be careful when you see two criterion films with vastly different prices; i saved ten dollars on a copy of the third man; the movie was fine, but it was a chinese knockoff
They can be pricey, yes, but I work at a music/video store, so I get a discount, that helps out in some cases (for example, we recently got used copies of the Criterions of Spinal Tap and L’Eclisse, which I bought for about $45.50 combined).
A flatmate of mine had 200+ criterions sitting on his shelf. I copied them all. The only official one I have is “Salesman”. But it is hard to pirate an object. They are just stunning!
I was in Sacramento recently and shopped an electronic store called Fry’s that had the best prices and selection I’ve seen on Criterions in-store. They seemed to have most about 25% off the list price. Unfortunately no stores in Tulsa but according to their website they have locations in CA, TX, AZ, GA, IL, IN, NV, OR and WA. I’m definitely going to check them for Criterions when I’m next in the area of one.
When I got Benjamin Button at Best Buy it was on sale for 22.99+5.00 coupon+3.00 coupon from the TV Guide=16.07 after tax. Best deal I’ve ever gotten on a Criterion DVD.
this prbably doesn’t help anyone but a month ago virgin in denver was closing and they were selling everything for 50% off or more. igot some stuff
DEEPDISCOUNT.COM. These have the best prices I have ever seen. Even when they’re not on sale, they have awesome prices. But every now and then (only a few times a year), they have a huge sale on Criterion, and it gets even BETTER. Go there – you will not be disappointed. FREE SHIPPING too.
There’s a CD chain in MA that sells Criterion DVDs both new and used. You can find some really solid used DVDs for under $20. And while buying such great films used seems unfortunate, getting something like Umberto D. for $11 is absolutely worth it.
U work for them?
Yes they are too pricey but I try to buy them used. If I can’t find used copies I just go to whatever place has the dvd I’m loooking for at the cheapest price. If only one store sells that title, I’ll probably buy it.
Naw, I don’t work there, but I will advertise the hell out of them. It’s one of those places I’d really hate to see go out of business one day.
I just rent anything that I can get ahold of from the library. My college library has a pretty awesome selection, so I’m taking advantage of it while I still can (about another month). Most public libraries are decent, though, and (at least in ohio) we used to have a thing online where you could take out stuff from other libraries in the state, and you could find a lot of great stuff on that. Netflix is good too. I generally don’t like spending my money on DVDs unless it’s a film that I really, really want or I happen to be where something is being sold and it’s cheap.
You can get Criterions cheap if you know where to look. It’s never been a problem for me.
Not to mention Criterion seems to have addressed this already, seeing as most 40 dollar DVDs are now 30.
Unless it’s a release I NEED to have the second its released, I usually wait it out, see if the stores have sales; sometimes, I even use Amazon markets. Managed to get the Traffic set – both discs in great condition and with the booklet – for seven bucks.
Hell Yes, It’s Great, Undoubtedly, but Damn.
For all you folks living in Europe I would suggest Play.com. they sell Criterions for +/- 20 € (and free shipping!)
Barnes and Noble is having a sale. All Criterion Half off until the third of August. I’m stocking up! With membership and a coupon I got Berlin Alexanderplatz for just under $50.
I think online buying is the answer. Living in the UK (and with a multi-region player) I often have a few options before I settle on which edition I want to buy. And Criterion doesn’t always give the best value for money — e.g. I held off buying their edition of the BRD Trilogy when I heard Artificial Eye were releasing the films in R2 boxsets along with several other hard-to-find Fassbinder titles and with most of the same extras. It worked out at roughly the same price.
On a good day 35 bucks, and their all absolutely great films, so no, coming from the man that refuses to pay 10 bucks for Netflix
It sure is. I wish they would have a half-off sale twice a year. That would make life a little easier to take. :-D
well, 35 dollars is quite a lot for a film…but I don’t think I really have a choice!!!!!! :)
Yes.
Criterion sales, trading forums or buying them used. For Blu-rays, I don’t mind waiting to get them around $15-20. For DVD’s, some I buy new (mainly if the price is really too good to pass) but I’m not going to lie, I like buying used Criterions DVD’s in lots via eBay (if they include everything) and I can get them for nearly $8-12 a title.
If you go the ebay route, you gotta be careful since some people who sell them used…they sell them disc only. You need to ask the seller before buying that everything is included.
As far as Borders goes, they quoted me a price of $40.95 for Howard’s End. A full dollar more than the MSRP! So even with a discount coupon for Borders I think you could find it cheaper from another retailer online and shipped.
Amazon is 35 bucks or less for older releases usually, and u can trust them. But if u want to go the ebay route, just make ABSOLUTE sure.
And, of course, a week after I post a comment about having another 1/2 off sale, Barnes & Noble is DOING IT AGAIN on Criterion DVDs.
WOOT!
It’s expensive but I have been purchasing used DVD’s online and managed to purchase them under $14 and some box sets for $25.
Although I’m kind of anal of asking every seller “is the original cover artwork/booklet/inserts included”. But for new copies, I look towards the major sales from Barnes and Noble, Amazon (and one time Tower.com offered Criterions cheap last december and early January).
One time I bought a used criterion blu-ray for $17.99 on Ebay and all I got was the disc. Fortunately, Criterion offers the $5 per case, per artwork, per booklet….but I ended up paying more than what the blu-ray cost new. So, it’s good to ask all sellers and I will now avoid those video stores or chain stores that send automated messages that they can’t check.
I normally get them for £8, about $15 on ebay.
BRAD - E
No. I have always respected Criterion. If is means paying a little extra to have exceptional films for my film library I do not mind. They have had my support since the Laserdisc days.