Drama Films & Dvds | Film & Music

There is a huge market for drama DVDs and videos. Many of us like to collect the odd drama here and there that we have seen on TV or in the cinema and like so much we want to own it. Some of us may have missed pivotal episodes in a drama series on TV and need to buy them to fill in the gaps. Some parents like to buy popular dramas on DVD or video because they never get the chance to go the cinema once they have kids! And, or course many people actively collect DVDs and videos in this genre simply for pleasure or because they specialise in this field.

Popular types of drama DVDs and videos
Collectors may collect drama DVDs and videos in various ways. Some collectors will specialise in a certain type of drama -- so, for example, they may simply collect classic costume dramas or political dramas. Some may concentrate on buying dramatic films by a specific writer or director and some may simply collect series of dramas.

Most everyday consumers collect in much the same way. Some people, for example, may collect the entire Cracker series to watch over and over again. Some may like to own BBC costume dramas. Others may collect drama films that feature a particular actor or director that they like and admire. And, as already mentioned, some people simply like to own a particular drama or film that they liked or one where they missed seeing the whole thing.

Things to look out for when buying drama DVDs and videos
Piracy is a big problem in the DVD and video sector so consumers should take care to make sure that they are buying original copies of dramas. This isn't just about meeting your legal obligations by not buying fake copies -- there could also be quality issues here. Copied DVDs and videos may not be of the same quality as the original versions which could impair your enjoyment of the drama or film.

If buying a drama for family viewing it is also important to check out the rating to see if it is suitable for viewing by the whole family. It doesn't matter how much you enjoy a tense and violent spy thriller -- if it gives your kids nightmares it will ruin your evening! And, although this may seem like a simple thing, do remember to check that the DVD or video is in the language version you need. If you want to watch a film in English then the French version won't do you any good - subtitles may result in you missing some of the nuances of the plot!

Buying drama DVDs and videos second hand
People sell on their drama DVDs and videos for various reasons and it's always worth asking why they are selling before buying anything. One of the most common reasons with drama videos is that the seller has moved completely over to DVDs and no longer owns a video recorder so they may be selling off their collection to raise some extra money. Other reasons include lack of space (always a good reason to sell things on!), duplicate gifts or the seller may simply not like the drama/film any more.

It is important to make sure that the DVD or video will work OK for you before you buy it. If buying a video ask the seller if it runs OK all the way through and if there is any damage to the casing. If buying a DVD ask if there are any scratches that stop it playing OK. If buying as a collector you may also want to check on the condition of the cover/case and to find out if all the inserts are still included before making a purchase.

One good way to check on the quality is to ask to see a digital photo of the DVD or video. This can also help you assess whether it is an original copy or a pirated version. Do not be afraid to ask the seller to confirm that the version is original -- if they are evasive then it may be a pirate copy. The photo will also give you clues. Look to see if there is a hologram on the cover or case -- most modern issues of DVD/videos will have a hologram if they are original copies. Remember a pirated copy of a DVD or video will be worthless to you if you are a collector so do check first.

Finally, ask how the seller will send the DVD or video and if they have a returns policy in case there is an issue later on when you actually try to play it. It is also important to know that the DVD or video will get to you in one piece and in good working order. If you are collecting a rare or valuable drama DVD or video then check out insured postage options to protect your investment.