Criterion Crazy: March 2025 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
We’ve reached the final Criterion Collection announcement for 2024, and our March 2025 releases are now out in the open. To say the least, this batch of films is full of niche choices. The best film by far is one of the works that already exists in the collection but will soon be available in 4k (now that is enticing), but I also wouldn’t say that any of the films below are bad. I just think that all four of the newly accessioned films have their specific audiences, and the most devoted of cinephiles will probably find the most worth out of blind buying any of the titles below. Still, we’ve got six films to get through, so let’s unpack what’s in store for Criterion this time around!
The Favourite: A Woman of Paris (1923)
I’m highlighting Charlie Chaplin’s A Woman of Paris, mainly because it is an underseen and under-discussed film in his early repertoire (especially since he doesn’t actually star in this feature — that honour belongs to the frequent Chaplin collaborator, Edna Purviance — and you can marvel at his expertise as a filmmaker here). If you want to see Chaplin explore compelling drama with a silent film that solidifies his vision for storytelling, you can buy A Woman of Paris on DVD or Blu-ray. There are quite a few features, from contributions by Chaplin-fluent academics, archival content, an alternate score to the film, and interviews by Liv Ullmann and Michael Powell about this film and its importance. If you’re squeamish about dipping into silent cinema, maybe this is when you finally take the plunge.
Oh No! It’s Godzilla!!!… and Biollante!: Godzilla vs.Biollante (1989)
Godzilla is back in the Criterion Collection, and this time it’s with a film that isn’t already in that monster-sized Showa-era boxset. If you are a Godzilla completionist, this is your chance to get more of the good stuff. Otherwise, newbies may be better picking up the very first Godzilla before exploring the zanier works like Godzilla vs. Biollante. For those who are prepared for this title, get ready for some fantastic effects, and the kind of rush you can only get when you watch a classic Godzilla film. Your options are Blu-ray and 4K (the latter may make the battle sequences truly pop), and you’ve got a handful of bonus features for this titanic film. These include audio commentary and making-of featurettes (both which are likely rich with goodness, given the hard work that went into making this film and its effects), deleted special effect concepts, and both TV spots and trailers (if you’re into that sort of content).
A New Look at New Hollywood: Night Moves (1975)
If you are as much of a sucker for neo-noir as I am, then you may want to check out Arthur Penn’s Night Moves (if you haven’t, already). Another collaboration between Penn and Gene Hackman (after Bonnie and Clyde), this pulpy thriller will bring you back to a skeptical United States post Watergate: a setting where every turn could be the last. Available on 4K and Blu-ray, Night Moves has few but mighty features. For those who miss the late Penn, there are a couple of interviews with the iconic director that you can watch alongside behind-the-scenes content, extra audio commentary, and an interview with actor Jennifer Warren. I’m also just going to point out the obvious: the cover art for Night Moves is fantastic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it causes many blind buys in the upcoming months.
Choose This: Choose Me (1984)
The Criterion Collection has clearly dedicated itself to getting more and more rom-coms or romantic dramedies, and Alan Rudolph’s Choose Me is the latest such entry. While there are huge fans of this cult classic, I’m also not sure if this tale of serendipity found within the confines of a bar will appeal to absolutely everyone (then again, it’s also harmless to watch if it doesn’t wind up being your cup of tea; perhaps watch it via streaming before picking this title up). Available on 4K and Blu-ray, Choose Me has a few features involving Rudolph, star Keith Carradine, and other cast and crew members of the film that you can look forward to, as well as one of those classic Criterion essays (this time by critic Beatrice Loayza).
It’s Time to Upgrade: The Wages of Fear (1953)
The best film of this announcement is easily Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Grand Prix winning masterpiece, The Wages of Fear. One of the tensest viewing experiences in the history of cinema, this fable about the transportation of nitroglycerin is guaranteed to have you squirming in your seat and anxious to find out how this film will end. Previously only available on DVD through the Criterion Collection, The Wages of Fear is now purchasable on both Blu-ray and 4K; honestly, this is the kind of film where the higher the resolution you can muster, the better the experience will be, so this feels like a no-brainer to get on 4K. Both versions will come with the special features present on the DVD copy.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Thief (1981)
Michael Mann’s stature in American cinema continues to be raised higher and higher as his best works age better with time. With the late James Caan in mind, it feels like there’s no better time to champion both icons with a re-release of Thief, this time on 4K (it was already available on DVD and Blu-ray). Those who love crime cinema owe it to themselves to own one of Mann’s most cherished projects (and a film that houses what many consider to be Caan’s best acting). All of the features present on the Blu-ray and DVD versions will carry over to the new 4K release.
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.