Are the DVDs from the boxsets identical to those available separately? I am not sure but I read somewhere that the DVDs from the boxsets have the same artwork and everything but without the UPC barcode.

In the Akira Kurosawa: Four Samurai Classics box set, the individual cases are not plastic sealed, they don't have security tape, and the covers don't contain UPC labels.

In the Wrong Men & Notorious Women: Five Hitchcock Thrillers 1935-1946, the individual cases are plastic sealed, have security tape, and the covers do contain the UPC codes.

They are otherwise identical (inserts, features, cases) to the individual releases.

I've been seriously considering picking up the Hitchcock one.

I just picked up the Hitchcock one for $80 shipped. About $16 per disc. Much better than buying them separate. It should be here any day now.

A Shame I have all 5 of the Discs that come in the Hitchcock Box Set. Anyone know if I contact Criterion I can just get the Box?

Personally, I wouldn't fret about it. The "box" is a lightweight sleeve designed more for retail display. It is open on the bottom so all the spines would be obscured if it were sitting on your shelf. It's not like the heavyweight display boxes of "true" Criterion box sets, such as the Dreyer or Orphic Trilogy.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry to much about getting these "boxes". They are just very flimsy slipcovers for the DVDs. (I didn't even keep mine.)

The advantage of these sets is having all of the DVDs together for a low price. The advantage is definitely NOT the packaging.

I don't know, man. I got the Hitchcock box and think it has a really cool design. I put the discs with my Criterions, but have the box on display. Give it a shot, Tigger. The worst they can say is no.