What makes a "true collector" of DVD's and are you?

scott1598 · 02-01-06, 12:43 PM

I am curious as to what you think a "true collector" is. Is it someone who takes DVD collecting very seriously and amasses over 1,000 DVD's?

Can it be someone who just has a lot (100's, but not 1,000's) and buys what they are interested in and not simply buying for buying sake?

Is DVD collecting a hobby for you and that makes you a true collector?

Very curious...

Walter Neff · 02-01-06, 12:58 PM

I buy DVDs I'm interested in and don't buy ones that I'm not. I don't count how many I have, and don't really care if I'm a "true collector," whatever that means, or not. The same is true for books and CDs.

I don't know if that answers your question.

Sunday Morning · 02-01-06, 12:59 PM

For me a real collector is someone who loves movies, takes time and effort with it regardless of how many, they watch the actual films instead of just putting them on a shelf and forgetting about them and they don't own a Michael Bay movie.

nonametofame · 02-01-06, 01:03 PM

A good indication of a true collector is the number of unopened/unwatched titles he/she has lying around.. If there's 10+, that's a good sign of a growing addiction. Bonus "hardcore" points for the amount of dust they've accumulated.

Johnny Boy · 02-01-06, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott1598

Can it be someone who just has a lot (100's, but not 1,000's) and buys what they are interested in and not simply buying for buying sake?

Yes, I think so. At least that's true in my case. I have 98 DVDs (107 titles) and I consider myself a "true collector". I only buy what I like and I rarely do blind buys. Although, I must admit, if I could afford it I'd probably have about twice as many DVDs as I currently have (still, they'd all be movies that I "liked").

Mr. Cinema · 02-01-06, 01:21 PM

I think a true collector are those that love movies and buys what they like. Buying for the sake of buying means your an addict. I'm a movie lover who loves watching dvds.

gutwrencher · 02-01-06, 01:45 PM

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a true collector because I say I am one. Actually, I consider myself more a film whore slash librarian. I don't like the word collector. I buy what I love and what I feel is essential to my overall library. If I wanted to buy just to have for the hell of it....I'd own over 5,000 dvds right now.

I like being where I'm at right now...hovering right around 2,200 to 2,800 titles.

DeeKay · 02-01-06, 01:56 PM

I believe a true collector is someone who bothers to double dip, or hold out buying a movie until a rumored "special edition" comes out, even if it means waiting months!

FantasticVSDoom · 02-01-06, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gutwrencher

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a true collector because I say I am one.

100% agreement...

Fok · 02-01-06, 02:52 PM

Hmm tough question

cdollaz · 02-01-06, 03:10 PM

Someone who goes great lengths to make sure everything they buy is in pristine condition, and remains in pristine condition. That is not me.

toddly6666 · 02-01-06, 03:11 PM

A respectable DVD collector is someone that has quality movies.

A sad DVD collector is someone that has shelves of DVDs that look exactly like the same lame choices in Blockbuster (for anyone that owns Monkeybone, U-571, Twisted, Corky Romano, complete TV series of Buffy/Xena/Farscape/All in the Family/Mash).

Someone that says "I don't care what people think of my DVD collection," usually means that you have a lame/embarrasing DVD collection.

And lastly, i'm just kidding...,but there is some truth here!

Drexl · 02-01-06, 03:17 PM

Well, when it comes to video games, there are those that collect for certain systems and try to get complete collections for whatever systems they are collecting for. It doesn't matter if there are games that are really bad and they'll never want to play: if they exist, they're essential to the complete collection. That may be what a "true collector" is in that area.

With DVDs, obviously it would be impossible to buy every single one that is released, but there are those that collect a type of DVD, such as a series of films, everything a director or an actor has done, etc., or something like Criterions.

I would not consider myself a "true collector" in that sense. Even if I would be one DVD away from completing a series, if I don't like it, I won't buy it just to finish off that collection.

MovieExchange · 02-01-06, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonametofame

A good indication of a true collector is the number of unopened/unwatched titles he/she has lying around.. If there's 10+, that's a good sign of a growing addiction. Bonus "hardcore" points for the amount of dust they've accumulated.

