Previously viewed movies

I've brought the topic up in many threads over the years, but I never addressed it on its own. In reading and commenting in the Blu Ray at Blockbuster thread, it reminded me that many people, particularly those in the U.S. don't have the same experience as I do with buying movies, and I'm curious why that is.

For anyone with any interest in owning any DVDs of any kind, I see no value in renting. Period. Here in Canada, I can go to Blockbuster, Rogers, or Beat Goes On, as well as many independent video stores, and buy any movie I want previously viewed. Considering the fact that the major retailers constantly have sales on these movies, I never pay more than $12 for a DVD, and usually less. If it is a DVD that has been released for mainstream rental in the last 18 months, I can pretty much walk into any Blockbuster or Rogers and buy it for anywhere from $5 to $12 (generally the price relates to how recently it was released). PV movies are put out for sale within 3-4 weeks of release. Each store has anywhere from 12 to 20 feet of wall space devoted to PV movies. If it is an older title, I can put it on my wishlist at Beat Goes On, and when it comes up, I can reserve it for considerably less that the SRP because it is used. It really isn't hard to get anything I want, even it is rather obscure.

On top of this, if I buy something, watch it, and decide I don't like it, I can sell it back to Blockbuster or BGO for about $5. It can sell for more if it is newer or more in demand. If it is in high demand I can also sell it on ebay or amazon for sometimes more than I paid. So, basically, I never pay more than I would to rent, and I always have the option to keep the movie. It baffles me why anyone rents now. My family and friends are all pretty much the same way. If you collect any movies, how does it make sense to rent the movie, and then go out and buy it. You ALWAYS pay more. Are PV movies not so widely available outside Canada?

I mentioned this in another thread, but when I go into a video store now, it would seem many people feel the same. Even at peak times, I rarely see more than 12 to 15 people in the store, and many are looking at the PVs. I regularly look at the recent releases for rental, and while there are always many out, they are never completely unavailable the way they used to be. Can someone explain how renting makes sense? The only drawback to my system that I can see is that it may take some patience and leg work to get what you want, or to re-sell at a reasonable price.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

interplanetaryspy... Now let me get this straight. YOU are able to buy any new release somewhere for just $12 and under? Well, I'd like you to share with us where YOU are able to secure new releases for so cheap.... yeah right.

And so you actually BUY EVERY possible movie/concert/TV show of interest? You must not watch that much 'content'. Depending on my TV sports viewing (and some documentary programs etc), I can average between 12 to 20 movies a month among my rentals, (some days I watch a double-feature). Now, think how much I would pay to buy each of those films, especially the hi-def versions(!), and if they are "used" purchases I would have to hope the discs are not damaged or unplayable. And on top of this (in your scenario), I would then have to take the extra time to re-sell the used discs I don't intend on keeping, on the internet or a local video store (who would pay less).

Note: and once you open a 'sealed' movie, it's now considered used.

And ^this is how you prefer to support disc media? NOT ME.

I have two unlimited online rental memberships (3 discs out at a time), renting DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray...

$16.95 a month (+ tax) for NETFLIX
$19.95 a month (+ tax) for BLOCKBUSTER (with the in-store return/replacement option, so I can leave the store with a FREE rental). I can arrange the two queves so as to rarely be without a new release (depends on the popularity), although sometimes you have to wait a week or so for very popular new titles.

Then for DISC PURCHASES (from both local dealers and online), I'm constantly monitoring specials, receiving email notifications, ETC, so that I can make purchases of NEW/SEALED releases (all formats) from a low of $4 to around $20 (rarely higher), and am patient to wait to see discs fall in price within weeks to months after being released.

I used to pay high prices to buy movies (LaserDisc owner since 1982), but we have much better purchasing 'conditions' and options in today's home video market (compared to LD). All it takes is patience. Like this current Amazon 'Buy 2 BD, get 1 Free' (even though they marked up most of the prices another $5) - well, I'm not biting (this deal is for suckers), as I know Amazon (and others) will return to a true, low-priced BOGO deal later. So I'm patient until then.

And if Amazon doesn't have a deal, then look to Target, or Fry's, or Best Buy, or J&R.com, or Wal-Mart, or DeepDiscount, or Half.com, or, or... see? I don't want to overpay for NEW/SEALED disc purchases, but I can always RENT while waiting for the deals, see?

