A month-long sale at Barnes & Noble is expected in July 2026 , followed by a one-day flash sale on the Criterion website in October 2026 . 2. Strategic Buying Tips
A subscription to the Criterion Channel (approx. $10.99/month) allows you to "try before you buy" to avoid costly "blind buys". Subscribers also occasionally receive $10 gift codes a week before flash sales.
Large sets like the Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films (15 films) or the Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema (39 films) offer the best price-per-movie ratio during 50% off sales. The Criterion Channel Review - PCMag buy criterion collection
For deeper discounts (often $10–$20), check eBay, Half Price Books, or the r/Criterion monthly buy/sell threads. 3. Choosing Your First Titles
Amazon often price-matches the Barnes & Noble sales, which is useful if a specific title sells out elsewhere. A month-long sale at Barnes & Noble is
Films like Seven Samurai , Parasite , or The Red Shoes are frequently cited as perfect entry points.
Spending $500 on the Criterion website earns a $50 credit for future purchases. The Criterion Channel Review - PCMag For deeper
If you are new to the collection, many enthusiasts recommend starting with "foundational" films or curated box sets that offer high value: