The Criterion Channel, known for its curated collection of classic and contemporary cinema, has announced it will introduce a dedicated anime section to its streaming service in August. This new addition marks a significant expansion for the platform, bringing influential animated features from Japan to a broader audience of cinephiles.
Initial Anime Lineup Revealed for August
The inaugural selection for the Criterion Channel’s anime section will feature a curated list of acclaimed films, blending iconic titles with critically lauded works. Scheduled for August, the initial slate includes:
- Ghost in the Shell (1995) by Mamoru Oshii
- Redline (2009) by Takeshi Koiike
- Paprika (2006) by Satoshi Kon
- Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space (2002) by t.o.L.
These selections represent a variety of styles and themes within Japanese animation, from cyberpunk science fiction to visually dazzling, high-octane action, and mind-bending psychological thrillers.
Expanding Anime Presence on the Channel
While this new section is a significant development, the Criterion Channel has previously featured individual anime titles and animated works within its broader programming. For instance, the service is already streaming Naoko Yamada’s Liz and the Blue Bird and five films by Makoto Shinkai: 5 Centimeters Per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, She and Her Cat, and Voices of a Distant Star. The Criterion Collection itself also famously released Katsuhiro Ōtomo’s Akira on LaserDisc in 1992, highlighting a long-standing, albeit sporadic, interest in the medium.
This move aligns with a growing recognition of anime as a significant art form within global cinema. Fans have expressed excitement, with many hoping this new section will pave the way for more anime titles to be licensed, potentially leading to physical releases under the prestigious Criterion Collection label.
The Significance of Criterion’s Anime Embrace
The Criterion Collection and its streaming counterpart, the Criterion Channel, are renowned for their commitment to film preservation and presenting “important classic and contemporary films” to the public. The establishment of a dedicated anime section signals a formal acknowledgment of anime’s artistic merit and its place within the broader cinematic canon. This development could lead to a deeper critical engagement with the medium, offering new restoration opportunities and increased accessibility for influential anime films. It also caters to a passionate and growing fanbase that values the platform’s curatorial expertise and high-quality presentations.
