Criterion Collection Is Launching A $500 Wes Anderson 4K Blu-Ray Box Set
The Wes Anderson Archive launches September 25 and includes 10 films and companion books
Wes Anderson's directorial career has spanned almost 30 years, and in that time, he has established himself as an auteur filmmaker with an instantly recognizable style. Anderson has directed 13 feature films since 1996, and thanks to the Criterion Collection, 10 of those movies are getting a premium 4K Blu-ray box set on September 30. Along with the movies, Criterion Collection's The Wes Anderson Archive will also include a selection of illustrated books and other exclusive collectibles. While Amazon lists the pricey collection for $500, preorders are currently discounted to $368.
First up, the films. In total, there are 10 movies here that have been digitally remastered in 4K. These include Anderson's early efforts like Rushmore and well-known movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel. Here's the full list:
- Bottle Rocket
- Rushmore
- The Royal Tenenbaums
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
- The Darjeeling Limited
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
- Moonrise Kingdom
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Isle of Dogs
- The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun
Additionally, you'll get over 25 hours of special features, like various audio commentary tracks, deleted scenes, promotional materials, interviews, photo galleries, and various other bonus materials that go deep behind the scenes on the making of each film. The big draw here is that this is a Criterion Collection release, which means that each movie is presented as the director intended. Anderson oversaw the development of this box set and he provided final approval, so these are essentially the definitive versions of his films, down to the audio and visual design.
The entire bundle also comes with 10 illustrated books, and alongside the 20 Blu-ray discs, the collection is boxed up in a deluxe clothbound edition slipcase that looks like a prop from one of his films.
Preorder at AmazonAs mentioned above, Anderson films have a distinct look and feel. The director often uses central framing to tell a story, giving his projects a theatrical and scaled-down feel, filling each scene with props and costumes that have a chic, retro-artisanal vibe. The soundtracks are also heavily inspired by the past, as Anderson frequently draws music from the 1960s and 1970s to complement a scene. Anderson has also directed two stop-motion animation movies, which are included in this collection--which feature an amplified take on his quirky directing style.
Another great bundle to check out--but it is also quite expensive--is CC40: The Criterion Collection. This 40-film box set features eclectic mix of classic and contemporary films, all accompanied by various special features, and packaged in deluxe packaging. It also comes with a beautifully illustrated 216-page book featuring essays on the films inside by critics, scholars, and authors. If you enjoy arthouse cinema, this is the collection to have, if you can afford it. You're getting critically acclaimed films like Sunday Bloody Sunday, Do the Right Thing, and Repo Man, as well as genre-defining movies like Night of the Living Dead and Persona. The giant box set normally costs a whopping $800, but it's currently on sale for $372.66 at Amazon--just be sure to click the coupon code on the store page to get the full discount.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email [email protected]
This story originally appeared on: GameSpot - Author:UK GAG
