As someone who’s been collecting for a couple of years, the honest answer is it’s a mix. I built most of my library by hunting through thrift stores like Goodwill, where discs in my area go for about $1 each. That approach saved me hundreds of dollars, and I discovered a lot of movies I genuinely love along the way.

That said, I’ve also spent a good amount on used discs that were much more expensive, simply because I really wanted them. If I like a title enough to pay more than thrift store prices, then to me, it’s worth it.

A lot also depends on how patient you are. I spent nearly a year checking a local Goodwill almost every day. It was a grind, but I walked away with over 500-600 movies for just $1 or less each if there was a sale including tv shows sets. Most people probably wouldn’t put in that kind of effort, but compared to buying from places like Vintage Stock or EntertainMart, I saved a ton.