Criterion Crazy: July 2023 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Now that’s what I call a Criterion Collection announcement! There haven’t been any bad releases this year necessarily, but I would call this batch of films the best of the year so far. Three of the films are three of my all time favourites. Straight up. This includes the announced film that’s already in the collection and getting a 4K upgrade (most of these films can be purchased in 4K, by the way!). Then you have another film that is often found on critics’ lists of favourite films. Then you have a boxset that no one saw coming that will be a nice addition to any cinephile’s collection. None of these picks are questionable. Nothing seems off. All five (well, nine) of these films deserve their preservation, attention, and acclaim. Let’s dive right in.
The Favourite: After Hours
Yes. This is one of my all time favourite comedy films. In fact, it’s flat out one of the best films Martin Scorsese has ever made (yeah, I said what I said, and I’ll put my money where my mouth is when I rank every Scorsese feature film later this year). It’s been theorized that After Hours would be in the Collection for months now, and it’s nice that it has finally happened. Features wise, this release is a bit standard, but who could argue against commentaries by Scorsese, Thelma Schoonmaker, Griffin Dunne, Amy Robinson, and Michael Ballhaus? Who doesn’t want an interview between Scorsese and Fran Lebowitz? These are only standard by Criterion’s… well… standards… But these are phenomenal must-haves in the grand scheme of things. It’s finally here! If you haven’t seen After Hours, I cannot implore that you watch it enough. Not many films have made me laugh harder than this one.
Under-Seen Choice: The Watermelon Woman
Of the films that need the preservation, Cheryl Dunye’s masterpiece, The Watermelon Woman, deserves it the most. In fact, the film’s very ethos is that Black and queer voices have been erased from archives — and history, as a result — for far too long. It’s actually beautiful to see this film get its recognition. It’s not just important: it’s damn good as well. One of the strongest films of the nineties, The Watermelon Woman is quirky, bold, and moving. The features really make this release as well, including six of Dunye’s short films, various conversations with the filmmaker, and an essay by Cassie da Costa. Make sure to pick this one up: it’s a must-see film for many reasons.
Another Under-Seen Choice: One False Move
Once Devil in a Blue Dress became a popular selection in the Collection, it only made sense to keep going down the Carl Franklin rabbit hole. This would eventually lead us to One False Move: what is argued to be his finest feature film. A chilling neo noir, One False Move is a film worth getting around to if you’re into thrills and mystery. This film is a bit slim on the features front, but the conversation between Franklin and star Billy Bob Thorton sounds enticing (if not that William Boyle essay). Believe me, though: this film is fine to blind buy even without the features, so don’t let the slim amount of extras deter you from adding a strong film to your collection.
It’s Time For Classic Westerns: The Ranown Westerns: Five Films Directed by Budd Boetticher
It’s nice that the Criterion Collection is getting more films from the western genre released, and it’s also pleasant that they’re not going for the usual suspects. For fans of the genre that already have many releases, Criterion now has a boxset containing five of Budd Boetticher’s Ranown Cycle films (named after the production company); these all feature actor Randolph Scott and screenwriter Burt Kennedy. You’ll be getting The Tall T, Decision at Sundown, Buchanan Rides Alone, Ride Lonesome, and Comanche Station, and they will all be in 4K (!). You also have a ton of features, including various commentaries and extras by critics, film introductions by Taylor Hackford and Scorsese (nice to see his name pop up again), and — wait for it — an essay by the film academic of film academics, Tom Gunning (now that is awesome). In case that’s not enough, how’s a Super 8 version of Comanche Station? I’d recommend this one to the biggest western fans, but there is so much to love here for any cinephile and Criterion aficionado.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Breathless
Despite all of the love I’ve dished out so far, Breathless flat out is the best film in this write up. Considering it’s already a staple of the Collection by now (I’d argue most Criterion buyers have this), it’s likely that you may not need to buy this. Having said that, Breathless is now in 4K. To me, that’s enough. I’m willing to buy it again. It feels all the more necessary after the unfortunate passing of Jean-Luc Godard. If you haven’t seen Breathless, please. It’s an hour and a half long. It’s one of the most innovative films ever created. This is as essential as any purchase can be, and I can only imagine how striking and stylish this masterpiece is going to look in 4K.
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.