The Before Trilogy Criterion Collection - Restorative Romance on

In this review the Criterion Collection release of The Before Trilogy is evaluated for cinephiles who cherish intimate, character-driven filmmaking. The set collects Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight into a single package that traces Celine and Jesse across nearly two decades; the strongest reason to buy is the way the films cumulatively document a relationship and the passage of time, delivering consistently rich dialogue quality and emotional realism that reward repeated viewing.

Key Features

• Three-film narrative: The set presents a continuous portrait of Celine and Jesse, allowing viewers to follow a relationship that evolves from youthful optimism to mature complexity.
• Director collaboration: Richard Linklater's longterm approach gives the trilogy a genuine sense of aging and continuity that deepens emotional stakes across films.
• Performance focus: Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke carry the trilogy with lived-in performances that make small moments feel like major revelations.
• Cinematic craft: The cinematography and pacing emphasize conversation and atmosphere, creating a sublime, intimate viewing experience noted by many customers.
• Collection value: Bonus features and the curated Criterion presentation add value for collectors and viewers interested in filmmaking context.

Who It's For

The Criterion edition is best for serious film viewers, critics, and anyone building a reference shelf of contemporary romantic drama, particularly those who value storytelling driven by dialogue and character development rather than plot mechanics. It rewards repeat watches and careful attention to performance and writing.

Those seeking fast-paced action, broad spectacle, or plot-heavy entertainment should look elsewhere; the trilogy is deliberately restrained, centered on conversation and emotional nuance rather than big set pieces.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Deep, evolving character study that feels authentic and richly acted.
• Excellent dialogue and chemistry between the leads that elevate everyday moments.
• Presentation and bonus materials make it a strong collection value for cinephiles.

Cons

• Pacing and talk-driven scenes may feel slow to viewers who prefer action-oriented films.
• Emotional ambiguity and relationship strain may frustrate those wanting tidy resolutions.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Criterion edition of The Before Trilogy is a must-buy for viewers who prize movie quality rooted in performance, writing, and directorial consistency; its bonus materials and cohesive presentation make it excellent value for a cinephile library, though casual viewers preferring plot-driven films may find its deliberate pace challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this set include all three films?
Yes, it collects Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight in a single Criterion Blu-ray package.

Are there special features included?
Yes, customers note that the release includes bonus features and curated material that add context and viewing value.

Is this trilogy suitable for first-time viewers?
It is accessible but most rewarding if you enjoy conversational, character-led films and are comfortable with slow, intimate pacing.