The Criterion Closet Hits the Road and LA Gets Not One, But Two Stops

Film lovers, it’s time to rise and grind – the Mobile Criterion Closet is parking itself in Los Angeles this spring and it’s bringing the good stuff. Think limited-edition merch, curated Blu-ray and 4K discs, and that unmistakable thrill of stepping into a tiny cinematic shrine on wheels. After a wildly successful debut at this year’s SXSW — where crowds lined up for hours just to simply browse — the Criterion Collection decided to take the show on the road, and naturally, LA gets two stops.

The traveling pop-up, a first-of-its-kind project from the legendary Criterion Collection, will hit two beloved LA film landmarks. First stop will be Vidiots in Eagle Rock, from April 26–27, 11am to 8pm. Then it’ll swing over to the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica from June 6–7, same hours.

If you’ve never seen the inside of the Criterion Closet (the one at their New York office that directors and actors geek out over on YouTube), this mobile version brings the essence of that experience out into the wild. Inside, you’ll find shelf after shelf of meticulously chosen titles — films that shaped decades, minds, and moods. It’s a mix of cult classics, global cinema, queer stories, underseen works of cinematic art, and canonized masterpieces. Basically, a dream video store on wheels for those of us who still believe in physical media.

Both Vidiots and the Aero are perfect pairings for this event — community-centered, movie-loving spaces that keep the city’s film culture thriving. Vidiots brings the indie energy, while the Aero channels old-Hollywood charm. Either way, you’re stepping into a space where movies matter. Maybe even a filmmaker or two who decides to swing by. This is LA, after all!

So if you're rebuilding your physical media library, looking to snag a rare Kurosawa title, or just want to feel surrounded by people who also own more than one copy of Paris, Texas, the Mobile Criterion Closet is worth the pilgrimage. If I can leave you with any advice, it would be to bring a tote bag or two, and maybe set a budget in advance (or don’t — I’m not your financial advisor).

Photo — Criterion Collection