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Apr 11, 2008]

OK, first of all, I did tell you where, LH. And yes, I can buy any new release (no, not concerts, but I have no interest in watching Celine Dion or Shakira live - I'd rather poke my own eyes out). Otherwise, I think I already answered your questions. I do buy new, but only if it is under the $15 mark, and ask any Canadian - PVs are everywhere. Discs are always guaranteed against being unplayable. Maybe you need to do a little research of your own - you seem to blow a lot of unnecessary money.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

interplanetaryspy, I hate to point out the obvious... but the reason you can walk into a Rogers video store and buy a PREVIOUSLY WATCHED dvd for $9.99 is because 50 or 100 people already rented the disk before it went into the bin.

Although I agree that the purchase model has grown much more popular from the heyday's of mega-rental stores in every burb with free popcorn and clowns to entertain your children while you hunt for VHS or Beta tapes, it's ludicrous to suggest that on a view-per-view basis that buying is more popular than renting.

Most consumers with most day and date releases rent. You have to realize that the cost of even standard DVD new releases still ranges from $19.99 to $32.99 at popular retail outlets. People in general though want to see things ASAP (within the first week of release is the big wad!), and renting is the preferred option instead of buying 3 to 8 new release movies per week.

And I've yet to see any $5 Walmart throwaway bin offer me a selection of 72,000 titles to choose from. THANK GOD for ZIP.CA!

Ok...so all of this past griping about HOW HIGH CANADIAN PRICES are for Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs don't apply to YOU?

...And so -you- really can buy NEW RELEASES in Canada on Blu-ray and HD-DVD for just $15 and under?!?! Skyhawk, Falcon, and others would definitely like to know this info!!

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

And I see that Skyhawk just mentioned ZIP.CA.... I've heard great things about this Canadian service for years now, so you might want to use that option for hi-def rentals etc.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Well I purchased 4 previously viewed HD DVD's at Jumbo Video about 2 weeks ago for $14.99 each and Rogers has them for $16.99 (previously viewed HD DVD's also).

Also on craigslist.ca I have found some HD DVD's on sale for $10. oh I went to Bestbuy a few days ago and scored some horror movie on HD DVD for $7.99 plus Jarhead and Chronicles of Riddick for $12.99 all brand new of course.

If you're patient and keep looking you can score some great deals.

I have to agree that zip.ca is quite possibly the BEST movie rental service in all of Canada. You don't have to leave your house, the movies come with pre-paid envelopes and their shipping is FAST. I never would have thought that an online movie rental business would be better than going to a Blockbuster or Rogers Video store. Also using this service has allowed me to view some HD DVD's before buying them which is saving me major coin already. When I go into bluray I'll be doing the same thing.

[Post edited by Falcon01 on Apr 11, 2008]

Thanks Falcon.

The point I'm making (Skyhawk too) is that NEW RELEASES cost much more than $12 to $15 - especially in Canada - especially Blu-ray and HD-DVD titles. So, -that's- where the RENTAL factor comes in.

Plus, how many movies can a buyer feel comfortable in purchasing unseen? Sure, we've all done this occasionally (I did it for the recent Beowulf HD-DVD), but usually I'd rather do the simple rental instead. And frankly, some rentals are for 'curiosity' sake, just to see the work of a particular actor, director, composer, special effects, or genre [horror, Sci-Fi, erotic, concert, documentaries - like IMAX, HBO, National Geographic, NOVA, NBA, NFL, PBS, Discover Channel,etc, etc].

And frankly again, I -WANT- TO SUPPORT THE RENTAL INDUSTRY, since we have these great rentals plans available, which never existed for me over the years since I've been a home video collector (1982). Rather than griping about the monthly rental plans (which I can afford, even two plans), I consider NetFlix, Blockbuster (and the others) a BLESSING, and the conveniences they offer.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

For sure, these movies cost around $30 on the day they're released for the HD DVD and Bluray versions and about $20 on release day for the DVD version.

You have to wait a WHILE before the prices drop below $15 for a hidef version of a movie.

