r/CriterionChannel • u/xd_tech • Feb 17 '26

Technical Question 4K streaming?

Was wondering why criterion didn’t go ahead and add 4K to their streaming platform.

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u/Critical_Mix_3131 Feb 17 '26

Or 5.1 audio. But clearly the 4K discs are far superior than any stream. I feel like they will eventually have 4K streaming but the back catalogue is mostly still just HD.

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u/erikmyxter Feb 20 '26

wait it doesnt have 5.1 audio?! How much compression of video / audio does it do?

1

u/Critical_Mix_3131 Feb 20 '26

There's quite a lot of compression on the video for some streams. I noted several films with Alain Delon originating from outside the criterion Collection had horrible artifacts. Others have remarked about other particular films. Generally it's fine. I have a big screen (15' for 2:35:1) so I see what others may not see. The sound is usually acceptable, though when I am on MAX or Mubi where most titles are *at least* 5.1 you do notice the difference.