In a world dominated by the convenience of streaming, the physical media culture remains alive and thriving, thanks to the efforts of dedicated home video tastemakers. From the prestigious Criterion Collection to the diverse offerings of Kino Lorber and the Warner Archive Collection, the art of curating and preserving classic and cult films has never been more vibrant. Each month, IndieWire highlights the best recent and upcoming Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K releases, ensuring that cinephiles can build a lasting collection and experience the timeless magic of cinema in its physical form.

Unlocking the Treasures of the Physical Media Realm

Rediscovering Forgotten Gems

The physical media landscape is a treasure trove of forgotten gems, with November's releases offering a prime example. Christina Hornisher's 1974 exploitation classic "Hollywood 90028" is finally receiving the proper home video treatment it deserves. This gritty and unsettling crime film follows a disillusioned cinematographer whose thwarted Hollywood dreams lead him down a dark path of murder. Deemed "one of the greatest films ever made about how truly brutal Hollywood's dream factory can be on those whose dreams don't come true" by our own Jim Hemphill, "Hollywood 90028" is a testament to the power of physical media to unearth and revive cinematic masterpieces that might have otherwise been lost to time.

Revisiting Iconic Performances

Alongside these rediscovered gems, the physical media landscape also offers opportunities to revisit iconic performances. One such example is Diane Keaton's tour de force in "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," which is set to receive a stunning 4K UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome. Keaton's portrayal of a New York City schoolteacher navigating the liberated yet turbulent 1970s is a raw and unhinged masterclass in acting, showcasing a completely different side of the actress compared to her breakout role in "Annie Hall" that same year.

Preserving the Legacy of Visionary Directors

The commitment to preserving the legacies of visionary directors is another hallmark of the physical media culture. Criterion Collection, the gold standard in cinematic preservation, is set to release reburnished editions of several acclaimed films, including Peter Bogdanovich's "Paper Moon," Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai," and William Wyler's "Funny Girl." These releases not only showcase the technical brilliance of these cinematic masterpieces but also provide a wealth of supplementary materials that delve into the creative processes and historical contexts that shaped these timeless works.

Celebrating the Artistry of Jim Henson

The physical media landscape also serves as a platform to celebrate the artistry of legendary filmmakers. Shout! Factory's 4K UHD release of "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," both directed by the visionary Jim Henson, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these fantasy classics. With their meticulous attention to detail and the handcrafted nature of Henson's puppetry, these films are visual and aural marvels that reward repeated viewings, and the 4K format allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the intricate worlds Henson and his collaborators created.

Criterion's Comprehensive Celebration

The pinnacle of the physical media culture's commitment to preservation and curation is Criterion Collection's CC40 box set, a comprehensive celebration of the company's 40-year legacy. This 40-film Blu-ray collection serves as a personal journey through Criterion's extensive catalog, showcasing a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces, from timeless classics to contemporary gems. The inclusion of new special features and essays further enhances the value of this set, providing a unique opportunity for cinephiles to delve deeper into the stories and artistry behind these revered films.