Criterion Crazy: February 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Criterion just keeps on trucking. As the Barnes & Noble sale continues (fortunately for Americans, I suppose), the Criterion Collection is not slowing down nonetheless. Its February slate has a little bit of everything in terms of genre and content (the latter meaning that we have regular titles, an upgrade to 4K, an Eclipse collection, and a Criterion Premieres release). Not that there is much to complain about when it comes to the Criterion Collection, but it goes without saying that the majority of this month’s new titles are home runs; at least three of these films are generational masterpieces that I highly recommend (more on those soon). What films must you pick up? What are safe blind buys? Should you start elsewhere if a film has caught your interest? Let’s dive in.
The Favourite: Network (1976)
Sidney Lumet’s Network is just one of the greatest films of the New Hollywood movement (and Paddy Chayefsky’s screenplay is easily one of the strongest of all time), so why wouldn’t you want to buy this? There’s a chance that you already own Network; it has been very easy to find for years on physical media. However, Criterion is offering this masterpiece on both Blu-ray and — drum roll, please — 4K as well. Let’s go into the features, including an audio commentary track by the late Lumet, a documentary about Chayesfky (if you are only familiar with the writer because of Network, I highly recommend learning more about this magnificent scribe), a making-of documentary, and a classic Criterion essay (this time by New York Times columnist and writer Jamelle Bouie). If you want to see a prescient film that was once deemed too silly to be taken seriously but is now considered a masterful cautionary tale of the harrowing times we live in, Network has to be seen. It is iconic for its writing, its acting, its perfect monologues, and so much more. You will not regret picking this film up.
It’s Back, Baby!: PlayTime (1967)
One of the most sought after Criterion titles is Jacques Tati’s magnum opus, PlayTime: a different kind of comedy film. This mainly dialogue-free, visually ambitious satire is nearly impossible to fully digest on your first watch because there is so much genius imagery and hilarity all happening at once. It’s no wonder that many were hoping that PlayTime would return (mind you, it is a part of The Complete Jacques Tati, but now you can buy it on its own again), and it’s now back on Blu-ray and 4K (note: I will almost always say that going with the higher quality release is the better option, but for a film as conceptually rich and visually complex as PlayTime, it is essential to go with the top quality option you can muster, so — to me — the 4K purchase is the one that makes the most sense). While I consider this one of the great comedy films ever made, PlayTime is maybe not for the faint of heart. If you are unsure if you will like something as large as PlayTime (a film in which you have to pay full attention in order for it to pay off), I’d recommend some more digestible Tati films to begin with like 1958’s Mon oncle and 1949’s Jour de fête. There are many features that come with PlayTime, including an introduction to the film by Terry Jones, numerous commentaries, numerous making-of content (documentaries and essays), interviews, and even a short film by Tati (Cours du soir). If this wasn’t the same month as Network, PlayTime would be my pick of the group. This is an incredible release.
It’s Always Noir Time: The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)
One of the more underrated Coen brothers films is the Man Who Wasn’t There, and maybe the film will recoup the dues it once had again with this release. I’ll be honest that this is a release that you should likely be sure you want to own. It’s an artistic noir film that is moody and mysterious (vague, I know, but I don’t want to give much away, here), and if you aren’t familiar with the Coen brothers, there are many places to start (No Country for Old Men, Fargo, A Serious Man, Blood Simple, Miller’s Crossing, et cetera). Should you ignore my advice and want to go in blindly with this release, I don’t think you’ll be making a mistake or anything; this is far from the most challenging and unorthodox films ever made (and, again, I like this film quite a lot). However, if you do like what you have seen by the Coens and want to see a contemporary neo-noir done well, The Man Who Wasn’t There will likely satisfy your expectations. Available on Blu-ray and 4K, this film is a little slim on content (another reason why I advise you to be sure about picking this one up); this includes audio commentary with both Coens and star Billy Bob Thorton, an interview with cinematographer Roger Deakins, a conversation between the Coens and writer Megan Abbott, and a making-of documentary.
It’s High Noon (Well, Actually, It’s…): 2:10 to Yuma (1957)
It goes without saying that Delmer Daves’ 3:10 to Yuma is a western classic (if anything, James Mangold’s 2007 remake is nothing to sneeze at either, and I recommend that one as well). Seeing it in the collection is quite a treat. If you are a fan of the genre and somehow haven’t seen this film, what in God’s name are you doing? if you aren’t sure where to start with western films, there are dozens of titles I’d recommend as amazing entry points, including Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, and John Ford’s The Searchers; 3:10 to Yuma here could be your foray if you aren’t keen on those other titles and still want to give westerns a shot with this film. Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K (every cinephile wins here), 3:10 to Yuma is quite slim with its bonus features. You’ll get interviews with writer Elmore Leonard and Peter Ford (actor Glenn Ford’s son), and a Criterion essay by critic Kent Jones. That’s it. For many, the film will speak for itself here, but I do wish that this release came with a bit more (considering how widely available 3:10 to Yuma has been for years; there should be maybe at least one or two extra incentives, here).
It’s Time to Upgrade: A Woman Under the Influence (1974)
As I predicted last month — when Criterion jumped the gun by accidentally releasing the cover art for A Woman Under the Influence with its January 2026 titles — Criterion would eventually release this John Cassavettes classic on 4K. This documentary-style drama may be quite intense to watch on 4K, which is either a red or a green flag depending on what kind of film buff you are (for me, this is great news). It’s well known by now that Gena Rowlands delivers one of the greatest performances of all time in this indie staple, and — regardless of what format you choose — is mandatory viewing for any film or acting lover just for that fact alone (be warned: this is an emotionally eviscerating watch).
Let’s Not Forget About Eclipse: Lubitsch Musicals
The Eclipse series is for hardcore film buffs who have done their homework, so for everyone else I will tell you where to start with the films of Ernst Lubitsch: Ninotchka (1939), The Shop Around the Corner (1940), and To Be or Not to Be (1942) (amongst many other titles). If those films tickled your fancy and you want to see how a former silent-film director marched into the era of talking pictures with gusto, this Eclipse boxset is a steal. Featuring four sublime Lubitsch titles, you’ll be getting a crash course on one of the better ways a director embraced the musical genre when recording technology was still primitive in the film industry (The Love Parade is a tremendous effort for a first talkie).
Finally, Criterion Premieres: Cloud (2024)
Kiyoshi Kurosawa has become a household name in contemporary Japanese cinema, and Cloud was a highly anticipated effort these past two years (2024 saw the film in various festivals, while 2025 saw its official release). Criterion has now released Cloud on physical media. If you are a fan of more traditional action films and what you’ve seen by Kurosawa (this Kurosawa, anyway, and not to be confused for Akira Kurosawa), Cloud is worth a shot. However, if you have heard the hype for this filmmaker and want to know where to start, Cloud is quite niche and not for everyone. The more obvious choice is Cure — a film that is quite the staple in the Criterion Collection.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson 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.