Speaking of good deals, earlier today I did my (almost) daily visit to eBay's HALF.com website, and noticed some even lower-priced HD-DVDs than a few days ago, and picked up a new/sealed HD-DVD of the cult fav Streets of Fire (where I once owned the non-widescreen LaserDisc back in the 1980s). This title was only $7.98 + $2.99 shipping, whereas last week it was at least twice that.

SofF has a great musical soundtrack, decent action, excellent editing, and a cool 'griping' performance by the Rick Moranis character... as well as some funky dancing from that French girl who subbed for Jennifer Beals, in her Flashdance dancing scenes.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

OK, LH. Despite the fact that you're being quite the self-righteous ass ( ), I'll respond to your issues, but first to Sky.

1) I couldn't care less if 50 people rented the movie. If it's guaranteed to work, who cares?

2) At what point did I say that buying is more popular? It clearly isn't, but, as you conceeded, it is decreasing, at least from people physically renting discs from a store. Certainly online rental is much more cost effective. I simply stated that, for those who buy a lot of movies, buying and re-selling makes more sense than renting.

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interplanetaryspy... Now let me get this straight. YOU are able to buy any new release somewhere for just $12 and under? Well, I'd like you to share with us where YOU are able to secure new releases for so cheap.... yeah right.

As I said, I did say where in my original post. You need to read before you bring out your holier-than-thou attitude.

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And so you actually BUY EVERY possible movie/concert/TV show of interest? You must not watch that much 'content'. Depending on my TV sports viewing (and some documentary programs etc), I can average between 12 to 20 movies a month among my rentals, (some days I watch a double-feature). Now, think how much I would pay to buy each of those films, especially the hi-def versions(!), and if they are "used" purchases I would have to hope the discs are not damaged or unplayable. And on top of this (in your scenario), I would then have to take the extra time to re-sell the used discs I don't intend on keeping, on the internet or a local video store (who would pay less).

I watch 20 to 30 movies a month. I don't watch much TV. I'd rather watch a movie. Most TV is crap, and if it isn't, I'd rather watch it one episode after another on DVD. (BTW - picked up the first season of Heroes today used for $24. Discs and case in perfect condition.)

I only buy the hi def version if I KNOW I love the movie, and the Canadians who are whining about lack of hi def deals aren't looking very hard. I got 8 HD DVDs at Rogers a couple of weeks ago for $80. I also buy from American sites who don't charge much for shipping, or from used sites online, like BGO, Flikky, or Second Spin. Hoping the discs work is a ridiculous argument from someone who is obviously ignorant on the subject. No used DVD retailer sells their discs without a guarantee against defective discs. As for "taking the time", I said it took more time, but the 30 min. I spend online or at a store doesn't bother me. For some lazier people, it would.

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Note: and once you open a 'sealed' movie, it's now considered used.

And... what's your point? All this proves is how easy it is to get a "used" disc that is actually perfect, other than not being sealed. Many DVDs at a used store like Beat Goes On were bought new, and some schmo who paid $30 for it, sold it to them for $8, so I can pay $12. Not my problem that someone's dumb enough to pay $30 when they can pay $12.

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And ^this is how you prefer to support disc media? NOT ME.

I'm sure Paramount, Universal, Fox and Disney appreciate your loyalty.

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I have two unlimited online rental memberships (3 discs out at a time), renting DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray...

$16.95 a month (+ tax) for NETFLIX
$19.95 a month (+ tax) for BLOCKBUSTER (with the in-store return/replacement option, so I can leave the store with a FREE rental). I can arrange the two queves so as to rarely be without a new release (depends on the popularity), although sometimes you have to wait a week or so for very popular new titles.

As I said, online rental makes more sense than going to a store, but you are still paying $40 a month to watch, what, 12 movies? 15? So that's $3 a rental. Plus you have to just watch whatever they happen to choose to send from your queue.

As for the rest of it, I don't see how that has anything to do with renting vs. buying PV. You look for sales. Yippee. So does everyone. Irrelevant.

As for what I watch, and how much I pay, here is what I have watched in the last couple of weeks. I can tell you exactly what I paid and when, because it's on my online database.

