The Criterion Channel in February 2025: A Month of Cinema Highlights, Streaming Premieres, and Special Collections

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All Shall Be Well

This month’s offerings delve into love stories, revolutionary voices, timeless comedies, and cultural milestones, ensuring every cinephile has something to savor. With thematic collections, rediscovered masterpieces, and exclusive premieres, the Criterion Channel continues to honor the rich tapestry of film history.

Here’s a detailed look at the February 2025 highlights, streaming premieres, and special editions.

Top Highlights

New York Love Stories: Romance in the Heart of the City

New York City has long been a muse for filmmakers, its dynamic energy and iconic landmarks providing a perfect backdrop for tales of love and connection. The New York Love Stories collection showcases the evolution of romance in the city from the 1970s to the 2000s, capturing the grit, glamour, and unfiltered humanity of the Big Apple. Featuring stars like Cher, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett, the collection highlights how the city itself becomes a character in these timeless tales.

Must-See Titles:

• Moonstruck (1987): Cher shines in this charming romantic comedy set in Brooklyn, exploring love, family, and second chances.
• Annie Hall (1977): Woody Allen’s Oscar-winning classic, co-starring Diane Keaton, is an intimate portrayal of a modern relationship.
• The Goodbye Girl (1977): A heartwarming comedy about an unexpected romance in a cramped Manhattan apartment.
• Carol (2015)*: A poignant LGBTQ+ love story set in 1950s Manhattan, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Celebrate Black History: Stories of Community, Resistance, and Creativity

This February, the Criterion Channel honors Black filmmakers, narratives, and cultural milestones in its Celebrate Black History collection. Spanning decades, these films highlight the resilience, creativity, and everyday struggles of Black communities while offering profound insights into identity and culture. From Marlon Riggs’ Tongues Untied to Julie Dash’s groundbreaking Daughters of the Dust, these works are essential viewing.

Featured Films:

• Nothing but a Man (1964): A stark yet tender portrayal of racial inequality and personal dignity.
• Paris Is Burning (1990): A landmark documentary about New York’s ballroom culture and the LGBTQ+ Black and Latino communities.
• Daughters of the Dust (1991): Julie Dash’s visually stunning depiction of Gullah women in the early 20th century.
• Shorts: Baldwin’s Nigger (1968) and Fannie’s Film (1981) provide sharp, insightful glimpses into Black identity and activism.

Argentine Noir: Tango, Shadows, and Crime

Dive into the dark, seductive world of Argentine noir, where crime, passion, and betrayal take center stage. These postwar thrillers, drenched in expressionist shadows, reveal the gritty underbelly of Buenos Aires during the Perón era. Featuring newly restored gems, the collection introduces audiences to lesser-known masterpieces of South American cinema.

Highlights:

• Native Son (1951): An adaptation of Richard Wright’s powerful novel, featuring the author himself.
• The Black Vampire (1953): A female-centered retelling of Fritz Lang’s M, blending feminist undertones with noir intensity.
• The Bitter Stems (1956): A suspenseful tale of guilt and deception, renowned for its haunting cinematography.

Spotlights on Filmmakers

Claudette Colbert: Hollywood’s Golden Star

Known for her elegance and charm, Claudette Colbert was one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Her effortless transition between screwball comedies and melodramas made her a standout in cinema’s golden age. This collection celebrates her versatility and enduring appeal.

Essential Titles:

• It Happened One Night (1934): Frank Capra’s screwball masterpiece and the first film to win all five major Oscars.
• The Palm Beach Story (1942): A Preston Sturges classic showcasing Colbert’s comedic timing.
• Imitation of Life (1934): A poignant drama exploring race, class, and motherhood.

Joan Micklin Silver: A Voice for the Marginalized

Joan Micklin Silver’s films beautifully capture the lives of immigrants, women, and working-class communities. Drawing from her Jewish heritage and personal experiences, her work reflects profound empathy and insight.

Key Works:

• Hester Street (1975): A moving portrait of Jewish immigrants in New York’s Lower East Side.
• Crossing Delancey (1988): A warm romantic comedy with a fresh perspective on love and tradition.
• Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979): A sharp anti-romantic comedy exploring the complexities of relationships.

Buster Keaton: The Silent Era’s Comic Genius

Buster Keaton’s innovative physical comedy and daring stunts revolutionized silent cinema. This collection showcases his greatest works, blending humor, heart, and technical brilliance.