(raises hand, looks around)

Hi, I'm Scott and I'm a DVD addict...

10+? I know for a fact that my unopened count is in the low 3-digit range, probably around 170 or so.

darmok · 02-01-06, 04:22 PM

like any other hobby, DVD collectors spend more money on this hobby than the "regular" person, and of course their eyes light up when a new SE, LE or special release comes out and they're jumping for joy over them.

sracer · 02-01-06, 04:55 PM

A "true collector" of DVD's is more concerned with the format than with the content. Anything that exploits the format takes priority over the film or show. They'll double-dip on a title because of more supplemental material. They'll buy an entire TV series because the spines of the keepcases form a mural. They make their entire collection visible in their home. They buy limited edition discs. Given a choice, they'll choose gift sets over disc-only releases.

Given that definition, I'm not a "true collector" of DVD's. DVD's are just a way to get what I'm REALLY interested in... films and TV shows that are meaningful to me.

Brian Shannon · 02-01-06, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema

I think a true collector are those that love movies and buys what they like. Buying for the sake of buying means your an addict. I'm a movie lover who loves watching dvds.

Agreed and that would be me as well. Too many people addicted to shopping nowadays.

starseed1981 · 02-01-06, 06:46 PM

I think it's really up to each individuals mindset.

pat00139 · 02-01-06, 07:24 PM

I consider myself a collector because I buy the DVDs I want, whatever the quality of the movie. I want the best quality picture/video/extras, and I'll spend whatever amount to get the DVD I want. I own multiple editions of a single movie because the extras are different, and they're worth it. I like to have complete filmographies of my favorite actors and directors. I will ALWAYS buy the biggest (usually most expensive) set given the choice. I will also, never, never buy a DVD to make money off it. I've had plenty of chances to buy mega LEs from everywhere in the world, but I've only bought one for myself. I'm not a businessman, I'm a collector. I used to collect beer bottle caps (don't ask), but now I collect DVDs.

My collection is my own, and I'm a collector because I buy the movies I want, I like my collection, I don't show it off, and I don't care what anybody thinks about it.

Tscott · 02-01-06, 10:45 PM

I don't know about a "true collector," but I have a theory about what makes an interesting collection (of anything- DVDs, CDs, Books, whatever...).

If you can show your collection to anyone with a passing interest of the subject matter, and they can find at least 1) one thing they love, 2) one thing they hate and 3) one thing they've never heard of, then that collection is interesting.

For example, "Oh wow, you've got This Is Spinal Tap! Great film. But why the heck do you own Adventures in Babysitting? Wait- what's this... RahXephon? Looks interesting. Is it good?"

T1000 · 02-02-06, 07:12 AM

I get about 10 DVDs every week.

That's bad enough, but the worst part is I actually have a list of the films I need to get.

Billyspunk · 02-02-06, 10:24 AM

A true collector buys what they want. I love Friday the 13th movies..I buy the box set and the single movies. I love Three's Company..I buy each season as the come out. Let's face it a majority of the dvd's being released these days will never be valuable. Collect them, watch them just don't waste them (by not opening them!)....

speedy1961 · 02-02-06, 10:28 AM

I prefer to think of myself as a true collector of movies and the medium I prefer them on is DVD.

Back in the day when VHS was king, I had close to 400 cassettes before started contemplating Laserdisc and the fledgling format known as DVD.

ArchibaldTuttle · 02-02-06, 11:14 AM

I think collecting dvds is a waste of time but mostly money. I rent mostly, and buy the movies that I know I will want to watch several times. I can't relate to the people on here who have stacks of unwatched, unopened dvds, that doesn't make sense to me.

shill66 · 02-02-06, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchibaldTuttle

I can't relate to the people on here who have stacks of unwatched, unopened dvds, that doesn't make sense to me.

Take one look at any thread that starts out "When the heck did _______ go out of print? I can't find it now!" and you might begin to understand at least one of the reasons for that.

