Brief Encounters / The Long Farewell: Two Films by Kira Muratova (Criterion Collection) DVD

Criterion Collection: Brief Encounters / The Long Farewell presents two films by Kira Muratova on a two-disc DVD set. The films explore women’s work, relationships and family life through fragmented storytelling and unconventional style. The edition lists new 4K digital restorations and interviews, though this release is DVD rather than Blu-ray.

At a glance

Includes Brief Encounters and The Long Farewell, two early solo features by Kira Muratova.
The listing describes new 4K digital restorations, scholar interviews and an archival interview with Muratova.
The films use shifting perspectives and unconventional framing, editing and dialogue.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Two films and the listed supplemental interviews are presented across a two-disc set.
English subtitles are listed for the Russian-language program.
The two stories focus on contrasting family and romantic relationships, giving the set a clear thematic connection.

Cons

DVD format is less suitable for buyers specifically seeking a Blu-ray edition.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Disc and playback details
Format	DVD, NTSC
Number of discs	2
Genre	Drama
Language	Russian
Subtitles	English
Runtime	3 hours and 10 minutes
MPAA rating	NR (Not Rated)

Film and edition
Director	Kira Muratova
Contributors	Kira Muratova, Nina Ruslanova, Vladimir Vysotsky, Zinaida Sharko
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Release date	August 13, 2024

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	6.75 x 5.3 x 0.47 inches; 5.12 ounces

What to know before buying

The listing describes new 4K digital restorations, but this selected edition is DVD, NTSC. That restoration claim does not make the disc a 4K or Blu-ray release. The listed digital-copy expiration date is December 31, 2019, so do not assume a usable digital copy is included.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in Kira Muratova, formally experimental cinema or Soviet-era film history.
Buyers who want two Russian-language dramas with English subtitles and listed interviews.

Less suited to

Buyers seeking a Blu-ray or 4K disc format.
Viewers who prefer conventional, linear storytelling.

Brief Encounters / The Long Farewell: Two Films by Kira Muratova (Criterion Collection) DVD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 4 ratings

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Aggregate ratings are positive overall, with the displayed ratings limited to four submissions. That small sample offers little basis for judging specific aspects of this edition, so buyers should weigh the listed format, subtitles and extras against their own viewing preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Which films are included?

The set includes Brief Encounters and The Long Farewell, both directed by Kira Muratova.

What format is this edition?

The listed format is DVD, NTSC, with two discs. The description's new 4K restoration claim does not mean this is a 4K disc.

Does it include English subtitles?

Yes. English subtitles are listed for the Russian-language films.

What extras are listed?

The edition description lists interviews with scholars Elena Gorfinkel and Isabel Jacobs, an archival interview with Kira Muratova and an essay by Jessica Kiang.