Criterion Crazy: October 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.
One never really knows what to expect when the fifteenth of the month rolls around and the Criterion Collection is due to announce the latest films to be accessioned into their catalogue (or what existing entries will be upgraded to 4K). Sometimes there are clues as to what particular film is being worked on in preparation for such a release, like when rumours about that massive Godzilla set began to pop up, the constant murmurs about After Hours that finally saw the light of day earlier this year, or some projects that have been stuck in remaster or legal hell that eventually get figured out. Remember when Criterion flat-out gave us illustrated hints? I miss those days. Anyway, what I’m not used to seeing is a thematically linked announcement like the one we just got today, as the Criterion Collection gave us a selection of five (actually seven) spoooooooooky films for the month of October. It does feel a bit odd when the announcement precedes the month when these films would make more sense in context (I wouldn’t be opposed to celebrating Halloween in July, to be honest), but the actual release of these films will make much more sense once October rolls around. Even outside of the horror relevancy, these films are all beloved in their own right. Let’s dive right in.
The Favourite: Tod Browning’s Sideshow Shockers: Freaks / The Unknown / The Mystic
I originally thought this was just a Freaks release and thought this was great already. Once I actually looked at this box set properly and noticed two other beloved Tod Browning classics (The Mystic, and one of my own personal favourites, The Unknown), that was it. There couldn’t be any other release that won me over more than this one for the month of October. While only being released in 2K and via standard Blu-ray (which is still great), Tod Browning’s Sideshow Shockers is stuffed with visual, audible and written content relating to the shockwaves felt by these films during the Pre-Code era (and why they may be a part of the discussion of the Hays Code overall). Browning remains one of the most shocking horror directors of all time (Freaks alone is a testament to this), and this is likely going down as one of the hottest boxsets in the Criterion Collection this year.
Best Newer Release: Nanny
Of all the newer horror films that needed the attention Criterion Collection offers, Nikyatu Jusu’s Nanny may be the most necessary choice. This selection continues Criterion’s promise to be inclusive with their preservation whilst staying contemporary at the same time. Besides, I feel like this is easily the least known title of this latest announcement, and sometimes the joy of Criterion comes from discovering works that never came up on your radar before. The features are a little slim for this feminist, existential horror (which is the first horror film to win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, mind you), but one particularly special nugget is the program involving Jusu and various cast and crew members; should you already love Nanny, this is likely an extra treat you’ll be looking forward to. I’ll quickly warn you that Nanny is available only on Blu-ray and DVD.
I Don’t Think Any Of Us Expected That: The Others
Bart Simpson’s response to father Homer darting off to join Krusty’s clown college is precisely what played in my head when I saw The Others was being accessioned into the Criterion Collection. This is nothing against the film at all. I just didn’t think a mainstream horror film that had a very particular crowd that didn’t really overlap with the sort of horror films Criterion usually champions was going to be noticed. The good news is that — of all the first-time films associated with this latest announcement — The Others is actually available in 4K (and that incentive alone may be all that you needed to hear). If one needed justification for this film being brought into the collection, then allow the slew of special features to blow you away. From the many features involving and supervised by director Alejandro Amenábar (including commentary, interviews, and more) to behind-the-scenes footage (audition reels, production captures) and even an essay from film scholar Philip Horne, whoever was in charge of bringing The Others to Criterion made damn sure that it fit in nicely. There is definitely an audience that cherishes this film as well, and they are likely chuffed by this news.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Don’t Look Now
Some horror films scream “Criterion”, and one of those is Nicolas Roeg’s devastating film Don’t Look Now. While magnificently terrifying and full of dread in a myriad of ways, it is especially gorgeously shot, and that reason alone has me ecstatic about this 4K upgrade. The film already looked sensational, and I cannot fathom how great it will look now with this latest release. The special features are otherwise identical to what you would find on the earlier, Blu-ray release of this film, but it’s not like Don’t Look Now was lacking in this department (numerous interviews and production footage that you can sink your teeth into). If you are unfamiliar with this film, then I would argue it is the best film that is part of today’s announcement, and I couldn’t implore you more to watch it instantly (or wait until October 3rd for that 4K release, because I can only imagine how spellbinding that will be as a first watch).
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Videodrome
I typically find one of the two 4K upgrades to be inferior even if just slightly whenever Criterion announces more than one already-existing title is going to get this treatment. Well, that couldn’t be less true this month as Videodrome is just about as essential to own as Don’t Look Now. I’d only place it a little lower on my list of priorities because of how well-shot Don’t Look Now is (which is important regarding 4K upgrades), but Videodrome is going to be a wild watch with this upgrade (particularly the nice array of black hues that will help the darker sequences in this film pop even more). The features are the exact same as the earlier releases, meaning this latest Videodrome version is packed with analytical goodness. All hail the new flesh: now available in 4K UHD.
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.