02-01-06, 12:43 PM	#1
scott1598 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: I want to go to there! Posts: 19,350	What makes a "true collector" of DVD's and are you? I am curious as to what you think a "true collector" is. Is it someone who takes DVD collecting very seriously and amasses over 1,000 DVD's? Can it be someone who just has a lot (100's, but not 1,000's) and buys what they are interested in and not simply buying for buying sake? Is DVD collecting a hobby for you and that makes you a true collector? Very curious... __________________ "stranger than fiction" Movie collection "almost famous" SteelBook™ collection "Even though I am no better than a beast, don't I have the right to live?"

02-01-06, 12:58 PM	#2
Walter Neff DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 1,204	I buy DVDs I'm interested in and don't buy ones that I'm not. I don't count how many I have, and don't really care if I'm a "true collector," whatever that means, or not. The same is true for books and CDs. I don't know if that answers your question. __________________ "I had told him I was a member of DVDTalk Forum but he still hung up on me..." -- danol

02-01-06, 01:03 PM	#4
nonametofame DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 1,051	A good indication of a true collector is the number of unopened/unwatched titles he/she has lying around.. If there's 10+, that's a good sign of a growing addiction. Bonus "hardcore" points for the amount of dust they've accumulated. __________________ http://nonametofame.dvdaf.com/

02-01-06, 01:21 PM	#6
Mr. Cinema DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 1999 Posts: 16,949	I think a true collector are those that love movies and buys what they like. Buying for the sake of buying means your an addict. I'm a movie lover who loves watching dvds. __________________ 1. Side Effects • 2. - • 3. - • 4. - • 5. - • 6. - • My Countdown Counting down to: Black Swan

02-01-06, 01:45 PM	#7
gutwrencher DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: on a river in a kayak..where else? Posts: 4,949	I don't know about anyone else, but I'm a true collector because I say I am one. Actually, I consider myself more a film whore slash librarian. I don't like the word collector. I buy what I love and what I feel is essential to my overall library. If I wanted to buy just to have for the hell of it....I'd own over 5,000 dvds right now. I like being where I'm at right now...hovering right around 2,200 to 2,800 titles. __________________ My DVD/Film Library....(I'll update when I feel like it..tired of listing everything, everyday.....600+ purchased but not yet listed-now at 3,200+ titles)...and a buttload of kayaks/canoes

02-01-06, 12:59 PM	#3
Sunday Morning DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: A little bit here and a little bit there. Posts: 2,644	For me a real collector is someone who loves movies, takes time and effort with it regardless of how many, they watch the actual films instead of just putting them on a shelf and forgetting about them and they don't own a Michael Bay movie.

02-01-06, 01:56 PM	#8
DeeKay Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 174	I believe a true collector is someone who bothers to double dip, or hold out buying a movie until a rumored "special edition" comes out, even if it means waiting months!

02-01-06, 02:52 PM	#10
Fok DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Canada, BC Posts: 6,647	Hmm tough question

02-01-06, 03:10 PM	#11
cdollaz DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 12,910	Someone who goes great lengths to make sure everything they buy is in pristine condition, and remains in pristine condition. That is not me.

02-01-06, 03:11 PM	#12
toddly6666 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,265	A respectable DVD collector is someone that has quality movies. A sad DVD collector is someone that has shelves of DVDs that look exactly like the same lame choices in Blockbuster (for anyone that owns Monkeybone, U-571, Twisted, Corky Romano, complete TV series of Buffy/Xena/Farscape/All in the Family/Mash). Someone that says "I don't care what people think of my DVD collection," usually means that you have a lame/embarrasing DVD collection. And lastly, i'm just kidding...,but there is some truth here!

02-01-06, 03:17 PM	#13
Drexl DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 14,540	Well, when it comes to video games, there are those that collect for certain systems and try to get complete collections for whatever systems they are collecting for. It doesn't matter if there are games that are really bad and they'll never want to play: if they exist, they're essential to the complete collection. That may be what a "true collector" is in that area. With DVDs, obviously it would be impossible to buy every single one that is released, but there are those that collect a type of DVD, such as a series of films, everything a director or an actor has done, etc., or something like Criterions. I would not consider myself a "true collector" in that sense. Even if I would be one DVD away from completing a series, if I don't like it, I won't buy it just to finish off that collection.

