Criterion Crazy: December 2024 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
The last month of the year — according to the Criterion Collection calendar, anyway — is now here, and you’d expect a massive set of releases from everyone’s favourite physical media company in film. Did we get such an announcement? Well, yes and no. This is a far more lean number of films than what we typically get each month from Criterion, with only four films attached to today’s release announcement (only two of these films are even brand new to the collection, with the other two films being 4K upgrades of already existing titles). Having said that, I don’t think the stature of these four films can be argued, with three of these films being some of the biggest titles in all of cinematic history (especially within their genres, decades, or styles), and the last remaining film is a bit of a cult classic (or is sure to be an even bigger one thanks to this announcement). So, while we don’t get many films coming this December to the Criterion Collection, what we do get is massive. Let us begin.
The Favourite: No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Best Picture winning neo Western from the Coen brothers is an exhilarating exercise in nihilism. With only a handful of Coen films in the Collection, I was wondering when more titles would begin being brought in, and No Country for Old Men is a massive entry for both the siblings and Criterion (the film has certainly passed the test of time and I believe will only continue to get stronger as the years go by). Any super fans who already own this film may want to look into what this release contains, including both 4K and Blu-ray formats (no DVD option is available here, I suppose because No Country for Old Men may be one of the easiest DVD releases to find). You’ll have various interviews with the Coens, cinematographer Roger Deakins, and all four of the lead actors, and an assortment of documentaries on the production of this film. I’d say take a chance on this one, but call it before it is sold out and it takes forever to replenish.
The Favourite: Eastern Condors (1987)
Criterion is not letting up on its focus on martial arts classics. If you want to watch Sammo Hung direct himself — and others — in this action cult classic, you’ll now have access to what is unquestionably and undoubtedly the most refined and pristine version available. For format junkies, I do have to tell you that Eastern Condors is only being sold on Blu-ray (which is the most accessible format in 2024, but that can still be a bit limiting for those who at least want the possibility for choices). There’s an interview with director Hung and other interesting features, including audio commentary by film critic Tony Rayns (which feels enticing given the opportunity for a film buff to just gush during this action flick), and a recording of Eastern Condors Live!. If you’ve been pleased with Criterion’s action film selection thus far, Eastern Condors won’t let you down.
It’s Time to Upgrade: 8 1/2 (1963)
Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 has to be one of the most popular Criterion titles (if anything, I think it was a major gateway to the director’s work for many of us throughout the twenty first century). It’s about time that a 4K upgrade landed in the Criterion Collection. It contains all of the previous features (as expected), which is great news because 8 1/2 already boasted some of the more fascinating features of the collection (a slew of films related to or about this feature, interviews, and even an introduction to 8 1/2 by Terry Gilliam). What I love the most about this release is that the original Criterion cover for 8 1/2 has already become iconic, and yet, with a very minor change, this 4K release looks different (and, somehow, even better). Besides, Fellini’s stunning film begs to be seen in the best format possible.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Paris, Texas (1984)
You know how Wim Wenders’ masterpiece, Paris, Texas, is almost impossible to get during any Criterion flash sale? Well, be prepared for that to be the case some more, while trying to obtain a new format of the beloved indie film. Yes. The astonishing Paris, Texas is now available on 4K. Like 8 1/2, this is begging to be seen in the best format possible, especially since setting plays a major character in all of Wenders’ films (and Paris, Texas is certainly one of the best shot films I’ve ever seen to boot). Don’t miss out on this amazing release (but, clearly, no one is sleeping on this if Paris, Texas is almost never available to buy because of its popularity).
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.