I understand the feeling of buying a movie because you’re like “ya this needs love no ones gonna take a chance on this”.

Almost every Criterion I own is a blind buy, and I totally agree with your point about the value of bad movies. There are movies that don't work for me, but with the special features I understand why it works for others. It's an incredible learning tool!

75% of my purchases are blind. No problem with that. Mostly great surprises.

One of the films I most recently blind bought was A24’s Waves. It came out last year and while I had only heard good things, I had no idea what it was about until I started watching it and luckily, I fell in love with the movie! Great video, keep up the good work!

Wow Elliot, the fact that you really started to get serious about cinema in 2014 is mindblowing to me, it seems that you have a decade plus experience judging by your knowledge and the way you express yourself. I myself started collecting DVDs and Blu-ray about a decade ago, and I've been blind buying since day 1, when I started picking up the classics. I usually have a pretty good idea if I'm going to like something based on a brief description, cover art or screenshot, so I'm pretty confident about blind buying.

I buy a lot of blu-rays of movies that I’ve never seen, and sometimes that I’ve barely heard of before. But I usually have a strong rationale or idea. I just don’t buy stuff at random.

I recently decided to stop blind buying after realizing that often times the films I blind buy, I wouldn't want to watch again most likely. I might blind buy some really essential films in the future, but for now I won't blind buy anymore especially because there are so many of my favorite films that I don't own yet. Most of the films I bought during the years have been blind buys, so this is a big change.

Just discovering this channel Elliot, i love it so far as my collection has grown exponentially since quarantine started and to hear someone as passionate about their movies as i am is so inspiring

I don't really like the term "blind buy" because even if I haven't seen the actual film in question before buying it, I always do research about the film and about the particular release (what company put it out, what special features are on the disc, who made the film and who stars in it, what the subject matter is about, etc etc), so I think I have an educated guess about whether I am likely to get some value out of it. By doing that, I have rarely been totally disappointed in the things I purchase. Lastly, if it turns out that I happen to dislike a film I bought for whatever reason, I can always attempt to watch it again at a later date and in a different frame of mind - perhaps with the aid of a commentary track or after listening to one. If I still hate it, then I can always re-sell it online to someone who would be more likely to get something out of it (and if it is a release by a boutique label, the price probably will not go down much - it may even go up if it is out of print).

Incredibly well put. You put that sentiment into words far better than I could have.

I agree that for the most part you can learn something from movies you like and dislike. I blind buy very frequently. As my taste in movies develops and as my interests expand I'm digging into new genres and eras of film that I've yet to explore. And as you get into more lesser known or talked about stuff the easiest and best way to see these movies is to order them from the boutique labels you talk so much about. These companies put great effort into their releases! Why wouldn't I want to support them? And the features on these discs usually can add context and understanding when you're struggling with a challenging film. I feel very confident in diving into a lot of blind buys. Thanks for the video Elliot!

I tend to sell on anything I’m unlikely to rewatch these days. Ideally I want to look at my shelves and see a collection of films I love or find interesting. Although I constantly sell on things I regret too!

Great video! I definitely recommend blind buying. Especially when wanting to experience other genres that you may not be familiar with. When I started out buying Criterion dvd's in 99 (I believe it was) I was ready to dive into the world of foreign films so 90% of the Criterion films I was buying were blind buys and I honestly found something to enjoy from all of them except one, Godard's "Tout Va Bien." When I made the switch to blu ray in 2008 I became a little more selective since they were more expensive. But I still love a good blind buy!

Really glad you made this video. As someone who blind buys well over half of their movies, I find it to be incredibly valuable. I recently watched Seijun Suzuki's Voice Without a Shadow, and I honestly didn't like it very much. I'm glad that I watched/own it however, because of the point that you make about how it fits into a director's or actor's filmography. It is a pretty early film of Suzuki's, and I find it to be quite rewarding to be able to experience such an iconic filmmaker's lesser known work. The way I see it, there are just so many intriguing films out there that I can't help but blind buy!

Love your channel! Found it recently and subscribed for your insightful film analysis, impressive collection and easygoing nature. Keep up the great work.

