Review: Criterion's 'The Complete Films Of Agnès Varda' a Must-Have For All Cinephiles

Every once and awhile, The Criterion Collection releases a boxset that is so monumentally important for any cinephile to own. This is absolutely indicative of their latest release, "The Complete Films of Agn�s Varda." Along with its Ingmar Bergman collection, its "Godzilla" anthology and other superb boxsets, this Varda assemblage is complete and essential. Varda is inarguably a founder of the French New Wave, with documentaries and narrative features that broke boundaries. She is aggressively independent, showcasing a curious passion for cinema in all her works. From early documentaries like "Black Panthers" to narrative masterpieces like "Cl�o from 5 to 7," Varda's work spans a wide array of genres that collectively encompass a career like no other.

As a filmmaker, a photographer, a multimedia artist, and an all-around visionary, Varda never once let up during her incredible run. This collection does a fantastic job of putting Varda's work into a historical context, as well as basking in the artistic appreciation of everything Varda has done for art. Her social consciousness, fierce attention to detail and overall compassion for her subjects will go down in history. This collection exists for a reason, and it's a must-have for any serious film collector.

"The Complete Films of Agn�s Varda" includes, as advertised, all of the filmmaker's short and feature-length works. The works include introductions by Varda, television programs director by her, and plenty of additional bonus features that will keep you occupied for hours. A highlight is over seven hours of archival programs featuring Varda, many of them directed by her. Plus, the lavish, illustrated 200-page book featured within the collection (which is gorgeously packaged by the way) is one of a kind. It features notes on the films and essays on Varda's life and work by writers Amy Taubin, Michael Koresky, Ginette Vincendeau, So Mayer, Alexandra Hidalgo, and Rebecca Bengal, as well as a selection of Varda's photography and images of her installation art.

Pick up this incredible release today and dive into the films of an artist you probably aren't fully associated with. With digital restorations of 39 films, this isn't just a boxset -- it's an education.

"The Complete Films of Agn�s Varda"
The Criterion Collection Blu-ray Boxset
$199.96
www.criterion.com/boxsets/3432-the-complete-films-of-agn-s-varda