In July 2024, Criterion Channel unveils a rich tapestry of cinematic treasures spanning diverse genres and eras, promising a compelling lineup for cinephiles worldwide. From the gritty allure of Times Square classics like “Taxi Driver” and “Midnight Cowboy” to the visionary works of Nicolas Roeg, known for his distinctive storytelling in films such as “Don’t Look Now” and “Walkabout,” this month’s offerings delve deep into the complexities of human experience and cinematic artistry. The collection also celebrates the resurgence of Heisei-Era Godzilla, featuring iconic battles in films like “Godzilla vs. Biollante” and “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah.” Additionally, Criterion highlights Les Blank’s captivating documentaries, including explorations of music legends and cultural traditions.
This July, viewers can explore Shakespearean adaptations with a modern twist in the Pop Shakespeare category, featuring films like Derek Jarman’s avant-garde “The Tempest” and Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant “Romeo + Juliet.” The Columbia Screwball collection brings classic comedies from the 1930s and 1940s to the forefront, showcasing timeless gems such as “His Girl Friday” and “It Happened One Night.” Meanwhile, the Criterion Channel Exclusive “32 Sounds” offers an immersive journey into the profound impact of sound, crafted by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Green.
With a curated blend of rediscoveries, restorations, and contemporary documentaries, Criterion Channel’s July lineup promises a captivating exploration of cinema’s vast and enduring influence. Whether rediscovering cult classics or diving into avant-garde masterpieces, this month’s selections invite audiences to immerse themselves in the art of storytelling through a lens that is both timeless and transformative.
Everything Coming to Criterion Channel in July 2024:
Top Stories:
The Criterion Channel’s July 2024 catalog is a cinephile’s dream, featuring a diverse array of classics and hidden gems. Highlights include the neo-noir thriller “Night Moves” (1975), Brian De Palma’s suspenseful “Blow Out” (1981), and the Coen Brothers‘ masterful “Blood Simple” (1984). Fans of noir will revel in the atmospheric “L.A. Confidential” (1997) and the taut “Out of Sight” (1998). The collection also boasts iconic performances in “Bad Lieutenant” (1992) and its 2009 reboot, “Port of Call New Orleans.” With a lineup that spans decades and genres, Criterion’s July offerings are a must-watch for serious film enthusiasts.
– Night Moves (1975)
– Obsession (1976)
– The Big Sleep (1978)
– Absence of Malice (1981)
– Blow Out (1981)
– Eyewitness (1981)
– Blood Simple (1984)
– Crimes of Passion (1984)
– Cop (1988)
– Blue Steel (1990)
– Bad Lieutenant (1992)
– The Last Seduction (1994)
– Blood and Wine (1996)
– L.A. Confidential (1997)
– Out of Sight (1998)
– The Deep End (2001)
– The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)
– Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)
Pop Shakespeare:
The Criterion Channel’s July 2024 catalog celebrates Shakespearean adaptations with a modern twist. In the Pop Shakespeare category, highlights include Derek Jarman’s avant-garde “The Tempest” (1979) and Paul Mazursky’s contemporary “Tempest” (1982). Discover Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho” (1991), a unique take on “Henry IV,” and Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant “Romeo + Juliet” (1996). Michael Almereyda’s “Hamlet” (2000) offers a sleek, modern interpretation, while Kenneth Branagh’s musical “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (2000) adds a light-hearted touch. Joss Whedon’s “Much Ado About Nothing” (2012) completes this engaging lineup, blending classic tales with contemporary storytelling.
– The Tempest (1979)
– Tempest (1982)
– China Girl (1987)
– My Own Private Idaho (1991)
– Romeo + Juliet (1996)
– Hamlet (2000)
– Love’s Labour’s Lost (2000)
– Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
Columbia Screwball:
July’s Criterion Channel lineup features the Columbia Screwball category, showcasing classic comedies from the 1930s to the 1960s. Dive into the witty banter of “Platinum Blonde” (1931) and the iconic romance of “It Happened One Night” (1934). Enjoy the rapid-fire humor of “His Girl Friday” (1940) and the charming antics in “The More the Merrier” (1943). Delve into lesser-known gems like “Phffft” (1954) and “Good Neighbor Sam” (1964), blending satire and slapstick with timeless performances. This collection celebrates the golden age of screwball comedy, offering laughter and romance in equal measure for cinephiles of all ages.
– Platinum Blonde (1931)
– It Happened One Night (1934)
– Twentieth Century (1934)
– The Whole Town’s Talking (1935)
– Theodora Goes Wild (1936)
– The Awful Truth (1937)
– You Can’t Take It with You (1938)
– His Girl Friday (1940)
– The More the Merrier (1943)
– It Should Happen to You (1954)
– Phffft (1954)
– Good Neighbor Sam (1964)
Times Square:
Step into the gritty allure of Times Square with Criterion Channel’s July 2024 lineup. Featuring a blend of cult classics and hidden gems, the Times Square category offers a cinematic journey through the heart of New York City’s vibrant district. From the seedy glamour of “Midnight Cowboy” (1969) to the raw intensity of “Taxi Driver” (1976), each film captures the essence of urban life with unflinching realism. Explore lesser-known treasures like “Variety” (1983) and “The New York Ripper” (1982), showcasing the city’s dark underbelly and pulsating energy. This collection is a testament to Times Square’s cinematic legacy and its enduring influence on film culture.
– Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
– Midnight Cowboy (1969)
– Born to Win (1971)
– Shaft (1971)
– God Told Me To (1976)
– Taxi Driver (1976)
– Times Square (1980)
– So Fine (1981)
– The New York Ripper (1982)
– Variety (1983)
– The Children of Times Square (1986)
– King of New York (1990)
– The Gods of Times Square (1999)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg:
Explore the visionary world of Nicolas Roeg in Criterion Channel’s July 2024 lineup. Known for his distinctive storytelling and visual style, Roeg’s films captivate with their psychological depth and unconventional narratives. “Walkabout” (1971) transports viewers to the Australian outback, blending stunning landscapes with a poignant coming-of-age tale. “Don’t Look Now” (1973) delves into grief and the supernatural in Venice, showcasing Roeg’s mastery of suspense. “Bad Timing” (1980) challenges perceptions of love and obsession, while “Insignificance” (1985) offers a surreal encounter between icons in 1950s America. “Track 29” (1988) concludes the journey with its exploration of identity and desire. Roeg’s films in this collection are a testament to his lasting impact on cinema, inviting audiences to rediscover his unparalleled cinematic vision.
– Walkabout (1971)
– Don’t Look Now (1973)
– Bad Timing (1980)
– Insignificance (1985)
– Track 29 (1988)
Heisei-Era Godzilla:
Dive into the monstrous world of Heisei-Era Godzilla in Criterion Channel’s July 2024 lineup. This collection showcases Godzilla’s resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, blending traditional kaiju battles with modern special effects. “The Return of Godzilla” (1984) reintroduces the iconic creature in a darker, more menacing form. Godzilla vs. Biollante” (1989) pits Godzilla against a genetically engineered foe, while “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” (1991) explores time travel and alternate futures. “Godzilla vs. Mothra” (1992) brings legendary monsters together in an epic showdown. These films exemplify the Heisei era’s blend of spectacle and storytelling, cementing Godzilla’s status as a global cinematic icon.
– The Return of Godzilla (1984)
– Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)
– Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)
– Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)
Criterion Channel Exclusive in July 2024:
32 Sounds
32 Sounds is an immersive feature documentary and profound sensory experience from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green (The Weather Underground) featuring original music by JD Samson (Le Tigre, MEN). The film explores the elemental phenomenon of sound by weaving together 32 specific sound explorations into a cinematic meditation on the power of sound to bend time, cross borders, and profoundly shape our perception of the world around us. Join Oscar-nominated filmmaker Green as he takes the audience on a journey through time and space — exploring everything from forgotten childhood memories, to the soundtrack of resistance, to subaquatic symphonies — and experience in new ways the astonishing sounds of our everyday lives. 32 Sounds investigates the mysterious nature of perception and the subtle yet radical politics that arise from sensation and being present in one’s body.
Chicken for Linda!
Paulette feels guilty after unjustly punishing her daughter Linda and would do anything to make it up to her. Linda immediately asks for a meal of chicken with peppers, which reminds her of the dish her father used to make. But with a general strike closing stores all across town and pushing people into the streets, this innocent request quickly leads to an outrageous series of events that spirals out of control, as Paulette does everything she can to keep her promise and find a chicken for Linda.
Rediscoveries and Restorations:
– Nowhere
– Perfumed Nightmare
– Turumba
– Lime Kiln Club Field Day
– Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore
Criterion Collection Editions:
– Thelma & Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)
– Black God, White Devil (Glauber Rocha, 1964)
Music Films:
– loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies
– Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen
True Stories – Mexico City Punk:
– Shit Saturday (1988)
– Nobody Is Innocent (1986)
– Alma Punk (1991)
– Nobody Is Innocent: Twenty Years Later (2010)
Premiering July 1 in Documentaries by Les Blank: 11 films
Criterion Channel’s July 2024 lineup also celebrates the work of Les Blank with a collection of 11 captivating documentaries. From the vibrant rhythms of “Dizzy Gillespie” (1965) to the cultural tapestry of “Chulas fronteras” (1976) and “Del mero corazón” (1979), Blank’s films immerse viewers in diverse landscapes and traditions. “Huey Lewis and the News: BEFORE!” (1986) offers a glimpse into music history, while “I Went to the Dance” (1989) and “Innocents Abroad” (1991) explore the human spirit across continents. This curated selection highlights Blank’s keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of life through intimate storytelling and vivid imagery.
– Dizzy Gillespie (1965)
– Chulas fronteras (1976)
– Del mero corazón (1979)
– Huey Lewis and the News: BEFORE! (1986)
– Ziveli! Medicine for the Heart (1987)
– I Went to the Dance (1989)
– Innocents Abroad (1991)
– Marc and Ann (1991)
– All in This Tea (2006)
– How to Smell a Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at His Farm in Normandy (2014)
– Thailand Moment (2015)