Thank you for your feedback on some of the Criterion DVDs I'll definitely be checking more out I've been watching your videos for recommendations. I bought 1984, In the Heat of the Night, and Stalker yesterday.

I love this take on blind buying! It makes complete sense to me, and is very much why I am completely fine with blind buying. I mean, in reality, the VAST majority of my purchases are blind buys, and have been since I started collecting Blu-rays in around 2010ish. You were able to vocalize this in a much more eloquent way than I could have. Great video!

Great video! This is really a case of I couldn't have said it better myself. Every chance I get I always spend on many films which I haven't actually seen yet, often in directors box sets. But as you say just the supplements alone on these great releases make them totally worth it and the knowledge you have about what the films reputation, and place in cinema history are so important. I also love your defence of films that you dislike, I second this! I think it's so important that everyone owns the film they despise the most, I know I do. Anyway another great video and this would be extremely helpful to someone having trouble grasping the concept. As always keep up the great work. :)

Great video as always, you should do one talking about the shelving units and ways or organising your collection!

This was interesting to hear. I'm not really the type of person to rewatch a film a lot of times so I don't really buy physical releases of films but my rationale when going out to a cinema is more or less the same. Sure, I might prioritise something that I think I will like once in a while, but other than that, I always go for the non-English-speaking films, because I know how much of a gamble they are to release, so I want to support that kind of choices and the companies that make them. Great video!

Hey Elliot! I really liked hearing your thoughts on blind buying, as I agree with absolutely everything you've said. I've found out about so many new movies once I started collecting from boutique labels. It's great to be able to support those distribution companies by picking up releases that are stacked with features and have a great transfer. And as you said, while I wouldn't blame anyone for not ever blind buying, I myself think it's a totally worthwhile thing to do and it has increased my enjoyment of film immensely. Great video Elliot!

Great video my friend! I agree 100% with everything you said. I'm a blind buyer too. Most of the films I buy I've never seen them before.

Elliot, there are a lot of movies that you like that I am not interested in, but as to your reasons and thought processes for buying movies, they are amazingly like my own. I think that I agree with everything you said. I use the exact same reasons and thought processes when I blind buy blu-rays.

Hey pal. My thoughts of blind buying is that everything movie is a blind buy... a cinema ticket, a blu ray or streaming. You are investing time, money or both. Therefore I have no issue buying a movie with little knowledge, BUT it will be a boutique label which I have brand loyalist. For example arrow video. I’ve discovered many great movies by ‘blind buying’. I actually did a video about arrow video discoveries!! For someone whom love film as a form of entertainment, I believe you can get something from any film. Great vid. Take care and stay safe

Yet Another Great Video Elliot!! Definitely am a blind buyer just recently blind bought Ugetsu and Sansho from the Criterion Sale big fan of Japanese cinema so cant wait to watch them

Your journey into becoming a film fan pretty much mirrors mine completely, even down to the year and age range.

Nice video! A lot of my blu ray purchases are blind buys! I trust the companies I buy from and collect, Arrow Academy, Criterion, MoC etc. because I want to experience films which are perceived as very good or excellent in the best possible format and quality! Those companies have broadened my understanding of cinema as a whole!

Nice work again pal. Good to hear some insight into your buying habits. Ironically my shelves are half as full these days, probably due to dozens of shrink wrapped blind buys I was ordered to cast off 😂. But I’m definitely 100% with you on supporting these labels releasing films that’ll hardly get the distribution and praise they deserve.

Hey Elliot! Great video as always. I tend to blind buy quite often. Just as you mentioned, it gives me an opportunity to discover films I would never have considered watching. A great example for me was “Society” which Arrorw put out. That movie made me get into more b/cult horror films which has been so much fun. That is definitely thanks to the awesome special features of that you also talk about.

I started buying movies and music in the 80s. Blind buying has been a part of my experience ever since. Finding those gems, especially then when there was no internet to consult was exciting. Sometimes it was a whim, a brand, genre, etc.. Sure I bought duds but like you said, they are informative in their own way. The only collecting regrets I have was getting involved with laserdiscs. Most titles were expensive. A top tier Criterion release was $100-125 for one film. And to have the whole format be usurped by DVD (which I practically find for free now) will always rub me a bad way some. Glad I got out when I did. I'm much more careful about my new blu-ray purchases.

