Criterion Crazy: August 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
First off, I want to apologize for getting this edition of Criterion Crazy out so late; it appears that the Criterion Collection did not care one iota that we were celebrating Victoria Day on Monday (then again, why should they), and was in the middle of not burning the candle at both ends (for once) when they dropped their August 2026 titles. Well, I am crusty-eyed, sore, and still very behind on sleep, but let's squeeze in a Criterion Crazy, shall we? What we have is a surprising number of documentaries (I suppose August is the month of sociopolitical reflection) with three releases (and a half-dozen films in total) that are all documentary classics. With two stylish features thrown in and a 4K upgrade of a beloved Criterion staple (as well as an upgrade of a beloved — you guessed it — documentary), this happens to be one of the more niche months in recent memory, but there is still quite a bit to enjoy here.
The Favourite: Harlan County USA (1976)
One of the greatest documentaries of all time, Harlan County USA is a powerful look at a coal miners' strike in the titular town. I usually do not include upgrades as the "favourite" of these lists (Harlan County USA already exists on DVD in the Criterion Collection), but I considered how documentary-heavy this month is and how — outside of the other 4K upgrade — this is easily the strongest film of the batch. It might seem strange that a political documentary should be seen in 4K (it will also be available on Blu-ray), but believe me when I say that the grainy, filmic visuals, and the bluegrass soundtrack of persevering protest arpeggios will make that upgrade suddenly seem worthwhile for the purists out there. The features include a series of interviews and audio commentary (all with director Barbara Kopple's thumbprint all over this essential release).
Not a Documentary: Coup de torchon (1981)
Was the French New Wave movement finished too early for you? Well, why don't you enjoy one of its by-products, and an underseen one at that. Coup de torchon -- by Bertrand Tavernier — is an intriguing crime thriller with some fierce performances (including an early appearance by Isabelle Huppert, who is always worth the price of admission by herself) which blends colonialist ripple effects with the darkest capabilities of humans (those who act out of either corruption or desperation). Available only on Blu-ray, this title is a little slim on its bonus content; these include two interviews, a making-of program, and an alternate ending (the latter, of which, you usually don't find on a Criterion film). This is a blind buy you take the plunge with strictly for the film, since there aren't too many additional incentives, but if French crime cinema is your speed, then Coup de torchon should not disappoint.
I Now Demand More Documentaries: American Dream (1990)
Harlan County USA is not the only Barbara Kopple documentary classic that was mentioned this past announcement. Her lesser-known but also fantastic film, American Dream, is officially coming to the Collection now. Very similar in nature, American Dream is also the capturing of a strike formed by workers who could not deal with intolerance and injustice anymore. This release feels quite indebted to Harlan County USA and with the pretense that you should pick it up if you like Kopple's masterpiece; it's a fairly humble release by comparison. Available only on Blu-ray, American Dream has an interview with Kopple from 1992, a classic Criterion essay (by programmer Thom Powers this time), and the film's trailer. That's it for bonus content. If you were to blind buy either of these documentaries, Harlan Country USA is certainly the title to go for, but American Dream is absolutely worth the watch and the love if you want to see more by Kopple.
Okay, Enough with the Documentaries: Little Odessa (1994)
Has anyone noticed that the Criterion Collection could afford to have a bit more James Gray in it? Considering that Criterion is meant to be a preservation company first and foremost, it makes sense that they went to the start of his career with his debut film, Little Odessa. This release by a then-prodigy is a wonderful, hidden gem for those of you who love crime dramas (and, of course, the films of Gray). Available on 4K and Blu-ray, Little Odessa comes with commentary by Gray, a making-of documentary (ahh, they had to sneak a documentary in here somewhere), and an interview between Gray and podcaster Sean Fennessey. Toss in an essay by critic Glenn Kenny, and you have a decent little release that may make for an excellent pickup that you didn't know you needed.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Safe (1995)
My personal favourite film of the bunch is Todd Haynes's Safe: what I would consider amongst the top ten scariest films that I have ever seen. What is not a documentary (but sure as hell possesses the weight and depression of one), this shocking look at a mysterious illness that cannot be cured (all within the vessel of a transcendent performance by Julianne Moore) is a must if the thought of a melodrama and psychological horror blended together sounds appealing to you. While it is already available on Blu-ray, I insist that this new 4K upgrade is the one to pick up: rarely is a film this beautiful also this eerie, disturbing, and hysterically frightening. What do you do when you are the danger, and you cannot put a stop to what is happening? Safe is anything but, and it is a Criterion favourite for many for a reason; this 4K upgrade will not disappoint.
Oops: All Documentaries: Five Radical Documentaries by Kazuo Hara and Sachiko Kobayashi
Another entry in the revitalized Eclipse series, this collection of documentaries by filmmaker Kazuo Hara (and produced by his wife, Sachiko Kobayashi) will be a great purchase for any fans of edgy, unnerving documentaries (then again, aren't most documentaries challenging?). Featuring Goodbye CP (1972), Extreme Private Eros: Love Song 1974, The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (1987), A Dedicated Life (1994), and Sennan Asbestos Disaster (2016), this set spans over multiple generations, a series of heavy topics, and a variety of people whose stories you may want to hear. It will be available on Blu-ray.
Buy Five Radical Documentaries by Kazuo Hara and Sachiko Kobayashi Here
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.