The Criterion Collection expanded my cinematic knowledge immensely when I discovered it many years ago in college. In the time since, it has only continued to encourage my exploring of all that cinema has to offer. It also kickstarted my love for collecting a wide range of movies, to ensure that I always had something excellent to watch. If I saw that spine number, and a surely impressive cover that called out to me, I knew I was in good hands whether or not I had even heard of the movie. So moving forward, I’m very excited to be detailing the upcoming monthly releases from the Criterion Collection. Let’s dive into the releases arriving in October 2024.
I Walked with a Zombie / The Seventh Victim: Produced by Val Lewton – 10/8/2024
For fans of contemporary “elevated horror”, it feels like this duology of films will be an exciting treat. In just 4 years, legendary RKO producer Val Lewton released nearly a dozen films for the studio. The two collected in this release are both dread-inducing visions of death. Striking fear into the viewer through chilling effects and practical cinema techniques, this 4K Blu-Ray release will be perfect for any horror fans looking to expand their genre knowledge.
Demon Pond – 10/15/2024
One look at the cover illustration by Yuko Shimizu and you’ll know all you need to know about this 1979 film from Japanese New Wave filmmaker Masahiro Shinoda. The striking imagery of the cover is justified in the overall visual excitement that coarses throughout this film. While I have yet to see it, the prospect of a horror-fueled fantasia with an electronic score sounds right up my alley and guarantees my rushing out to secure a copy for the shelf.
Pandora’s Box – 10/15/2024
Whenever a new silent film enters the Criterion Collection is a cause for celebration. This epic 1929 film is making its Blu-Ray debut in the U.S., and there’s no better fit than in the Criterion Collection. Excitingly, there are 4 distinct musical scores to choose from. Silent cinema viewings are always so different depending on which score is listened to, and such a variety of options on the disc means rewatches aplenty!
Gummo – 10/22/2024
Harmony Korine’s debut feature finally arrives in high quality for the first time ever. Making the jump straight to a 4K Blu-Ray, this film is one that has eluded many cinephiles for quite some time. Almost infamous for its shocking imagery and Korine’s always fascinating style of filmmaking, Gummo is a film that has few, if any, films that it can be compared to. This is most certainly one of the most exciting home video releases of 2024, and will remain at the top of the rankings even as the year comes to a close.
For complete information on the Criterion Collection releases for October 2024, you can head to the individual release pages linked via each title above. Be sure to let us know what title you’re most excited to pick up this month!