I'm definitely a blind buyer. Like you have said a lot of fantastic and less well known films have come on to my radar this way. When I started collecting ten years ago I was the same as your self taking advantage of bulk buy deals in places like HMV and That's Entertainment. Doing this allowed me to see many of the classics that had passed me by (Casablanca and The Departed being great examples). Now I try to support the independent labels as well as broadening my watch history. Great video as always bud. Take care. James

Another great video 😀 I'm a big fan og blind buying. I've discovered so many great films that way.

Hi, Elliot, great video! I also blind buy a lot, mainly movies I think I'd like based on recommendations, genre, director, actor, etc. and it usually works, but when it doesn't... well, it was still a valid experience, like you said. But I don't like to keep in the collection movies I dislike or wouldn't rewatch. Regardless, recently I noticed I haven't been able to watch my blind buys in the same rhythm I buy them, so I decided to slow it down a little bit. But I don't regret it, by blind buying I discover great films and I expand my knowledge and interests. About supporting the great work of niche companies, I also agree. I love Criterion but I don't have that many because I live in Brazil. However, here we have some other small movie companies that have also introduced me to some great gems that I'd probably never watch if it wasn't for them, so I totally get your point. This was a really interesting video, thanks!

Blind buying is such a thrill, there's nothing better than seeing a boxset or film you've never heard of and taking a chance on it. I never regret blind buying with companies like Arrow and Criterion. Gotta support these wonderful companies.

Dear Elliot, I started to love films as I was teenager and I had the opportunity to see the movies of the great directors:Bergman,Antonioni,Kurosawa,Kubrick,Hitchcock,Greenaway,etc in the cinematheques of my city. Since 5 years ago,I met Criterion Collection and I started to collect the films that I have seen but sometimes I buy titles of unknown directors but with a previously investigation about the director and the movie. I have also some titles from Arrow,Arrow Academy and Studiocanal. Blind Buying is an opportunity to increase the knowledge of this beautiful art. Have a nice weekend.

came early Great videos elliot Btw a recent blind buy that i did was the third murder which was released by arrow academy

awesome video man !!

Hey Elliot. When I first started collecting I would never buy a film unless I had seen it. BUt then again I started with VHS tapes and they were usually about $20. Not like today when you can buy movies for $3 sometimes. So you had to be selective or you'd go broke! But now i do blind buys on a more regular basis but even then I try to keep it to the more affordable ones. And I still get dvds. Maybe because I grew up at a time where there was no home media for a while and you only got to see the films in the theater or on tv. I just don't get too hung up on the little visual perfection of blu rays or especially 4k. If it's a good movie it'll draw you in. If you can't enjoy a film without that then it's not a good film for you. But the reason i started buying Blu rays was because of those special features you mentioned. They stopped putting them on the dvd in order to manipulate us into buying them But you know what? I love my special editions of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit with all the amazing documentaries. And they're dvd's. I won't be replacing them on blu rays. But I digress. Blind buys. These days it's less of a risk because if I'm wondering about a film I can usually just take my phone out and watch the trailer or some clips here on youtube. That helps me decide whether to risk it or not. Take care Elliot!

I love blind buying films, I totally agree with you about the importance of films you don't like either. There have been times where I watch a film and in the process find something new that makes me think, "Yea, I wouldn't do that" or even sometimes "I didn't like that but, it has potential to be something great". No matter the quality of a film I think they all have value, either as an entertainment tool or an educational tool, films can always inspire new ideas. I've blind bought a few films recently and haven't loved them all but nonetheless, I'm glad I did. Plus, if you make this gamble and end up with a new favorite film, well that's just one of the best feelings in the world!

Great coincidence that you use The Poetic Trilogy as an example, I've just blind bought that and am really looking forward to watching it!

