In a world where the line between reality and fantasy often blurs, the Criterion Collection continues its tradition of curating cinematic gems for cinephiles of all ages. December promises to be a month filled with cinematic delights, featuring Guillermo del Toro’s stunning reimagining of Pinocchio, a classic Christmas hitman tale in Blast of Silence, and a collection of enchanting films by director Albert Lamorisse.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio: A Dark and Powerful Rendition
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which premiered on Netflix last December, isn’t your typical Disney-fied adaptation of the beloved puppet story. Instead, del Toro takes audiences on a dark and poignant journey that explores themes of love, loss, fascism, and personal identity. This animated masterpiece is a far cry from the carefree Pinocchio we grew up with. Del Toro’s vision delves into the depths of human emotion, offering a captivating and thought-provoking experience for viewers of all ages.
One of the hallmarks of Criterion releases is the meticulous attention to detail, and Pinocchio is no exception. The 2-disc edition, supervised by del Toro himself, includes a treasure trove of bonus material. But what truly sets it apart is a fascinating conversation between the visionary director and other luminaries of fantasy, Neil Gaiman (of The Sandman fame) and Mark Gustafson (who co-directed Pinocchio). This is a treat for anyone who loves to peer behind the scenes of cinematic magic.
Blast of Silence: A Raw Christmas Tale
If you’re in the mood for something less fantastical and more gritty, the 4K restoration of Blast of Silence is just what the cinephile ordered. Directed by Allen Baron in 1961, this film takes us on a journey through New York City during Christmas. But this isn’t your typical holiday film—it’s the story of a hitman on assignment, tasked with eliminating a mob boss. However, unexpected obstacles arise, leading to a thrilling and intense narrative.
Criterion’s commitment to preserving cinematic treasures is evident here, as they’ve breathed new life into this classic. The 4K digital restoration provides a fresh and vivid viewing experience. Plus, the bonus features, including “Requiem for a Killer: The Making of Blast of Silence,” offer valuable insights into the film’s creation.
The Red Balloon and Other Stories: A Timeless Collection
Criterion doesn’t just cater to contemporary tastes; they also celebrate timeless classics. In December, they’re presenting a collection of films by Academy Award-winning director Albert Lamorisse. At the heart of this collection is the beloved classic, The Red Balloon, which has enchanted generations with its touching tale of a young boy and his magical balloon.
The collection also includes other Lamorisse gems like White Mane, Bim, the Little Donkey, Stowaway in the Sky, and Circus Angel. With 4K and 2K restorations, these films will look better than ever before. Additionally, there’s a new interview with the filmmaker’s son, Pascal Lamorisse, adding a personal touch to this cinematic journey.
Criterion’s Unveiling of Modern Classics
Criterion has a knack for surprising its audience with selections that feel remarkably recent. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, despite being released just last year, has earned its place in the prestigious collection. It’s a testament to the film’s artistry and depth, proving that modern classics can be just as compelling as their older counterparts.
So, as we approach December, mark your calendars and prepare to embark on cinematic adventures that span from the enchanting to the raw and intense. Criterion Collection continues to be a haven for film lovers, offering a diverse range of stories that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
All the titles announced by Criterion are already available for pre-order on their website, so make sure to secure your copies of these cinematic treasures. December promises to be a month filled with memorable movie nights and thought-provoking discussions about the power of cinema. Don’t miss out on the magic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Criterion Collection December releases
Question: What is Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio about?
Answer: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a dark and powerful reimagining of the classic Pinocchio story. It explores themes of love, loss, fascism, and personal identity. The film takes a more mature and thought-provoking approach to the tale we all know, making it a captivating experience for viewers of all ages.
Question: What makes Criterion releases special?
Answer: Criterion releases are known for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving cinematic treasures. They often include bonus material, such as interviews, documentaries, and commentary, that provide valuable insights into the films. Additionally, Criterion’s use of high-quality restorations ensures that these classics look better than ever.
Question: Are these films suitable for a youth audience?
Answer: While some of the films mentioned, like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, may be suitable for a youth audience, others, like Blast of Silence, are more mature and intense. It’s important for parents and guardians to consider the age-appropriateness of each film before viewing with younger audiences.
Question: Where can I pre-order these Criterion releases?
Answer: All the titles announced by Criterion for December are available for pre-order on The Criterion Collection website. You can visit their website to secure your copies of these cinematic treasures.
Question: What is the significance of the 4K and 2K restorations mentioned in the text?
Answer: The 4K and 2K restorations refer to the process of digitally restoring films to a higher quality resolution. A 4K restoration offers an even higher level of detail and clarity than a 2K restoration. These restorations ensure that the films look crisp and vibrant when viewed on modern screens, preserving their visual quality for future generations of viewers.
More about Criterion Collection December releases
- Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio on Criterion Collection – Criterion’s official page for the Pinocchio release, where you can find more details about the film and the Criterion edition.
- Blast of Silence on Criterion Collection – Criterion’s official page for Blast of Silence, providing information about the film’s restoration and bonus features.
- The Red Balloon and Other Stories on Criterion Collection – Criterion’s page for the collection of Albert Lamorisse’s films, including The Red Balloon and others, with details on the restorations and bonus content.
- Criterion Collection Website – The official website of the Criterion Collection, where you can pre-order these and other Criterion releases.
3 comments
The Red Balloon brings back memories, and now it’s in 4K? awesome! criterion’s preserving the classics. and lamorisse’s son talkin’ about it? gotta hear that.
Pinocchio reimagined? Del Toro’s mind is wild, man. the dark twist on a classic is right up my alley. bonus material’s a plus, gotta know what’s goin’ on behind the scenes!
criterion collection always got the good stuff. those old movies with 4K restorations, makes ’em look better than evr. can’t wait 2 watch blast of silence, sounds intense!