It Was Just an Accident (The Criterion Collection) 4K UHD

It Was Just an Accident from The Criterion Collection is a 4K UHD special edition of Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning moral thriller. It pairs the film on 4K UHD and Blu-ray with a director-approved master, English subtitles, and a small set of extras. Customer reactions are positive about the acting, emotional impact, and humor, but mixed on the story, viewing quality, and subtitles.

At a glance

Director-approved 4K UHD digital master with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.
The listing describes a 4K UHD disc for the film and a Blu-ray with the film and special features.
Extras include a conversation between Jafar Panahi and Ramin Bahrani, a 2025 Cannes press conference, a trailer, and an essay by Sheida Dayani.
English subtitle translation is listed.

Price

$24.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$49.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Includes the film in both 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats, with special features on the Blu-ray.
Adds filmmaker discussion, festival press conference, trailer, and a written essay beyond the feature film.
The 1 hour and 43 minute runtime makes this a defined, feature-length viewing rather than a multi-film set.

Technical specifications

12 specifications

Format and presentation
Media format	4K, Widescreen
Aspect ratio	1.85:1
Soundtrack	5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio
Subtitles	English
Runtime	1 hour and 43 minutes

Edition and release
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Release date	June 30, 2026
Discs listed in product details	1
Film and special-edition disc configuration	One 4K UHD disc of the film and one Blu-ray with the film and special features

Content
Director	Jafar Panahi
MPAA rating	PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	1 x 1 x 1 inches; 3.84 ounces

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing's product details say one disc, while its special-edition description specifies one 4K UHD disc plus one Blu-ray. The listed English subtitles also contrast with customer reports that subtitles are lacking, so confirm the selected edition's disc count and subtitle availability before purchase.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Criterion collectors seeking a 4K UHD edition of Jafar Panahi’s film with Blu-ray extras.
Viewers interested in a tense moral drama about trauma, revenge, and uncertain identification.
Buyers who value filmmaker and festival material alongside the feature.

Less suited to

Buyers who need assured subtitle availability based on customer reports, or who want a listing with unambiguous disc-count details.

It Was Just an Accident (The Criterion Collection) 4K UHD · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.1 / 5 · 222 ratings

5 stars65%65%
4 stars12%12%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars4%4%
1 star12%12%

Customer feedback highlights emotional impact, acting, and surprising humor, while reactions to the story and ending are mixed. Reports also disagree on viewing quality and readability, with some customers saying they could not view the film, and subtitles are a notable concern. The listed English subtitles and two-format description may matter to buyers, but the feedback means those details should be confirmed for the selected edition. Overall ratings lean positive, though a substantial minority of ratings are low, so the aggregate does not resolve these specific concerns.

Positive themes

Customers praise the film's emotional engagement, acting, and humor.

Negative themes

Some customers report being unable to view it and criticize subtitle availability.

Mixed feedback

Reactions to the story and ending vary, as do views of the film's quality and readability.

Frequently asked questions

What formats are included?

The description specifies one 4K UHD disc with the film and one Blu-ray with the film and special features. Product details separately list one disc, so verify the selected listing's configuration.

What special features are listed?

A conversation between Jafar Panahi and filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, a 2025 Cannes Film Festival press conference, a trailer, and an essay by Sheida Dayani.

Are English subtitles included?

The product details list English subtitles and the description mentions a new English subtitle translation. Customer feedback nevertheless reports subtitle problems, so confirm subtitle availability for the edition you are ordering.

What is the film about?

A mechanic believes a stranded driver is the guard who tortured him during political imprisonment, then gathers former inmates and allies while questioning whether he has identified the right person.