About shopping for movies

Shopping for movies is a fun experience when you are a movie buff. For those who collect movies, going to a second hand store or the movie rental place can be a great experience. You can even buy old movies that you've been wanting to see and will probably want to see again.

Nowadays, pirated movies are on the rampage, especially from the Asian markets. Just walk on the streets of most Asian countries and you're bound to see the precious works of Hollywood actors being sold for a dollar, or even less! Unfortunately, some of these bootlegs (pirates) find their way into the USA market. Therefore, here are some pointers that you should look out for before you buy a DVD:

1. Region

Does the back of the cover indicate that it's a 'Region 0' DVD? Then it's a fake! Only 'Region 1' DVDs are released in the US and Canada. There is no such region as 'Region 0'. Even 'Region 1 Compatible' DVDs are fake.

2. DTS

Does the front cover of the DVD have a label on the top saying 'DTS Digital Surround Sound'? No original DVDs will advertise DTS on the front.

3. DVD 9

You may have noticed that the front covers of some DVDs have a shiny sticker saying "DVD 9". This is supposed to mean that the movie has been burned on a 'dual - layer disc'. However, no original DVDs will ever have such a sticker on their front cover. It'll only be there in counterfeit DVDs.

4. Languages

Does the DVD have a chinese subtitles, or even a Chinese soundtrack? Then it's obviously a fake! If the DVD has only the English soundtrack then, again, it's a fake. Region 1 DVD always have the English and French subtitles and soundtracks and, often, a Spanish language track. Unless it's a Region 3 DVD, it'll never have Chinese subtitles or soundtrack!

5. Research

Before you buy a DVD, just have a look on the net and check out a couple of details about the movie. Some movies are released only as a 2 - disc set, but if you see a single - disc edition, then it's definitely a fake.

Also, find out what the front cover of the movie is supposed to look like. There may be DVDs with pictures on the front cover which are different from the original DVDs, which are fake.

6. Chinese characters on the cover

If the cover has a Chinese translation of the movie title typed on it, then it's obviously a fake, because why would there be a DVD with Chinese writing when the DVD's meant to be for the US?

7. No hard plastic case

You may see DVDs coming in plastic covers, rather than the traditional plastic case. These are obviously fakes, and are done in order to minimize costs for themselves!