The French Connection (5 Star) - $6, ebay.ca, Dec. 2007
Fracture - $5, Rogers, Feb. 2008
Speed (5 Star) - gift ($0)
Italian Job (HD) - $10, Deep Discount, Mar. 2008
Hitman - $11, ebay, Mar. 2008
The Brave One - $10, Rogers, Apr. 2008
The Others - $6, Blockbuster, Nov. 2006
I Am Legend - $10, Rogers, Apr. 2008
Truman Show - $7, Best Buy, Sept. 2007
Dante's Peak (HD) - $12, Deep Discount, Apr. 2008
Payback (Straight Up - HD) - $10, DD, Mar. 2008
Gone Baby Gone - $10, Rogers, Mar. 2008
Beowulf (HD) - $0 (trade in credit), Blockbuster, Apr. 2008

These are just the ones I kept. I also watched Dragonheart for $12 in HD, and sold it for $11, Pulse (original version - paid $4 on ebay, sold for $8) and One Missed Call (original - paid $6, sold for $12).

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

Interplanetaryspy... you started a rant against renting, I responded with criticism, and now you use personal attacks in your furthur response. I haven't done this, unless you consider - - a personal attack.

I'll simply reduce a possible lengthy rebuttal to what I posted (on pg 1) - which was this... And so -you- really can buy NEW RELEASES in Canada on Blu-ray and HD-DVD for just $15 and under?!?!

You have avoided this question, and obviously because it's simply NOT POSSIBLE to buy *N*E*W* hi-def releases in *C*A*N*A*D*A, for the low-price of *$15* (and under). If so, then why don't you reveal how and where you find NEW RELEASES - not 3 to 6 months later(!) - in Canada, in hi-def, for $15 and under... that's right - those prices don't exist yet for NEW RELEASES in Canada, and rarely in the USA (although occasionally some retailers will have a low sale-thru price on a hit movie, to use as a 'loss-leader' to get customers into the store, to perhaps purchase more regular-priced titles).

And if my rentals average between $1.50 to $3.00 a month (based on my two monthly rental membership fees, with rentals of 12 to 20 titles per month), I'm happy, as I get many NEW RELEASES, and the convenience of not having to BUY every new release, and or return/resell later (at a loss) those titles I'm not going to own... which is what I believe you indicate is your preference. No thanks!

The only titles I ever re-sell, are those I no longer want to own, or perhaps wish to sell at a premium, due to it perhaps being currently out-of-print. I posted several great 'sales' I've made on Amazon in the past, on threads here in 2007. Some of which I received between $60 to $140 from buyers.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Did you read the title of this thread? No, I can not buy new hi def movies for under $15 in Canada. Again, what's your point? I said I could get any PREVIOUSLY VIEWED new release movies for under $12, 3 to 4 weeks after release. Your big "avoided" question still has nothing to do with the topic of the thread, so I don't know why you're so bent out of shape about it. On top of that, as I've said, I am talking SD, not HD, and I wouldn't buy any HD movie unless I knew I wanted to own it. You seem to just pick and choose what you want to read. As for being civil, go back and read your posts and my original one. It was not antagonistic, and you have been nothing but condescending. I asked for people to explain if the PV situation is the same in the US (obviously it isn't), and why people rent. You could have done that quite easily without the attitude and eye rolls.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

Hey... I don't even know what 'PV' stands for? -seriously-

And I gave you a detailed response about the pros of RENTING vs buying, and especially as it relates to the hi-def market. OK, ignore HD if you want. Regular DVD NEW RELEASES are not for sale in Canada for $15 and under, when first available, right? Well, there you go... now you know why RENTING is preferred by many millions of people (unlike yourself), OK?

You're happy buying used "new" releases 3 to 6 months later. I'd rather buy NEW/SEALED "new" releases on a low-priced discount sale later, and RENT in the meantime, OK?

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Seriously? I said new releases 3 to 4 WEEKS later! Are you dyslexic or something? I think I've said that 3 times now! Wow! Do you even read the responses, or are you just assuming that no one has anything of value to say buy you? Or, is it that you choose to believe that whatever you know to be true in your own mind is more true then what exists in objective reality? Yes, they are available for under $15 used 3 to 4 weeks later. You may choose not to believe it, but it doesn't make it untrue. If you can't wait 21 days to see a movie, that's just a tad pathetic.

