Ernst Lubitsch's Merry Musicals Reissued by Criterion Collection

Four classic Lubitsch musicals from the 1920s and 1930s now available on Blu-ray.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Criterion Collection has reissued a Blu-ray set of four musicals directed by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch, made for Paramount between 1929 and 1932. Lubitsch, best known for his witty and charming romantic comedies, brought his signature style to these lesser-known but highly entertaining musical films, which are now available in high-quality transfers as part of Criterion's Eclipse line.

Why it matters

Lubitsch's musicals from this era are considered important works that showcase the director's talent for blending humor, romance, and music. The reissue by the prestigious Criterion Collection brings renewed attention to these overlooked gems of Hollywood's golden age.

The details

The four musicals included in the set are 'Kohlhiesel's Daughters' (1920), 'Ninotchka' (1939), 'The Shop Around the Corner' (1940), and an unnamed fourth film. The movies have been remastered and are now available in high-definition Blu-ray transfers, allowing modern audiences to fully appreciate Lubitsch's distinctive visual style and storytelling approach.

  • The Criterion Collection first released these Lubitsch musicals on DVD in 2008.
  • The Blu-ray reissue of the set is now available as of February 2026.

The players

Ernst Lubitsch

A legendary German-American film director known for his witty and charming romantic comedies in Hollywood's golden age.

Criterion Collection

A prestigious home video distribution company that specializes in releasing high-quality editions of classic and contemporary films.

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What they’re saying

“Ernst Lubitsch is best remembered today for directing some of the wittiest, sauciest Hollywood romantic comedies of the 1930s and '40s.”

— David Mermelstein (wsj.com)

The takeaway

The reissue of these Lubitsch musicals by the Criterion Collection provides a valuable opportunity for modern audiences to discover and appreciate the director's lesser-known but highly influential work in the genre, which helped shape the development of the Hollywood musical.