Quick question.

I am in the final steps of re-organizing my collection, and am keeping "movies" (films that appeared in the theater) separate from everything else.

Several titles, mainly documentaries or full length animated films are stumping me.

I think IMDB might have the answer, but I can't find confirmation in the FAQ.

If IMDB lists it with a "(V)" after the title, I think it means that it was direct to video.

Is that right? Or is there another simple way to tell if a movie was released to theater, or TV, or direct to video?

I think you're correct on the V thing, but you could also check to see if there was a theatrical release in the Release Dates link on IMDB.

How would you categorize films intended for theatrical release but go direct to video instead. Like the direct to video titles that are 2:35 ratio and/or have the "in select theaters" after all the sound system logos in end credits.

You could check the end credits or back cover for an MPAA globe logo.

Also look for Dolph Lundgren's photo on the cover.

ha!

Damn! I was going to say the same thing about Steven Seagal!

Yeah, but what about DUEL?

Beat me to it, was going to say Christian Slater!

I keep changing my mind, but I am restricted by space and must use binders for at least half of my collection. Here is what I do right now:

All TV series on two bookcases.
All movies in 100 book-size binders on top of those bookcases. (will hold app. 1800 discs/inserts)
All "other" (documentaries, shorts, TV movies, direct to video, music, sports, etc) in a separate rack that holds about 230 titles.

I do not have enough binders (and the type I bought has been discontinued for years) to hold everything, so I must separate things somehow.

Today, this system seems best for me, but I organize and re-organize my stuff on a yearly basis.

Crap...I thought Tara Reid was the default for DTV...

I think it's a little hard to tell for some movies because there are those that were shot with the intention of getting a theatrical release, but ended up sitting on the shelf at the studio until they finally got a DVD release.

You can also look at the back of the case and see if it says something like:
"Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents...."

That's a dead giveaway it's a DTV release. I know Steven Seagal's movies all are.