The Criterion Collection is set to launch the highly anticipated Wes Anderson Archive 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection box set on September 30, bringing together ten of Wes Anderson’s celebrated films in a deluxe 20-disc edition with 4K restorations. Arriving just as Anderson’s newest feature, The Phoenician Scheme, expands nationwide, this comprehensive box set aims to capture a quarter-century of Anderson’s unique filmmaking vision and artistry, highlighted by direct involvement from the director himself.
A Collector’s Treasure: From Design to Content
This new box set stands out not just for its contents, but for the attention to detail in its presentation. The packaging pays homage to Anderson’s signature aesthetic, boasting ten illustrated volumes housed within an elegant clothbound case. Each book and disc reflects the quirky charm and meticulous style that have defined Anderson’s movies. The set is designed to be as distinctive as the films themselves, promising a visually captivating addition to any movie lover’s shelf.
Exhaustive Features and Film Selection
The Wes Anderson Archive set comprises the following films, all restored with new 4K masters under Anderson’s own supervision: 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, and The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun.
Collectors and cinephiles will find both 4K Blu-ray discs presented in Dolby Vision HDR and standard Blu-rays for each film. The soundtracks have been remastered to include 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio, ensuring an immersive experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike. In addition, ten of the twenty discs are packed with over twenty-five hours of supplemental features—everything from director’s commentaries, interviews, and documentaries to deleted scenes, auditions, short films, animation tests, home movies, and commercial spots. Storyboards, discussions, analyses, visual essays, archival recordings, and still photography further enrich the set, offering a window into the world-building and creative process behind each movie.
For viewers requiring accessibility, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are included throughout the collection. Thought-provoking essays accompany the films, contributed by an esteemed roster of writers and filmmakers, including Richard Brody, James L. Brooks, Bilge Ebiri, Moeko Fujii, Kent Jones, Dave Kehr, Geoffrey O’Brien, Martin Scorsese, and Erica Wagner. Their writings add critical depth and new perspectives to Anderson’s extensive filmography.
Release Timing and Ordering Details
The official release date for the Wes Anderson Archive 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection box set is set for September 30. Collectors can already place pre-orders through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, with the initial list price positioned at $499.95. However, potential buyers should note that discounts are expected in the months leading up to the shipping date. Pre-order customers will benefit from these promotional price drops, paying the lowest price available at the time of shipment.
Arriving Alongside Anderson’s Latest Work
The arrival of the box set coincides with renewed interest in Anderson’s storytelling as The Phoenician Scheme, his latest film, reaches a nationwide audience. In The Phoenician Scheme, the story revolves around wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda’s decision to make his only daughter—who is also a nun—the sole heir to his fortunes. Their journey is soon complicated by the threats of rival tycoons, international terrorists, and a relentless band of assassins. The film, already drawing attention in limited release, will play in theaters everywhere starting June 6, building anticipation for the box set among Anderson’s loyal viewers and new fans alike.
Impact on Film Collectors and Wes Anderson Fans
This comprehensive release by The Criterion Collection is poised to become a landmark for collectors, representing a significant moment for both physical media enthusiasts and fans of Wes Anderson’s acclaimed body of work. The levels of input from Wes Anderson, including his direct supervision of the 4K restorations, make this set a definitive statement on his evolving craft from Bottle Rocket’s debut through to his more recent productions like Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch.
The Wes Anderson Archive 4K Blu-ray Criterion Collection box set is not just a gathering of films but an immersive document of Anderson’s vision, complete with extensive bonus features and scholarly reflections from names like Martin Scorsese, Dave Kehr, and Richard Brody. As Hollywood’s tendency toward sequels and reboots continues, this archive offers a testament to enduring original storytelling. The set’s arrival may spark further appreciation for detailed filmmaking and influence how future collections are assembled and presented.
With its compelling packaging, rich assortment of films, and deep supplemental content, this forthcoming collection is set to become a milestone for home movie libraries and a touchstone for discussions on Anderson’s storytelling legacy.
