The Criterion Collection keeps offering the best of cinema, now with a special box set honoringMelvin Van Peebles, both a revolutionary filmmaker and a defender of Black consciousness in cinema. Coming this September, the “Melvin Van Peebles: Four Films” box set includes new 4K restorations ofThe Story of a Three Day Pass,Watermelon Man,Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, andDon’t Play Us Cheap.
The new collector’s set features hours of special features including commentaries, documentaries, and both new and archival interviews. 2003’sBaadasssss!, a feature film based on Van Peebles' diaries while makingSweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, directed by Van Peebles’ son,Mario Van Peebles, is also part of the box. To complete the package, the box set will also be distributed with an original cover portrait by artistEmory Douglas.
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The “Melvin Van Peebles: Four Films” box set is not the only effort from Criterion Collection to bring more diversity to its archive of films.June’s additions to the Criterion Collectionalso honored Black filmmakers, includingDee Rees’ impressive debutPariah, and a comprehensive collection ofMarlon Riggs’ works. This follows Criterion’s presidentPeter Becker’s promise to diversify its catalog after a 2020’s piece byThe New York Timespointed out how few Black filmmakers were featured. The special box set is not only a perfect collector’s item, then, but also a great way for a new generation to get to know the work of a Black filmmaker so vital for the film industry.
Criterion’s new box set also includes an impressive lineup of special features:
“Melvin Van Peebles: Four Films comes out on September 28, however, preorders arenow available on the Criterion website. Check out the cover for the set below.
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