Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 12, 2026
News editorial office
52
Two films by director Karen Shakhnazarov—"The Tsaricide" and "Khitrovka: The Sign of Four"—have been included in the prestigious international list of the best Blu-ray releases of 2025. The editions, released by the American label Deaf Crocodile, were recognized by the international online magazine PopMatters for their impeccable restoration and rich accompanying content, preserving the author's original intent for a global audience.
The authoritative online culture magazine PopMatters has published its annual ranking of the best physical home movies. The list, which traditionally features rare and iconic films from around the world, includes six releases from the American distributor Deaf Crocodile. Among them are two works by the distinguished Russian director and CEO of the Mosfilm film company, Karen Shakhnazarov: the mystical drama The Tsaricide (1991) and the adventure detective Khitrovka: The Sign of Four (2023). *The films were released on Blu-ray in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
The publication emphasizes that labels like Deaf Crocodile fulfill a vital cultural mission by bringing unique auteur cinema back into the spotlight of global audiences. Shakhnazarov's releases ranked alongside Belgian, Japanese, and American films, which critics described as "works by serious auteurs with a distinct personal style" that linger in the memory "like a haunting melody."
American Blu-ray editions of Karen Shakhnazarov's films were released with meticulous attention to detail. They include:
· Complete, restored versions of the films with English subtitles.· An exclusive video interview with the director, moderated by Dennis Bartok.· Audio commentary with renowned film critic Samm Dane.· An extended essay about the film by critic Walter Chau.· A special graphic booklet.
The inclusion of "The Tsaricide" and "Khitrovka: The Sign of Four" in this prestigious international list confirms the enduring artistic value and global recognition of Karen Shakhnazarov's work. It also demonstrates the growing interest of international audiences and critics in the profound and multifaceted Russian cinema, which continues to be revealed to the world at the highest technical quality.
Reference information:
PopMatters is an international online magazine covering many aspects of contemporary popular culture. PopMatters publishes reviews, interviews, and in-depth essays on the most important phenomena in music, television, film, books, video games, comics, sports, theater, visual arts, travel, and the internet. The magazine's staff includes contributors from around the world—from academics and professional journalists to aspiring writers. Many of them are authorities in a wide range of fields.
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