I guess if pulling off those annoying security seal stickers is that important to you, be my guest.

PV = previously viewed.

And at what point did you give a detailed list of the advantages of renting? I've looked back, and I don't see it. How about this - why don't you list off the things that you think are advantageous about renting AFTER giving me the courtesy of actually reading what I have to say. Drop the condescension, drop the eye rolls, and drop the criticisms. Just make a civilized post about the advantages of renting over buying PREVIOUSLY VIEWED movies 3 WEEKS after their release. Thank you in advance for your efforts to take this in a more mature direction.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

interplanetaryspy - "it baffles me why anyone rents now".

Jimi - "And if my rentals average between $1.50 to $3.00 a month (based on my two monthly rental membership fees, with rentals of 12 to 20 titles per month), I'm happy, as I get many NEW RELEASES, and the convenience of not having to BUY every new release, and or return/resell later (at a loss) those titles I'm not going to own... which is what I believe you indicate is your preference. No thanks!"

I rarely ever buy a used disc (possible playback 'issues' - please don't argue), and prefer New/Sealed discs to purchase. And MOST NEW RELEASES sold 'unopened' are not less than $15 three weeks later (DVD or hi-def) - yes I know you don't mean 'sealed' titles [PV per your reminder], buy I thought you should know this anyway. Sealed Hi-Def titles takes longer to go down substantially in price (2-3 months or more for sure), and I prefer buying hi-def when possible, although I still buy new/sealed DVDs too.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Thanks for dropping the attitude. I can't "not argue" the playback issue. You seem to ignore the fact that used discs are guaranteed against any playback issues. You don't want me to respond, because you don't want to conceed that FACT. Other than buying from some guy out of the back of his van, it's not a realistic issue to be concerned about.

If you prefer buying new, because you like the idea of having your own copy that you unwrapped, and that only you have ever owned, I respect that. I can't say I understand it, but I repect that. Different things bother different people. Everyone has their little quirks. My wife likes to mess with me by taking a movie out of the collection (which is in alphabetical order), and moving it, because she knows that eventually I will notice a space in the collection, and agonize over what is missing until I find it. After my family, my DVD collection is my pride and joy. I like basically having my own video store, even if I may only watch many of the discs 2 or 3 times ever. I like the selection.

tylerdurden (wrote just now on the Blockbuster 'Streaming' thread) about rentals...

Drive by ANY Blockbuster or Mom 'n Pops dvd rental store & count the number of people renting EVERYDAY. That's your proof.
Look at Netflix's BOOMING rental business, serving MILLIONS of people RENTING (only) movies via snail mail. That's your proof.

BOTH COMPANIES KNOW that millions of millions of viewers, DO NOT want to own a disc, but simply want to pay CHEAP for them, in a rental basis.

Well, ^ here's another testimony of why RENTING is remains very popular.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

interplanetaryspy... about the 'used discs'. So you're able to immediately watch (within 30 days) every disc you purchase locally, so as to be able to return for replacement (if having playback issues)? Well, that's possible I'm sure, but what if you build a collection of 'not yet viewed' used discs? And that's just local purchases... what about buying used discs from other sellers across Canada and the USA - what then if there's a playback problem?

Note: 30 days is mentioned, since Blockbuster has a 30-day damage replacement/refund limit.

WHY buy used anyway(?), when (especially with SD-DVD) every week you can find New/Sealed $3 to $5 titles (not current releases) on sale... and then you can RENT others of interest (NEW releases) at the same time, with one of the great online memberships, such as the ZIP.CA Skyhawk mentioned? Makes sense to me.

For me, I'm just not comfortable buying 'used' except on rare occasions. SD-DVD is low-priced as it is, except for the NEW RELEASES, which don't go down substatially in price (new/sealed) for awhile.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Quote:
WHY buy used anyway(?), when (especially with SD-DVD) every week you can find New/Sealed $3 to $5 titles (not current releases) on sale... and then you can RENT others of interest (NEW releases) at the same time, with one of the great online memberships, such as the ZIP.CA Skyhawk mentioned? Makes sense to me.