Another great video, Elliot, and some great points, I totally agree with you about keeping the art alive and contributing to the restoration and distribution of lesser known films that otherwise would have disappeared into obscurity. I find that most of my all-time favourite films were, at some point, blind buys that I picked up on a whim, or based on recommendations from other film-lovers (like yourself). Some films also hold a historical significance (for instance Melies Fairy Tales from Flicker Alley (side-note: I'd love to hear your take on them)), while some films speak to a more personal wish to, for instance, collect all films by a certain director (recently picked up Kubrick's Fear and Desire, so I'm pretty close to owning all his films. Other films I've been focusing on getting a hold of are the earlier, maybe lesser known work of for instance Denis Villeneuve and Yorgos Lanthimos). Then again...constant blind buying sure gathers an ever growing pile of films in my collection I've yet to watch...but that's sort of the beauty in it, I think. You can never run out of great, unexplored art. Also, I'm quite looking forward to watching a film with a screenplay by Elliot Coen :)

I blind buy often simply because I’m the type of person who wants to watch a film a couple of times and delve into the special features / liner notes. I never had the opportunity to take a film class (though I’ve always wanted to) and Criterion is a surrogate film school for me. Of course there are things that I’ll watch on the channel before deciding to pick up, but I’ve found that I lose interest by the time the physical product is here and I’m moving on to the next thing. 😂 Of course the one thing you didn’t mention is that reselling discs you don’t like is always an option - to pay for new discs of course !! I almost always buy from sales or sometimes second hand to keep the cost down and allow for maximum ‘understanding’ of a directors’ career. I agree with you that knowing the context is hugely beneficial in furthering ones’ appreciation!!

I love blind buying films and that's my preferred way of buying films. I want to know as little as possible going into a film and any vital information about it if there is any. This not only has to do with me just not knowing about certain films, but for me expectations can really get in the way when I'm experiencing something for the first time. This can be applied to watching movies, reading books, etc. but I think it mostly effects watching movies. Of all the movies I own, which is probably around 400, there have been a handful I've been disappointed by but still like and appreciate, and only maybe a couple that I really didn't enjoy but, again, still appreciate. (The one I can immediately think of is Badlands. I was expecting more of Bonnie & Clyde + Heathers + Rebel Without A Cause and just didn't enjoy it. But I watched the supplements and understood more of what Malick's vision and aim was and learned to appreciate and respect it more.) Elliot, you should do a video on screenwriting!

Very well said!

Oh I definitely have blind buy-itis! And if there's a cure, I don't want it! lol Being a true cinephile, I know I'm not going to be able to see some of these classic, cult, or world films otherwise. I remember buying The Apu Trilogy from Criterion a few years ago, and I was scared at first. But after watching them, I was so thankful! The films are excellent. But to be honest, I have been bitten as well. But as you eloquently put it, I am now more aware of certain things that I will definitely avoid.

Another great video! When will you be doing the complete Criterion, Arrow, Eureka etc videos showing off the spines as displayed in your library as well as the movie room tour video?

100% agree with all the points in this video. I especially agree that watching a bad film is never a wasted experience, especially if you purchased it from a label like a criterion that has taken great care to supplement the film for furthering the appreciation. It's a learning moment and an opportunity for reflection

Yep - The Poetic Trilogy is sitting there waiting for a watch! I can't even remember who mentioned it but i'm pretty sure it was a recommendation. Most of my stuff is based on suggestions or works with people whose stuff I have admired from elsewhere along with a few blinds. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't but that's all part of the experience. And a friend of mine always used to say there is always something to be gained from every production or film. I don't take that to the extent of untold blind buys cos there has to be a limit but remaining open and taking the occasional blind risk can be really exciting.

This is a great topic. I've just now transitioned to this phase of 'blind buying'. Having now collected a lot of the films I know and love, I just felt it was time to widen my knowledge and appreciation of films. The 1st that I have on the way is your fav, Barry Lyndon. I have 2001, Shinning and Spartacus, so figured since I do like these films by Kubrick, it was a safe bet. I actually have quite a few on my list that were recommendations from you. If a film is highly recommended or liked, is it still truly a 'Blind Buy'?

It wasn't exactly a blind "buy", but it was a blind ticket purchase we made at the movie theater. We heard that Slumdog Millionaire was very good, and knew pretty much nothing else about it, but we took a chance and got tickets. Indeed it was an incredible film and we loved it! Definitely my best blind "buy" so far, if you want to count that lol

Just started collecting a couple days ago and blind bought yesterday. Movie was bloodline, absolutely loved it, definetly gonna blind buy more.

