David is joined by Richard Doyle and first-time guest James Merritt to talk about this engaging concert/documentary featuring Isaac Hayes, Richard Pryor, The Staples Singers, and an all-star cast of Black musical artists that performed at the L

Criterion Reflections – Episode 143 – Fernando Di Leo’s The Boss

Mar 8th, 2024

David is joined by Richard Doyle as they dive into the mafia-infused milieu of Italian poliziotteschi cinema via this trilogy-concluding whirlwind of mayhem, betrayal, and revenge.

Criterion Reflections – Episode 142 – Luchino Visconti’s Ludwig

Feb 7th, 2024

David provides a video overview of Visconti's maligned late career masterwork and extends his coverage in a conversation with Brad McDermott

Criterion Reflections – Episode 141 – Roberto Rossellini’s The Age of the Medici

Jan 16th, 2024

David revisits the TV miniseries that attempts to recreate the cultural milieu of 15th century Florence in this first episode of Season 5: 1973.

Criterion Reflections – Intro to Season 5: 1973

Jan 13th, 2024

A brief video introducing the newest phase of my long-running project to review every Criterion film in chronological order of original theatrical release!

Episode 215 – Criterion Collection Favorites of 2023

Jan 1st, 2024

This year's panel (David, Jordan, Josh, Brad, and Aaron) resumes our annual tradition of sharing their favorite 2023 releases from the Criterion Collection.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 60: Ishirō Honda’s Kaiju Cinema – Part Three

Dec 31st, 2023

Critic and YouTube creator Celeste de la Cabra joins Josh for a journey into the Criterion Channel’s permanent, streaming-only library, and conclude their conversation about the films of Japanese filmmaker and the master of kaiju cinema, Ishirō

Criterion Reflections – Episode 140 – Costa-Gavras’ State of Siege

Dec 2nd, 2023

We wrap up Season 4: 1972 by discussing a film portraying the grinding conflicts and ruthless power plays between oppressive governments and desperate insurgencies.

Inside the Box – Episode 18 – The Complete Jean Vigo

Nov 18th, 2023

In this episode of Inside the Box, Trevor and David discuss The Complete Jean Vigo, featuring the films Á propos de Nice (1930), Zéro de conduite (1933), and L'Atalante (1934).

Criterion Reflections – Episode 139 – Ingmar Bergman’s Cries and Whispers

Oct 21st, 2023

David and guests discuss the strengths and liabilities of Bergman's remarkable comeback to arthouse preeminence in this Oscar-winning symphony of suffering.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 59: The Films of Carlos Saura – Part 3

Oct 6th, 2023

Friend-of-the-show Michael Hutchins returns for a deep dive into the Criterion Channel’s permanent, streaming-only library, and a conversation about three films from Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura – Cousin Angelica, Elisa, Vida Mía, and Los Ojo

Criterion Reflections – Episode 138 – Melvin Van Peebles’ Don’t Play Us Cheap

Sep 22nd, 2023

David is joined by Richard Doyle and a first-time guest, actor/filmmaker Aaron Strand, to discuss this film adaptation of a barrier-breaking Broadway musical.

Criterion Reflections – Episode 137 – Hanzo the Razor

Aug 31st, 2023

We discuss Shintaro Katsu's "life after Zatoichi" project, three films about a principled cop in Edo-era Japan, renowned for his fighting skills and infamous interrogation techniques.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 58: Ishirō Honda’s Kaiju Cinema – Part Two

Jul 30th, 2023

Critic and YouTube creator Celeste de la Cabra joins Josh for a journey into the Criterion Channel’s permanent, streaming-only library, and a conversation about three films from Japanese filmmaker and the master of kaiju cinema, Ishirō Honda.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 57: The Films of Carlos Saura – Part 2

Jul 21st, 2023

Friend-of-the-show Michael Hutchins returns for a deep dive into the Criterion Channel’s permanent, streaming-only library, and a conversation about the next three films from Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura.

Criterion Reflections – Episode 136 – Brian De Palma’s Sisters

Jun 27th, 2023

David dissects Brian De Palma's breakout thriller with Richard Doyle and first-time guest Robert Baum.

Inside the Box – Episode 17 – The Qatsi Trilogy

Jun 22nd, 2023

In this episode of Inside the Box, Trevor and David discuss Godfrey Reggio's The Qatsi Trilogy, featuring the films Koyaanisqatsi (1983), Powaqqatsi (1988), and Naqoyqatsi (2002).

Criterion Reflections – Episode 135 – Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Eight Hours Don’t Make a Day

Apr 25th, 2023

David and his ensemble gather 'round the table to enjoy and engage with Fassbinder's winsome series about family life and the German working class.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 56: Ishirō Honda’s Kaiju Cinema – Part One

Mar 30th, 2023

Criterion Reflections – Episode 134 – Bernardo Bertolucci’s Last Tango in Paris

Mar 25th, 2023

David and guests share their thoughts on this sensational, scandalous landmark film from 1972 that still stirs up strong reactions today.

Criterion Reflections – Episode 133 – Bob Rafelson’s The King of Marvin Gardens

Mar 4th, 2023

David is joined by Richard Doyle to discuss the final feature film in Criterion's America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set.

Inside the Box – Episode 16 – The Infernal Affairs Trilogy

Mar 3rd, 2023

In this episode of Inside the Box, Trevor and David discuss The Infernal Affairs Trilogy.

Criterion Channel Surfing, Episode 55: The Films of Carlos Saura – Part 1

Feb 28th, 2023

Friend-of-the-show Michael Hutchins returns for a deep dive into the Criterion Channel’s permanent, streaming-only library, and a conversation about three films from Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura.

Criterion Reflections – Episode 132 – Éric Rohmer’s Love in the Afternoon

Feb 22nd, 2023

David is joined by Matthew Gasteier to talk about the final installment of Rohmer's film series Six Moral Tales.

A Conversation with Cyberexboyfriend

Feb 18th, 2023

David Blakeslee interviews internet creator Cyberexboyfriend to talk about the Criterion Collection and its influence on the culture and canon of cinema.