Criterion Crazy: July 2024 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
The fifteenth of the month has arrived, and that can only mean that new Criterion Collection titles have been announced. Once again, this is a strong series of films that have been added to the collection, some that are begging to be owned on 4K (I’ll note which titles are available in that format below). I won’t lie — and this will likely get me in hot water with some of you — there is one film here that I think is a little peculiar (which is rarely the case with how I feel about Criterion titles), and you’ll know soon enough which that film is when you get to it. Otherwise, there are four fantastic new entries into the Criterion Collection and a 4K upgrade of one of the most beloved Criterion titles (with new box art to boot). Let’s get started!
The Favourite: Farewell My Concubine (1993)
The Palme d’Or winning magnum opus by Chen Kaige, Farewell My Concubine, is an exquisite yet devastating look at music, queerness, and performance. As two Peking opera actors’ lives become indistinguishable from their art, their agony is reflected through their performances both on stage and amidst the crowds of the public in real life; they are forever acting. This gorgeous release by Criterion is available in both 4K (which is a must for a film as stunning as this) and Blu-ray. In terms of special features, there are very few to note but each carries a punch: a making-of documentary, an interview between Kaige and Charlie Rose, a discussion between producer Janet Yang and scholar Michael Berry, and a classic Criterion essay (this time by author Pauline Chen). If you aren’t put off by the three-hour run time or hesitant to have your heart broken and spirit crushed, then Farewell My Concubine makes for a terrific blind buy as it remains one of the greatest films of the Chinese Fifth Generation wave. Additionally, this release being announced just after the twenty-first anniversary of actor Leslie Cheung’s tragic death brings a tear to my eye; I wish he could see how celebrated he continues to be.
Best Newer Release: Perfect Days (2023)
Considering Criterion’s strong affiliation with Wim Wenders, it was only a matter of time for Perfect Days to wind its way into the collection. While the film still plays in some theatres, it’s already in the Collection, and yet this release feels anything but rushed. The features include a brand new interview with Wenders, the director’s latest short film Some Body Comes into the Light, an essay from critic Bilge Ebiri, an interview with lead actor and thespian legend Koji Yakusho (who I still feel was robbed of an Academy Award nomination for this film), and an interview with producer and founder of the Tokyo Toilet project (highly fitting for this film), Koji Yanai. Furthermore, it’s as if Criterion knew their audience with the format selection, as it is available on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD (a bit rare for a new release from Criterion nowadays); the film is about the joys of the everyday worker from all walks of life, so the flexible affordability of this title makes it feel all the more special. I can’t think of many films from last year that feel more fitting for a Criterion release this suddenly.
Under-Seen Choice: Black God, White Devil (1964)
While a staple of Brazilian cinema, Glauber Rocha’s Black God, White Devil is still only slowly getting the attention it deserves. Criterion’s release of this Western film may help spread the word. With an arresting cover (one of the times Criterion rightfully chose to just settle for the poster art that does well enough on its own), Black God, White Devil is sure to become a blind buy favourite for the foreseeable future, perhaps during flash sales. Those who choose to pick it up will find it available on Blu-ray and DVD, and with a half-dozen super strong features. These include audio commentary on the restoration of the film (a massive undertaking, I’m sure), three relevant documentaries, a Criterion essay from film scholar Fábio Andrade, and an interview with another celebrated film academic (Richard Peña). If you’re looking for something unforgettable and powerful in your collection, consider buying Black God, White Devil, especially before it winds up being reviewed on every Letterboxd account in a few months time.
You Can Dance If You Want To: Risky Business (1983)
I don’t hate Risky Business, but I do think that Paul Brickman’s coming-of-age film (with Tom Cruise’s breakout performance) has been preserved and accessible in many formats for years. The main incentives for this Criterion release, I guess, include the specialized box art (no cinephile should be deprived of that), the 4K upgrade (Risky Business is also available on Blu-ray), and likely the money such a film will bring to the Collection (if it helps other rarer films get the proper restoration and distribution they deserve, then bring on Cocktail too while you’re at it). A few of the features are both expected and older (including audio commentary from Brickman and Cruise from the theatrical release, and acting screen tests), but some of the extras make this release feel even more justifiable. There are newer interviews, a program titled The Dream Is Always the Same: The Story of “Risky Business”, and an essay from critic Dave Kehr. For those who have never seen Risky Business before, this film is widely available in many ways; I’d recommend watching it before just picking it up. This release is mainly for those who already adore the film and want that extra oomph with their viewing experience.
It’s High Noon: Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
It’s safe to say that we definitely need more Sam Peckinpah in the Criterion Collection, so this inclusion of the once-overlooked revisionist Western, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, feels more than welcome. With the grungy film now remastered in 4K and available on Blu-ray as well, there is much to love about this release simply because of the available features alone (which I’d easily consider the second-best of the July announcement). There’s a slew of new audio commentary tracks, copies of both the theatrical release and Peckinpah’s “Final Preview Cut”, interviews, making-of footage, and an essay from author Steve Erickson. The inclusion of both versions of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid is special enough. To account for so many discs, the box art and design for this release is large and elaborate; it’s fully worth checking out in the link below.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Le samouraï (1967)
One of the most beloved Criterion titles perhaps of all time, Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le samouraï (a classic of neo-noir), is getting a 4K upgrade! Curiously, the now-recognizable cover art on shelves everywhere has been replaced for something newer, perhaps to sell the idea that this 4K release won’t be full of just greys (even though Le samouraï is arguably the most grey-looking film in colour motion picture history); nonetheless, the new art does look nice, even if it is different from what cinephiles and collectors have become familiar with for years (perhaps another reason for the change: freshness). Otherwise, the features are all the same as before, including a slew of interviews and a documentary on the making-of process. For those who haven’t seen this film, there’s a reason why this chilling, anxious, brooding crime film has left an impression on nearly every viewer; perhaps now is the time for you to finally blind buy Le samouraï like most have.
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.