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The Criterion Collection publishes monthly lists of upcoming titles that attract dedicated collectors and casual film lovers alike. These announcements, released around mid-month, preview releases scheduled roughly three months out and often spark conversation about restorations, transfers and supplementary materials. For March 2026 the lineup spans restored classics and contemporary auteur work, offering options across DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD formats.
Beyond the films themselves, distribution and retail details matter to buyers. Many of the March offerings are available with promotional pricing — up to 30% off at major retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Criterion.com — and preorders are included in those discounts. Pricing for some titles starts at $27.99 (regularly $39.99). If you plan to buy multiple items, retailer services such as free shipping on orders over $40 and in-store pickup can change the cost calculus, while optional membership programs add benefits like additional checkout discounts and early access to special editions.
The March roster
The collection for March 2026 comprises six new releases across different formats. Key entries include Viridiana (release date: Mar. 10) arriving in 4K Ultra HD, and the Blu-ray edition of Testament (release date: Mar. 17). Also scheduled for Mar. 17 is a 4K Ultra HD restoration of Classe Tous Risques. Later in the month, Killers of the Flower Moon is set for a 4K Ultra HD release on Mar. 24, while A Man and a Woman and The Blade are both slated for Mar. 31, the former on Blu-ray and the latter in 4K Ultra HD. This mix of classic cinema and contemporary prestige titles gives collectors a variety of aesthetic and technical choices.
Why these films matter
Each selection reflects different reasons Criterion curates a title: historical significance, restoration quality, auteur authorship and contemporary cultural resonance. For example, the inclusion of Killers of the Flower Moon aligns with Criterion’s interest in modern masterpieces that merit archival treatment and comprehensive extras. At the same time, restored works like Viridiana and Classe Tous Risques showcase preservation efforts and offer viewers a chance to see films in high-fidelity transfers that can alter critical appreciation.
Scorsese, DiCaprio and the modern auteur star
The March list highlights the continuing relationship between major directors and leading actors, illustrated by the presence of Killers of the Flower Moon. The film exemplifies how collaborations between directors like Martin Scorsese and actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio have shaped modern cinema. DiCaprio’s career moved from teen heartthrob roles to challenging auteur projects; his disciplined choice of directors and fewer, carefully curated performances — culminating in his Academy Award win for The Revenant in 2016 — helped redefine the idea of a contemporary film star. Such collaborations are part of why Criterion prioritizes definitive editions of these works.
Restorations, formats and collector value
For many buyers, the technical specifications are decisive. Criterion’s 4K Ultra HD releases signal attention to picture fidelity and color grading, while Blu-ray and DVD editions preserve legacy compatibility. The term 4K Ultra HD refers to a resolution standard that offers four times the pixel count of 1080p, and Criterion typically pairs these transfers with new special features such as interviews, essays and restoration documentaries. Collectors weighing purchases should note preorder discounts and consider retailer perks like free shipping thresholds and membership incentives when deciding whether to commit at launch.
How to buy and save
If you want to add these titles to your collection, both Criterion.com and Barnes & Noble are offering promotional pricing ahead of the releases. Preorders included in the sale can reduce the cost immediately, and Barnes & Noble shoppers enjoy additional options: free shipping on orders over $40, complimentary in-store pickup where available, and an optional yearly membership priced at $39.99 that provides benefits like free shipping on all orders and an extra 10 percent off at checkout. Comparing formats, retailer deals and expected release dates will help you prioritize which editions best suit your shelf and playback setup.