02-01-06, 04:22 PM	#15
darmok DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: East Coast Posts: 1,270	like any other hobby, DVD collectors spend more money on this hobby than the "regular" person, and of course their eyes light up when a new SE, LE or special release comes out and they're jumping for joy over them.

02-01-06, 04:55 PM	#16
sracer DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Prescott Valley, AZ Posts: 9,010	A "true collector" of DVD's is more concerned with the format than with the content. Anything that exploits the format takes priority over the film or show. They'll double-dip on a title because of more supplemental material. They'll buy an entire TV series because the spines of the keepcases form a mural. They make their entire collection visible in their home. They buy limited edition discs. Given a choice, they'll choose gift sets over disc-only releases. Given that definition, I'm not a "true collector" of DVD's. DVD's are just a way to get what I'm REALLY interested in... films and TV shows that are meaningful to me. __________________ "With regard to healthcare reform... you are either on the bus, or under it." - President Obama

02-01-06, 06:46 PM	#18
starseed1981 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: West Hollywood, CA Posts: 5,608	I think it's really up to each individuals mindset.

02-01-06, 07:24 PM	#19
pat00139 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 624	I consider myself a collector because I buy the DVDs I want, whatever the quality of the movie. I want the best quality picture/video/extras, and I'll spend whatever amount to get the DVD I want. I own multiple editions of a single movie because the extras are different, and they're worth it. I like to have complete filmographies of my favorite actors and directors. I will ALWAYS buy the biggest (usually most expensive) set given the choice. I will also, never, never buy a DVD to make money off it. I've had plenty of chances to buy mega LEs from everywhere in the world, but I've only bought one for myself. I'm not a businessman, I'm a collector. I used to collect beer bottle caps (don't ask), but now I collect DVDs. My collection is my own, and I'm a collector because I buy the movies I want, I like my collection, I don't show it off, and I don't care what anybody thinks about it.

02-01-06, 10:45 PM	#20
Tscott DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,193	I don't know about a "true collector," but I have a theory about what makes an interesting collection (of anything- DVDs, CDs, Books, whatever...). If you can show your collection to anyone with a passing interest of the subject matter, and they can find at least 1) one thing they love, 2) one thing they hate and 3) one thing they've never heard of, then that collection is interesting. For example, "Oh wow, you've got This Is Spinal Tap! Great film. But why the heck do you own Adventures in Babysitting? Wait- what's this... RahXephon? Looks interesting. Is it good?" __________________ I won't say anything because no one ever listens to me anyway. I might as well be a Leonard Cohen record. -Neil, The Young Ones

02-02-06, 07:12 AM	#21
T1000 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 312	I get about 10 DVDs every week. That's bad enough, but the worst part is I actually have a list of the films I need to get.

02-02-06, 10:24 AM	#22
Billyspunk Banned Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 259	A true collector buys what they want. I love Friday the 13th movies..I buy the box set and the single movies. I love Three's Company..I buy each season as the come out. Let's face it a majority of the dvd's being released these days will never be valuable. Collect them, watch them just don't waste them (by not opening them!)....

02-02-06, 10:28 AM	#23
speedy1961 DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In a small pocket universe hoping to someday become a Moderator Emeritus at DVDTalk.com! Posts: 9,298	I prefer to think of myself as a true collector of movies and the medium I prefer them on is DVD. Back in the day when VHS was king, I had close to 400 cassettes before started contemplating Laserdisc and the fledgling format known as DVD. __________________ Stuck in Trucker's Hell says it all. My Countdown Counting down to: Birthday

02-02-06, 11:14 AM	#24
ArchibaldTuttle Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 658	I think collecting dvds is a waste of time but mostly money. I rent mostly, and buy the movies that I know I will want to watch several times. I can't relate to the people on here who have stacks of unwatched, unopened dvds, that doesn't make sense to me.