Criterion Collection has a slew of new releases coming your way to amp up your list of summer movie must-haves. Criterion specializes in restoring and distributing “important classic and contemporary” films from around the world. And with a catalog of over 1,400 (1,480 and climbing at last glance) ranging from avant-garde to Westerns, film noir to science fiction, their impressive selection has something for even the toughest movie critic. These specialized movies are complete with revamped rare finds, as well as exclusive in-depth commentary, and fascinating analysis. Below, check out new Criterion Collection pre-orders for the month of July and August. Click here for more Criterion Collection movies to add to your film vault.
“La Piscine”
Release Date: July 20
This 1960s thriller will make you want to grab some panisses or popcorn, snuggle up, and hold on tight. A romantic getaway at a posh villa on the French Riviera sets the scene for this classic film by Jacques Deray. Alain Delon (Jean-Paul) and Romy Schneider (Marianne) star as lovers in the drama, but when Marianne invites her former beau Harry (Maurice Ronet) to hang out with the couple, tensions flare. The situation takes another turn when Harry brings his daughter, Penelope, who catches Jean-Paul’s eye. Jealousy, passion, and a raw range of emotions take over, turning a beautiful vacation into all-out bloodshed with lasting consequences. The Criterion Collection Blu-ray includes bonus features, such as an English-language version of the film, archival footage of the cast, and alternate endings. This release also includes stellar upgrades such as a new, restored 4K digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack.
“After Life”
Release Date: August 10
In this riveting drama, Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda captivates audiences by going deep into the psyche to find your most cherished moments. “After Life” takes you to a place where only one memory is allowed for the rest of eternity. If you had a week to decide, which moment in time would you choose? Available August 10, this Blu-ray disc features new 2K restoration, new interviews with Hirokazu Kore-eda, as well as deleted scenes.
“Original Cast Album: ‘Company’”
Release Date: August 17
In 1970, after Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” premiered on Broadway, the cast followed a longstanding tradition that on the first Sunday after opening night, they would record audio of their live performance. “Original Cast Album: Company” invites you to witness all of the splendor, but not excluding the hectic experiences that go into having an entire cast, an orchestra, composer, and director crammed in a Manhattan recording studio creating magic. This film features a new 4K digital transfer supervised by Chris Hegedus and Nate Pennebaker, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on Blu-ray. Special features also include never-before-heard audio excerpts from interviews with Elaine Stritch and Hal Prince, conducted by D.A. Pennebaker and Hegedus in 2001.
“Ashes and Diamonds”
Release Date: August 24
Hailed as a groundbreaking film for Polish cinema, “Ashes and Diamonds” takes place in a small Polish town at the end of World War II. A young fighter is given assassination orders, but falling in love changes his plans while simultaneously placing him in a world of danger. “Ashes and Diamonds” is the final film in the war trilogy by Andrzej Wajda. This classic will soon be available in 4K digital restoration with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack, archival newsreel footage on the making of the film, and more.
“Beasts of No Nation”
Release Date: August 31
The horrors of war are brought to life in the 2015 American-Ghanaian war film, “Beasts of No Nation.” Director Cary Joji Fukunaga takes us into the world of Agu (Abraham Attah), a child soldier in an unnamed, war-stricken African country. Agu has little choice but to succumb to a life of violence. Along his journey, he is taken under the wing by a relentless army commander, played by Idris Elba. The director-approved special features include a new interview with costume designer Jenny Eagan and new audio commentary featuring Fukugana and first assistant director Jon Mallard. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