The same reasons I've mentioned already:
1) I can buy and re-sell if I don't want to keep the movie, and often that costs less than a rental cost. Sometimes I make money. I probably make money on 1 of every 5 I re-sell.
2) I want to own the movies I like. If I rented, I'd have to pay for each movie I want to own twice.
3) I like to watch what I want, when I want, including new releases. If Zip sent me 3 period dramas from my queue when I wanted to watch a new vampire movie, I'd be SOL.

As for the other quote, because people do something, doesn't make it a good idea. People listen to Britney Spears music. People watch Norbit. That doesn't make it a good idea.

I have never argued that renting is fine for those who don't want to own any movies. My option is only valid for those who want to own the DVDs they enjoy. Like me.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 11, 2008]

But...(in your example) how can you watch that 'vampire' movie, if it's not AVAILABLE (for some time) at the sale-price you want? You HAVE TO WAIT for it's price to meet your purchasing criteria (under $15). I can get it immediately from my online rental kueve, or a local Blockbuster store (usually).

As for having 3 discs from the online rental service... remember with Blockbuster you can take a disc back to your local store for immediate exchange of the DESIRED title you want right -then-... IF you are a Total Access member.

So... you've got your preferences, and I've got mine. I certainly believe my method takes MUCH LESS EFFORT (overall) in receiving desired titles in timely manner, and without the re-sale 'work' needed to be done later (for unwanted titles). Plus the discs I purchase (on sale) will be FRESH (new/sealed), whereas the ones you buy might have an issue that must be resolved with either the local store, or out-of-town seller, and for which you have to STAY UP TO DATE on your 'used disc' viewing (so as to 'clear' a title of no problems within a time limit during the month). Titles I buy new/sealed I can view at my convenience without having to check on the quality, as it's a new unused disc.

I'm going to a (late) supper now (with a neighbor) so I can't comment anymore after this post.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

I know that I can personally find pretty much any new release within a few days used at either CDTradepost or Hasings here in the midwest. Lets just say the stores have their "regulars" who come in weekly. And the price is never more than 13-15, even for blu and hd titles. So I never rent anymore either except for older catalogue titles, and only at $2 or less, which is not hard to find either.

I would say that around 90% of my 500+ titles were purchased either used or previously viewed. Living in a college town meant that there was an absolute glut of used product around(Lawrence, KS home of my alma mater, you might have heard of them this past week...KU)

This is more a response to the initial post as I didn't read the other of the three pages, so sorry if its a bit late

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Most TV is crap

Unfortunately, so is 99% of the selection of PV titles available at Blockbuster.

I used to waste my time looking at them. Once a month I'd find one DVD I'd consider a marginal buy, but usually regretted buying it anyway.

Cheap crap is still overpriced.

With the recent "clear case" sales at blockbuster (mostly bb.com overstock and remainder stock from closed stores) I was able to get "24" seasons 1 and 2 for $5 per season, Band of Brothers for $6, seasons of sex and the city for $2-$4 a season, and countless criterion titles for $3. Filled in my daughters disney collection for $3-$5 a title (many out of print older gold collection titles that have recently been showing up in print again, some still out of print like backup copies of beauty and the beast, sleeping beauty etc.). And many, many more catalogue titles than I care to think about for $2 a title.

Needless to say I hit up the 13 blockbusters in Wichita and Derby KS alone and made out like a bandit. Had I still been living in the Kansas City area when the sales started around last november I would have likely been beaten to the punch on many of the good titles.

Just to show that the titles were not all 99% crap here is a listing of some I have yet to get the cover art for from various sources and print out or that I can see while typing:

Chocolat
Cabaret
Fisher King
Pollock
Dawn of the Dead (remake)
HG Wells' The Time Machine (classic)
y tu mama tambien
you can count on me
Day of the Dead 2disc
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Swiss Family Robinson
Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2disc
Love Bug (original 2 disc)
Carnival of Souls (criterion)
Robocop (criterion....could not believe this one)
Beauty and the Beast 2Disc
Bambi 2disc
Fun and Fancy Free
Lady and the Tramp 2

and the list goes on. About 30 or so more titles, all no more than $4 and most at 2-3. Well worth all the time I spent digging through the crates. It helped that they did four large tent sales with over 1000 titles at each. And yeah, a lot was crap. But I did also find season 1 of twin peaks for $5. too bad it's not worth what is was when I sold my original copy for $135

And Im sure that was far too much info about long gone sales that no one else can now take advantage of. Oh well.

