Not a Pretty Picture: The Criterion Collection DVD

Not a Pretty Picture from The Criterion Collection is Martha Coolidge’s hybrid of documentary and fiction, built around a reenactment of her experience of sexual violence as an adolescent. This one-disc DVD listing describes a 1974 film and includes a Coolidge interview and a short documentary about her grandmother.

At a glance

A hybrid of documentary and fiction centered on a reenactment of Coolidge’s adolescent experience of rape.
The edition description lists a director-approved 4K digital restoration supervised and approved by Coolidge.
Special features listed include an interview with Coolidge conducted by filmmaker Allison Anders and Old-Fashioned Woman (1974), a documentary by Coolidge about her grandmother.
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are listed in the edition description.

Price

$14.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$29.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The supplemental interview and a separate Coolidge documentary add material beyond the feature.
A focused choice for viewers interested in films examining consent, self-blame, and the challenges of representing trauma.

Cons

The listed format is DVD, rather than Blu-ray or 4K disc.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Film and disc
Genre	Documentary
Format	DVD, NTSC
Runtime	1 hour and 22 minutes
Aspect ratio	1.33:1
Disc count	1
Rating	NR (Not Rated)

Credits and language
Director	Martha Coolidge
Contributors	Anne Mundstuk, Jim Carrington, Martha Coolidge, Michele Manenti
Actors	Anne Mundstuk, Jim Carrington, Michele Manenti
Language	English

Edition and release
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Release date	August 20, 2024
Listed digital copy expiration	December 31, 2019

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	6.75 x 5.3 x 0.47 inches; 3.17 ounces

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The film addresses sexual violence and traumatic memories, which may be distressing for some viewers. The listing says DVD, NTSC, while also describing a 4K digital restoration. That describes a restoration source, not a 4K disc format. A digital copy expiration date of December 31, 2019 is listed despite the stated 2024 release, so current digital-copy availability is unconfirmed. The runtime, aspect ratio, and disc format are listing details.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers seeking Martha Coolidge’s feature debut and its documentary-fiction approach.
Collectors interested in Criterion DVD editions with director-related supplemental material.
Film discussion or study focused on consent and screen portrayals of sexual violence.

Less suited to

Viewers who want a Blu-ray or 4K disc.
Viewers who prefer to avoid films depicting sexual violence and traumatic experiences.

Not a Pretty Picture: The Criterion Collection DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.1 / 5 · 3 ratings

5 stars57%57%
4 stars0%0%
3 stars43%43%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Aggregate ratings are mixed, but the sample is very small and does not establish why viewers rated the DVD as they did. They offer little basis for judging the film or its extras, so buyers should rely on the listed subject matter and edition details when deciding whether it suits them.

Frequently asked questions

What format is this edition?

The listing identifies it as a DVD in NTSC format, with one disc. The mentioned 4K restoration does not mean the disc is 4K.

What extras are described?

The listing describes an interview with Martha Coolidge conducted by Allison Anders, the 1974 documentary Old-Fashioned Woman, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and an essay by film critic Molly Haskell.

Is a digital copy included and still available?

The listing gives a digital copy expiration date of December 31, 2019, so current digital-copy availability is not confirmed.

What subject matter should viewers expect?

The film reenacts Coolidge’s experience of rape in adolescence and explores consent, self-blame, and the limits of artistic catharsis.