Top 10 Criterion Collection Blu-Rays For 2022 – Gift Guide

Looking for a special something for the cinephile in your life? Then you’ve come to the right place.

The Criterion Collection is one of the world’s most respected home entertainment brands, restoring cinema classics from across the globe and rereleasing them with a treasure trove of special features and gorgeous new artwork.

The company releases approximately three films per month in the UK, so it might be difficult knowing where to start. Luckily, we’re on hand to help.

Here’s our guide to the best of their 2022 releases, as well as a couple of box sets you won’t want to miss out on.

1. 

   Lost Highway

   Upon release, Lost Highway was one of David Lynch’s most polarising films, but has swiftly gained a cult following.

   Now, you can envelop yourself in the disorienting cinematic nightmare thanks to this stunning rerelease, issued in 4K for the very first time.

   Buy now with free delivery

2. 

   The Great Dictator

   Arguably the greatest satire ever made, Charlie Chaplin’s takedown of Hitler might very well be the definitive film of his career.

   Extensive extras include a 2001 documentary by Kenneth Branagh on the film and a booklet featuring an unearthed essay by Chaplin himself.

   Buy now with free delivery

3. 

   Okja

   Remastered in 4K by Bong Joon-ho himself, this Criterion release of his 2017 comic adventure marked the first time the film was released on home entertainment.

   The extras include new interviews with the director and the team who helped bring his vision to life.

   Buy now with free delivery

4. 

   Shaft

   Everybody needs some Shaft in their life and thanks to Criterion, you can now get the definitive Blaxploitation movie in glorious 4K.

   There are extensive bonus features, which include the film’s often overlooked 1972 sequel, Shaft’s Big Score!, and a new documentary on the making of the movie.

   Buy now with free delivery

5. 

   Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films 1954-1975

   This is the holy grail for kaiju movie fans, a gigantic 15 film, eight disc set featuring the digital remasters of every Godzilla movie released during the franchise’s Showa era.

   If that wasn’t enough, there’s a ton of bonus features and a lavishly illustrated deluxe hardcover book featuring new essays and illustrations for several of the films in the series.

   Buy now with free delivery

6. 

   The Before Trilogy

   Another great box set worth picking up is the Criterion release of the Before trilogy, director Richard Linklater’s trio of romantic dramas that will have you falling in love and breaking your heart over the course of the story.

   The newly restored films come with behind the scenes bonus extras and a feature length documentary about the director himself.

   Buy now with free delivery

7. 

   Make Way For Tomorrow

   It’s nearly 100 years old, but Make Way For Tomorrow has retained its power to move audiences to tears decades after its original release.

   One of the great films of the 1930s, director Leo McCarey’s masterpiece comes with a booklet featuring new essays on this emotional sledgehammer of a movie.

   Buy now with free delivery

8. 

   Double Indemnity

   Billy Wilder made several masterpieces, and one of the very best might be the greatest of all Hollywood noirs.

   Co-written with Raymond Chandler, it launched Wilder’s career and is now ready to be enjoyed for generations to come via this glorious 4K transfer.

   Buy now with free delivery

9. 

   The Funeral

   Director Juzo Itami’s debut feature was a landmark in Japanese cinema and its blend of delightfully dark comedy and poignant family drama still feels fresh to this day.

    

   Buy now with free delivery

10. 

    In The Realm Of The Senses

    Finally, one of the most controversial films of all time (which remains censored in its home country to this day) has been remastered by Criterion and remains just as provocative as it did nearly 50 years ago.

    The taboo breaking milestone of cinema is accompanied by a booklet featuring a new essay and an unearthed interview with director Nagisa Oshima.

    Buy now with free delivery