There’s 50% off Criterion Collection 4K Blu-rays right now — here are the 6 discs I recommend as beautiful movie upgrades, all of which I’ve tested on our OLED TV and Dolby Atmos setup
My picks from Criterion's 50% off sale at Barnes & Noble
by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/james-davidson · TechRadarFeatures By James Davidson published 28 June 2026
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There's 50% off a ton of The Criterion Collection's 4K Blu-rays at Barnes & Noble, so I thought I would pick my six favorite discs, all of which I've tested as part of the Blu-ray Bounty. This is our monthly feature where I try the latest 4K releases, judging whether they make a worth addition to your collection.
Criterion is a regular feature in the Blu-ray Bounty because it's superb at 4K restorations. Double Indemnity is still one of my top examples of what 4K can do for a classic movie, while Breakfast Club and Chunking Express are much more colorful, bolder movies that show off Criterion's 4K prowess.
Dead Man is another black and white, contrast-rich move that looks staggering in 4K, and 3:10 To Yuma (1957) is another Western classic that shines in this image quality. Yi Yi is a quietly brilliant 4K restoration that has its moments where it will know you out, but looks great throughout.
My 6 picks from Criterion's 50% off sale
Double Indemnity
Double Indemnity tells the story an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) who conspires with the wife (Barbara Stanwyck) of a wealthy man to capitalize on his life insurance using a particular clause.
Double Indemnity is an excellent-looking 4K disc. The restoration is fantastic, and has not only given textures a 3D-like effect, but contrast looks superb as well. Black tones are inky, whites have a nice, punchy brightness to them, and there's a great range of gray tones to give the picture more depth. There's still film grain present for cinephiles, but new life has been breathed into this movie. If you have one of the best TVs, this contrast-rich disc will look superb.
Despite only having a monaural soundtrack, dialog is clear throughout and sound effects are accurately mapped to the action on screen. The score is delivered with real clarity too.
Double Indemnity 4K Blu-ray: was $49.99 now $24.99 at barnesandnoble.com
A neo-noir that was a prototype for a lot of contemporary movies, Double Indemnity looks superb in 4K, with an excellent restoration.
Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is John Hughes' classic '80s coming-of-age story about five high school kids from different backgrounds serving a Saturday detention at the same time.
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