You can get all available Blu-rays and DVDs until February 28 at noon EST Criterion’s online store for 50% off. It’s a special time of year when Polygon grants you, as a physical media connoisseur, immunity from guilt over irresponsible spending that may occur today and tomorrow. You can – and should – go crazy with these discs, each of which is the definitive editions, complete with special features.
While retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon offer sales on Criterion discs and pre-orders every quarter (or so), there’s no bigger sale than the company’s own discount promotion. It is valid on DVD sets, Blu-ray remasters and high-resolution 4K Blu-rays available for some films.
This is your chance to get Akira Kurosawa’s High and low for half off. The 1963 film was recently in the news because Spike Lee announced he’s remaking it starring Denzel Washington. The original film stars frequent Kurosawa collaborator Toshiro Mifune, telling a gripping story that feels modern to watch even today.
1996 Train spotting featuring a young Ewan McGregor is a recent addition to the Criterion Collection, and it too is available at half off. The 4K Blu-ray version costs just $24.97 (was $49.99), while the 1080p Blu-ray costs $19.97 (was $39.95). Director Danny Boyle is also known for hits like Slumdog millionaire And 28 days later (two films that couldn’t be more different from each other).
Wes Anderson’s Asteroid city hasn’t yet received the Criterion Collection treatment, but many of the director’s other classics have. Blu-rays from Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Fantastic Mr. Foxand more are $19.97 each.
If, like me, you can’t get enough of Godzilla after 2023 Godzilla Minus onethe Blu-ray box set of all Showa-Era Godzilla Movies is the next move. This beautiful set contains 8 Blu-ray discs, packed with films released between 1954 and 1975. One of the best parts of the package is the hardcover art book that comes included.
If you like concert films: Martin Scorsese The last waltz is one you should check out. It features a range of artists who played at The Band’s farewell show, including Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters and Neil Young. (Although it’s not on Criterion, another film we recommend is The Talking Heads’ Stop thinking logically, which recently received a 4K Blu-ray release, giving eager fans the best possible way to watch the crazy, memorable performance. Maybe worth a splurge!)
Criterion has literally hundreds of movies available through February 28 at a special 50% discount, so go ahead and let us know what you ended up purchasing in the comments.