Criterion Crazy: July 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
Hello, you all! Have your wallet survived after the annual flash sale that took place back in late March? Good. It’s time to start shopping again. Criterion is already halfway through 2026 with its catalogue, and it’s best to keep up. The July selection certainly will not disappoint you. Outside of one highly-suspected 4K upgrade (due to it being out-of-print for long enough, and after some keen collectors have taken note of Criterion’s 4K upgrade patterns), a lot of these choices are pleasant surprises: films that certainly have their fan bases but may not be at the forefront of requests that people have. I think you will be pleased with what you can pick up from this batch of films, whether these are blind buys or works you already cherish. I’d argue that there is no clear winner because this selection is strong all across the board, but I will explain my still-obvious choice nonetheless.
The Favourite: I’ll Remind You of Everything: The Films of Mike Mills
While this does not contain my favourite film of this batch, how can you deny the beauty of this set? Here’s the obvious: Mike Mills is a great director who deserves a set as lovely as this I’ll Remind You of Everything set (and what a fitting title at that). Beginners, 20th Century Women, and C’mon C’mon are all fantastic contemporary independent works (my personal pick is 20th Century Women — this is a must for any indie cinema nuts). Available on Blu-ray and 4K, this set is stuffed with features, from commentaries and making-of programs, to the real kicker: a whole slew of Mills’ earlier films (five, to be exact); from shorts to documentaries. That will likely sell you on this set. Now, the real thing to consider that is less blatant: There are A24 titles here. That strikes me as interesting. You won’t find many in the Criterion Collection outside of some anomalies, like Uncut Gems (which I chalk up more as a Netflix release through Criterion than an A24 one). Take from that what you will.
Buy I’ll Remind You of Everything: The Films of Mike Mills Here
It’s About Damn Time: Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Martin Scorsese continues to have his films pop up in the collection, but Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is one of the biggest titles of his that I felt was missing. I am so glad that the day has finally arrived. Scorsese’s warmer approach to the New Hollywood movement, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore features an incredible, Oscar-turning performance by Ellen Burstyn as the title character. Available on 4K and Blu-ray (this one you might be able to get away with on the slightly-lower format, should you want to be money savvy; it’ll look good with that grain), this release comes with interviews, and some to-die-for commentaries, involving Scorsese, Burstyn, Jodie Foster, Alfred Lutter, and the late Kris Kristofferson and Diane Ladd. This is a sentimental film and the features are sure to create that nostalgic spark quite a bit.
Twists! Come Get Your Twists!: The Crying Game (1992)
Neil Jordan’s The Crying Game certainly has its audience: to this day, its fan base continues to sing the film’s praises. I have to be honest that my memory of this film is one that isn’t quite as strong as this reception has been; to be fair, I was a teenager when I last saw this, and a lot can change since them — much of this release’s necessity seems to be the overall opinion people have that The Crying Game has aged well as a film. Well, this could be my opportunity to finally revisit this cult classic. For those of you who wish to join me, The Crying Game is available on 4K and Blu-ray. This release comes with a couple of features, including a commentary track by Jordan, a discussion surrounding the film’s alternate ending, and making-of specials. Besides, look at that gorgeous cover art! It’s to die for!
Have a Slice of the Japanese New Wave Movement: Cruel Story of Youth (1960)
Criterion’s handling of classic Japanese cinema is always on point, and their release of Nagisa Oshima’s Cruel Story of Youth is no different. While this release is a little slim on special features in number, what those bonuses are will make this release worthwhile for you. This includes Oshima’s debut feature film, A Town of Love and Hope, and the short film, Tomorrow’s Sun. There’s an interview with film scholar Tony Rayns discussing this film, and critic Chris Fujiwara has written one of those classic Criterion essays. Cruel Story of Youth is available on 4K and Blu-ray.
If You Don’t Buy This, Then My Name is Hud: Hud (1963)
Criterion has really shaped up with its preservation and representation of cinematic westerns over the past decade. Including Martin Ritt’s Hud in the Collection furthers this notion. A beloved classic starring the always-reliable Paul Newman, Hud is available here on 4K and Blu-ray. With this release, you will be getting snippets of a seminar held by the American Film Institute with Ritt, various interviews (including one with actor Sally Field and cinematographer James Wong Howe), and an episode of Inside the Actors Studio with Newman and James Lipton. For this one, you may want to go with the highest-quality version you can muster; you’ll thank me.
It’s Time to Upgrade: The Elephant Man (1980)
Well, chances are you might not be able to even upgrade so much as flat-out add David Lynch’s biographical opus, The Elephant Man, to your collection. This classic has been out of print for quite some time, but you can now by this again not only on 4K but also Blu-ray, should you prefer the latter option (however, take it from me: I insist that you should consider getting this on 4K; imagine all of the different shades of black and depths of shadows that the 4K version will offer you).
Finally, Criterion Premieres: The Love That Remains (2025)
Hlynur Pálmason’s Icelandic film, The Love That Remains, flew under the radar. Well, you can now appreciate this underrated title with a Criterion Premieres release. A hard-hitting dramedy, The Love That Remains is a film that will make you feel the entire spectrum of emotions. For the cheap prices offered and both Blu-ray and DVD formats (the first time I have even mentioned DVDs in this article; Criterion must really be moving on from them), you might have a new favourite on your hands.
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.