The Criterion Collection Announces Its December 2023 Release Calendar

The Criterion Collection announced its December release slate this past week and it is of note on two counts.

First, a Netflix production will see the light of day in the home entertainment packaged media arena.   The company’s films and series are a favorite target for “helpers,” who eagerly cater to the wants and desires of consumers who are ignored by Netflix when it comes to DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD releases … that physical media demand is filled by others.

 

Second, Criterion will be shinning the release spotlight on an ultra-rare film release from 1961.   Independent to be sure (a nothing budget), with arthouse overtones.   Odd, minor and out of place, but very welcome … and refreshing to see Criterion step out on this one (out before on DVD) with a new 4K film restoration, including the presentation of the film with two different aspect ratios.

 

The film in question is Blast of Silence, written, directed and starring Allen Baron.   The newly-minted Blu-ray edition will be available on Dec. 5, which is oddly appropriate since the subject of this neo-noir thriller is the story of hitman Frank Bono (Allen Baron — as director, Terror in the City, Outside In) on an assignment in New York City during the runup to Christmas.

In many ways it is a time capsule, showcasing New York City at another time, not in a slick way, but dirty, gritty and well-worn.   And, all in glorious black and white.

 

Bonus features include the making of featurette titled “Requiem for a Killer: The Making of Blast of Silence” and photos of the locations, both as Polaroids taken during the production and revisited in 2008.

 

The aforementioned Netflix film is Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which has been a favorite target of “helpers” with several void-filling DVD and Blu-ray product offerings.   The Criterion presentation (streeting on Dec. 12) take the form of a full-spread release, including double-disc DVD edition, a stand-alone Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo Pack presentation.

 

Bonus features include the 2022 short documentary titled Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema, the featurette “Directing Stop-Motion” and video sessions.