I want for my collection... I'll give in.... in case it speaks to me more the next time I watch it. Another example.... I love MARIO BAVA... but I don't need EVERY film of his in my collection.
For me when it’s a director it really depends . If I’m watching just cause I enjoy specific directors films I grab those . If I want to study the progression of the direct and his work than I need all. I’m weird that way lol
Hey Aaron, it's nice to see this perspective on a bigger channel, although I have also grown to have bit more understanding with the "minimalist" people as they have explained their side more. It's been both fun and annoying to see many people think that I just buy everything from all the labels, I'm also apparently quantity over quality type of collector, and that apparently I'm "pretentious" and a "dork" for having my views. I never really meant to make this discussion to blow out of proportion, but I feel like it has a bit after Elliot's second video. I have had interesting chats too on the various comment sections, so there is a positive side too. Anyway, enjoyed hearing your thoughts and thanks for mentioning my channel!
I think both you and Elliot brought interesting ideas to this . If it wasn’t for videos like both of yours I may not have chimed in but I’m glad I did. It’s fascinating to see how different people approach film curating and how that evolves for them in the future.
Experience and emotions evolve and change as do tastes and that can make a film that may not have resonated before mean something much more later. It’s like when you hear a breakup song right after your first breakup , the song means so much more now.
Thanks for your video and commenting. I am subbed to your channel and look forward to future content
Hi Aaron-I think Elliot's point was more about the clutter(the actual, physical pieces lining his walls) that's been clogging up his free thinking. I think his point of view is more about less physical pieces staring at him in the face every day than the will-I-watch-again-or-won't-I? debate.
Hey. Elliot did mention in the latest video whether he felt he’s go back to it again in a year or so as a way to help make his decision. That being said you are correct . Don’t think my video was meant as a knock at him or his decision. Love Elliot’s stuff and he is someone I admire. I just thought it would be interesting to give my personal take on it . Hopefully you enjoyed the video :)
@@CultofCinema Oh no Aaron, please don't get me wrong. I Very much enjoyed your video and discussion and not for a mili-second did I construe your comments as a knock on Elliott. No please no. I just wanted to bring up the subject of media as clutter, which Elliott talked about. I very much enjoyed your talk. Please don't think I"m being critical.
Not at all. I really liked your comment and understand what you meant. It’s so refreshing to be part of a community that is so open and understanding to so many different viewpoints and ideas
You speak the truth. I collect both DVDs and Blu Rays and - to my eternal regret - have given away a good few films over the years only to come to regret it much later. Especially in the era of Covid and lockdowns. Never again.
Thanks. Yeah some films I no longer have are my deepest regrets. I gave away my copy of the old Achor Bay Mirror Mirror collection thinking it would be easy to pick up again, sadly I still haven’t found it again
@@CultofCinema Gave away two 25th anniversary editions of Day of the Dead '85 myself. That and numerous others. A lot were movies I wasn't too keen on at the time but feel I'd enjoy more at this stage of my life due to changing tastes and perspectives. I'll be much more conservative about clearing out titles going forward. I thought I could create more space at home. Ended up just filling it with more DVDs instead.
Great video. I've heard of it and respect it. But I can't follow this movement, I feel like so much of my time would have been wasted collecting throughout the years.
I understand both takes it’s just not personally for me. I thought it would be interesting to give my own take on it and how and why I collect or curate in general
Movement?
Minimalist collecting is not for me. I agree that having the titles at your beck and call is so worth what they consider “clutter”.
I couldn’t do it but it has to be noted it takes a great deal of strength to go down that route so I do understand and admire both ways.
And it's not how many movies you have its what movies have😀
Exactly. I think one person thought when I said minimalist it was a knock on the amount of films but it was meant as a appreciative nod at that style of collecting
Public service announcement for everyone please open your movies and watch them drivers me crazy people showing there v
in sin collection and saying here's a movie i bought a year ago and it's just sitting on there shelves o well my opinion good sow 🤟
I have a few it’s taken me time to get around too but eventually all my films get enjoyed sometimes several times. I tend to watch Vinegar Syndrome titles pretty quickly . I think we need to movie away from the work collector to curator as someone who acquires and enjoys movies.
Here’s an idea ...STOP BUYING ANY AND EVERYTHING JUST TO BEEF UP YOUR NUMBERS AND THEN YOU WON’T HAVE THAT PROBLEM!!! ONLY BUY WHAT YOU KNOW YOU MAY LIKE OR LOVE!!!!
I think you completely missed the point. No one on either side of the debate is buying to “ up their numbers” we buy films we like or want to explore.
@@CultofCinema With all due respect we both know that’s not exactly true. Some people do exactly that for exactly that reason to have something to brag about. Those are probably the very people that then turn around and abandon physical media for streaming because they are running out of space. It’s ridiculous! You may not be aware of it but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. To them I say one thing....more for me!!! That includes slipcovers and discs.
@@CultofCinema And no I didn’t miss the point! When a person has a Blu Ray collection totaling 1800 discs and wants to downsize his collection to a total of 600, that’s a problem, and a big one! I buy to keep, not to downsize! I thought that’s what collectors did but I guess we aren’t all created equal.