Criterion Crazy: The Complete Kubrick
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
No, it isn't the fifteenth of the month. Yes, this is a special, brief edition of Criterion Crazy.
There was no way I couldn't comment on the now-confirmed news (which has been rumoured for a few weeks now) that the Criterion Collection are, in fact, releasing a box set to commemorate the entire career of Stanley Kubrick. Simply titled The Complete Kubrick, this astonishing box set will indeed include all of his feature films. While this feels somewhat expected since the Criterion Collection already had the majority of his films (outside of cuts like The Shining, A Clockwork Orange, and Lolita), having every film here in one unified set is truly special. Each film has its own colour-coded section that truly makes each entry pop. Well, it appears that Fear and Desire is the only feature film that doesn't quite get such loving treatment, but Kubrick himself disowned this film, so take from that what you will. On that note, there has been the statement that all "thirteen" of his films are included, even though Fear and Desire doesn't really get featured all that much on Criterion's website write up for the release, so I do believe this set comes with it and there just is barely any care for it (again, it is far from the biggest loss if the film isn't actually here).
What you will also get with this box set is all of Kubrick's short films, the international version of The Shining (to go along with the original version, I assume), and a slew of extras. Reportedly, there are over twenty-five hours of interviews and behind-the-scenes content spanning through all of these feature films; this is massive if you are a Kubrick nut as much as I am and are hellbent on discovering as much about his creative process as possible. You will also find daughter Vivian Kubrick's documentary Making "The Shining" which is being championed as its own bonus unrelated to the promised twenty-five-hour parade of goodies. There are dozens of other benefits as well, from classic criterion essays (including one by critic Nathaniel Rich), commentary tracks from various Kubrick experts, and interviews. Criterion also promises "and much more" in their official reveal, whatever that means (it can only promise good things).
The actual design of this set is simply gorgeous. With a commanding red cover with Kubrick's portrait plastered on it, this box set feels almost monolithic (similar to both the actual monolith and the Hal 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey). This set will radiate no matter where you place it in your domicile. The set comes with thirty discs, all colour coded to their affiliated films (as far as I can tell) and packaged in this exquisite, portable exhibition of Kubrick's art, history, and legacy. The set also comes with a book that likely doubles down on everything you will experience and learn from this set, and, if it's anything like past sets (like Ingmar Bergman's Cinema), I can only imagine that the book will pair up nicely with each film (as you go through Kubrick's career step by step). On the topic of the Bergman box set, I wonder if Criterion will attempt to curate Kubrick's films in some sort of way (I can only imagine that it would make more sense to go chronological with Kubrick's works, since there are only so many films in the first place, whereas Bergman had around forty in his box set).
Now, it goes without saying that this set will feature all of Kubrick's films in 4K and Blu-ray, and I don't think I need to get into why most — if not all — of Kubrick's films warrant being owned and seen in the strongest resolution possible. Known as one of the most aesthetically strong filmmakers of all time (and someone who has many films on my list of the best shot titles ever, including Barry Lyndon topping said list and 2001: A Space Odyssey coming third), I firmly believe that Kubrick's films should always be presented with the best capabilities possible at any given time. You can also consider how important this is to the sound of his films as well, which are all known for their iconic soundtracks; I will also use this time to highlight how strong the sound design in his films are as well.
All of this will rush you six hundred dollars US, which, as of the time this article was released, will equate to eight-hundred-and-fifty CAD (eek). That is quite the ask, but I also understand where much of this value comes from. Not only are you getting all of the above, but this is the complete collection of one of the greatest directors of all time. Having said that, if you are me, chances are you already own most — if not all — of Kubrick's films already (I own all except for Fear and Desire, and I only own Killer's Kiss because it comes with Criterion's release of The Killing). I guarantee a few of you upgraded your Barry Lyndon copy to 4K when it was announced, and many of you bought the highly-coveted Eyes Wide Shut when it finally came out. Now, despite owning most of his films already (some on cheap DVDs that are over twenty years old), would I like to upgrade to this glorious box set? You bet I would, but I also don't have eight hundred dollars to toss around (unless one of you generous, dearest of readers would like to donate to the "Andreas is broke because he is a film critic" foundation). I will certainly consider getting this box set during one of those flash sales, but I guarantee that everyone and their pet poodle will be doing the same; I cannot imagine that Criterion has enough stock to account for thousands of orders in the span of one day. I believe the Barnes & Noble sale will also go towards this pre-order in due time, just so you know.
If — by some unfortunate miracle — you are on Films Fatale and know nothing about Stanley Kubrick, I begin this conclusionary paragraph by first welcoming you. Secondly, if you are rich and daring enough to consider blind-buying this entire collection, I congratulate you on whatever it was that made you do this well in life. I will say that Kubrick is my choice for the greatest English-language director of all time and easily one of my four entries on my Mouth Rushmore (alongside Ingmar Bergman, David Lynch, and Akira Kurosawa; not that you asked). If you are serious about wanting to learn more about the capabilities of cinema, this box set is an absolute must. You will not get a greater lesson on this glorious visionary than this set right here: one that houses all of his films with such detail, artistry, and care. If Kubrick wasn't already a juggernaut of cinema, a box set like this would be sure to make him one (Criterion was only matching the calibre of his craft and importance). Having said that, it is a tall order to ask someone who likely already owns many of these films to upgrade for so much money, and I can only hope that Criterion maintains their stock over time for the many of us who will likely have to save up in order to buy this set. However, I think it is as clear as day when I say that this is one of the most stunning, important, and worthwhile releases Criterion has ever worked on. I don't know if I can stand by how much this set is (even one hundred less would feel a little more feasible), but it almost feels like a test by Criterion: how much of a fan of Stanley Kubrick are you? Are you committed enough to cripple your wallet for the foreseeable future just to own these upgrades of films you already have? Well, the test that me and many are facing after this amazing revelation is this: how can anyone say no to this outside of its cost? I just might have to go for it.
You can buy The Complete Kubrick 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.