It seems like the major dvd sites, like dvdfile, the digitalbits, dvdreview don't seem to review advance titles as much as they used to. Dvdfile sometimes reviews advance titles, like Valley Girl and others before the date, but Halloween 25th was reviewed just a few days before release (not enough time for those who already had pre-orders ship out) and there is absolutely no review for Futurama season 2. The digitalbits has really fallen behind also. They used to be one of the best for advance reviews and reviews of titles already out, but I suspect that they are reluctant to review new titles so that you will purchase Widescreen review instead. Now the reason why I am complaining is that I like read reviews of dvds so that I can decide whether or not a certain title is worthy of purchasing or if the company majorly screwed up on the sound, transfer, etc. My other reason is that the advance reviews help to get me excited about advance titles.

So, are the reviewers just getting lazy? Are they not receiving as many advance titles for review? Are they reluctant to review titles because they want you to buy a book or magazine with the review instead?

I do love those sites mentioned, and I have been readilly going o each of them since 99 or before.. but I just wish that they could keep up to date, otherwise I am occasionally left to feel unsure as to whether or not a title is of good enough quality to preorder.

IIRC, since DVD is now mainstream, studios have kind of said "f*** it" towards DVD sites. They don't need them to promote their discs anymore.

Well you could always just wait until there are reviews to read before deciding that you want to purchase the DVD. Yes, this means not pre-ordering...but if I were worried about getting a crappy DVD, I'd not preorder and read some reviews before purchasing.

That's just about right. I only rarely get titles in advance of release anymore, and even then almost never more than a week ahead. By the time I've watched the movie, commentary, and all the supplements, I can barely get the review written before street date.

I miss the old days, yes I do. Oh well...

I agree it is often hard to find early reviews especially of catalog titles. I have stopped preordering as much so I can read reviews first.