Tag Archives: The Criterion Collection

The 1963 film Charade on 4K from Criterion in June

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Cover art for the film 'Charade' featuring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. The design includes swirling red arrows and bold typography.
Commissions Earned

The 1963 romantic comedy/mystery “Charade” will get a 4K UHD Blu-ray release on June 2nd via The Criterion Collection.

Stanley Donen directed the movie. It starred Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn, and George Kennedy.

The movie has received a new 4K digital restoration. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with SDR (standard dynamic range) and uncompressed LPCM Mono sound. This release is a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart included.

NOTE: HDR (high dynamic range) will NOT be included with this release. This is not uncommon for some Criterion 4K releases.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is not yet available for preorder at Amazon. Stay tuned for an update. You can preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus material for this release is listed below.

  • Audio commentary from 1999 featuring director Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by film historian Bruce Eder
  • Cover by Eric Skillman

The 1981 Lawrence Kasdan film Body Heat comes to 4K

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Movie poster for 'Body Heat', featuring a vibrant design with warm colors, silhouettes of a man and woman, and a large yellow circle in the background.
Commissions Earned

The 1981 erotic/psychological thriller “Body Heat“ is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Special Edition Blu-ray on May 19th via The Criterion Collection.

Lawrence Kasdan wrote and directed the motion picture. It starred William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, Mickey Rourke, J.A. Preston, Kim Zimmer, and Jane Hallaren.

The movie has received a new 4K digital restoration, supervised by editor Carol Littleton and approved by director Lawrence Kasdan. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) high dynamic range, along with uncompressed [LPCM] 2.0 stereo and lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. Tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Linear PCM 2.0 stereo and DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray will come as a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart included. The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Special Edition Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via Criterion’s website. The bonus material set to be included with the release(s) is listed below.

  • NEW interview with Lawrence Kasdan
  • NEW conversation between Littleton and film historian Bobbie O’Steen
  • Archival programs featuring Kasdan; Littleton; actors William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, and Ted Danson; cinematographer Richard H. Kline; and composer John Barry
  • Deleted scenes
  • Trailer
  • PLUS: An essay by author Megan Abbott
  • New cover by Michael Boland

Monty Python’s Life of Brian Criterion 4K in April

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Cover art for the Criterion Collection release of Monty Python's Life of Brian, featuring bold lettering against a starry background with a silhouette of a ship.
Commissions Earned

The 1979 film “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” will be released on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray via The Criterion Collection on April 14th.

Terry Jones directed the film. It starred the Monty Python comedy troupe, which included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

The movie has received a 4K digital restoration, supervised by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10-compatible) high dynamic range, along with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound mixes. Tech specs for the Blu-ray version include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, as well as DTS-HD MA 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound.

The 4K release, just like the Blu-ray release, will arrive as a 2-disc set with a [bonus] Blu-ray Disc accommodating only the special features. NOTE: It does NOT include an HD version of the film on said disc; just extras.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion Website. The bonus materials included with the releases are listed below.

  • Two audio commentaries featuring Pythons Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
  • The Story of Brian (2007), a making-of documentary
  • The Pythons (1979), a documentary about Monty Python filmed on location for Life of Brian
  • Behind-the-scenes Super 8 film shot by Palin
  • Five deleted scenes with commentary by the Pythons
  • Original British radio ads starring Mrs. Cleese, Mrs. Gilliam, Mrs. Idle, and Palin’s dentist
  • Original illustrated recording by the Pythons of an early version of their screenplay
  • Animated stills gallery
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri
  • Cover based on an original theatrical poster by Terry Gilliam

The 1967 film Point Blank on Criterion 4K in April

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Movie poster for 'Point Blank' featuring Lee Marvin, directed by John Boorman, with a stylized design and bold colors.
Commissions Earned

The 1967 motion picture “Point Blank” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on April 21st via The Criterion Collection.

John Boorman directed the movie, which starred Lee Marvin. It co-starred Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O’Connor, Lloyd Bochner, Michael Strong, Sharon Acker, and John Vernon.

