CC40 The Criterion Collection Blu-ray Box Set - Deluxe Clothbound

In this review of the CC40 box set, the verdict is simple: serious cinephiles and collectors will find the collection indispensable for its curated breadth and deluxe presentation. The set gathers forty films from the Criterion Collection, each presented with original special features and essays, and is housed in a clothbound, slipcased edition that emphasizes tactile value and archival care. For those who value physical media, supplemental material, and a thoughtfully assembled anthology informed by filmmakers and writers, this box set delivers the single biggest reason to buy: a museum-quality package that preserves and highlights Criterion's most cherished releases.

Key Features

• Forty-film anthology: A broad, eclectic selection of films chosen to reflect the tastes of filmmakers and movie-loving contributors, providing a varied viewing experience across eras and styles.
• Deluxe clothbound packaging: The slipcased, clothbound edition enhances shelf presence and protects discs while offering a premium collector's feel.
• Complete special features: Each title is presented with its original special features and essays, making the set a resource for deeper study and repeat viewing.
• Curated by community picks: The selection draws from films frequently spotlighted by visiting filmmakers and writers, offering a personal, unpredictable anthology rather than a strict survey.
• Restorations included: Digital restorations are represented among the releases, preserving important prints and improving long-term playback quality.

Who It's For

The CC40 box set is aimed at collectors, film students, and fans of the Criterion aesthetic who prioritize supplemental material and presentation. Those who enjoy owning physical media and archived extras will appreciate the essays and special features that accompany each disc.

Casual viewers who prefer streaming convenience or who are uninterested in extras may find this box set more than they need; likewise, buyers seeking a chronological history of cinema or a definitive "top 40" list should look elsewhere, since the collection is intentionally personal and eclectic rather than comprehensive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional packaging that protects the discs and looks impressive on a shelf.
• Includes full special features and essays for scholarly or repeat viewing value.
• Curated selection reflects the tastes of contributing filmmakers and writers, making it engaging and unpredictable.

Cons

• The eclectic mix means the set is not a historical survey or a conventional greatest-hits collection, which may disappoint those seeking a canonical lineup.

Specifications

Product	CC40 box set
Format	Blu-ray
Number of films	Forty
Packaging	Clothbound, slipcased edition
Extras	Special features and essays included for each title
Restorations	Digital restorations represented

Our Verdict

The CC40 set is a compelling purchase for collectors and serious film fans who value presentation and supplemental material; its clothbound packaging and preserved special features make it good value for those who will use its extras and appreciate Criterions curatorial voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the set include the original special features?
Yes, each title in the set is presented with its original special features and accompanying essays.

How is the set packaged?
The collection is housed in a deluxe clothbound slipcase designed for protection and display.

Is this a chronological or definitive top-forty collection?
No, the anthology is intentionally eclectic and reflects selections often chosen by visiting filmmakers and contributors rather than a historical survey.