Sick of Streaming? Here's How to Build Your DVD Collection!!

Disney+ recently announced in their new Terms of Use that they reserve the right to show ads across all of their subscription plans which is complete insanity. Especially for those who pay ridiculous amounts for premium subscriptions not to see any ads. I saw on Twitter after this announcement that a lot of people are now looking for alternatives to streaming like sailing the seven seas for pirated content. However, I think collecting physical media is another great alternative to look into. With AI on the rise as well it’s important to own a physical copy of your favorite films in case (and I HOPE this doesn’t happen) studios in the future decide to modify films using generative AI. I mean look at what they did to the Wizard of Oz last year at The Sphere who knows what film they’ll ruin with AI next. So if you are wondering where to start building your personal DVD collection keep on reading.

Thrift Stores, Record Stores, and Estate Sales

The thrift store or your local Goodwill should be the first place you search for DVDs. 80% of the time the DVDs range from 99¢ to $5. Keep in mind while you thrift to make sure the DVD disc is the correct one in the case and doesn’t have any scratches or flaws. Here are a few DVDs I found while thrifting through the years all were $1 each.

Sometimes record stores can carry DVDs as well. One of my local stores buys and resells DVDs for a decent price. If your record store is asking for $20+ for a used DVD do not buy it that’s ridiculous!! However you can find some hidden gems that you wouldn’t be able to find at the thrift store. I found my collector’s edition copy of Somewhere in Time and all three Star Wars prequels there in perfect condition. Don’t sleep on your local record stores!! 

I have yet to buy DVDs from an estate sale but often I see people getting them for cheap or a whole DVD lot for less than $20. Estate sales in general can be a hit or miss depending on what time you arrive and what’s leftover but again you never know what you may find. Keep an eye out for local estate sales near you here and here.

Thriftbooks

My holy grail for buying used DVDs!! If Thriftbooks has no fans then I am dead. When I really want a certain DVD that is hard to find at thrift stores this is where I go to find them. Prices for DVDs here can be a bit pricer ranging from $3 to $50 (mainly for super rare DVDs they get in stock). They always post the condition of the DVDs and I recommend only buying the good-like new ones. It can be a gamble when purchasing acceptable condition DVDs. I have bought the acceptable condition ones before since they are cheaper, but the discs may be damaged or if it's a multi disc set you may wind up with some missing. Thankfully the ones I bought only had damage to the DVD cases but take my advice and avoid the acceptable condition ones. Also Thriftbooks has a rewards program!! Each purchase you make will grant you points you can use towards an award for a free book/dvd award up to $6. I have gotten so many DVDs for free through this program it’s honestly the best. You can even make a wishlist of DVDs you are searching for and you will be notified when they get one in stock. Here are some DVDs I have bought from Thriftbooks.

Ebay and Depop

Both of these sites are another great alternative to finding second hand and sometimes even new DVDs. I have yet to buy some from both Ebay and Depop but I do occasionally browse to see if I can find what's on my wishlist if it is not in stock on Thriftbooks. Currently I am eyeing a collector's copy of Stranger Things Season 2 (aka the best season of the series) on Ebay for $17.

Barnes and Noble and The Criterion Collection

If you have money to spend I recommend getting some Criterions. I only get Criterions if the site or Barnes is having a sale because I cannot afford them haha. These DVDs are some of the most expensive on the market and for good reasons: the restoration and special features you would not find on regular DVDs. Some even include cool collectors items like posters and booklets. Here are all the Criterions I currently own.

Barnes and Noble I have found is the last major chain retail to sell new DVDs in store. Depending on your location, your store may have a big selection or just a small Criterion collection section like mine. A few months back I went to a Barnes outside my local area and I was astonished to see how HUGE of a DVD selection they had!! The non-Criterion ones ranged from $5-$10 which is pretty good for a new DVD. Here is my little haul.

Target, Walmart, and Amazon

While Target and Walmart no longer sell new DVDs in store, you can still buy new DVDs on their websites. All three of these places should be your last resort if you're unable to find the film you want at any of the places I mentioned above or for a reasonable price. I only buy new DVDs on these sites if it's a newer film recently released or if I REALLY want a certain box set I can only find there. Last Christmas I put on my wishlist that I wanted a copy of Sinners and an It's A Wonderful Life box set I had been eyeing for a while. My mom was awesome and gave me both shoutout to her!! And best believe the second The Odyssey gets a physical release I will be the first to buy it.

Your Local Library

If you are just looking to watch a film on your ever growing watchlist or you don't want to blind buy a DVD for a film you haven't seen, this is the place to go!! Even though you won't own the DVDs you check out, it's important you support your local libraries. September is National Sign Up for a Library Card month so go get your library cards Cinemarolls!!