Criterion Announces Massive $600 Box Set for Iconic American Filmmaker

22 Jun at 19:41 Comment Views: 12

The long-awaited details regarding Criterion’s massive Stanley Kubrick anthology, The Complete Kubrick, have finally arrived—and it is an absolute marvel. This sprawling 30-disc collection showcases 4K restorations of all 13 of the director’s feature-length masterpieces. Notably, this set marks the first U.S. 4K debut for both Lolita and Eyes Wide Shut. Beyond the main features, the box set is packed with three of his short films and a wealth of supplemental material.

Acquiring this piece of cinematic history is a significant investment, carrying a retail price of $599.95, though it is currently available for a pre-order discount of $479.96. The collection is slated for release on October 20.

The curation of bonus features is exhaustive, totaling over 25 hours of interviews, in-depth documentaries, and rare behind-the-scenes footage. Highlights include the international cut of The Shining (20 minutes shorter than the American theatrical version), a 4K restoration of Vivian Kubrick’s candid documentary Making “The Shining,” and fresh commentary tracks from scholars Michael Benson and Lee Unkrich. Fans will also appreciate the inclusion of previously unseen Lolita screen tests, rare Full Metal Jacket production footage, an insightful essay by critic Nathaniel Rich, and a collection of annotated documents and original artwork from the Kubrick archives.

The full roster of feature films included in the box set:

Fear and Desire
Killer’s Kiss
The Killing
Paths of Glory
Spartacus
Lolita
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
2001: A Space Odyssey
A Clockwork Orange
Barry Lyndon
The Shining
Full Metal Jacket
Eyes Wide Shut

The set also houses these early short films:

Day of the Fight
Flying Padre
The Seafarers

Stanley Kubrick’s legacy as one of cinema’s greatest visionaries remains unparalleled, defined by a body of work that masterfully traversed every genre. From the cerebral expanse of 2001: A Space Odyssey to the dark satire of Dr. Strangelove and the chilling tension of The Shining, his filmography continues to shape contemporary pop culture.

Kubrick is particularly revered for his uncompromising visual language, characterized by precise framing and revolutionary editing techniques—most notably the legendary match-cut in 2001 that redefined sci-fi cinema. Whether the collection warrants the steep price tag is a personal choice, but given Criterion’s impeccable standard for restoration and the enduring cultural impact of these films, this definitive set is a dream for any serious cinephile.