Criterion Crazy: June 2025 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Praise the sun! It’s time for a new batch of Criterion titles that are entering the Collection. As to not aim to disappoint, Criterion is upholding its recent trend of having seven films either be added for the first time or upgrading existing Criterion titles to 4K. We’ve been spoiled in the past month or two. This is true. Having said that, I do think the June Criterion announcement is quite a good one, but it may not be as instantly astounding as some previous months have been. We have a fan favourite finally make its way into the Collection, three (!) music-based films to keep your summer bumping, and a 4K upgrade for two of the most respected films of the eighties that already exist — and are frequently bought — in the collection. What I will say is that even if this month doesn’t impress you much, it could be one hell of a batch of films if you are into blind buys: this could be your selection to live a little with. Let’s dive in.
The Favourite: Sorcerer (1977)
The Wages of Fear already exists in the Criterion Collection. Rightfully so: it’s impeccable. However, one can now partake in a double-feature of this blistering classic of the fifties and William Friedkin’s cult classic remake, Sorcerer: it took some time for people to come around to Friedkin’s pulverizing answer. What helps make both the Blu-ray and 4K versions of this release — and why I placed it as the best pick-up of this month, excluding upgrades — are the serious and plentiful features that this comes with, including a making-of documentary, multiple interviews by Friedkin and fans of this film (including director Nicolas Winding Refn), and behind-the-scenes footage. I personally think you should start with The Wages of Fear because it is simply a must-watch film, but kicking off with Sorcerer instead isn’t a bad idea either; the film certainly boasts Friedkin’s sense of New Hollywood style and riskiness.
Let’s Get Musical: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993)
One of the great Canadian films, Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould is not just a tribute to a national musical legend: it is a fantastic exercise in anthology filmmaking (you don’t need to be a fan of classical music in order to appreciate what François Girard accomplishes with this experiment). Available on 4K and Blu-ray (although I think you can get away with just the Blu-ray version if you aren’t sure if you want to pay more for the 4K copy), the features are also as proudly Canadian as the film itself is. These include conversations with Girard and other Canadian greats like Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter) and Don McKellar (Last Night), specials on Gould as an individual and a musician, and more. While this would have made more sense to have as a July first release (Oh, Canadaaaaa), picking up this film (or thirty two short films, if you will) on the twenty fourth of June will have you ready for your Canada Day celebrations.
Keep the Music Going: Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser (1988)
On one hand, I consider Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser a must-purchase film because I am a huge fan of jazz (and of Monk’s as well). If you want to get into the mind and aura of one of the great pianists of contemporary music, this documentary will provide you access into the closed quarters of the reserved, private musician. However, if you are unfamiliar or unconcerned with Monk, jazz, or documentary filmmaking, this release is a little slim. It’s only available on Blu-ray, and there are only a few features, including an introduction by director Charlotte Zwerin, an interview with Monk’s son (T. S. Monk), a making-of feature, and an essay by scholar Paul Grimstad. These features feel appropriate for enhancing this film, but maybe not too inviting for the unfamiliar. I will say that you won’t be disappointed should you wish to take the plunge into this jazz universe head-first, and this film may be your ticket.
The Music Won’t Quit: The Wiz (1978)
Considering that Wicked has placed The Wizard of Oz, the yellow brick road, and all of the particulates back into our minds, it was only a matter of time that the beloved seventies answer, The Wiz, was to follow (besides, director Sidney Lumet is always a welcome name in the Criterion Collection). Available on 4K and Blu-ray, The Wiz doesn’t have too many features to go along with it, including audio commentary by film scholars, an archival interview with Lumet and star Diana Ross, and an essay by critic Aisha Harris. Then again, The Wiz will sell like hot cakes because people know and love this film. You know what you’re getting with this. Now, do you want The Wiz on 4K or not?
Screw It, No More Music: Midnight (1939)
I feel like screwball comedies and romances exist in their own little world in the Criterion Collection, with their matching, gorgeous box art and whatnot. We finally get another entry in this niche little family of films via the form of Mitchell Leisen’s Midnight, staring early talkie favourites like Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche. Only available on Blu-ray (which, all things considered, already feels like quite the feat, considering that it’s a film from the thirties and likely difficult to restore to the standards of 4K), Midnight is also a little scant on features (but I think they are a little special). There’s audio commentary by critic Michael Koresky, clips of an interview with director Leisen from 1969, and a Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the film (now that is interesting).
It’s Time to Upgrade: Brazil (1985)
Brazil is one of those films that seems to have been in the Criterion Collection as long as the company’s zeitgeist has existed. I have remembered Terry Gilliam’s magnum opus in the form of a large DVD boxset, a slimmed-down Blu-ray release (with all of the same contents, I believe), and — now — a 4K version. Considering that I hold this Orwellian film in high regard (it was one of my personal favourites for much of my youth), I’d argue that you should sprint to pick up this beautiful, absurd nightmare on 4K as soon as you can.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)
Then comes Paul Schrader’s greatest film: his thematically relevant answer to the works and life of author and revolutionist Yukio Mishima. Now available on 4K (believe me, considering how gorgeous this film looks and sounds, you need this as a cinephile), Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is ready to become one of Criterion’s most frequently sold-out titles once again (and for great reason). If you want to see a biographical picture done in a unique and inspiring way, this is your film to restore your faith in the biopic as an artform.
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.