Criterion Crazy: November 2026 Releases
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
I apologize for the delay with this article. The announcement was made deep into the Toronto International Film Festival this year, and I have needed some time to gather my thoughts and take it easy. It’s the last Criterion Collection slate of the calendar year, and — while this lineup cannot quite compete with the November announcement — the coveted company is ending 2026 in style. With four new titles, a highly anticipated film returning into the collection (and on 4K), and a great Eclipse series, you cannot really go wrong this month. Let’s dive right in.
The Favourite: Grizzly Man (2005)
I have argued that the Criterion Collection has needed more Werner Herzog titles for years, so the inclusion of the documentary masterpiece — Grizzly Man — is a much-needed one. Featuring the life and (details of the) death of Timothy Treadwell (a man who was able to live alongside actual grizzly bears), Grizzly Man is equal parts tasteful and visceral. Available only on Blu-ray, Grizzly Man will come with a couple of special features. These include a conversation between Herzog and the film’s producer (Erik Nelson), various interviews, and a classic Criterion essay (this time by journalist Nick Paumgarten). While there aren’t too many extras (the packaging also comes with photography that I can only imagine will be breathtaking), believe me when I say that this is a release you must pick up simply for the strength and integrity of the film on its own.
A Classic Up in this Lubitsch: The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Ernst Lubitsch’s classic romantic comedy, The Shop Around the Corner, can now join the other early screwball and lovey-dovey films of the Criterion Collection. This one is the crowd pleasing pick of the bunch this month: a film you cannot go wrong with, if you have not seen it. This genuine pick-me-up will be available on 4K and Blu-ray; as wonderful as this film is, should you want to save some pennies here and there, I think that purchasing this film on Blu-ray will suffice (it’s not really a film known for its photographic and audible brilliance or anything). The Shop Around the Corner will come with audio commentary by Lubitsch specialist Joseph McBride, an “appreciation” (whatever that means) by Noah Wyle (why not, considering that The Pitt is still in style), and two radio adaptations of the film — that last feature is easily the most interesting.
Dark Comedy Italian Style: Divorce Italian Style (1961)
Pietro Germi’s beloved dark comedy, Divorce Italian Style, is another picture that you cannot go wrong with if you want something spicy and cheeky. Available on both 4K and Blu-ray, Divorce Italian Style will likely be a popular purchase that you may want to get your hands on before it is sold out. This film will come with a documentary about Germi (The Man with a Cigar in His Mouth), various interviews, and screen tests. This is already a beloved film of Italian cinema, and I can only expect this film to resonate with newer and younger audiences via this release.
“You know sex in a tub? That doesn’t work!”: The English Patient (1996)
So it may be no secret that I am not the biggest fan of Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient, considering that I find the film to be overlong and somewhat thin; however, I cannot deny how strong the film is artistically. With this in mind, should you want to own this Criterion version of the film (which, admittedly, has gorgeous box art), I would suggest that you get it on 4K as opposed to Blu-ray; it is a beautiful film after all. You will also get the most features with this title than all of the other new inclusions into the Collection. These include various commentaries, many interviews, a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and a special programme by D.O.P. John Seale and script supervisor Diane Dreyer. Don’t take my opinion too seriously if you love this film: this looks like a must-have for fans of The English Patient (and I hope you enjoy this release); I just won’t be getting it myself, most likely.
It’s Time to Upgrade: Nashville (1975)
Robert Altman’s masterpiece, Nashville, was out of print for years and became one of the most sought after titles in the Criterion Collection; to own it was to have gold. However, the film is not only back in the Collection, it will now be available on 4K to boot (now, this is exciting). A masterpiece of American cinema and a titan of the hyperlink genre, Nashville — to me — is essential cinema, and seeing it in the best quality possible makes the most sense.
Let’s Not Forget About Eclipse: Sara Gómez’s Revolutionary Cuba
The short life and career of Cuban filmmaker Sara Gómez is getting spotlit via Criterion’s Eclipse series, with this touching collection (and the fiftieth Eclipse entry to boot). Sara Gómez’s Revolutionary Cuba features all of the filmmaker’s short films, plus her lone feature film, One Way or Another (also known as De cierta manera — an excellent slice of Cuban cinema that will now make its rounds thanks to this release). I think that this release will make many new fans of Gómez’s work with the sad realization that she wasn’t with us for longer — she had all of the promise in the world. Her legacy and filmography can still be championed. Eclipse has done it again.
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.