The Best of the Criterion Collection 2012

"The Criterion Collection, a continuing series of important classic and contemporary films, has been dedicated to gathering the greatest films from around the world and publishing them in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements."

I will be putting together my regular review of the Academy Award wins and the best films of 2012. I might also have a larger Oscar History project beginning early next year, but I won't say anything more.  Right now, I want to highlight one of my favorite outlets for viewing films: the Criterion Collection. They have had some incredible releases this year. While there have been several blu-ray upgrades of existing titles, I have enjoyed many of the new titles in the collection.  Currently at 642 blu-ray and dvd releases (with the most recent mentioned below), Criterion has earned its reputation.

I want to focus on my ten favorite new releases from the Criterion Collection for 2012. One great promotional tool that Criterion began last year was their "Three Reasons" videos.  They even have released a bonus dvd called "99 Reasons" collecting many of these great videos. A good way to explain why the film is important and worth including in the collection.  I have included them when available.

Before going through my top ten, I just want to mention a few of the blu-ray upgrades I was particularly pleased with:

The Last Temptation of Christ (Martin Scorsese, 1988, #70, United States)

Late Spring (Yasujirō Ozu, 1949, #331, Japan)

The 39 Steps (Alfred Hitchcock, 1935, #56, United Kingdom)

The Last Days of Disco (Whit Stillman, 1998, #485, United States)

The Royal Tenenbaums (Wes Anderson, 2001, #157, United States)

In the Mood for Love (Wong Kar-wai, 2000, #147, Hong Kong)

Brazil (Terry Gilliam, 1985, #51, United Kingdom)

 
10. World on a Wire (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1973, #598, Germany)

Fassbinder bending our minds without the use of bullet time.  No Keanu or kung fu.  All positives in my book.

9. David Lean Directs Noël Coward (1942-1945, #603, United Kingdom)

A box set from earlier in the year that has been largely forgotten.  But this collaboration between playwright Coward and director Lean produced some wonderful works, from romantic tragedy to chamber comedy.  Brief Encounter is technically a blu-grade, but the rest are wonderful additions to the collection.


Brief Encounter (1945, #76)
In Which We Serve (1942, #604)
This Happy Breed (1944, #605)
Blithe Spirit (1945, #606)

Here is the trailer for "Brief Encounter".

 


8. Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971, #608, United States)

Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon were hipsters before we knew what that meant.  Hal Ashby is one of the best unsung directors of the 1970s New Hollywood era.  Cat Stevens music cues live on in the world of Wes Anderson films.

 

7. Summer Interlude (Ingmar Bergman, 1951, #613, United States)
Summer with Monika (Ingmar Bergman, 1953, #614, Sweden)

Technically two releases, this pair of early Bergman works demonstrate many of the themes of isolation, love, death that his career is known for.
Here is a special feature excerpt for "Summer with Monika".

6. Anatomy of a Murder (Otto Preminger, 1959, #600, United States)

Powerhouse cast, talented auteur, and moodful Duke Ellington score.  The Classic Hollywood era working at its best.  And it's spine #600!

5. Being John Malkovich (Spike Jonze, 1999, #611, United States)

One of the great creative endeavors of the last 15 years.  Spike Jonze made the successful jump from music videos to film, getting career best work from actors like John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, and yes, even John Malkovich as himself.

4. Rosemary's Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968, #630, United States)

Polanski's big American debut, with great performances by Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and Ruth Gordon.  It is truly a terrifying film.

3. The Gold Rush (Charles Chaplin, 1925/1942, #615, United States)
Yes! This is probably my favorite Chaplin film.  So much fun.  Great of Criterion to include both the sound and silent versions.

2. The Qatsi Trilogy (Godfrey Reggio, 1983-2002, #639, United States)

The transfomation of humanity from an extension of nature to a dependent on technology has never been more frightening.  The music of Phillip Glass will haunt your dreams.

Koyaanisqatsi (1983, #640)
Powaqqatsi (1988, #641)
Naqoyqatsi (2002, #642)
Here is a key scene from "Koyaanisqatsi".

1. Godzilla (Ishiro Honda, 1954, #594, Japan)

Was there really another option?  Love having both versions of the film, the super-nerdy commentaries, the loving features.  This is a great release.