Pirate DVDs

[Gypsy]

How do you tell if you may have a Pirate DVD if you don't open the wrapping? I've just received the First Season of Frasier as a Christmas present for someone and the cover doesn't look right - the wording is slightly blurred, as are the photographs. The box feels different too, but could this be because I ordered it from Jersey? As it's a present, I don't want to open it and view the discs, obviously. Would appreciate any help.

[batman]

Amazon have a distribution centre in Jersey and Play is based there (tax reasons I believe). If it came from either of those two it is unlikely to be a bootleg, except if it was purchased via one of their 'marketplace' sellers where such things do happen occasionally. To be certain you'll have to open it. Most legit dvds are plain silver on the reverse of the label .... whereas bootlegs often have 'bands' running around the edges.

[Gypsy]

Thanks Bats

[Dandelion]

And not only bands, but there is a slight (sometimes pronounced) purple tinge to the disc.

[Chevyman]

Most of the major online retailers have recourse to offshore premises so that they can pass on the tax-free element in their prices. This shouldn't affect the legitimacy or the quality of the product supplied.



It must have you worried but, with time on your side, you have the opportunity to call or e-mail them to ask for clarification?



Sadly we have to live with this doubt when we buy any digital media..............even if it is only in the back of your mind.



I hope all is fine for you.



You might find this website useful?



FACT



And, you have PM

[Mr Cosmo]

That's a nice present. You are obviously a very thoughtful person!

[toto8462]

I believe you can open it and check - you will of course be covered under 'The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (amended)', and have the right to return if it is illegitimate... that is of course if you don't mind confronting whoever gave it to you!

[trelawnee]

Is it me or has the quality of pirated DVDs declined?



There was a time when they were all copied from DVDs issued to reviewers and were as good, if not better, than the stuff sold in the shops. But lately most of the copying appears to consist of sneaking a video camera into the local movie hall and producing a downmarket version of someone's holiday snaps.

[RAREFILMFINDER]

In answer to the first question of which Batman was right, the majority of Genuine DVDs are pressed and are of mirror appearance. These are better against slight scratches. The written dvds depending on the length of the film will have in most cases a visible line.When held up to the light ,you should be able to get a rainbow effect across the face.

The cases are a second way as the majority are of good quality but some pirate's use cheaper ,thinner cases.

The printed cover is the first thing you will see and that should make you aware.

Just look for crisp lines and no colour fade and feel the quality of the paper used.

On the point of the pirate dvd in picture quality. It appears there is competion between the big pirates of who get the newest film out first.

Depending on who you know a lot are of studio quality or for private veiwing only.

On another forum ,I talk about the pirate selling rare films as genuine which is my biggest hate.

I know this sounds strange but I have been watching a film on ebay that has just sold for £50+ on video and I sell it for £7.99 on dvd but the bidders were on the wrong site. Ironically I have over 600 genuine copies of the same film on vhs in storage.I am now going to go and have a cry.





lenny

[Dandelion]

name='RAREFILMFINDER']I have over 600 genuine copies of the same film

Don't suppose it's Ramsbottom Rides Again

[RAREFILMFINDER]

Sorry Dandelion,its a car film which I bought in bulk 14 years ago.I must have been mad.



lenny

[Chevyman]

name='RAREFILMFINDER']Sorry Dandelion,its a car film which I bought in bulk 14 years ago.I must have been mad.



lenny

Vanishing Point?

[David Brent]

name='Chevyman']Vanishing Point?

The Italian Job?



Dave.

[gumby1987]

name='Dandelion']Don't suppose it's Ramsbottom Rides Again

I wish!

[Captain Casper]

name='RAREFILMFINDER']Sorry Dandelion,its a car film which I bought in bulk 14 years ago.I must have been mad.



lenny

Genevieve?

[Dandelion]

Herbie?

[RAREFILMFINDER]

Been nearly a week away from the forum and missed it.

Just looked at the missing Ramsbottom which seems to have been found ,for what looks to me a bargain price.

Maybe I should start a competition for the first person to guess the film I have?

A clue is that it is a motorsport video from the 60s.

However,another VHS film I stock, has just sold on Ebay for £26 which is surprising when something as rare as Ramsbottom goes for less.

The £26 one was an early Jim Henson, any answers?

Cant let on with the first one as going to list weekend with a buy it now price that will stop the high price.





lenny

[CaptainWaggett]

name='RAREFILMFINDER']However,another VHS film I stock, has just sold on Ebay for £26 which is surprising when something as rare as Ramsbottom goes for less.

The £26 one was an early Jim Henson, any answers?

Cant let on with the first one as going to list weekend with a buy it now price that will stop the high price.





lenny

I think my record was one of the British Classics Collection for £42 to a crazy fan of a particular performer, Alas, the other half a dozen copies din't make quite so much...

[rbrooks2008]

I've seen the White Heather Club Hogmanay VHS go for £40!

[RAREFILMFINDER]

The highest I have seen for a DVDR was The Marseilles Contract for £110 on ebay.

Not uncommon to see a vhs pre cert horror for £200.



lenny