Review: Criterion's 'World Of Wong Kar-wai' Contains Hypnotic Visuals, Gorgeous Costumes, and Expert Use of Color

The Criterion Collection's "World of Wong Kar Wai" box set is a universe worth entering indeed, and a must for any film collector or fan. Wong Kar Wai has established himself as a definitive auteur of Chinese cinema and the art of film in general, and Criterion has rightfully gathered together seven of the filmmaker's best works into one superb collection.

The moment you unwrap this new box set, you'll be immediately treated to quality, from the outer container's lush material to the carefully curated content within. Simply exploring the box set is a journey in and of itself, as this deluxe packaging includes not only seven films, but a perfect-bound, French-fold book that features lavish photography from Wong Kar Wai's work. Not only that, but you'll find plenty of treats within the booklet, too, including an essay by critic John Powers, a director's note and six collectible art prints that are tucked away in secret compartments.

And then there are the films themselves, which offer an eclectic mix of Wong Kar Wai's rich and unique vision. Journeying through these seven films is just as sumptuous as the packaging's design, as the "World of Wong Kar Wai" offers new 4K digital restorations of all seven films. For those unfamiliar with any of Wong Kar Wai's work, or for those filling in blind spots in his filmography, this boxset is an unrivaled treat. Hypnotic visuals, gorgeous costuming, expert use of color, infectious soundtracks, diverse stories and so much more can be used to define each and every film in this collection, which include:

� "As Tears Go By" (1988)
� "Days of Being Wild" (1990)
� "Chungking Express" (1994)
� "Fallen Angels" (1995)
� "Happy Together" (1997)
� "In the Mood for Love" (2000)
� "2046" (2004)

For those looking to add on to the experience that these singular films provide, you can also dive into the generous assortment of bonus features on this 7-disc set. In a new program, Wong answers questions submitted by a variety of notable persons in the art world, including authors André Aciman and Jonathan Lethem; filmmakers Sofia Coppola, Rian Johnson, Lisa Joy, and Chloé Zhao; cinematographers Philippe Le Sourd and Bradford Young; and filmmakers and founders/creative directors of Rodarte Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The full set of bonus features includes:

�Alternate version of "Days of Being Wild," on home video for the first time
�Extended version of "The Hand," a 2004 short film by Wong, available in the U.S. for the first time
�"Hua yang de nian hua," a 2000 short film by Wong
�Interview and "cinema lesson" with Wong from 2001
�Several programs featuring interviews with Wong; actors Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Chang Chen, Faye Wong, and Ziyi Zhang; and others
�Program from 2012 on "In the Mood for Love's" soundtrack
�Deleted scenes, alternate endings, behind-the-scenes footage, a promo reel, music videos, and trailers

"World of Wong Kar Wai" from The Criterion Collection is currently being sold at the suggested retail price of $159.96