Criterion Crazy: August 2023 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
The August Criterion Collection selections have been announced. While everything here is solid, I think this may be one of the slower months of the year for the company. Nonetheless, I always find these sorts of instances great opportunities for Criterion fans to discover works they’ve never seen before. Sometimes, that’s what the Criterion Collection is all about: not what we already know, but what we can unearth. Hopefully this month will prove to be fruitful for you. Let’s get started.
The Favourite: Bo Widerberg’s New Swedish Cinema
I think most people would expect bigger names for Criterion Collection boxsets, but having this release of four Bo Widerberg classics is sure to be a treat to some. The biggest title here is Raven’s End, but the inclusion of Elvira Madigan, Ådalen 31, and The Baby Carriage sweetens the pot a little bit. Then there are some great features, including introductions to the works of Widerberg by fellow Swede Ruben Östlund (of Force Majeure, The Square, and Triangle of Sadness fame), the short film The Boy and the Kite (also by Widerberg), various interviews, and more. If you don’t know the name Bo Widerberg, you’re sure to now: one of Sweden’s most pivotal filmmakers.
Under-Seen Choice: Drylongso
Cauleen Smith’s Indie Spirit Awards winner Drylongso now enters the Collection, furthering Criterion’s commitment to bringing light to Black filmmakers and preserving their works. The release also features an interview between Smith and film scholar Michael B. Gillespie, numerous short films by Smith, and an essay by film academic Yasmina Price. Considering how much of this release was with Smith’s approval, expect some proper restoration of this indie gem.
Another Under-Seen Choice: Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart
Criterion released Chan Is Missing not that long ago, and now Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart follows. Included in the release of this inspirational comedy are an interview between director Wayne Wang and scholar Arthur Dong, an additional interview between Wang and Dim Sum’s star Laureen Chew, and an essay from film academic Brian Hu. If you’re wanting to discover more films that will make you fall in love with cuisine, Dum Sum: A Little Bit of Heart may be your next watch.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Dreams
Finally, Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams is getting the upgrade treatment. Will this film be a treat to watch in 4K? Absolutely: it is visually gorgeous. Having said that, I can think of at least twenty other Kurosawa films that maybe would have made more sense to upgrade, but I’m not going to disregard Dreams entirely because it is still a solid film (and I’m happy that it is being reevaluated and shown a bit more love nowadays). I hope more films by the iconic auteur follow in Dreams’ footsteps, and I would recommend this upgrade to fans of Kurosawa. If this is a blind buy, maybe have a watch first (or opt for the DVD or Blu-Ray releases), as Dreams isn’t everyone’s favourite film (but it certainly has its fans).
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.