Killer of Sheep 4K Blu-ray Arrives May 27 from Criterion
Criterion Collection releases Killer of Sheep with new 4K restoration and extensive supplemental features
Killer of Sheep, Charles Burnett's lyrical debut feature, arrives on 4K Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection on May 27, 2025. This new release features a fresh 4K restoration approved by Burnett himself, presenting the film with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack for optimal audio clarity.
The film paints an intimate portrait of Black life in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles through the eyes of Stan (Henry Gayle Sanders), a man burdened by his slaughterhouse job, and his wife (Kaycee Moore), capturing moments of tenderness amid daily hardships. Known as a foundational work of the LA Rebellion movement, Killer of Sheep is acclaimed for its poetic and compassionate storytelling.
This edition includes a rich array of special features that expand on the film’s significance and creative process. Highlights include an audio commentary with Burnett and film scholar Richard Peña, new interviews with Burnett and actor Sanders, and an appreciation from filmmaker Barry Jenkins. Additionally, two short films by Burnett—Several Friends (1969) and The Horse (1973)—are included, with a new introduction to The Horse by Burnett.
Further supplements explore the historical context with excerpts from the 2010 UCLA LA Rebellion Oral History Project and a 2019 documentary by Robert Townsend titled A Walk with Charles Burnett. The package also offers a cast reunion from 2007, a trailer, English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and a critical essay by Danielle Amir Jackson.
Release Contents:
- NEW 4K RESTORATION: Approved by Charles Burnett with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
- Audio Commentary: Featuring Burnett and film scholar Richard Peña
- New Interviews: Conversations with Charles Burnett and Henry Gayle Sanders
- New Appreciation: By filmmaker Barry Jenkins
- Short Films: Several Friends (1969) and The Horse (1973), introduced by Burnett
- UCLA LA Rebellion Oral History Project: Interview with Burnett by Jacqueline Stewart
- Documentary: A Walk with Charles Burnett (2019) by Robert Townsend
- Cast Reunion: From 2007
- Trailer: Official movie trailer
- Subtitles: English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Essay: By critic Danielle Amir Jackson
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Source: Blu-ray.com