Criterion Crazy: April 2024 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
It’s Criterion time again (well, one day late, but who will judge the Criterion Collection when they give us such great news?)! The April 2024 films have been announced and all five titles are sure to be winners; while I’d argue that the three films that aren’t 4K upgrades aren’t exactly for everybody, I think they’re all must-watches for any hardcore cinephile. We’ve got one of the best-looking films ever made, two cult classics, and upgrades to two of the more beloved titles in the Criterion Collection. I’d say that this latest announcement is a step up from last month and that there is much to look forward to, so let’s not waste any more time.
The Favourite: I Am Cuba
Mikhail Kalatozov’s jaw-dropping film I Am Cuba is finally in the Criterion Collection, years after his magnum opus, The Cranes are Flying, has been a staple for viewers. Even though I think the latter is the better film overall, I Am Cuba is one of the best-shot films of all time, with mind-boggling photography, dolly shots, effects, and more. I think this film is an absolute must for anyone who is a cinephile. Yes. Even blind buy it. I know the film has the label of being a “propaganda” release for the Soviet Union which is a bit of a prickly subject, but try to view it the way that Martin Scorsese did when he sought to preserve it thirty-five years ago: it is an artistic masterwork. This film is available in 4K and Blu-ray, but just buy the 4K if you have the capability because, Jesus Christ, this is I Am Cuba we’re talking about! In fucking 4K! Aside from a conversation with Scorsese, there are some analytical bonus features in documentary and essay form (the latter written by critic Juan Antonio Garcia Borrero, as well as an extra with cinematographer Bradford Young on the visual brilliance of I Am Cuba. This is a must, folks. Don’t wait. Run to buy this.
Let’s Get Depressed: Werckmeister Harmonies
We finally have an official Béla Tarr release in the Criterion Collection! Hallelujah! While I’m not going to jump ahead and start planning for Sátántangó or The Turin Horse when we could be waiting years — or forever — for these titles, Werckmeister Harmonies is great enough for many (firstly, it isn’t seven-and-a-half hours long, secondly, it is many viewers’ favourite film of his, but that topic is definitely up for debate considering his consistency). This co-directed effort (with wife and editor Ágnes Hranitzky) is not for the faint of heart, mind you, so maybe stream the film first instead of blind buying it if extreme arthouse isn’t your wheelhouse. Otherwise, if you love misery and weighty cinema, dive right into this title which is becoming a classic for many. As it is being released in 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD (all three? You don’t typically see that from a brand-new Criterion release), I’d advise going straight to 4K for this title as well; it is certainly hypnotic to look at. There aren’t many bonus features, but what we do get are whoppers; an interview with the typically reclusive Tarr; the Hungarian director’s first feature film (Family Nest); an essay from programmer Chris Lim. The first Tarr title was handled so well by Criterion.
Under-Seen Choice: Dogfight
Nancy Savoca’s cult classic, Dogfight, is now in the collection. This is the weakest title of this announcement, in my opinion, but that doesn’t mean it is questionable to preserve or a bad choice/purchase by any means. Dogfight certainly has its audiences, be it for Savoca’s directorial thumbprint, the presence of Lily Taylor, or one of the very few roles by the late favourite River Phoenix. The film is only available in Blu-ray (I’d think at least a DVD option for those who prefer or require it would have made sense). The features are for superfans of the film which is great news for them, including commentary and interviews with Savoca and various cast and crew members. Critic Christina Newland also provides an essay which will feed into the adoration for the film that people have. If you are into romantic dramas or coming-of-age stories and are looking for something new to watch, Dogfight may be your next film to watch. I’d recommend streaming it first for any other type of cinephile.
It’s Time to Upgrade: La haine
The two upgrades announced are bound to bring smiles to many faces, considering that they are two of the most popular Criterion titles (when it comes to those who buy and collect Criterion films, anyway). What else can be said about La haine that hasn’t already been discussed? This sociopolitical classic is now going to be available in 4K which sounds like music to my ears (if you are one of the very few Criterion fans that has yet to see this film, believe me when I say that it is stunningly shot). As the film becomes more and more adored and affiliated with the divides in society and brooding tension that nations face, La haine is more important than ever before. There couldn’t be a stronger time to reacquaint us with the film with this must-have upgrade or to introduce the film to the unfamiliar. There’s a reason why no one shuts up about La haine: it is a visceral watch.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Picnic at Hanging Rock
While La haine has been a favourite of the Criterion community as far back as I can remember, I’m aware of the popularity of Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock within the last few years. This hallucinatory staple of the Australian New Wave movement is — once again (I swear I don’t feel this way about every film; Criterion nailed their picks this month) — a title that begs to be experienced in 4K. That option is finally now available. If you are, again, one of the few to not have seen this film yet, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries and psychological dramas, and those who want to be spellbound by visual splendour. This may wind up becoming your new favourite film, as it has for many already.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson 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.