The Criterion Channel is pulling out all the stops this Halloween season by featuring an array of horror films that span across different eras and styles. From pre-code classics to ’90s gems, the lineup is designed to give film aficionados a treat (or trick) they won’t forget. Here’s what you can expect.
A Nostalgic Journey with Pre-Code Horror
Before the Hays Code came into effect to regulate content in Hollywood, the film industry had a brief but impactful period known as the pre-code era. The Criterion Channel is showcasing some of these gems, including the 1931 classic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” for which Fredric March won the Best Actor Oscar. Other notable mentions are Tod Browning’s “Freaks” and “Mystery of the Wax Museum” from 1933.
Arthouse and ’90s Horror Take the Spotlight
The Criterion Channel isn’t just stopping at pre-code horror; it’s also featuring a variety of arthouse films. Titles like George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” and Dario Argento’s “Suspiria” are part of the lineup. The ’90s are represented as well, albeit with some surprising omissions. While “The Exorcist III” is included, significant films like “Ringu,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” and “Scream” are notably absent.
How to Access the Criterion Collection
The Criterion Channel offers a free seven-day trial, after which it costs $10.99 a month or $99.99 a year. It’s worth noting that some titles are only available for viewing in the United States. For a complete list of titles and more information, you can visit The Criterion Collection’s official website.
For more curated collections of must-watch movies and TV shows, don’t hesitate to browse HitPlay. Your next favorite film could be just a click away!
