Criterion Crazy: March 2023 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
The Criterion Collection has given its latest release announcement, and it’s actually on the fifteenth this time! It’s a smaller announcement with just four films being added, but they’re all brand new to the collection which I would count as a win. You’ll get a wide range of works here from bloodthirsty action to a bittersweet romantic drama. I think everyone is in agreement when it comes to the biggest piece of news (more on that very shortly), whether they like the film or not: we’ve been expecting this for quite some time. Overall, this is a pretty good announcement that I don’t think you can go wrong with, but even the biggest piece of said announcement is an acquired taste. Hopefully this brief guide can help you make your selection from the March 2023 Criterion Collection releases!
The Favourite: Inland Empire
Finally. After months of speculation once Janus Films had David Lynch’s Inland Empire parading around movie houses in a 4k restoration, it is now here in the Criterion Collection (albeit not in 4K, but as a blu-ray release: reader be cautious). Easily Lynch’s most challenging feature film, Inland Empire is a three hour postmodern opus that is borderline impossible to describe outside of its alienating vibe. The cover art is simply the film’s original poster, with the hilariously vague tagline “A woman in trouble” splatted underneath the title. This is not going to be everyone’s favourite film, and I do recommend watching it before buying it. However, there are those of us who already love this film, myself included (it’s a rare film where I instantly had to rewatch it after my first time seeing it just to relive it again), and this is a must-have release for us. There truly is no film quite like Inland Empire, and it’s a rare moment where I feel blissfully lost without an ounce of frustration. I cannot sing the film’s praises enough, but I must reiterate that this film won’t be for everyone. Should the film pop onto the Criterion Channel, maybe catch it there first before blind buying it.
Under-Seen Choice: Last Hurrah For Chivalry
Now that Criterion has quite a few martial arts films in its catalog, why not have some more? John Woo’s Last Hurrah with Chivalry may not be nearly as big as some of his more well known films, but it is an instant classic for those who already love his works, and I’d recommend it instantly for those that are already familiar with Hard Boiled, A Better Tomorrow, and the like (and even, to a degree, Face/Off). This is otherwise your standard revenge flick full of tension and action, so don’t expect much more outside of this if you’re not too acquainted with Woo’s works. If you just want to have fun and feel like you’ve run out of films you haven’t seen yet, then maybe this could be your next fix.
Another Under-Seen Choice: Chilly Scenes of Winter
While I have accepted that Criterion has released a number of martial arts films, something I’m still getting used to is the Collection’s straight up romantic comedy releases, particularly films that may not be as well known as others. I haven’t heard many people bring up Joan Micklin Silver’s Chilly Scenes of Winter in a very long time, but maybe that’s why it needs the preservation treatment. Besides, Silver is a legend in the Hollywood studio system, particularly in the male-dominated 70s (I’d also like to think that this release means that Crossing Delancey is on its way at some point). Maybe Chilly Scenes of Winter will experience new life with this release, and it could even be reevaluated (it’s clear that Criterion has done some of that reevaluation already).
Can’t Say No To 4K: Mildred Pierce
Oddly enough, the only 4K release this time around is the oldest film to be announced: Michael Curtiz’s take on Mildred Pierce. If I could say that any film of this selection would be a good fit for any cinephile, it would be this noir classic starring Joan Crawford. I’m actually extremely curious to see what this looks like with such great quality, especially since it is a shadowy noir film that plays with depths and lighting. I think it’s a great blind buy for this reason alone. Otherwise, you’d be getting a great 40s picture with strong acting, thrilling direction, and an aura that you cannot shake off. I don’t think you can go wrong with purchasing this release, no matter what your tastes are.
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.