criterion announces $600 stanley kubrick complete collection with 30 discs and 4k restorations

At a glance:

• Criterion announces The Complete Kubrick, a 13-film, 30-disc box set with 4K restorations and over 25 hours of extras
• The set includes 4K restorations of all 13 features and three shorts, plus rare behind-the-scenes materials
• Available October 20 for $600 ($500 for pre-orders), offering $50 per film value

A monumental collection for film enthusiasts

Criterion has unveiled what is likely the most comprehensive tribute to Stanley Kubrick's cinematic legacy: The Complete Kubrick, a staggering 13-film, 30-disc collection that brings together every feature the legendary director ever made. Despite directing only 13 features, Kubrick's influence on cinema is immeasurable, with each film representing a masterclass in its respective genre. This new box set doesn't just collect the films; it presents them as the pinnacle of cinematic artistry.

The set includes 4K restorations of all thirteen features and three shorts, paired with original soundtracks and 5.1 mixes, all carefully restored and remastered. Beyond the films themselves, the collection offers over twenty-five hours of interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes materials that provide unprecedented insight into Kubrick's creative process. This includes Kubrick's international version of The Shining, a new 4K restoration of Vivian Kubrick's behind-the-scenes documentary Making "The Shining", and newly recorded commentary tracks featuring filmmaker Lee Unkrich and author Michael Benson.

Deep dive into the contents

The Complete Kubrick goes beyond just the well-known classics like Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and The Shining. It includes:

• 4K restorations of Kubrick’s thirteen features and three shorts
• Original soundtracks alongside 5.1 mixes, restored and remastered
• Over twenty-five hours of interviews, documentaries, and behind-the-scenes materials
• Kubrick’s international version of The Shining
• A new 4K restoration of Vivian Kubrick’s behind-the-scenes documentary Making "The Shining"
• Newly recorded commentary tracks featuring filmmaker Lee Unkrich and author Michael Benson
• Rare films from Graphic Films and computer-animation pioneer John Whitney that inspired the special effects in 2001: A Space Odyssey
• Unseen Lolita screen tests with actors James Mason and Sue Lyon and rare Full Metal Jacket behind-the-scenes footage
• A newly recorded conversation with novelist Jonathan Lethem and film historian Kevin Wynter on Kubrick and authorship
• An essay by author and critic Nathaniel Rich
• Deluxe packaging illustrated with rare photographs, artwork, and documents annotated by Kubrick himself, all housed in a singular box inspired by the director’s legendary archive

Pricing and availability

At $600, the set is undeniably a premium offering, but Criterion positions it as exceptional value: at a little under $50 per film, it aligns with the typical cost of individual Criterion discs, especially on 4K. Pre-ordering now cuts the price by $100, bringing it down to $500—a compelling deal for such a comprehensive collection. The set launches on October 20, giving collectors just over a month to prepare for this addition to their libraries.

For fans of physical media and film preservation, this represents a milestone in how classic cinema is archived and presented. The inclusion of rare materials like the Lolita screen tests and Full Metal Jacket behind-the-scenes footage adds immeasurable value for serious Kubrick scholars and collectors. The deluxe packaging, featuring Kubrick-annotated photographs and documents, further elevates this from a simple film collection to a museum-worthy artifact.

Why this matters for collectors and cinephiles

This release underscores Criterion's commitment to preserving and presenting filmmaking as an art form. By including materials that illuminate Kubrick's creative process—such as the rare films that inspired 2001: A Space Odyssey and the conversation about authorship—the set serves as both a celebration and an educational tool. It’s a resource that bridges the gap between casual viewers and film students, offering layers of context that deepen appreciation for Kubrick’s work.

For those who’ve long debated Kubrick’s place in cinema history, this collection provides the definitive way to experience his filmography. Whether you’re drawn to his mastery of genre, his meticulous attention to detail, or his influence on modern filmmaking, The Complete Kubrick delivers it all in one package. As physical media continues to carve out a niche alongside streaming, releases like this remind us of the enduring value of owning a piece of cinematic history.