Anora (2024) – Special Features Disc

Description

Anora (2024) – Special Features Disc Review
The Criterion Collection
Disc 3: Bonus Features Blu-ray

Special Features Breakdown – ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Criterion’s third disc in the Anora set is a dedicated bonus Blu-ray, offering a rich supplemental experience that deepens the viewer’s understanding of the film, director Sean Baker’s process, and the real-world contexts influencing the story. The content here is exclusive to the Criterion edition, thoughtfully curated and presented in full 1080p.

Included Features:

• “Brooklyn on the Brink: The Making of Anora” (38 min)
  An intimate behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the challenges and creative decisions in Baker’s production process. Cast interviews, candid crew moments, and location scouting give you a real sense of how the film came together guerilla-style in real environments.
• “In Conversation: Sean Baker & Mikey Madison” (22 min)
  A compelling one-on-one interview between the director and star. They discuss character development, improvisation on set, and the emotional themes driving Anora. Madison reflects on the intense preparation and the vulnerability the role demanded.
• Audition & Rehearsal Footage (18 min)
  Raw, revealing early footage of Mikey Madison workshopping scenes and going through character trials. These clips show how performance evolved during pre-production.
• Video Essay: “Sean Baker’s Street Realism” (17 min)
  A visual essay examining Baker’s signature approach to realism—handheld camerawork, non-actors, real locations—placing Anora within the larger context of his filmography (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket).
• Deleted Scenes (3 total, 11 min)
  Short but fascinating scenes cut for pacing. Each comes with optional commentary from Baker explaining the removal.
• ️ Theatrical Trailer (2 min)

Technical Presentation – ★★★★☆

All extras are presented in HD (1080p) with uncompressed PCM stereo or DTS-HD audio, depending on the feature. Video quality is sharp and clean. Menus are well-designed with easy navigation, and chapters are divided by topic within longer features.

Overall Recommendation – ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The Special Features Disc is a must-watch companion for anyone who connected with Anora. While not jam-packed with a massive number of extras, what’s here is carefully chosen, smartly produced, and full of insight into the filmmaking process. For fans of Sean Baker’s brand of socially conscious, ground-level storytelling, this disc delivers true behind-the-scenes value.