The Criterion Collectionhelps to preserve films that can be categorized as cultural artifacts or influential art pieces. Kicking off all the way back in 1984, its reach has grown exponentially over time. With new and old classics requiring proper releases, fromCitizen KanetoUncut Gems, The Criterion Collection’smission is as important today as it ever was.Related:5 Essential Blu-rays if You’re Looking for Film School in a Box
With over 1,000 films in their collection, Criterion is the film lover’s haven and has been celebrated by aficionados all around the globe. With more movies beyond the horizon, here are some of the most noteworthy Criterions coming out within the next year.
The Celebration(1998)
The Celebrationis directed byThomas Vinterberg. Though far from his first film, this is an entry that drew international attention to his work. This Danish film began the infamous Dogme 95 movement and uses the economic and aesthetic freedoms of digital video to achieve emotional power.
From dynamic handheld camera work, natural lighting, diegetic sound, and performances that would become the Dogme trademark,The Celebrationis a pitch-black comedy and bleak tragedy that leaves a family ravaged.The Celebrationcomes out on Criterion on January 11.
Hard Day’s Night(1964)
Musical-comedyA Hard Day’s Nightis directed byRichard Lesterand stars The Beatles -John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison,andRingo Starr—right at the peak of Beatlemania. Written byAlun Owenand originally released by United Artists, the film ventures through a day and a half in the lives of the band as they prepare for a televised performance.
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Though the high-energy reality of the “four young lads from Liverpool” is a major selling point, the script has a sense of good-intentioned humor that gives it a surprising level of emotional depth. Famously regarded as one of the most influential musical films, it was a financial and critical success.A Hard Day’s Nightreleases on Criterion on January 18.
Kirsten Johnsonbrought a sensational, timely documentary to the screen during the famously bleak year of 2020.Dick Johnson Is DeadfollowsDick Johnson, a man suffering from dementia, and his daughter, Kirsten. While coping with heavy concepts like age and memory loss, she involves her father in a series of imaginary scenarios, from falling down a flight of stairs, struck in the neck, or bleeding out in increasingly outlandish ways.
Dick joyously participates in his daughter’s dark humor in a feel-good documentary that reminds us that we will all kick the bucket eventually.Dick Johnson Is Deadwon a variety of awards, from the Sundance Festival to Primetime Emmy’s, Critic’s Choice, and more.Dick Johnson Is Deadcomes out on Criterion on January 25.
Time(2020)
Both a breathtaking love story and an indictment of the American justice system,Timeis the Oscar-nominated feature documentary debut ofGarrett Bradley, following the decades-long quest ofSibil Fox Richardson, a mother of six and a fierce prison abolitionist. Richardson works to free her husband from the Louisiana State Penitentiary, where he is serving a sixty-year sentence for robbery.
Weaving twenty years’ worth of Richardon’s heartfelt home movies and a look at her everyday joys and struggles,Timeis an intimate and thought-provoking documentary on the turmoils of mass incarceration and the family’s journey for freedom and closure.Timewill be out on Criterion on January 18.
Flight of the Phoenix(1965)
Curating classic cinema for The Criterion Collectionis a complicated balancing act, but there are seemingly endless hidden gems to uncover across the decades. To that end, we haveThe Flight of the Phoenix,a story about a crew whose plane wrecks in the desert. Forced to rebuild the jet or remain stranded, they get to work despite personal differences.
Though the film was not a financial success, it was praised by critics for its powerhouse cast and the direction byRobert Aldrich. The movie was especially famous for the death of stuntman and movie pilotPaul Mantzwho perished when a model plane fell apart. Without his incredible stunt performances, this movie likely wouldn’t exist.The Flight of the Phoenixwill be out on Criterion on March 22.
The Last Waltz(1978)
It can be hard to knowwhere to start with The Criterion Collection, but the benefit of its massive library is that it includes films across genres.The Last Waltzis a concert film that follows famed rock group The Band through their “farewell” show, held on Thanksgiving Day at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco circa 1976. Discussing the long history of the band, the documentary serves as a timeless “goodbye.”
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With the help of seven camera operators (including renowned cinematographersVilmos Zsigmond, László Kovács,andMichael Chapman), directorMartin Scorsesecrafted a universally, uniquely immersive experience that involves the audience with not only the music but the film itself. With music performed by the Band as well as a host of other renowned artists, such asBob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, the Staple Singers, Muddy Waters,andNeil Young,this is a personal love letter to rock and roll and the love it brings.The Criterion forThe Last Waltzcomes out on March 29.
love jones(1997)
love jonesfollows poet Darius (Larenz Tate) and photographer Nina (Nia Long) as they meet and begin a complicated relationship that is initially inspired by their shared interest in the arts. Following their tumultuous first dates alongside their shared reluctance to be emotionally open with one another, this is a 1990s romance that remains incredibly timely as it urges its main characters to be vulnerable.
love jonesis an unrelentingly stylish and seductive love story as two lovers must be forced to put their own pride aside. This is a love story that examines how our relationships develop our bodies, minds, and souls.love joneswill be released on Criterion on March 29.
Love Affair(1939)
Love AffairbyLeo McCareyhad quite a production story. The official screenplay was constantly retooled and rewritten to appease Hollywood censorship and relied on actor input and improvisation, due to the film’s portrayal of adultery. This caused long delays and budget extensions, but the film was a surefire hit with a soul-touching love story.
McCarey was so fond of this story that he remade it with the better-knownAn Affair To Remember(1957), but the original carries a distinct emotional punch all its own. This film’s praise would continue on for years, having multiple remakes and numerous accolades.The Criterion forLove Affairreleases on February 15.
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