Deleted Titles | Film & Music | Classifieds.co.uk :

It's becoming quite common for people to try to find and buy deleted DVD and video titles. Sometimes we simply want to watch an old film or TV series that we used to enjoy but which is no longer on offer in a current format. In some cases collectors will also look for these kinds of titles as they can be quite valuable or they can complete a collection. But as you can imagine, it's not always so easy to find deleted titles in standard shops and it may take a little more work to find the deleted DVDs and videos that you want.

Where to find deleted DVD and video titles
It is unlikely that you will find many deleted DVD or video titles in standard high street stores, they are deleted after all! Many people will either find the titles they need in second hand stores or in charity shops; these options may be better for video titles as people tend to get rid of their video collections this way, but a lot of DVDs can be found this way also.

The easiest way to find deleted video and DVD titles, however, is to look for them online. You could for example, use auction sites such as eBay, or hook into online stores (either major e-tailers or smaller sites set up by individuals) to find the titles that you want. Obviously, shopping online will give you a lot more choice, as you aren't restricted to your local high street and can access titles from all over the world.

Things to look out for when buying deleted DVD and video titles
Given that deleted titles can potentially be worth more than standard titles, you do need to check that you are getting an original copy of the title and not a pirated version, especially if you are a collector where the actual value of the title may be an issue. There are a lot of pirated versions of videos and DVDs out there and remember that , as tempting as they are, these are not legal copies and the quality of recording that you get could be compromised.

You also need to check, especially with DVDs, that the title that you get is the right region to play on your DVD player. If your player will play worldwide regions then this won't be an issue but if it only plays Region 1 (i.e. the UK and European version) then buying a US or Asian DVD may simply give you a title that you cannot watch.

Buying deleted DVD and video titles online
If you are buying a deleted title in a second hand shop or charity shop then you can take a look at the tape and the disc to make sure that it looks like it will play OK and doesn't have any damage. Unfortunately, if you are buying over the Internet then you won't get the chance to actually see the item. So, you'll have to do a little more work before you make a purchase.

Try and establish a relationship with the person who is selling the title and make sure that they are selling an original version and not a copy. If, for example, the seller has multiple copies of a DVD or video to sell then ask yourself why; the chances are they have multiple pirated versions for sale.

There's no reason why you cannot ask the seller why they are selling the title. Some people sell on their videos, for example, when they switch over to collecting DVDs, some will be collectors or small online stores selling titles, and some may simply be selling off unwanted gifts or DVDs and videos that they no longer want. A valid reason for selling here can be an indicator of quality.

Do ask the seller questions about the quality of the DVD or video, especially if it is rare or valuable. For example, ask them if the DVD or video has ever been played and, if so, how often. Check that the DVD or video plays OK and that it has no defects or damage. Ask them if it comes with original inserts and if there is any damage to the case or contents. Ask to see a digital photo of the title before you buy it; this will give you a basic visual check. Make sure that you aren't given a stock image from a photo library and look out for holograms and logos that show originality. Remember, seeing a DVD or video that is still shrink-wrapped doesn't mean that it is original, piraters have wrapping machines too!

Finally, check how the seller will send the title to you and if they have a returns policy, in case there is a problem later on when you actually check it out. It is important to know that the DVD or video will get to you in one piece and in good working order. This is especially important if you are a collector buying a rare or valuable title. Here you'll probably want some kind of insured postal delivery to give you extra peace of mind.