Quick Read
- Criterion Collection’s October 2025 lineup features Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Nightmare Alley,’ David Cronenberg’s ‘A History of Violence,’ and more.
- Special editions include 4K restorations, director’s cuts, and extensive bonus features.
- Highlights include Ken Russell’s ‘Altered States’ and David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.’
- Reissues of ‘Eyes Without a Face’ and Lynch’s ‘Fire Walk with Me’ are part of the lineup.
- All releases will be available throughout October 2025.
The Criterion Collection, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence, has unveiled its October 2025 lineup, and it’s a feast for film lovers with a penchant for the eerie, the macabre, and the thought-provoking. Featuring works from luminaries like Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Ken Russell, and David Lynch, this month’s releases promise to deliver timeless classics and modern masterpieces in the best possible quality.
Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Nightmare Alley’
Among the highlights of October is Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed neo-noir psychological thriller Nightmare Alley (2021). Based on the 1946 novel by William Lindsay Gresham, the film follows Stan Carlisle (played by Bradley Cooper), a drifter who learns the art of mentalism in a traveling carnival during the late 1930s. The film also stars Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Rooney Mara, and Willem Dafoe, forming a stellar ensemble cast.
This Criterion release is monumental, offering both the original theatrical version and a newly extended black-and-white director’s cut titled Vision in Darkness and Light. This cut, supervised by del Toro himself, adds a layer of visual and narrative depth, giving audiences a fresh perspective on this haunting tale. As reported by Fangoria, the release includes a treasure trove of special features, such as a new audio commentary by del Toro, a documentary on the film’s production design, and conversations with Bradley Cooper and co-screenwriter Kim Morgan. This four-disc set, available on October 28, is a must-own for cinephiles.
David Cronenberg’s Double Feature
David Cronenberg, the Canadian auteur known for his provocative storytelling, is featured prominently in Criterion’s October lineup. Two of his works—A History of Violence (2005) and his recent film The Shrouds (2024)—are making their way to the collection.
A History of Violence, based on the graphic novel by John Wagner, explores themes of identity, morality, and hidden pasts. Viggo Mortensen delivers a gripping performance as Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner whose life takes a turn after a violent incident. The Criterion edition, releasing on October 21, includes a new 4K restoration, a documentary on the making of the film, and a commentary by Cronenberg himself. According to The Wrap, this release also features excerpts from a 2014 conversation between Cronenberg and Mortensen.
The Shrouds, meanwhile, delves into the intersection of grief, technology, and mortality. Starring Vincent Cassel as a mysterious entrepreneur, the film offers an elegiac exploration of loss and the commodification of death. This Criterion Premiere title is also set to release on October 21, marking a significant addition to Cronenberg’s body of work.
Other Highlights: Lynch, Russell, and More
David Lynch’s cult classic Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) is another standout in the October lineup. This prequel to the groundbreaking television series dives deep into the final days of Laura Palmer’s life, painting a harrowing portrait of a young woman trapped in a web of secrets. The Criterion release, available on October 7, features a 4K restoration supervised by Lynch, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and composer Angelo Badalamenti. As noted by Why So Blu, this edition is a testament to Lynch’s enduring influence on cinema.
Ken Russell’s Altered States (1980) also makes its Criterion debut this month. A psychedelic exploration of consciousness and identity, the film stars William Hurt as a researcher who undergoes mind-expanding experiments. Scheduled for release on October 21, this edition includes a new commentary by film historian Samm Deighan and archival interviews with Russell and Hurt.
Mexican director Arturo Ripstein’s Deep Crimson (1996) rounds out the October slate. Based on true events, the film portrays a twisted romance between a conman and a nurse as they embark on a spree of crime and murder. This Criterion edition, releasing on October 28, features a 4K restoration and interviews with Ripstein and screenwriter Paz Alicia Garciadiego.
Revisiting Classics
In addition to these new titles, Criterion is reissuing two of its classic films in 4K. Georges Franju’s Eyes Without a Face (1960), a haunting tale of obsession and sacrifice, will be available on October 14. This edition includes archival interviews with Franju and essays exploring the film’s impact on horror cinema. David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me is also getting a 4K upgrade, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Lynch’s oeuvre.
*With this October lineup, the Criterion Collection continues to honor cinema’s rich history while embracing its evolving present. Whether you’re a fan of noir thrillers, psychological horror, or mind-bending science fiction, this month’s releases offer something for everyone.*