While I keep track of Criterion’s monthly releases, some months I’m pleasantly surprised by how little I know of that month’s set of announcements. In an exercise of ignorance, I can examine what is being released, see what made these films important to cinema, and round out my cinematic palate even further (a really cool opportunity, if you ask me). May 2026 is one of those months for me. I am familiar with most of the filmmakers, but not these specific films. Obviously, the two films released in 2025 and the one Akira Kurosawa upgrade I’m familiar with but the other four announcements? Completely new to me! There is one 4K upgrade (from a previous Criterion DVD release), one new Criterion Premieres release, two new Blu-ray releases, and three new 4K+Blu-Ray combo releases.
Stray Dog (1949)
One of my major cinematic blind spots is Akira Kurosawa. I’ve only seen Red Beard, Throne of Blood, and High and Low – and every single one of those films are incredible. Stray Dog has only been on Criterion DVD and there wasn’t a higher quality format until now. I’m a sucker for a crime thriller, pre-technology, and my one experience with one of Kurosawa’s crime thrillers (High and Low) was incredible. I’m quickly learning that any Kurosawa is good Kurosawa, and I’m eager to see this film when its new release comes out. Stray Dog is a new 4K+Blu-Ray combo release featuring a new 4K digital restoration.
Peter Hujar’s Day (2025)
Being a member of a number of NYC’s many arthouse theaters, I have seen this film’s poster plastered in the halls and concession stands of the theaters I’ve visited. Unfortunately, I haven’t made the trek to watch this but anything that takes place in New York scratches a nostalgic itch for a time I shouldn’t be nostalgic over. Peter Hujar’s Day is a dramatization of a conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. This film has been on my list for some time and I will be watching it before release. Peter Hujar’s Day is a new release from Criterion’s ‘Criterion Premieres’ with a Blu-Ray and DVD offering.
The Delta (1996)
This is the second release this month from filmmaker Ira Sachs (after Peter Hujar’s Day). The Delta is about a white 18-year-old young man who explores his sexuality and discovers his attraction to men. In his endeavors, he develops a relationship with a Black Vietnamese immigrant man. Set in Ira Sachs’s hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, The Delta follows ideas of sexuality and race while following a seemingly semiautobiographic approach given Sachs own experience as a gay man in Memphis. While I won’t pretend I know anything about the film or the themes explored within, the premise is very compelling and has certainly caught my attention by the lack of information I could gather online – I will be seeking this out. The Delta is a new Blu-Ray release featuring a new 2K digital restoration approved by director Ira Sachs.
Fresh Kill (1994)
This is a film I had never heard of until Criterion announced they were releasing a Blu-Ray. And now, after reading about it, I’m ITCHING to see this. A film that takes place in Staten Island, had a major influence in hacker subculture, ecoterrorism, and is cited by The Los Angeles Times as being a ‘gentle lesbian love story’? Sounds like total chaos and the framework to the PlayStation game, Final Fantasy VII. While I was researching this film there was not a lot I could find on this and honestly, that’s a huge indicator to me that I have to see this and I’m super eager to jump on this release. Fresh Kill is a new Blu-Ray release featuring a new 4K restoration approved by director Shu Lea Cheang.
Body Heat (1981)
Lawrence Kasdan, the director of Body Heat, is arguably blockbuster cinema’s most important writer. Co-writer of the best Star Wars film (The Empire Strikes Back) and the writer of one of the best adventure films of all time (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Criterion is putting out Kasdan’s erotic debut feature film, Body Heat. Criterion has a trend of releasing debut films of filmmakers including (the now out-of-print) Shallow Grave from Danny Boyle, the aforementioned Fresh Kill from Shu Lea Cheang & The Delta from Ira Sachs, and the recently released Pee-wee’s Big Adventure from Tim Burton. If you enjoyed the sultry, southern, and seductive nature of Sinners, you can chase that with Body Heat. William Hurt and Kathleen Turner star in this neo noir crime thriller set in Southern Florida. Body Heat is sweat inducing, and a devilishly great time. Body Heat is a new 4K+Blu-Ray combo release featuring a new digital 4K restoration approved by director Lawrence Kasdan.
Sentimental Value (2025)
In January of 2022, I saw The Worst Person in the World at Sundance and Joachim Trier quickly flew onto my radar. Sentimental Value turned away the youthful, frenetic energy of The Worst Person in the World and gave us a slower, more interpersonal film about generational trauma rather than Worst Person’s introspective odyssey of self and personal fulfillment. It’s reassuring to know that Trier isn’t a one-trick filmmaker, capable of exploring different ideas. While people have been deriding the Criterion’s cover of the film, the film within is incredible. Sentimental Value is one of 2025’s best, and should be on your radar if you have gone this far without seeing it. Sentimental Value is a new 4K+Blu-Ray combo release featuring a new digital 4K master approved by director Joachim Trier.
Lenny (1974)
I’m not familiar with Lenny, but I am familiar with the director of Lenny, Bob Fosse. Fosse’s most well known film, All That Jazz, is one of the most incredible films I’ve ever seen. Lenny is based on a play of the same name which is based on the life of comedian Lenny Bruce. Bob Fosse and show business go together like chocolate and peanut butter, soup and crackers, coffee and cigarettes (you get the idea). I am not the most familiar with this film, but the guy who made All That Jazz could’ve made Battlefield Earth and I’d still be seated for it – this is a day 1 purchase for me. Lenny is a new 4K+Blu-Ray combo release featuring a new 4K restoration.
We are two months out for the semi-annual Barnes & Noble sale in July. Save your Barnes & Noble gift cards, and hang tight on these new releases for film’s best deal.
