Criterion Crazy: January 2024 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Yesterday, Criterion announced its first films to be released in 2024 with its January titles, and they did not disappoint. Sometimes, Criterion can be a little slow with its rollout of major releases to savour what is to come throughout a calendrical year, but 2024 could not have begun better than this. We have a definitive box set from a filmmaking legend, a nineties classic finally being added to the collection, a couple of underrated films being given their dues, and two (ish) beloved titles getting their upgrades to 4K. Of course, it’s only natural that this amazing press release arrives a day before the surprise fall flash sale (going on at the time of this article’s release until tomorrow), so Criterion fans are likely going bonkers between both announcements working in tandem. Let’s check out what’s coming out next January!
The Favourite: Chantal Akerman Masterpieces 1968-1978
Holy. Shit. What a box set! Chantal Akerman was a director who was talked about only in small doses maybe about a decade ago, but that has all changed in the past few years. Since her magnum opus, Jeanne Dielman, topped the latest Sight and Sound list of the greatest films of all time, Akerman has been one of the most discussed auteurs of our time. Her legacy has been celebrated more and more, and with the general public finally being acquainted with at least one of her films, it only feels appropriate that the entirety of her prime is now obtainable via this Criterion boxset, which contains the following films (listed in chronological order):
• Saute ma ville (1968)
• L’enfant aimé, ou Je joue à être une femme mariée (1971)
• La chambre (1972)
• Hotel Monterey (1972)
• Le 15/8 (1973)
• Je tu il elle (1975)
• Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
• News from Home (1976)
• Les rendez-vous d’Anna (1978)
Additionally, the unfinished film Hanging Out Yonkers will be included alongside essays, interviews, film school footage, and a full-on program curated by critic B. Ruby Rich. Needless to say, this is one of the finest Criterion box sets in recent memory simply because of the amount of films included, the necessity of their preservation and the spreading of their awareness, and the care put into making this collection matter as much as possible. Akerman’s films may be tough watches, but I sincerely think this is one of the best collections Criterion has ever put together. It also brings a tear to my eye that this brilliant director is getting what she always deserved: the highest praise and appreciation.
The Other Favourite: Trainspotting
Well, it’s about time that another Danny Boyle — outside of Shallow Grave — got placed into the Criterion Collection, and what better film could there be than his magnum opus, Trainspotting? This 4K (!) release has some sensational packaging and a slew of special features including deleted scenes with commentary, making-of featurettes, commentaries from Boyle and other affiliates (including screenwriter John Hodge and Mark Renton himself Ewan McGregor), and even interviews with the artists featured on the iconic soundtrack (from Iggy Pop to Underworld and everyone in between, including Damon Albarn, Bobby Gillespie, Letfield, and Jarvis Cocker). It’s hard to compete with a nine-film box set of a filmmaking legend in her prime, but this Trainspotting release is just as much of a must-buy. If anything, many would have expected Trainspotting to already be in the collection. Well, it’s finally here and it’s been handled magnificently.
Choose Trainspotting.
Best Newer Release: Mudbound
It was only a matter of time for Dee Rees entered the collection, and her awards season darling, Mudbound, has worked its way in. It’s a bit of a humble release in standard Blu-ray and DVD formats and a couple of features including Rees herself and acclaimed cinematographer Rachel Morrison (who became the first female to ever be nominated for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards for this film), so this release seems like a worthwhile purchase for fans of the film and/or Rees. If you’re curious about buying this contemporary release blindly, Mudbound is a solid period piece that has enough care and love put into it that it is worth a watch. Maybe stream the film first before purchasing if you are apprehensive, but I don’t think Mudbound will be anything but a new favourite for you. There just isn’t too much going on for anyone but already-established fans of Mudbound, but these features will treat that audience just right.
Under-Seen Choice: Lone Star
John Sayles’ revisionist western classic, Lone Star, continues to be relatively slept on to this day; some people adore this film, while others don’t even know it ever existed. With the Criterion treatment, that may change. The good news is that Lone Star is available in 4K for those that want it, and it warrants the upgrade for sure (the cinematography is quite strong). The okay-ish news is that there aren’t many features but the ones that are here aren’t too shabby (with some discussions featuring Sayles, director-of-photography Stuart Dryburgh, and more). This may be another to stream first before buying, but any fans of westerns owe it to themselves to catch Lone Star sooner rather than later.
It’s Time to Upgrade: The Apu Trilogy
One of the greatest box sets in Criterion history, Satyajit Ray’s magnum opus The Apu Trilogy, is now getting the 4K treatment! That’s enough reason alone to pick this up! I don’t need to say anymore, but in case you need more information, just know that this trilogy, featuring the films Panther Panchali, Aparajito, and Apu Sansar, is one of the greatest trilogies of all time. As we watch Apu grow from his youth up to adulthood and cheer him on to persevere through life’s toughest tribulations, most other films cannot compare with the magnificence and triumph of The Apu Trilogy. Included in this box set are the same features of past Blu-ray and DVD releases: several behind-the-scenes looks, audio of Ray reading his essay A Long Time on the Little Road, and documentary short The Creative Person: Satyajit Ray by James Beveridge. You owe it to yourself to own one of the greatest trilogies on 4K.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Blood Simple
The adored debut feature by the Coen brothers is now available in 4K, and it’s worth making the upgrade for the neo-noir, shadowy visuals (the shootout finale alone will be jaw-dropping to watch in 4K). As is usual with all other upgrades, the features here will be the same as the Blu-ray and DVD releases: several conversations between the Coens and other affiliates, and interviews with those associated with Blood Simple including stars Frances McDormand and M. Emmet Walsh, score composer Carter Burwell, and sound editor Skip Lievsay. This release is for Blood Simple enthusiasts or those who are curious about blindly buying it (it’s well worth the purchase), but otherwise there isn’t much to entice those who aren’t too acquainted — or in love — with this film. The good news is that I love this film, so the upgrade to 4K makes perfect sense to me.
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.