The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10-compatible) with uncompressed Linear PCM Mono sound. Tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with LPCM Mono sound. The 4K release will come as a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart included.

This movie has received a new 4K digital restoration, supervised and approved by director John Boorman. You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus materials for the Criterion release(s) are listed below.

  • Audio commentary featuring Boorman and filmmaker Steven Soderbergh
  • Interview with Boorman conducted by author Geoff Dyer
  • New interview with critic Mark Harris
  • New reflections on the film by filmmaker Jim Jarmusch
  • New program on the midcentury Los Angeles architecture featured in the film, with historian Alison Martino
  • The Rock (1967), a short documentary on Alcatraz and the making of the film
  • Interview with Marvin from a 1970 episode of The Dick Cavett Show
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by Dyer
  • New cover by Jay Shaw

The 1995 film The Blade on Criterion 4K and Blu-ray

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An illustrated movie cover for 'The Blade,' featuring a warrior with a sword, dramatic red streaks, and the title prominently displayed.
Commissions Earned

The 1995 film “The Blade” will get a 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray release via The Criterion Collection on March 31st. Tsui Hark directed and co-wrote the motion picture, distributed by Golden Harvest. It starred Vincent Zhao, Moses Chan, Hung Yan-yan, Xiong Xin-xin, Song Lei, Austin Wai, Chung Bik-ha, and Valerie Chow.

This has received a new 4K digital restoration. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and Uncompressed Linear PCM Mono sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and uncompressed Mono sound. The 4K release will come as a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray counterpart included.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus materials included with the release(s) are listed below.

  • New audio commentary featuring Hong Kong cinema expert and producer Frank Djeng
  • Action et vérité (2006), a documentary featuring director Tsui Hark, coscreenwriter Koan Hui, and actor Xiong Xin-xin
  • New video essay by filmmakers Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou (Every Frame a Painting)
  • New York Asian Film Festival Q&A with Tsui from 2011
  • Alternate English-dubbed track
  • English-version opening and end credits
  • Trailer
  • New English subtitle translation
  • PLUS: An essay by author Lisa Morton
  • New cover by Oliver Barrett

Killers of the Flower Moon on 4K and Blu-ray in March

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Movie poster for 'Killers of the Flower Moon' featuring a dark blue background, intricate designs of bones and a moon, and the film's title in a bold font at the bottom.
Commissions Earned

The 2023 film “Killers of the Flower Moon” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on March 24th via The Criterion Collection. Martin Scorsese directed, produced, and co-wrote the film. It starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, and Brendan Fraser. The movie was nominated for a total of ten Academy Awards (“Oscars”). It’s also worth noting that it was (and remains) “Certified Fresh” based on critics’ reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie has received a new 4K digital master, approved by director Martin Scorsese. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and Dolby Atmos sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray version include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Atmos sound. The 4K release will come as a 3-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a special features bonus disc included. The Blu-ray release will be a 2-disc set.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are both now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can directly preorder each version via the Criterion website. The bonus materials included with each version are listed below.

  • NEW documentary featuring Scorsese, actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, author David Grann, Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Osage cultural consultant John Williams, editor Thelma Schoonmaker, and other members of the cast and crew
  • “WahZhaZhe”: A Song for the Osage, a new documentary illuminating the film’s final shot, featuring Scorsese, Chief Standing Bear, and six members of the Osage Nation
  • Excerpted archival interview with director of photography Rodrigo Prieto
  • Excerpts from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival press conference featuring Scorsese, DiCaprio, Gladstone, Chief Standing Bear, and actor Robert De Niro
  • Short program on Noah Kemohah’s cover art
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing and English descriptive audio
  • PLUS: Essays by critic Vinson Cunningham and film programmer Adam Piron
  • New cover by Noah Kemohah

The 1995 film Dead Man is coming to 4K in January

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Commissions Earned

The 1995 film “Dead Man“ is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on January 6th via The Criterion Collection. Jim Jarmusch wrote and directed the movie, which featured original music by Neil Young and starred Johnny Depp. It co-starred Gary Farmer, Crispin Glover, Lance Henriksen, Iggy Pop, John Hurt, Robert Mitchum, Gabriel Byrne, and Jared Harris.

