Orwell

I have recently started interviewing with a major studio in their sales department with the possibility of representing DVDs and would like to better understand what makes people buy DVDs. When you guys are in the store to make a purchase have you already decided to buy a DVD? Do you decide what title to buy once there? Are you trading off a purchase with some other entertainment like a Video game or music CD? Anything you can offer me to help me understand how you go about buying a DVD would be appreciated.

MrE

Already answered. Read the forum ... you've got multiple threads with 1,000s of buyers giving their reasons -- exhaustively in some cases -- for why they buy, rent, exchange, etc. DVDs, games, CDs et al.

Ginwen

I know what I'm buying when I get there. Occasionally I'll buy something just because I see a good deal, but it has to be something I've been thinking about buying that I never felt was quite worth what was being charged. I don't buy anything just because it's cheap.

Giles

for me it's a combination of reasons, I know I'll rewatch the movie numerous times, extras are a bonus but not essential. I agree with Ginwen, if I see a disc at a good deal, I'll more than likely purchase it.

Brian Shannon

Easy for me.

I buy what I like to watch repeatedly. Replay value is everything to me.

ceeece

Yep, same here. When I see a movie in the theater and I really like it, I'll pick it up on DVD. I go to the store only to buy something I know that I'll watch again and again.

edit: Also, I'll spring for the 2-disc edition everytime if it is a title I want to own. I do like watching the special features.

Packaging is pretty important to me too as I like to have the "best" version of anything out there.

The Eliminator

Me too, I'm not a "collector" I'm a watcher.

roger_d

I started out as watcher, became a collector and now I learn my lesson. I'm now back to being a watcher.

jPoD_TGN

Price.

visitor Q

Who cares .. just make sure every future release is anamorphic (including menus and extra features) unless OAR is 1:33.1, contains the original soundtrack and DTS, includes any special edition treatments (none of this quadruple release BS any longer) .. and, well, I think that should do it. I'm easy. Oh yeah, nothing over an msrp of $19.99. ... do all that and I'll personally guarantee a 100% increase in sales resulting in a promotion to "King Shit" for you within a year!!! Best of luck in your new position

Zodiac_Speaking

Some factors:

-Movie: Will it be something that is rewatchable or have substance to be added in my collection.

-Reviews: Of the movie, if blind buying, or/and of the dvd itself; extras, a/v...

-Price: Duh

-Double dip chance: Is this something that will be DD in 6 months or down the road?

jPoD_TGN

I know it's probably a stupid question considering your name, but how was Visitor Q? I've been meaning to see it.

Altimus Prime

I have to enjoy the movie enough that I know I will watch it repeatedly. Just "liking" the movie isn't enough. And the price has to be right. I have a hard time stomaching paying over $20 for a movie release. I prefer under $15.

Today I'm debating buying Rocky Balboa. The lowest price I've seen, $16.99 at Best Buy, seems high for a release week price. I'd prefer something a couple bucks less. And yes, that's enough to make me potentially not buy. I'm not poor, just picky, and running short on shelf space.

Extras content alone doesn't drive me. But when it comes to older movies, I resist buying "bare bones" older releases that would otherwise meet my criteria in favor of waiting for new releases with improved transfers and added features.

nemein

Like what most other people have said I usually know what it is I'm going for before I go to the store. I don't think I've ever gone to "just buy" a DVD. As far as what makes a particular DVD more likely that I'll purchase it over just renting it is; how much I like the show/movie, the price, special features (which is directly related to how likely I think there'll be a double dip later and touting "interactive menus" as a special feature is lame IMHO). Things I personally don't really care about are cover art (although having the movie poster as the cover is preferred IMHO), the type of case (now that snappers seem to be gone w/ the exception that if you are releasing a series of DVDs over the long haul keep the case style the same), and any sort of external add-ons (the hand lotion on the first season of Monk and the parka wraps on the first few seasons of Northern Exposure come to mind).


Mod note: BTW if you haven't already please drop a line to Geoff [email protected] and introduce yourself. Obviously there are people from various media/entertainment professions here but we prefer that you be up front about it so there's no questions later on about whether or not you are trying to promote your specific company.

thanks

jPoD_TGN

You have an excellent name and great movie taste. I agree with you on your review of Zodiac. B+ is about right.

Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.

I choose DVDs based on the artwork I like the best

DoubleDownAgain

Price is probably my main concern. My DVD wants vary on a sliding scale. I very rarely buy New Releases. The deals here for New Releases aren't great, so I'd rather spend my money on 2 or 3 other DVDs than a bran new release. I can only think of three times that I bought DVDs within the first couple weeks of their release. I bought Matrix Reloaded & Sin City when they first came out, I regretted both later, I figured both would have box sets/Extended versions. The only New Release I bought that I have no regrets over is Clerks 2. I love the move and have already watched it a couple of times, as well as all the bonus features. If there is a double dip down the road I won't care as much because I've already got my money's worth IMO.

Most of collection is only movies I really want in my collection. Occasionally I will come across a DVD that I normally wouldn't want but the price is right. For example I bought 6-7 titles for $3 last summer, I normally would have spent my money on other titles but hard to pass that up. Even if it's not a movie I'd watch it again I might pick it up to fill out my collection. I can also use that movie for trade or have it in my collection for someone else that might like it.

If I go out shopping with a DVD already in mind it's because I've seen it on sale. I don't see the point in buying a title for a certain amount if I know it will probably drop in price soon. I also pay attention to rumored re-releases, if I think something may be re-released I will stay away from it, there are so many titles I want to add I don't want to waste my money on something I am going to want to re-buy later on. I don't always feel the need to double dip, but if I can avoid having the problem in the first place I will do my best to avoid it.

bunkaroo

I started buying DVD's like crazy once they all started having slipcases....I simply can't explain why. They must be more eye-catching.....

TomOpus

Yes

90% of the time I pretty much know what I'm buying before I leave the house. Now, when I was first getting my collection up to speed, I would browse a lot. I just don't impulse buy as much as I used to.

Never

The big thing nowadays are store exclusives. I tend to like a better package (Lenticular cover, steelbook case) and an extra disc of worthwhile extras.

nateman

Yes, i buy alot of tv on dvd titles so you almost need to know ahead of time. i usually buy the main movie (if its intresting) because i never go to the theaters.

not very often, id say %95 of the time i know what im getting beforehand and i usually wait till the store opens & get in, get out-the odd time i will buy a title i wasn't planning on buying before i got to the store.

nope, i don't by CD's & very often do i buy video games. if you bought something i think trading it for something else is stupid (in my opinion).

2 disc ed's ill buy over a 1 disc ed. of a newly released movie, store ex. etc.

Fincher Fan

Full frontal nudity.

Muad'Dib

It usually depends with me. Sometimes I'll go into a store and hunt for hours through the cheap bins or discount DVDs. Sometimes I'll know exactly what DVD I want and just get that one. Usually though, when I hit a store, there's a 99% chance that I will hit the electronics section.

matome

If I'm buying a DVD at a B&M I usually already know what title I want. Once in a blue moon, I may see a title that I didn't know had been released or had a price reduction and I may pick that up as well. Other than that 90% of my discs are purchased via preorders online.

FantasticVSDoom

For the most part I usually know what I want... But on occaision, Ill go into a store just looking to pick something up, but nothing particular in mind. And I get really pissed when I go to pick something up I really want (say Casino Royale on BD) and they dont have it in.

phatboy

price is the biggest factor....now that the inevitale double dip is always present and looming, I haven't bought a dvd on release date unless I know it's the SE or CE edition..but I never buy on the release date b/c the price ALWAYS goes down within 3-4 months so I just wait.