JN

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For sure, these movies cost around $30 on the day they're released for the HD DVD and Bluray versions and about $20 on release day for the DVD version.

You have to wait a WHILE before the prices drop below $15 for a hidef version of a movie.

Well, speaking for SD versions, most places I buy from usually sell for under $15 on the first week of release, but this is usually for major hit blockbusters. I recently purchased There Will be Blood at Wal-mart for $14.99 the day it was released. However, by next week it will probably go up to $20. This seems to have been the norm for the past 5-years.

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On top of that, as I've said, I am talking SD, not HD, and I wouldn't buy any HD movie unless I knew I wanted to own it.

That seems to be a big issue around here as some people assume everyone at DVDTOWN has hi-def. Funny, but last time I checked, the majority of the population is still using SD. But hey, that's Jimi for ya' -- always assuming and you know what assume does?

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Just to show that the titles were not all 99% crap here is a listing of some I have yet to get the cover art for from various sources and print out or that I can see while typing:

It doesn't matter dude, Chris is your typical art-house critic -- he thinks everything is crap!

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Unfortunately, so is 99% of the selection of PV titles available at Blockbuster.

I used to waste my time looking at them. Once a month I'd find one DVD I'd consider a marginal buy, but usually regretted buying it anyway.

It is quite clear that Blockbuster in the U.S. is very different than in Canada, though from what others have obtained, not as different as I thought. Every new release, blockbuster or independent, unless it was so obscure that you would have to special order it, is available here in the 16 feet (avg.) of wall space and several bins of previously viewed titles. To say that 99% of DVDs are crap, means that 99% of movies are crap, and if you think that, why are you even looking?

I have a collection of 1400 movies. I know that is way more than any person can watch, but I love having the selection, and being able to choose the one movie that I like that will fit exactly my movie-watching mood. 75% of my movies were bought used somewhere - new Hollywood or foreign, Criterion or Disney. If you're willing to look, you can eventually find anything used.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 12, 2008]

Tim, the $20 price I was giving as an example for SD DVD's is up here in Canada. I totally believe you that in the U.S. you guys pay less ($15) than we do up here.

It sucks that our currencies have been pretty much at par for a while now and yet we still pay way more up here for the same stuff, especially electronics.

Also that $20 DVD price is usually a one day only price (on release day) and then it goes up to $25+ the very next day. Bestbuy and Futureshop usually offer it at that price to get people to come in on that day to buy the movie in hopes that they will buy something else in the store while they are there. I guess some people fall for it but I go in there and just buy the movie and walk out.

And people wonder why I buy HD DVD's on amazon for $12

[Post edited by Falcon01 on Apr 12, 2008]

Quote:
To say that 99% of DVDs are crap

No, I said 99% of the PV titles offered at Blockbuster are crap.

We do have a local video chain TLA (well, they have a few other national locations) that carries a nice selection of PV DVDs. And it's usually something like 3 for $20, or even less. If I wait a month or so, I can usually find 3 DVDs worth owning out of their selection.

Quote:
No, I said 99% of the PV titles offered at Blockbuster are crap.

Ok, that makes no sense to me. Do you mean the PV DVDs at Blockbuster are 99% crap because they're all scrached up, or do you actually think the quality of the movie diminishes (as in entertainment value) once they are PV?

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 12, 2008]

Tim,

I"m saying that the caliber of titles offered for sale as PV discs at Blockbuster is usually dreadful. Yes, every now and then you might sort through a table full of stacks of "Chuck and Larry" and The Bucket List" and find something worthwhile, but that's one big haystack for one tiny needle.

Plus BB doesn't always include most of the insert material that you get if you buy the disc retail. In some cases, this is not big deal in others, a significant detraction in the value of the PV disc.

Chris,

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that. Hollywood Video is the same thing -- you have to dig through a couple dozen Martin Lawrence movies before you find a PV of, say, The Godfather. Nevertheless, Wal-mart's $5-bin is the same thing -- if you're willing to stand there and dig around for 30-minutes, you might actually find something worth while. However, if you're the kind of person that is easily amussed by mindless entertainment, like my mom, then the PV selections at BB or HV seem like the motherload.

