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You’ll finally be able to watch your favorite classics in 4K HD.
The Criterion Collection announced today that they will come out with their first-ever 4K Ultra HD titles in November, made up of a six-film slate that includes Orson Welles’ seminal “Citizen Kane,” widely regarded as one of the best films in history.
We’re thrilled to announce that CITIZEN KANE will lead Criterion’s first slate of 4K Ultra HD releases along with MENACE II SOCIETY, THE PIANO, MULHOLLAND DR., THE RED SHOES, and A HARD DAY’S NIGHT! https://t.co/VHrbHhnwjz pic.twitter.com/I9qamqnDgu
— Criterion Collection (@Criterion) August 11, 2021
The 1941 film was the Criterion Collection’s first laser-disc offering 37 years ago, making its return after a long absence particularly commemorative. It will release alongside five other breakthrough movies: Allen and Albert Hughe’s directorial debut “Menace II Society,” Jane Campion’s Academy Award-winning “The Piano,” David Lynch’s love letter to Los Angeles, “Mulholland Dr.,” Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s classic romance drama “The Red Shoes” and Richard Lester’s “A Hard Day’s Night,” the beloved movie musical that brought The Beatles to the big screen during the height of their fame in 1964.
Each title will release as part of a combo pack that comes with a 4K UHD disc of the film and a Blu-ray of the film, in addition to special features. The initial six releases are just the first of many the Criterion Collection plans to roll out, with more offerings to come in the next few months. And with “Scream” coming out in 4K Blu-ray on Oct. 19, cinephiles have a lot to look forward to.
If you’re looking to add to your collection before November, though, here are some of the best Criterion Collection DVDs (and popular 4K editions) to hold you over.
‘Mulholland Dr.’ Criterion Collection
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In David Lynch’s “Mulholland Dr.,” Naomi Watts stars as Betty Elms as she runs into ominous trouble after moving to Hollywood to become a movie star.
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ Criterion Collection
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Following the Spanish Civil War, a young Ofelia comes face to face with fascism while taking care of her pregnant mother. The Criterion edition includes audio commentary and interviews with director Guillermo del Toro.
‘Seven Samurai’ Criterion Collection
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Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 action film is widely regarded as a masterpiece, which tells the story of a vulnerable sixteenth century village that hires a group of warriors to protect them from invading bandits.
‘La piscine’ Criterion Collection
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Jacque Deray and Jean-Claude Carriére’s “La piscine” stars real-life couple Alain Delon and Romy Schneider, who reunite for an erotic performance on the Côte d’Azur before an unexpected visitor leads their blissful vacation astray. The Criterion Collection includes archival footage, an alternate ending and an informational interview with film scholar Nick Rees-Roberts.
‘Almost Famous’ 4K
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“Almost Famous,” which released in 4K UHD last month, tells the semi-autobiographical story of music journalist William Miller as he infiltrates himself into the rock-and-roll world and chases stories for “Rolling Stone.” The new release is a must-have for collectors, featuring the original theatrical cut, the beloved “Bootleg cut” and a limited-edition Steelbook.
‘The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy’ 4K
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The 4K edition of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy includes both the extended and theatrical cuts of Peter Jackson’s masterpiece, which tells the epic Middle-earth tale based on Tolkien’s original novels.
‘Scarface’ 4K
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Starring Al Pacino as Tony Montana in the 1980s, “Scarface” is a story of a man who comes to the U.S in search of the American Dream. The 4K edition comes with deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage from set.