For dedicated cinephiles and collectors, owning physical media has always held a special charm. While streaming services initially threatened its reign, we’ve seen a fantastic resurgence in 4K UHD and Blu-ray sales. People are rediscovering the joy of truly owning their favorite films and TV shows, especially with certain streaming platforms removing content without notice. However, building a comprehensive physical media library can quickly become a costly endeavor, far removed from the days of finding incredible deals in bargain bins. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to expand your collection. Certain times of the year consistently offer significant savings on 4K and Blu-ray discs. Let’s dive into the best annual opportunities to snag those must-have titles at a discount.
Look for Savings During Sales Events
Top online retailers frequently host major sales events throughout the year, making them prime opportunities for disc collectors. You’ll often find direct price drops or enticing ‘buy one, get one’ promotions on a wide range of titles. Keep an eye out during these key periods to maximize your savings.
Prime Big Deal Days (October)
Amazon consistently proves to be a fantastic destination for acquiring 4K and Blu-ray discs. Their exclusive sales events are excellent opportunities to find great deals. The ‘Prime Big Deal Days,’ also known as October Prime Day, is a relatively new fixture in the autumn shopping calendar, typically running in early October. You’ll often see significant discounts on 4K Blu-rays even before the official start of these sales, so keep an eye out for early bird offers.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November-December)
Without a doubt, the period surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers some of the most anticipated savings across all product categories, and physical media is no exception. Every major retailer ramps up competition, vying for your attention with impressive deals. Expect to see not only familiar discounts from earlier in the year but also the inaugural price drops on many of the most sought-after 4K movies released this year. These extensive sales typically kick off in early November and continue through December, well past Cyber Monday itself.
Prime Day (July)
Amazon’s original Prime Day, held annually in mid-July, has become a reliable hotspot for physical media enthusiasts. In recent years, it has delivered exceptional value, with Amazon frequently offering substantial promotions like ‘Buy 2, Get 1 Free’ on a vast selection of films. Beyond these enticing bundles, you can also expect noteworthy price reductions on popular 4K movies and complete TV series box sets. This July event is ideal for picking up titles released during the prior summer at fantastic prices.
Criterion Collection Sales
For fans of the acclaimed Criterion Collection, there’s good news: you can typically find excellent deals four times a year. Recent sales, such as Barnes & Noble’s comprehensive 50% off event in July, exclude only pre-orders and offer incredible value. A similar November sale is anticipated annually. Additionally, the Criterion Collection’s own website hosts two annual 24-hour flash sales, providing similar steep discounts for a very limited time. Watch for these flash sales, with one often occurring in October.
Holiday Weekends
Although not as universally guaranteed as the major events, holiday weekends remain excellent opportunities for finding deals on 4K and Blu-ray discs. Most leading online retailers typically feature special sales pages for holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Presidents’ Day, which frequently include movie discounts. These sales often begin about a week before the actual holiday, allowing you to scout for early price reductions. Amazon, in particular, often runs its popular ‘Buy One, Get One’ promotions during these festive periods, making it a great time to expand your collection strategically.
When to Find Deals on Steelbooks
No physical media collection feels complete without the stylish addition of a few steelbooks. These premium editions house movies or TV series in stunning, limited-edition metal cases, often featuring exclusive artwork and bonus content. Their unique appeal means they usually come with a higher price tag. However, with a bit of patience and savvy, you can find them on sale, though the timing of these discounts can vary.
Near the End of the Preorder Window
The release calendar is always packed with new 4K and Blu-ray releases, including both brand-new blockbusters and beloved classics getting steelbook re-releases. Steelbooks are often at their priciest when first announced for preorder. Highly anticipated titles can sell out fast, making immediate pre-ordering tempting. However, for less high-demand releases, waiting until closer to the actual launch date can often lead to a discount. If you’re set on a particular collector’s edition and don’t want to risk it selling out, some retailers offer a preorder price guarantee, ensuring you get the lowest price if it drops before release.
A Month or More After Release
If a steelbook doesn’t completely vanish during its preorder phase, retailers will eventually need to clear surplus stock. While a rapid price drop shortly after release isn’t uncommon, you’ll generally need to be patient. Many collectors are willing to pay full price for a fresh release, so deep discounts often appear a month or more after the initial launch. You might not see significant markdowns on the hottest new limited-edition steelbooks, but this waiting game often pays off for re-releases or anniversary editions of films that are no longer at the peak of public discussion.