Matewan (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray

Matewan is a Criterion Collection Blu-ray of John Sayles’s historical drama about a 1920 West Virginia coal-mining strike. The listing describes a director-approved special edition with a 4K digital restoration and several film-related extras. Customer feedback praises the film’s performances, cinematography and historical perspective, while some customers report missing subtitles.

At a glance

John Sayles wrote and directed this drama set during a 1920 coal-miners’ strike in West Virginia.
The listing describes a new 4K digital restoration supervised by Sayles, with an uncompressed monaural soundtrack.
Extras listed include audio commentary, a making-of documentary, interviews and a programme on production design.
The film features Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, David Strathairn, Mary McDonnell and Will Oldham.

Price

$37.13Save 25%

Reference price: ~~$49.68~~

Price checked: 13 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The restoration and substantial set of film-focused extras offer more than the feature alone for viewers interested in its production.
Its story centres on labour organising, solidarity across communities and conflict between miners and a coal company.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Identity and format
Brand	The Criterion Collection
Format	Blu-ray, Subtitled
Genre	drama
Language	English
Disc count	1
Release date	29 October 2019
Manufacturer reference	0715515236010

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	1.78 x 19.05 x 13.72 cm; 90.72 Grams

Listed audio
Audio language entry	Italian (Dolby Digital 5.1)

What to know before buying

The listing identifies the format as subtitled, but customer feedback reports that subtitles are absent. Confirm subtitle availability for the selected edition before buying, particularly if subtitles are essential. The listed English language and Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 audio entry do not clarify the full audio and subtitle options.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in labour history, mining communities and John Sayles’s historical dramas.
Criterion collectors looking for a Blu-ray edition with restoration-related and production extras.

Less suited to

Buyers who require confirmed subtitles, since customer feedback conflicts with the subtitled format listing.

Matewan (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 594 ratings

5 stars89%89%
4 stars7%7%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars1%1%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the film as powerful and historically resonant, highlighting Haskell Wexler’s cinematography and the cast’s performances, particularly Chris Cooper’s. Some customers also report missing subtitles. These opinions concern the film and edition experience, while the listing separately claims a subtitled format, so subtitle availability is worth confirming if it matters to your viewing.

Positive themes

Customers praise the film’s performances, cinematography, story and historical perspective.

Negative themes

Some customers report that subtitles are absent.

Frequently asked questions

What is Matewan about?

The listing describes a drama about a 1920 West Virginia coal-town strike, where organiser Joe Kenehan helps miners unite amid conflict with the coal company.

What extras are listed on this Blu-ray?

The listing includes a 4K digital restoration, audio commentary, a making-of documentary, an interview with composer Mason Daring, a production-design programme, a trailer and an essay.

Are subtitles included?

The format is listed as subtitled, but customer feedback reports missing subtitles. Check the selected edition’s available subtitle options if you need them.