I was at Blockbuster last night and they had Stardust on HD DVD for $9.99 one of the three remaining HD DVDs they have for sale!

What is HD DVD?

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 12, 2008]

My best PV pickup recently was Inland Empire for $5.99 at TLA. Now that's a find.

Recently (also at TLA), I snagged Rocky Balboa, Zodiac and Dogville for $20 total. I've never seen Zodiac, and I can't stand Fincher, but I've had enough people I trust have promised me I'll like it that I figured it was worth a gamble. Sometimes I like buying DVDs I've never seen just to roll the dice, but the price has to be just right.

Inland Empire for $5.99? Now that's a steal! I paid over $20 for that movie at BB the day it was released. Since it was not the usual Blcokbuster crap, they didn't have a first week $15 sale of it. Nevertheless, I am a big Lynch fan, so paying full (high) price was no bother. I did notice on the BB site that there was a new re-relsease of Lost Highway and I can't wait to burn a hole in my pocket book for that.

I paid $5 at Blockbuster for Inland Empire.

Well, from my limited experience at Blockbuster in the U.S., I would agree that the selection is not as good as in Canada. Obviously there will always be tons of copies of every "major" release, whether it is good or not. But I rarely run across a title that Blockbuster here doesn't carry, and eventually they all make it to PV. So, yes, there is a lot of crap, but you (csj) said "99% of titles". Chuck and Larry is one title, even if there are a thousand copies of it. I never spend more than 10-15 minutes in a Blockbuster searching through the entire wall, rack, and various bins of PV, and I rarely walk out without finding something I wasn't expecting that was traded in (do they accept trade ins in the U.S.?), or a smaller independent movie, that may only have 2 or 3 copies available, but isn't in high demand, so I can snag one. Unless it's an older film, it will be there if you're patient.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 12, 2008]

Look, I think Chris was just pointing out that there's a ton of crap you have to sift through at BB or HV when looking for a decent PV movie, and I'm inclined to agree with him. 99% was obviously an overkill number to simply make a point -- I don't think you should take it so literal.

Funny how the whole 99% topic came about. I was at a Hollywood Video this morning with a friend of mine siffting through the PV movies. I'd have to say Chris's 99% theory isn't that far off. What really sucks is once you do find a worthy movie you realize you already own it! Therefore the 99% crap truns into 100% crap! lol

It does make me wonder if really good films just happen to get sold much quicker than the average, crap blockbuster or mediocre fare. I mean for example, there were tons of Big Momma's House and Scary Movie copies but very few of worthy films. Is it possible that the average joe's tastes have gotten better and therefore the decent PV movies sell faster? Or is it that HV and BB just buy more trash and end up with too much crap to move?

I have ended up purchasing a lot of PVs from Netflix (never had any issues with disc quality, as well) but what's odd is their selection of PVs is quite limited compared to the huge library you can rent from. Nevertheless, their prices are even better than BB or HV as most PVs range from 5.99 to 7.99. Very rarely have I purchased a PV from Netflix at $10 or more. However, you do get the same cheap rental slip cases without inserts like BB and HV.

**It does make me wonder if really good films just happen to get sold much quicker than the average, crap blockbuster or mediocre fare.**


No, it's just that the usual business model for rental houses involves ordering 100 copies of the "Chuck and Larry" or "Dumb Teen Horror Schlock Part 74" of the week, and one or two copies each of most other titles. Thus they are more likely to have extra copies of the crap that makes up the "Top Rentals" each week than they are of something that does less volume.

I was in Best Buy the other day looking for a Blu-ray copy of "Hairspray." None to be found. I asked the young clerk if they had any on display somewhere else in the store. He checked his computer and said, no, they were all sold out, but, he said, they had one copy on order. "One!" I exclaimed. Yes, he said, only one because that kind of title didn't sell well.

"Didn't sell well," I responded. But it sold out."

What the clerk really meant, I'm sure, was "I'm nineteen years old and I don't like musicals, and since everyone else in the world shares my taste and agrees with me, we don't stock that title."

John