Criterion Crazy: May 2023 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
It’s the second Criterion Collection announcement of 2023 (this time for the month of May), and it’s another smaller month that still has some good stuff. We’ve got two 4K upgrades, both of which feel like must-haves, so only three of the five announced films are new to the Criterion Collection. However, I’d argue that each of these three films has their audience. As usual, no head-scratchers here (Criterion rarely misses with their film selections, mind you). I don’t really have much else to say. Let’s dive into the latest Criterion Collection releases.
The Favourite: Thelma & Louise
While there are likely many versions of Thelma & Louise that can be purchased at this point (and the film doesn’t really demand Criterion’s preservation treatment), the collection has felt like an archive of beloved films of all kinds for many years now. In this way, this feminist gem fits in quite nicely. Over thirty years later, the reputation surrounding Thelma & Louise only continues to grow (only now you can see the film in — what I can assume is — gorgeous 4K UHD). I know Criterion’s propensity for tinting films from the 80s and 90s with a bit of a teal hue (films from other decades have been hit by this as well, but I notice it the most in these two eras), so I hope Thelma & Louise isn’t hit with this bug. What I look forward to are the two commentaries (including director Ridley Scott, and stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon), making-of documentary, and filmic essays that will come with this release: these you cannot get from just any old release of Thelma & Louise.
Best Newer Release: Petite Maman
If Céline Sciamma’s magnum opus, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, made it into the collection already, I’m not shocked that another one of her films has just been announced. Petite Maman made quite a splash back in 2021, especially as Sciamma continues to make a name for herself. In this Criterion release, you get a sit down with the auteur and fellow filmmaker Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World) which should be a treat in and of itself. Author So Mayer, who has contributed to Criterion films before (like Dick Johnson is Dead), has written an essay for Petite Maman’s inner booklet that also makes this release worthwhile. Otherwise, Petite Maman doesn’t come with much else, but I’m sure those that are buying the film either love it to bits already or are knowledgable of Sciamma’s talents and want to discover more: the film can thrive on its own.
Under-Seen Choice: Targets
That recent rise of appreciation and nostalgia for Peter Bogdanovich hasn’t died down yet, right? Good. I feel like his films The Last Picture Show and Paper Moon have been brought up time and time again, so seeing something a little less established, like Targets, is quite nice. Besides, this feels like a film that could use the preservation, as well as the introduction to unaware cinephiles that will appreciate it. There are quite a few goodies here as well, including an interview with director Richard Linklater to discuss Targets, an essay from Toronto’s very own Adam Nyman, and more. If a film like Targets is going to be brought back into the consciousness of cinephiles, this is the way to go about it.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Wings of Desire
Oh. Yeah. This is one of my all time favourite films, unquestionably in my top twenty motion pictures of all time if it isn’t in my top ten. Wim Wenders’ magnum opus, Wings of Desire, is magnificent in every single way, and part of its charm is because of how beautiful it looks. Well, imagine this film in 4K UHD. It just seems right, and I cannot fathom how great this experience will now be. The black-and-white and colour cinematography you get in this film will leave your jaw on the floor. Music plays a major part of the film as well (especially when Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds make their iconic appearance), and I’m sure the remaster will make Wings of Desire sound great as well. Even if you know nothing about this film, do yourself a favour and pick this masterpiece up. If you don’t have a 4K player, just get any other copy of Wings of Desire anyway. I guarantee you’ll be glad that it’s in your personal collection.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Branded to Kill
Branded to Kill is a hell of a lot of fun to watch, so it’s no surprise that it was already a part of the Criterion Collection. Having said that, one that hasn’t seen the film may ask if it makes sense for it to get the 4K treatment when so many other Criterion mainstays are begging to be upgraded. My personal opinion? Yes. It may not be more “worthy” than films like Barry Lyndon or The Tree of Life (and other photographical masterworks), but Branded to Kill is still extremely stylish, well shot, and so drenched in shadows that need to be seen in Ultra HD. Branded to Kill wouldn’t have been my first choice to upgrade, but I am still excited for it nonetheless; I have a hunch it will be even more thrilling and enigmatic with the enhancement.
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.