Criterion Crazy: January 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
While most of us are preparing for any Halloween festivities, the Criterion Collection is already thinking about 2026 with its brand new lineup of films. All things considered, this is a massive release full of great surprises, offerings for all walks of life, and a few answered prayers based on the selections. Additionally, Criterion have announced not one, not two, but three 4K films at once: the most since the company began releasing 4K titles. Then again, this also isn’t quite true (you will see what I mean below); expect only two 4K films and a bit of a potential preview of what’s to come (we are hoping). While it isn’t a new year for the rest of us, I am also using this opportunity to state my resolution for this column: to include any Criterion Premieres selection (the outlet Criterion uses to distribute standard releases for contemporary films), which I have typically ignored in the past, as well as any other affiliated title (an example can be seen below); why should only the official Criterion releases get all the love? Including the additional titles, the month of January will see an astounding eight releases to look forward to (plus one additional, accidental preview, I assume). I have no reservations about any of them. Needless to say, we are kicking off 2026 in style and scale (and there is much to look forward to when that anticipated flash sale happens any day now). Let’s dive in to what Criterion has in store for us.
The Favourite: Birth (2004)
Criterion occasionally sets the record straight for underrated films, by providing unsung works with a much-needed platform for the world to reassess. Jonathan Glazer’s Birth was already on the come-up after years of neglect, and it seems that Criterion has released their copy of the magnificent film just in time. This exquisite, eerie, harrowing, Bergman-esque film will be available on both 4K and Blu-ray (the highest quality possible is the way to go with this film, folks). While I believe Birth is fantastic and a once-misunderstood and misrepresented motion picture, I’m not sure if it is for the faint of heart as a blind buy (then again, I’d argue that no Glazer film is, and you have to start somewhere, I suppose); Glazer is a contemporary master, and to see him finally enter the collection warms my heart (even with such a frigid film). You’re looking at only a small handful of bonus features for this release, including a Charlie Rose special with Glazer and star Nicole Kidman (remember when she was not in the Criterion Collection at all? She now has three films available!), a making-of documentary, and a special on the cinematography for Birth. While it feels maybe a little disappointing, some films are better off without the over-explanation (which would demystify and ruin the hypnotic pull of Birth); this is a purchase you make for the quality of the film itself (and what a powerful film about grief Birth is).
Just in Time: Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
While word spreads surrounding Bill Condon’s version of Manuel Puig’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, I couldn’t help but always reflect on the sublime adaptation by Héctor Babenco that is a major highlight of eighties cinema, particularly thanks to a great, Oscar-winning performance by William Hurt, and an even stronger job done by Raul Julia; these performances feel like apparitions contained in a celluloid case to preserve once both actors passed. I recommend this stylish, gritty drama to any cinephile who wants to feel the depths of the human soul and mind, especially in such a tumultuous-yet-minimalist environment; Kiss of the Spider Woman makes the most with what it has, resulting in an unforgettable motion picture. Available on both 4K and Blu-ray (I must own this on 4K), Kiss of the Spider Woman will possess bonus features including a making-of documentary, an interview with Suzanne Jill Levine (a biographer who specializes with studying Puig and his work), a classic Criterion essay by critic B. Ruby Rich, and a short program about writer Puig. There isn’t much features wise, but this is another title you pick up based on the value of the film itself (should you wind up disliking the upcoming musical version, don’t hold yourself back from exploring this sterling, stirring drama).
En garde: Captain Blood (1935)
Criterion has become more fun over the years, with the inclusion of Hong Kong action films, kaiju epics, and wuxia classics. It was about time that some of Erol Flynn’s shenanigans became a part of the conversation. Instead of opting for The Adventures of Robin Hood (a later collaboration with Flynn, director Michael Curtiz, and co-star Olivia de Havilland), Criterion went with the lesser-appreciated Captain Blood which is also a great choice (this would be the first of eight films starring both Flynn and de Havilland). This film will be available on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD (meaning that any film lover who collects physical media can enjoy this title; I really need to know how this thirties film translates to 4K if Criterion felt comfortable enough with this transfer and upgrade). Captain Blood will also contain a making of documentary of the film; I don’t know about you, but there’s something extra enticing about an older film having such a feature, since we will get to see some of the older movie magic taking place here, with a contemporary gaze on the practices of yesteryear (adding an extra historical appreciation to how a film like Captain Blood was made ninety years ago). Other features include audio commentary by Curtiz biographer Alan K. Rode, and a Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the film; both inclusions sound highly promising. Even with zero knowledge of the film or its affiliated talents, I’d pick up Captain Blood just because of the archival angle here, let alone the swashbuckling spectacle you deserve.
