Movie Collecting isn't always as easy as searching kijiji, your local pawnshop, or favourite store for what you like and picking it up. Beyond hunting for a bargain, there are some things to consider about the DVD/Blu-ray/VHS before you purchase, here are 5:

#1  Format

Many movies these days will come with the option of widescreen or full screen built in to the same disc... some won't, leaving you to decide which to spend cash on. Consider this: while a full screen version will fit the contours of an older T.V, it's at the cost of having been "formatted from its original version". This means that at times, parts of the picture may have been cut out or edited differently to make that full screen fit. The added cost is that this sometimes means altering your experience. This might be less of an issue with a comedy like dumb and dumber, but might make more of an impact with say, Star Wars. If you're not accustomed to the black bar lines of widescreen, it does take some getting used to, but it's the closer thing to the theatre experience the director envisioned for the movie you're about to watch.

#2 Features

Some of the fun about the movies is watching the special features. If that kind of thing isn't for you, then you'll have less to think about when selecting the copy to go home with. If special features are your thing, then consider how some of your favourite movies have been re-released time and time again under various different labels (like extreme edition, platinum edition, 20th anniversary edition, etc...). What's the difference?

Sometimes the picture quality and/or sound have improved. Sometimes there is claim that they have but really they haven't... at least not to an easily discernable or important degree. Beyond that, there are the inclusion and exclusion of special features. Take for example: Terminator 2. It has been released with an extreme edition, ultimate edition and skynet edition. Amongst these are some differences in features and interface. While many would consider the ultimate edition to be the most bang for your buck, there is also the alternative to buy all editions in one special edition terminator skull.  The point is that if features is a criteria for movie purchase (especially if it's one of your favourites), then it might be worth searching the internet forums for consumer reviews on the various releases.

#3 Rental Copies

On the topic of special features, you should know that some local movie rental stores carry what's known as rental copies, adorning the label: rental copy, rental exclusive or some other indicator. Such a copy usually means that the movie has been stripped of the special features you would otherwise receive if you bought it new. This is mostly the case for DVD. What some have found of rental store Blu-ray copies is that where there ought to be extra discs for special features, there aren't any.

If getting the barebones edition doesn't bother you, it's less of a hassle. But if it does, a suggestion would be to check for if you're buying a rental copy. Also, it might be worth checking the back jacket for the number of discs included and then verifying to make sure that they are there.

#4 Availability

With advancing technology and the push from VHS to DVD to Blu-ray (...and digital copies), your old favourites are getting a much needed overhaul. Some gems however, get missed. Have a hard time finding an obscure oldie at the store? It may be because it's only available on VHS or only available in another format in another region. Too, some DVD versions have not seen transfer to Blu-ray yet... some won't. Research here is key in obtaining that highly sought out piece of childhood nostalgia. As well, keeping an open mind to searching across video formats can mean discovering movie treasures you otherwise might have missed.

#5 Other language movies

Sometimes, the little bits of information on the back jacket of a DVD are essential in preventing post purchase (or even rental) frustration. This applies to the wonderful world of foreign movies, dubs and subtitles.

There are great movies out there that aren't available with English dub (and some with dubbing that are still better to watch with subtitles). Expanding into other language flicks can be a great experience... but a rather annoying one if you are unknowingly thrown into it. Though I can't say I was fooled into thinking "Pan's Labyrinth"  was an English ;language  movie,  I must admit that I did fall victim to picking up a subtitleless DVD version of "Amelie" .

Here, things could have been clarified by scanning the DVD back jacket, specifically in the small area near the bottom that reads "Languages".

 
Happy Hunting!
 
- Josh


For more tips on Movie Collecting, see also:
25 Tips To Expand Your Movie Collection

I stumbled upon this awesome box set today while I was at Future Shop and thought I'd share it.

In collecting some of Hitchcock's work, I found it hard to find certain pieces. Often times I had to special order and that can get kinda pricey. The goal, believe it or not, was to collect and watch all five of these highly rated movies (essential collection indeed!).

Now you can save yourself or a friend time and money by buying this set for a pretty decent price of $45 canadian. It would make a great gift!

