KPop Demon Hunters Joining The Criterion Collection Should Be Celebrated

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For movie lovers, the Criterion Collection represents a standard of quality. It’s known for well-made releases, but its catalog has also become recognized as a collection of essential films. Whether it’s a brand new hit, an old favorite brought back to life, or a forgotten gem, a film being released by Criterion is like getting a seal of approval from serious movie fans.

The news that the film K-Pop will be included in the Criterion Collection, alongside Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, sparked a lot of debate. Some people were surprised that Criterion, known for releasing important and often less mainstream films, would include such a commercially successful movie. Many believe Criterion should focus on “worthier” films, and this sentiment is widely expressed in online discussions about the announcement.

The reactions to this are completely off base. The fact that KPop Demon Hunters is receiving the Criterion Collection treatment is fantastic, and there’s one key reason why.

KPop Demon Hunters Is Getting The Physical Media Release It Deserves

Unlike many big hits today, KPop Demon Hunters wasn’t designed for popularity or boosted by a huge marketing campaign. It actually surprised everyone by becoming popular simply because it’s a well-made film. Netflix helped by making it accessible to a wide audience, and viewers genuinely enjoyed it and shared it with others. Criticizing its success based on artistic principles is unnecessary and comes across as pretentious.

There’s a lot of debate about whether releasing this film was a good business decision. Some worry Criterion is prioritizing profit over artistic value, arguing their resources could be better used elsewhere. Others believe the film’s likely success will generate funds for less mainstream projects in the future. Ultimately, many feel this release compromises Criterion’s brand by aligning it with Netflix for financial gain. However, these concerns about the deal shouldn’t overshadow the film’s quality itself.

The best part about this release is that KPop Demon Hunters will be available on physical discs. Netflix doesn’t usually release its shows and movies outside of its streaming service, which raises concerns about their long-term preservation. So, any time a Netflix project gets a physical release is great news, and it’s especially exciting for their most popular and culturally significant film yet.

Criterion is well-known for introducing viewers to films they might not otherwise discover. People often choose movies simply because Criterion releases them, whether they’re dedicated collectors or trust the company’s selections. KPop Demon Hunters already appeals to a younger audience, and a Criterion release could encourage them to explore other films in the collection later on.

Any way you look at it, this news is worth celebrating.

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2026-02-24 21:58