Featured Films:

• The General (1926): A high-stakes adventure often considered Keaton’s magnum opus.
• Sherlock Jr. (1924): A surreal, inventive comedy about a projectionist who dreams of becoming a detective.
• Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928): Famous for its jaw-dropping, death-defying stunts.

Streaming Premieres

• All Shall Be Well

  A deeply emotional tale of love and loss, this Hong Kong drama follows Angie, a lesbian struggling to preserve her home and dignity after the sudden death of her partner of 40 years.

Rediscoveries and Restorations

Toute une nuit (1982)

Chantal Akerman’s exquisite exploration of fleeting romantic encounters unfolds over a sultry summer night in Brussels. With its fragmented storytelling, the film captures the longing and fragility of human connection.

One Way or Another (1977)

The only feature by Sara Gómez, this Afro-Cuban masterpiece blends documentary realism with a tender narrative about love and community in post-revolution Cuba.

Remorques (1941)

This atmospheric tale of temptation and loyalty, starring Jean Gabin, is a hidden gem of French cinema.

Criterion Collection Editions

1. Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979): This thorny anti-romantic comedy receives a deluxe reissue with interviews and a restored alternate ending.
2. Crossing Delancey (1988): Joan Micklin Silver’s heartfelt romantic comedy is presented with new commentary and behind-the-scenes insights.

Music Films

• Eternity’s Pillar: This one-of-a-kind TV show by Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda combines music, meditation, and avant-garde visuals, offering a cosmic journey through sound and spirituality.

True Stories and Documentaries

• A Season with Isabella Rossellini: A reflective look at the legendary actor’s life and career as she turns 70.
• Flipside: A heartfelt exploration of a filmmaker’s creative journey to revive his childhood record store.

Conclusion

February 2025 on the Criterion Channel is a celebration of cinema in all its forms, from intimate love stories and groundbreaking Black narratives to rediscovered international gems and iconic works by legendary filmmakers. Whether you're exploring the atmospheric streets of Buenos Aires through Argentine noir, revisiting the comedic genius of Buster Keaton, or diving into the heartfelt portrayals of marginalized communities by Joan Micklin Silver, this month's lineup offers a treasure trove of stories that resonate across time and place.

For both seasoned cinephiles and curious newcomers, this month’s programming invites you to immerse yourself in the transformative power of cinema. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a diverse range of films that inspire, challenge, and captivate. Ready to dive in? Head over to CriterionChannel.com to start your free trial and experience the magic of these cinematic offerings.

FAQs

1. What is the Criterion Channel?

The Criterion Channel is a premium streaming service offering a curated selection of classic, international, and independent films. The platform features exclusive programming, in-depth documentaries, and special collections celebrating the art of filmmaking.

2. How can I access the Criterion Channel?

You can access the Criterion Channel by subscribing through CriterionChannel.com. A 7-day free trial is available for new users. The service is compatible with most devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

3. What’s new on the Criterion Channel in February 2025?

This February, the Criterion Channel presents collections like New York Love Stories, Celebrate Black History, and Argentine Noir. Other highlights include retrospectives of Claudette Colbert, Joan Micklin Silver, Buster Keaton, and Sara Gómez. Additionally, rediscovered masterpieces such as Toute une nuit and One Way or Another are available for streaming.

4. Are the films available worldwide?

While most content on the Criterion Channel is available globally, some titles (indicated with an asterisk) are restricted to U.S. viewers due to licensing agreements.

5. What are the February streaming premieres?

This month’s exclusive premiere is All Shall Be Well, a poignant Hong Kong drama about love, loss, and resilience.

6. What are Criterion Collection Editions?

Criterion Collection Editions are specially restored versions of iconic films accompanied by bonus features like behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, commentary tracks, and more. February 2025’s new editions include Chilly Scenes of Winter and Crossing Delancey.

7. Can I watch the films offline?

Yes, the Criterion Channel offers offline downloads for subscribers using the app on supported devices, so you can enjoy your favorite films anytime, anywhere.

8. How much does the Criterion Channel subscription cost?

After the 7-day free trial, the Criterion Channel subscription costs $10.99 per month or $99.99 annually. Pricing may vary by region.

9. Are subtitles available?

Yes, most films on the Criterion Channel include subtitles in English, and some titles offer additional language options.

10. Can I suggest films for the Criterion Channel to include?

The Criterion Channel welcomes suggestions and feedback from its community. You can share your recommendations via their website or social media platforms.

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