I get a big thrill out of blind buying and I am rarely disappointed

Great vid Elliott! Must be nice having your collection during the lockdown, I was wondering how many films you've been watching on an average recent week? :)

Almost all my buys are blind buys. Some of my favorite movies I've seen were blind buys at used DVD places like Mean Streets or Rebecca. I ended up blind buying like 15 Japanese movies to write my undergrad thesis on post-war Japanese cinema just based off recommendations from people or research about them. I'd never seen stuff like Ikiru, Stray Dog, Tokyo Story, etc before writing the paper but it was a cool journey to go on and I enjoyed a lot of the movies.

Probably 85% of my purchases are blind buys, sometimes with some prior research but often without. I have a pretty fixed selection of my all time favourite classics - which for most these are the nostalgic films one grows up with - that I've already got (The Time Machine, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, The Adventures of Robin Hood, The African Queen, The Dollars trilogy etc) so if I didn't blind buy my collection wouldn't grow very much/quickly (witch might help my wallet!) but there would be many works of brilliance I'd never discover. I also watch channels like yours Elliot to sometimes get some recommendations or see something I'd never have thought of such as The Poetic Trilogy which I got in the last Arrow sale on your recommendation - and the films are fabulous as are the special features. Blind buying is obviously easier to do and put up with those ones you don't like when you have the disposable income to waste of course. But for those starting out who don't have that luxury you can still blind buy selectively by doing research and watching KZfaq channels like this one and narrow the odds of getting something you will regret. Still going through your back Catalog of vids Elliot. Love the channel. Cheers.

I’ve quite often blind bought films, based on the label or the description on the back or knowing the director or an actor. I think not only is it about understanding what you don’t like about certain films, but if you build a collection, then you can go back and view again. I quite often do this and quite often I’m surprised on second viewing and see it in a different way. First impressions can influence the way you view a film for the first time. Think of those occasions where you may have been to the cinema and there has been talking or noise from the audience and it’s irritated you, but may also affect how you think of the film. Also, you might be feeling happy, sad, tired, lacking in concentration or only in the mood for certain genre. All these things can affect first viewings of unknown films. So I say for challenging films, put away and go back to. Maybe do a bit of research, read the booklet notes or view supplements or research on IMDB etc. 9 times out of 10 it’s worth hanging on to those more challenging films on the boutique labels, as there’s normally very good reasons why those films have been lovingly restored and put out there in lovely packaging. 🙂

I am part of the fellow blind buyers . For me as I am still new into films been watching films for about 2 years and collecting films for the same amount of time. I started buying criterion films as I wanted to see new films so every film on there that I own is a blind buy and i have found some of my favourite films doing so example mishima life in four chapters I had never even heard of it I watched a recommendation video for criterion and brought it and I have seen that film countless amount of times. I enjoy blind buying because you never know it might be one of your favourites.

Fantastic video. I have only seen one criterion before I bought it, the rest has been blind buys. Now I haven’t seen all the criterion’s I have, but there has only been one bad film so far.

have you seen Come and see (1985) directed by Elem Klimov, because I was wondering what your thoughts were and if you are getting the criterion release.

What do you do with films like Fight Club or Pulp Fiction that aren't on boutique labels? Do you just not buy them or are they on another shelf?

3:07 Whoa what are those Hammer sets, as in Lee and Cushing? I don't recall ever seeing those anywhere?

I blind buy so much of my collection. So much I still have yet to see. I bought them because I might like the label that released, packaging, certain directors, etc. I agree with going in with an open mind. Some of those same reasons for buying can also make you overhype the film before you watch it. Plus you may watch something that you dislike on the first viewing and realize on the second or third that it had so many more merits.

How about a tour of your library? Things like how it is organized, gaps you're looking to fill, etc... ?

This is gonna sound crazy...but I've seen the majority of movies i own. My "blind" movies usually I Look up reviews, who directed it, who starred, and what my friends think. I tend to love older movies. Also, my friends ask me about movies all the time. I'm that guy. Lol

I just purchased Tom Jones and The Earrings of Madame De on Criterion. Both films were blind buys.

