Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project No. 2 - Criterion Blu-ray Set

In this review of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project No. 2, the bottom line is simple: this Criterion Blu-ray+DVD collectors set is for cinephiles and film historians who want a curated window into six landmark films from diverse national cinemas. The set gathers restored prints that make rarely seen classics like Insiang, Mysterious Object at Noon and Limite far more accessible, and the chief reason to buy is the restoration and context provided by the Film Foundation, which elevates fragile prints into lasting, watchable editions.

Key Features

• Curated anthology: Six films from six countries offer a cross-section of world cinema that highlights different traditions and eras in one package.
• Restorations: The Film Foundation restorations preserve visual detail and make fragile films available in durable Blu-ray and DVD formats.
• Bonus formats: Each title includes both Blu-ray and DVD, providing compatibility with a wide range of players and display setups.
• Historical context: The set gathers important works like Limite and Taipei Story that illuminate national film histories for viewers and researchers.
• Collector appeal: Packaged as a numbered World Cinema Project release, the set is presented for long-term ownership and reference.

Who It's For

This collection is ideal for dedicated film students, collectors, and viewers who are interested in world cinema beyond mainstream releases and who value archival restorations. The set is especially useful in academic settings or for anyone building a reference library of influential non-English films.

Casual viewers who prefer single-director box sets or mainstream titles may find the anthology format less immediately accessible; those seeking only modern, widely known hits should look elsewhere. Still, viewers curious about film history will find the set rewarding.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Brings six significant but often overlooked films together for convenient study and viewing.
• Includes both Blu-ray and DVD to maximize playback compatibility and preservation value.
• Restorations by the Film Foundation improve image stability and archival longevity.

Cons

• The anthology format means individual films do not receive the single-film packaging or exhaustive supplements some collectors prefer.

Specifications

Title	World Cinema Project No. 2: Six-film set
Formats	Blu-ray + DVD
Included films	Insiang; Mysterious Object at Noon; Revenge; Limite; Law of the Border; Taipei Story
Collection	The Criterion Collection / World Cinema Project
Curator	Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation project
Regions	Collector edition, multi-format playback

Our Verdict

This Criterion Blu-ray+DVD set is a strong buy for serious film lovers and educators who want durable, restored editions of influential international films. Its value lies in preservation and access to important works that are otherwise difficult to source, making it a worthwhile addition to a film reference collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these restored transfers?
Yes. The set collects restorations overseen by Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation to preserve and present the films in improved condition.

Does the package include both Blu-ray and DVD discs?
Yes. Each title in the set is provided in Blu-ray and DVD formats for broader compatibility.

Which countries are represented?
The six films represent the Philippines, Thailand, Soviet Kazakhstan, Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan.