Where to Look for Steelbook Deals in Canada
11/29/20253 min read
If you’re living in Canada (or like me, in Toronto) and you collect steelbooks — or you’re thinking of starting — you quickly learn it’s a bit of a “hunt.” Supply tends to be limited and prices fluctuate a lot. But if you know when and where to look, you can still score good deals on quality steelbook Blu-rays or 4K. I put together this little guide for fellow steel-hunters.
Where to Look for Steelbook Deals in Canada
Best Buy Canada
Best Buy still sells steelbooks online, and occasionally in-store, especially for new or re-released titles.
Check their “SteelBooks” collection regularly — you may find deals on recent 4K or Blu-ray steelbook editions.
For example, horror or cult-classic steelbooks will often be cheaper than collector / limited-edition ones.
GRUV Canada (online / web store)
GRUV is a small retailer that sometimes offers good prices on limited-edition or 4K steelbooks — often lower than typical retailer markups.
They often list “pre-order,” “new release,” and “horror / classic” steelbook sections, which is useful for building or expanding a collection.
They also run promos like 10% off for first-time customers, which can help reduce costs.
Local Resale / Marketplace Sites (e.g. Kijiji) & Second-hand Deals
Because many steelbooks go out of print or never get wide Canadian release, resale marketplaces often have titles at lower prices — especially used or “last-copy” ones.
You might find sealed or near-mint copies for bargain prices compared to retail, especially if sellers are trying to clear space.
Keep an eye on GTA listings (since you’re in Toronto), but also don’t rule out other provinces — sometimes deals pop up elsewhere and shipping across Canada can still be worth it.
Specialty / Import / Collector-Focused Retailers
Because mainstream releases are sometimes limited in Canada, many collectors rely on import-friendly or collector-focused retailers abroad (or smaller niche stores) — whether online or via importing. As some collectors say, it's often the only way to get rarer or out-of-print steelbooks (especially from non-Hollywood or indie films).
If you’re willing to pay shipping and maybe wait a little extra, this can open up a much wider world of steelbooks than what’s available domestically.
When to Hunt: Best Times for Deals
Major Sale Times & Holiday Sales — The big sales (Black Friday, Boxing Day, holiday season, etc.) are usually when retailers discount steelbooks or re-list limited editions. It's smart to check Best Buy and GRUV during these periods.
Immediately After Release — New releases sometimes sell at regular retail or slightly discounted prices before becoming “collectible” and rising in price. If there’s a movie you want, grab it early.
When Stores Clear Inventory — Especially local shops or marketplace sellers clearing space — this is when you may find unexpected bargains on used or sealed steelbooks.
Watching Pre-orders or “Coming Soon” Listings — Smaller retailers or online stores sometimes list steelbooks for pre-order at good prices before they sell out. GRUV does this on occasion.
A Few Example Steelbooks Worth Checking Out
If you’re building (or re-building) a collection, here are a few steelbooks — available now — that tend to represent good value for what you get:
Army of Darkness Limited Edition Steelbook 4K UHD
$46.61
Coraline: Limited Edition Steelbook 4K/Blu-Ray
$32.00
Akira (Steelbook) 4K UHD Blu-Ray
$30.79
Army of Darkness Limited Edition Steelbook 4K UHD — A cult-horror classic with a nice 4K steel edition, often available for a reasonable price if you catch it early.
Coraline: Limited Edition Steelbook 4K/Blu-Ray — Great for fans of animation, and a good illustration of how steelbooks don’t have to be just action or horror — you’ll often find gems across genres.
Akira (Steelbook) 4K UHD Blu-Ray — A seminal film whose steelbook tends to hold value — good for collectors who want a mix of quality cinema and collectible editions.
Some Tips to Maximize Your Hunting
Set up alerts — For retailers (like Best Buy, GRUV) and marketplace sites (like Kijiji), so you get notified when steelbooks are restocked or listed.
Be ready to act fast — Good deals often disappear quickly, especially sealed/new steelbooks or limited-run items.
Don’t ignore used / second-hand — Many used steelbooks are still in great condition, and can be a lot cheaper than brand new — perfect for building a collection on a budget.
Check shipping costs (especially for imports) — Sometimes a seemingly cheap import becomes expensive once shipping and customs are added — but bundling multiple steelbooks can make imports more worthwhile.
Be open to flexibility — Not every movie will get a steelbook release, or may only get one outside Canada. So broaden your search: look outside mainstream “blockbusters,” and consider indie, cult, animated, or older titles.
Final Thoughts
Collecting steelbooks in Canada can be a rewarding (if occasionally frustrating) hobby: the supply might be limited, but there are still deals to be had — especially if you shop strategically.