I’ve been trying to complete filmographies from certain directors and I’ll blind buy anything from them. In any other case I watch recommendations from the likes of you and a few others and go off of that. So far I haven’t bought a film that I’ve regretted.

My strategy with buying blu-rays is concentrating on a few directors at a time and get all their films. Meanwhile I discover "new" directors I become a fan of and go down that route. This way I rarely don't like what I buy.

99.9% are blind buys for me, I usually like taking the risk and be pleasantly surprised. Unless it's something as beautiful as Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, which is a day one criterion purchase.

Blind buying in my case depends on 3 things: the movie cast, the plot and the IMdb rating (+ reviews sometimes).

I have a bit of a blind buying problem. I have seen less than 50% of my collection. (I am working on that though)

If I ever blind buy; it's only for a movie that I really want to see that I can't find on streaming first, or a critically acclaimed / classic movie I'm most likely gonna enjoy.

I don't do that anymore. I did it for DVD and ended up with tons of movies. Movies that, for the most part, I was lucky enough that just a few of them. I didn't like as most were movies I've seen before. But still, even with movies I liked turned out to be too much. With BD I went this route: 1. I'll buy on BD just new releases and movies.I know I want (in the best format). ...as to not pile a huge collection. 2. I'll upgrade DVDs to BDs with my favorite movies. So it doesn't mean I'll buy everything again. 3. On DVD I'll buy the movies that I just like. ...and, with the exception of Limited/Special releases and/or movies I really want as soon as they're available I'll get them new in release date. Otherwise I'll get them used (with BD it's even better since the disc is so sturdy that I haven't found one movie that has a scratch on it) or I'll wait for sales. PS And if I started something on DVD, and especially if it's something I just like, I'll finish the collection that way. I won't continue it on BD or start it on BD. For instance, I still have to finish my DBZ DVD collection. One day I'll finish it (never been a fan either) on DVD.

i really miss the HMV 5 films offer

Was Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore” really a blind buy? You show it as a blind buy in your thumbnail. It was a very popular movie when it was first released. I started my criterion collection with the wes Anderson movies.

I "trust" certain actors. For instance, Humphrey Bogart was a careful curator of the roles he chose. I'm halfway through all his films and there are very few bad films (none really), and zero bad performances by him. So I never feel like a Bogart film I've not seen is a blind buy.

I’ve been collecting for decades. I don’t have space to blind buy anymore. Been burned too many times, also.

I blind bought some criterion’s and regretted it. Then i watched Detour on Amazon Prime instead of buying the criterion and regretted it because I ended up loving it. Short story short, I can’t win.

Out of all the labels who do You trust the most to blind buy from?

Which Indicator you don't like?

Crazy thing: most of the boutique blu-rays I purchase are blind buys.

Almost all the new release/ new films are blind buys as I would rather buy the BD and have it whether I like it or hate it.

On Amazon their 22 to 27 dollars

I bought an anime movie called loup garous without knowing about it before its a fun film about a bunch of school girls that live in a technology run world were human conection is losing badly to the point were the protagonist doesn't have friends or any community at all cos shes never had to talk to people face to face. And theres a mystery to be solved its an ok film but i can't bring myself to get rid of it because its definitely worth watching and it has one of my favourite girl bands worked on it. I think there is a risk with buying with no knowledge of the product but i say trial and error in my case i justify it by saying i can sell it if i don't like it

$14 dollars for Criterions? in which planet??? haha, in UK cost $14 USD????? In USA criterion goes for around $21 even on sales, yes yes a little less with B&N coupons but that only works on the stores, coupons don't works online.

I haven’t seen 52% of the films in my collection, tbh.

I do but I read up on shit first.

Bro at least watch the trailer 🙄🎥✨ The comments are great too 🤙 I hate when accounts disable them You could watch films you "don't like" but you shouldn't keep them - that's just hoarding

I love the channel but can I just say that the sound of your voice is very bass-y and booming. It makes it very difficult to listen to in headphones. Maybe you could reduce the lower frequencies. Cheers!