The Criterion Collection has unveiled its slate for May 2026 and it is nothing short of a cinephile’s dream. This month offers a stunning mix of sultry neo noir, gritty post war drama and cutting edge modern cinema. The lineup features seven titles that span decades and genres.
Collectors will find everything from Lawrence Kasdan’s sweaty erotic thriller to a brand new emotional powerhouse from Joachim Trier. It is a selection that explores themes of desire, systemic traps and family history. Physical media enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to with major 4K upgrades for some of Hollywood’s most important films.
Neo Noir Classics and Erotic Thrillers Arrive in 4K
The undisputed headliner for May is the 4K debut of Body Heat. This 1981 film marked the directorial debut of Lawrence Kasdan. It stands as one of the defining erotic thrillers of the modern studio era. The story takes place during a heatwave in Florida. It follows a lawyer who gets entangled with an unhappily married woman.
Their affair quickly turns into a dangerous plot involving murder and deception. The chemistry between William Hurt and Kathleen Turner is legendary. The film is famous for its atmosphere where the heat feels like a character itself. Criterion has gone all out for this release.
New Special Features for Body Heat:
- New 4K digital restoration approved by Lawrence Kasdan.
- Interviews with the director and editor Carol Littleton.
- Archival interviews with the cast including Kathleen Turner and Ted Danson.
- Essays by crime fiction experts.
The restoration highlights the sweaty and noir slick visuals like never before. Fans of the genre know that Body Heat set the template for many films that followed. This release preserves that legacy with the highest technical quality possible.
criterion collection body heat 4k blu ray cover art may 2026
Post War Japan and Bob Fosse’s Black and White Vision
Another major highlight is Akira Kurosawa’s Stray Dog. This 1949 masterpiece is often cited as one of the first buddy cop movies. It stars the legendary Toshiro Mifune as a rookie detective. His gun is stolen on a crowded bus. This sets off a frantic search through the ruins of post war Tokyo.
The film is not just a police procedural. It is a deep dive into the psychology of a nation recovering from trauma. Kurosawa uses the genre to explore poverty and desperation. The new edition features a pristine 4K restoration. It also includes commentary that explains the historical context of the American occupation of Japan during filming.
Comparison of the Classic Spotlight Titles:
| Feature | Stray Dog (1949) | Lenny (1974) |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Akira Kurosawa | Bob Fosse |
| Star | Toshiro Mifune | Dustin Hoffman |
| Visual Style | Gritty Street Level Noir | High Contrast Docu-Style |
| Theme | Crime and Post War Society | Fame and Freedom of Speech |
| Format | 4K UHD Combo / Blu-ray | 4K UHD Combo / Blu-ray |
Joining Kurosawa in the lineup is Bob Fosse’s Lenny. This 1974 biopic features Dustin Hoffman as the controversial comedian Lenny Bruce. Fosse shot the film in stark black and white. This choice gives the movie a nervous energy that matches the protagonist’s life.
The film treats the stage and the courtroom as similar arenas. Bruce fights for his right to speak freely in both places. Hoffman delivers an electric performance that is considered one of his best. Valerie Perrine also shines as his wife Honey. The Criterion release includes a new 4K master that emphasizes the film’s unique visual texture.
“The lineup plays like a grab bag in the best way. It traps people in systems of desire, poverty and fame.”
Ira Sachs Gets a Major Spotlight With Two Films
May is a big month for director Ira Sachs. Criterion is releasing two of his works that show his evolution as a filmmaker. First is his 1996 debut feature The Delta. This film is a raw look at race and sexuality in Memphis. It tells the story of a young man discovering the LGBTQ+ subculture and the power dynamics that exist within it.
The release of The Delta is significant for indie film fans. It has been restored in 2K under the supervision of Sachs. It offers a glimpse into the early voice of a director who would go on to make acclaimed modern dramas.
What to expect from the Ira Sachs Double Feature:
- The Delta: A gritty 16mm film exploring class and intimacy boundaries.
- Peter Hujar’s Day: A brand new premiere title starring Ben Whishaw.
- Exclusive Extras: New interviews with Sachs and critic Keith Uhlich.
- Contextual Essays: Writings by Michael Koresky that connect the two eras.
The second title is a new addition to the collection called Peter Hujar’s Day. This is a distinct departure from his earlier work. It recreates a real 1974 conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and writer Linda Rosenkrantz. Stars Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall bring these figures to life. It serves as a gentle portrait of a vanished New York art scene.
Modern Masterpieces and Cyberpunk Discoveries
Joachim Trier returns to the collection with his latest film Sentimental Value. Trier is beloved for his Oslo Trilogy which includes The Worst Person in the World. His new film revisits complex family dynamics. It features a star studded cast including Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning.
The story revolves around two sisters dealing with the return of their estranged father. He is a filmmaker with his own selfish agenda. Trier mixes humor with devastating emotional truths. This release is hot off the press and comes director approved.
Why Sentimental Value is a Must Watch:
- The Cast: It reunites Trier with Renate Reinsve after her breakout role.
- The Theme: It explores the intersection of art and personal pain.
- The Format: Available in 4K to capture the stunning cinematography.
Rounding out the packed month is Fresh Kill. This 1994 film is a wild card entry that many might not know. Directed by Shu Lea Cheang, it is described as a cyberpunk eco feminist parable. The setting is a dystopian version of New York City.
The plot involves a lesbian couple fighting against corporate corruption involving toxic waste. It was ahead of its time in discussing environmental racism and consumer culture. The film has a unique “dystopian chic” aesthetic. This Blu-ray release will likely introduce this cult classic to a whole new generation of viewers.
The May 2026 lineup from Criterion is diverse and daring. It balances big Hollywood names with crucial independent voices. Whether you want the heat of a noir thriller or the quiet pain of a family drama, this month delivers.