A Master’s Swansong: The Dead (1987)
There simply isn’t enough John Huston representation in the Criterion Collection, but including the iconic director’s final film, period drama The Dead, is worth commending. This ambitious adaptation of James Joyce’s short story featured in Dubliners is beautiful, touching, and spellbinding; it may be quite different from any of Huston’s classics you may be more familiar with (like The Maltese Falcon or The Treasure of the Sierra Madre), but it’s still quite a strong film nonetheless (let this be the unexpected Huston film you fall in love with). Available on 4K and Blu-ray, The Dead will include audio excerpt from Huston’s daughter (and star of The Dead), Anjelica Huston, based on her 2014 memoir, Watch Me, as well as a behind-the-scenes documentary, and an interview with author Colum McCann who specializes in studying the works of Joyce. For those of you who haven’t seen any Huston films at all, there are certainly other places to start, but, should you be interested in this adaptation, The Dead wouldn’t hurt to kick off your deep dive with.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Yi Yi (2000)
On the topic of great swansong films, there aren’t many as magnificent as Edward Yang’s final film, the revered Yi Yi. Already a staple of the Criterion Collection (and of twenty-first century cinema), many cinephiles are already well acquainted with this majestically titanic coming-of-age tragedy. Now, the classic film is available on 4K, and, believe me, this is a film you want to see with the best quality possible: it is stunning to look at.
Let’s Keep Upgrading: Dead Man (1995)
Jim Jarmusch’s brain-melting western, Dead Man, is soon going to be available on 4K. If I need to explain how this beautifully-shot, black and white, psychedelic fever dream — with an improvised score by Canadian legend Neil Young on the electric guitar — needs to be experienced on 4K, I’m not sure if you understand what 4K can offer. If you are not a fan of westerns (no judgement, here; not everyone is fond of the genre), I’d maybe try an easier film than this one. For those who do like the genre and haven’t seen this, strap in and feel yourself dissolve into hallucinogenic insanity; that is all.
Wait… More Upgrades?!: A Woman Under the Influence (1974)
Well, not quite. For some reason, John Cassavettes’ indie masterpiece, A Woman Under the Influence, was a part of multiple social media posts made by the official Criterion Collection accounts, but this mistake was quickly erased by whomever is running them. This couldn’t just simply happen, considering the different formatting required for each social media platform (you can’t accidentally include a cover of different sizes unless you planned for these pictures to be a part of a mass post, no matter what account managing application you use); this mistake was made deliberately, leading me to believe that this is likely a future 4K announcement made too early. We can’t do anything about it now (you can still feel free to buy the DVD of A Woman Under the Influence here should you choose, but, given today’s slip, I’d wait if I were you), we can only hope that this is a future title and that it comes soon.
Criterion Premieres Selection: Caught by the Tides (2024)
The reason why I didn’t cover Criterion Pemiere films in the past is because these releases are typically bare-bones, no frills media that are merely means of conveyance for films and directors who likely won’t get the support elsewhere. Jia Zhangke’s trippy Caught by the Tides had its fair share of fans last year who are likely looking forward to this release; its only features include an interview with Zhangke, the film’s trailer, and some “notes” by critic Carlos Aguilar, but the lack of substantial bonus content is why such a release is inexpensive (compare the nearly twenty four USD price for this Blu-ray to other Criterion releases; the DVD is even cheaper). While there are other great Zhangke films like Still Life and A Touch of Sin, picking up Caught by the Tides may be a lovely addition to your collection at such an affordable price.
It’s Time: Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project No. 5
I have always loved Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project: an effort to spotlight lesser-known international films that deserve preservation and recognition. Past entries have included magnificent films like Mário Peixoto’s Limite (1931), Kim Ki-Young’s The Housemaid (1960), Djibril Diop Mambéty’s Touki Bouki (1973), and Edward Yang’s Tapei Story (1985) (whose Yi Yi was featured above). This latest installment promises the same level of quality, including the Palme d’Or winning Algerian epic, Chronicle of the Years of Fire (1975), an unsung Indian cut Kummatty (1979), and two nations which aren’t celebrated enough in cinema: Kazakhstan’s The Fall of Otrar (1991) and Burkina Faso’s Yam Daabo (1986). I recommend the World Cinema Project releases only to the most serious of film lovers who want to unearth all things relating to the art and history of motion pictures: this is a highly rewarding series that will help push your taste and knowledge of cinema; Scorsese and Criterion have struck gold for the fifth time.
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.