Well, now we know the format wars are over:  the kingpin of art-film imprints, the Criterion Collection -- who we believe only abandoned the VHS format in late 2006 -- has announced the roll-out of a whole batch of prestige titles in the Blu-Ray high-definition DVD format.

According to Slash/Film, Criterion will be debuting a raft full of Blu-Ray discs starting in October, ranging from Hollywood classics (The Third Man) to esteemed modern productions (Chungking Express) to New Wave ground-breakers (The 400 Blows) to concert films (The Complete Monterey Pop).  A number of the film will feature new bonus material not even available on other Criterion DVDs, brand-new transfers, and an enticing initial price point of $39.95 USD. 

Now, if only they could negotiate getting rid of the garish blue plastic packaging; it's not all that distracting with regular DVD movies, but with Criterion, where the gorgeous packaging is often part of the appeal, it's just gross.