-Josh 

... my cigars that is. they are packed neatly in this Luxury fan piece humidor!!!

So I was browsing amazon when I came across this neat little limited edition package and thought maybe more people should know about it.

Click the picture link for a proper gander at this thing!

Yes! The world can be yours September 6th/2011  with the purchase of this 699.99 (amazon totally knocked the price down from 999.99) special package release of the "Scarface" masterpiece on blu-ray.

I think this goes without saying, but this is for the true, die hard (and rich) Scarface fan. Pricey But I must admit, it's pretty attractive.

I remember my first DVD, Resident Evil, which I obtained with saved money for a good while before we even owned a DVD player.

While I admit my reasons for movie collecting was more for competitive reasons at the time, I can now say that my reasons have evolved with time. In general, reasons can vary from collector to collector, whether it’s pride in owning a tight collection of nostalgic movies, to gathering a library for friends and family, to the simple pleasure in the pursuit of movie discovery and ownership. As well, you might collect for the thrill of the hunt and excitement in striking a good bargain.

Whatever the reason, the collector is often times looking for ways to expand their collection, to rearrange, catalogue or showcase it.

Come back to this blog every now and again for some suggestions

On expanding your collections. Damn, is it hard to find a great movie these days or what? It feels like maybe 1 out of every 20 movies I check out is an 8.5/10 or higher and that’s with being pretty selective with movie viewing.

And Ah! The feeling of experiencing an excellent movie... There’s something simply in the search for one.

Here are some of the resources I’ve used in trying to find excellent movies.

1)      Google Rotten tomatoes or Metacritic and navigate the website to find their list of all time top movies.

2)      Take a look at the American film institute’s list of top movies.

3)      Search Amazon.com/.ca for movies you like to find out what other’s bought and liked. Have Amazon generate suggestions to follow up on.

4)      Visit your local bookstore or library for books on movies. A particularly helpful book I recommend is the “1001 movies you must see before you die” book.

5)      Google “movies like [insert your favourite movie name]” for suggestions on other movies that might be of interest.

6)      Google top 100, 25 or 10 list for suggestions of other people’s “top” lists.

7)      Ask what peoples favourites are on a social networking site (like facebook). Friends that are into movies might have excellent suggestions or might be able to provide you a more personalised suggestion.

8)      Chat up the local movie store clerk to see if they might have some suggestions

9)      Visit your local movie sale stores like HMV or Future shop. They sometimes have sales on popular and must watch movies. At HMV they have “best of the best” markers on particularly great movies.

10)   Consider expanding your collection by getting movies with the same great actors and directors or by interesting themes. Search for their work and for lists on IMDB. Also Google their best works.

11)   Consider the awards a movie has received like Oscars or the accolades from the Sundance festival for example. Also note, there are some great movies in award runner ups.

12)   Visit “Studio Canal” or the “criterion collection” on the internet. Though pricey, their collections generally comprise solid movies. The packaging and presentation is excellent. The websites are informative.

13)   Visit YouTube for suggestions from other collectors.

14)   Check out Trailers online, on DVD’s, blue rays or VHS’s for ideas for potentially great movies.

15)   Consider movies that have a cult following.

16)   Keep an open mind and consider movies you might not normally watch.

17)   Explore older movies from recent old releases straight through to silent movies.

18)   Keep an eye out for movies some consider to be hidden gems. Don’t be afraid to at least try a no-namer from time to time.

19)   Talk and share your experiences with the movies. Explore movie supplements. This can add depth to a movie and transform one into an excellent movie. As well, it might bring on suggestions from someone about a movie you might really enjoy.

20)   Visit your local pawn shops for classics you might have difficulty finding elsewhere.

21)   Cross verify your findings with information you’ve gathered, or cross verified that others have enjoyed a certain movie using the internet or asking friends

22)   Consider reviews but remember that they might not always be in keeping with your tastes. Roger Ebert has a section on “great movies” on his websites.

23)   Visit eBay for other classics you may have a hard time trying to find.

24)   Keep an eye out for movie sales, sometimes the weirdest places will have them and because people seldom check those places, sometimes you can get great deals

25)   Take a look for Classic and great movies at garage sales or on Kijiji.

 

Any other suggestions?