This has received a 4K digital restoration, supervised and approved by director Jim Jarmusch. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a black and white 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, in SDR (standard dynamic range), with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 surround sound. This 2-disc set will come as a “combo pack” featuring its Blu-ray counterpart.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus materials set to be included with the release are listed below.

  • Q&A in which Jarmusch responds to questions sent in by fans
  • Footage of Neil Young composing and performing the film’s score
  • Interview with actor Gary Farmer
  • Readings of William Blake poems by members of the cast, including Mili Avital, Alfred Molina, and Iggy Pop, accompanied by Jarmusch’s location-scouting photos
  • Selected-scene audio commentary by production designer Bob Ziembicki and sound mixer Drew Kunin
  • Deleted scenes
  • Trailer
  • Color photos from the film’s production
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: Essays by film critic Amy Taubin and music journalist Ben Ratliff
  • Cover by Nessim Higson

The 1940 film His Girl Friday on Criterion 4K

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Commissions Earned

The 1940 film “His Girl Friday“ arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray this December 2nd via The Criterion Collection. Howard Hawks directed the movie. It starred Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy, Gene Lockhart, Porter Hall, Ernest Truex, and Cliff Edwards. EDITORIAL NOTE: This movie was previously released on the 4K UHD format as part of a box set from Sony [“Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Vol. 4“].

This features a new digital 4K restoration. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a Black and White 2160p video presentation in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10, accompanied by Uncompressed (Linear PCM) Mono sound. The 3-disc set will come as a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a bonus disc. Those Blu-rays will also include the 1931 film “The Front Page” — “Lewis Milestone’s famous pre-Code adaptation of the same material.”

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon. You can also preorder directly via the Criterion website. The bonus materials set to be included with this release are listed below and span across 3 discs (one 4K, two Blu-ray).

  • One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and two Blu-rays with the film, The Front Page, and the special features
  • 4K digital restoration of The Front Page, made from a recently discovered print of director Lewis Milestone’s preferred version, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
  • Interview with film scholar David Bordwell
  • Archival interviews with His Girl Friday director Howard Hawks
  • Featurettes from 1999 and 2006 about Hawks and actor Rosalind Russell
  • Radio adaptation of His Girl Friday from 1940
  • Program about the restoration of The Front Page
  • Program about playwright and screenwriter Ben Hecht
  • Radio adaptations of the play The Front Page from 1937 and 1946
  • Trailers
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • Plus: Essays on His Girl Friday and The Front Page by film critics Farran Smith Nehme and Michael Sragow
  • Cover by Randy Glass

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure on 4K this December

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Commissions Earned

The 1985 film “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on December 16th via The Criterion Collection. Tim Burton directed the film, which was co-written by the late Phil Hartman. It starred Paul Ruebens, Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Louise Salinger, and Judd Omen.

The movie has received a new 4K digital restoration, supervised and approved by director Tim Burton. The tech specs 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10, accompanied by lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 surround sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio featuring DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 surround sound. The 4K release will come as a 2-disc “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon as well as directly via Criterion’s website. The bonus materials set to be included with the releases are listed below.

  • Audio commentary by Burton and actor-cowriter Paul Reubens
  • Audio commentary by composer Danny Elfman (over a music-only soundtrack to the film)
  • New interview with Burton and actor-filmmaker Richard Ayoade
  • New interviews with cowriter Michael Varhol, editor Billy Weber, production designer David L. Snyder, and producer Richard Abramson, conducted by critic Mark Olsen
  • Interview with Reubens from Hollywood’s Master Storytellers (2005)
  • Excerpts from the fortieth anniversary screening of the film presented by Nostalgic Nebula and hosted by comedian Dana Gould
  • Deleted scenes
  • Trailer
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by radio and podcast host Jesse Thorn
  • New cover by Luigi Olivadoti
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