2013 In Review: The Five Best Criterion Collection Releases of 2013 [Joshua’s List]

5. On The Waterfront

Sure, The Criterion Collection makes their name in giving us definitive editions of unsung gems of world cinema, documentaries and various art pictures that have become definitive films in the lives of cinephiles around the world. However, it’s releases like this take on Elia Kazan’ masterpiece that prove they are truly the greatest at what they do on this planet. The definitive edition of a truly definitive member of the cinematic canon, not only is this restoration as lively and breathtaking as the company has given us all year (re-watching this on a big screen proves just how much life the grain of Kazan’s picture gives the entire film) but with the various aspect ratios being represented here, the various essays and interview segments and even a handful of looks into the life and work of Kazan, this is easily one of the year’s best and most noteworthy releases, Criterion Collection or not.

4. 3 Films By Roberto Rossellini Starring Ingrid Bergman

In the year of the box set, this is the biggest and the brightest. Looking at three films from this legendary cinematic duo, this box set is an absolute monster. BothStromboli and Europe ’51 come with Italian and English language versions (with different runtimes, so this isn’t just a dubbing), with Journey To Italy being accompanied by a commentary from scholar Laura Mulvey. Transfers for all three films are absolutely stunning, and there are various video essays (including ones on the historical themes of the trilogy and Rossellini’s style), interviews with names like Martin Scorsese and Ingrid and Isabella Rossellini and introductions from Rossellini for all three films. Short films and documentaries abound here, including a short film starring Isabella Rossellini from director Guy Maddin, and a series of documentaries looking at Ingrid Bergman’s life, Rossellini’s “approach to cinema” and even a short film starring Bergman directed by Rossellini. Some of the most entrancing and truly gripping bits of neo-realism cinema has ever given us, these three films are unflinching dramas that will enrapture audiences, new or experienced a like. A must own. (Review)

3. An Investigation Of A Citizen Above Suspicion

Despite being an Oscar winning film and featuring a score from arguably one of cinema’s greatest and most beloved composers, many cinephiles either haven’t seen the film, or just didn’t see the Criterion Collection release coming, earlier this year. That said, this film from director Elio Petri be one of the company’s most interesting releases all year. A gorgeous dual format release (I mean, this thing even has a design on the interior of its case), the film features some fantastic artwork from Fred Davis, and a new 4k restoration that is both visually breathtaking and audibly entrancing. There is an archival interview with Petri that is insightful, and Petri’s career becomes the central focus for much of this release, especially a feature length documentary Elio Petri: Notes About A Filmmaker. A director that this writer only knew about in passing, this documentary is absolutely fascinating and a must-watch for those who find this superb noir to be the groundbreaking bit of work that it truly is. Toss in lengthy documentaries on both star Volonte and composer Morricone, and an interview with scholar Camilla Zamboni, and you have a film and a release that are as intriguing as we’ve seen come through the ranks of The Criterion Collection all year. The definition of what a Criterion Collection release can do for a film and a filmmaker, this should hopefully open the floodgates for more films from Petri to get their day in the spotlight. Here’s to hoping. A breathtaking look at the absolute power of absolute power corrupting a human absolutely, this is a must-own release from The Criterion Collection. (Review)

2. Safety Last

There is something to be said for a re-introduction being just as important as being shown a film for the first time. While their releases of films from the Charlie Chaplin filmography have been seen as perfect entry points for those looking to get into both Chaplin and The Criterion Collection, the company’s release of Harold Lloyd’s masterpiece Safety Last is just as important. While there are a handful of supplements here, including three really great short films, this is as great a silent film transfer as the company has ever given us. Looking as crisp as it ever has, if not more so, Lloyd’s film is a moving and genuinely exciting bit of comedy, that is as thrilling in its iconic action set piece as it is creative in its comedic gags. Without a single mean bone in its body, Safety Last is a pitch perfect laugher to introduce new viewers to a true screen legend, and prove to fans that Harold Lloyd is just as great a comedic legend as Chaplin or Keaton. (Review)

1. Marketa Lazarova

The greatest thing one can say about The Criterion Collection is that, at its very best, it introduces a world of film fans to pictures that have fallen through the cracks of history. Be it a release like People On Sunday, or this year’s Chronicle Of A Summer, their best releases are the ones that come as a total surprise, and also introduce the world to truly great motion pictures. And very few, if any, have been as huge a revelation as Marketa Lazarova. A startling blend of Herzogian man-vs-nature and Bela Tarr-esque realism with a pinch of Tarkovsky brood, this meditation on the battle between organized religion and paganism is truly unlike anything before and after it.  One of the prettiest films this writer has ever seen, it’s also one of the most rewarding to watch multiple times, with every viewing unleashing more and more ideas for the viewer to ponder. Toss in a handful of truly entrancing supplements, this release is the definition of the Criterion ideal of being a “film school in a box” type home video outlet.