Criterion Crazy: January 2023 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Criterion Crazy is a series where we cover the latest Criterion Collection announcements: what we like, what we’re confused by, and the like.
Did we all enjoy the latest Criterion Collection flash sale? I sure did, as I picked up some glorious 4K releases (finally). Now, it’s back to business, and we’re now introduced to the first releases of 2023: a brand new year for the preservation and distribution company to make some splashes. This month’s selection is pretty good. I am not personally blown away by the picks as a whole, but I am quite interested in each of the individual films, so I would consider January 2023 to be a solid group for sure. It may be a little bit until Criterion make some massive announcements again, but I do think any fans of the following films will be pleasantly surprised; some of these films are also in need of being introduced to the masses, and this could be the portal they deserve. Let’s check out what’s coming to the Criterion Collection early next year.
The Favourite: Lars von Trier’s Europe Trilogy
It has been quite a while since Lars von Trier has had a film released in the collection, but now he has three in the form of this stunning box set. All three of these films — The Element of Crime, Epidemic, and Europa — are ones that Von Trier fans are likely already familiar with and wanting to own (and here they are in preserved, remastered quality; one film has been in the collection before (The Element of Crime was discontinued), but now you can get these early Von Trier releases in this stunning set. Right now, it looks like the box set is only going to be released as blu-ray.
Best Newer Release: Bergman Island
If the Criterion Collection is going to release (nearly) every film by Ingmar Bergman, then this tribute to the auteur’s destination domicile (and shooting location) feels necessary. Bergman Island was released last year a bit quietly, but it amassed quite a reputable critical response. Now, this 2021 gem can be discovered by the masses, and Mia Hansen-Løve is a part of the Criterion oeuvre of filmmakers.
Under-Seen Choice: The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
I don’t expect every Terry Gilliam film to make it here, but if works like Brazil (his magnum opus) and Time Bandits have been initiated, then it only makes sense that another one of his prime releases, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, is released here as well. The most overlooked of his 80s works, this adventure film is full of the Monty Pythom alum’s signature oddness in spades, so if this sounds like it would be your kind of feature, I would suggest picking it up (I find Gilliam hit or miss myself, and you may be the same way).
Have Another Under-Seen Choice: This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection
Possibly one of the least known films to ever be released as a stand-alone film in the collection is this feature all the way from Lesotho. This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection is a major breakthrough film from the southern African country, with a highly positive critical response in 2019 and even some awards consideration; it deals with the changes of ways of old in a village. Sometimes, the magic of the Criterion Collection isn’t purchasing the films we already know inside and out: it’s about discovering something we’ve never seen before. This could be your best blind buy lately.
And Now For A Classic: Imitation of Life
While most people know the Douglas Sirk remake from 1959 (it’s one of my favourite films of the 50s decade), Criterion is releasing this John M. Stahl version from 1934, which is also great in its own right. Highly progressive for its time (it involves a Black house maid and her daughter that moves in with a financially struggling family, and the film itself was released during the height of the Great Depression), Imitation of Life has been lauded and celebrated since its release. Consider this a very close second for being my favourite film announced in this batch.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.