Mostly rent, via www.netflix.com. I own 68 DVDs and have rented over 200 more.

HT, I don't have the details of my collections memorized enough to answer your question, so I'll just post my DVD list here, and while I'm at it, my laser disc list here, and you can look over it.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

This message was edited by Larry Fine on 03/01/02 00:26.01.

Larry,

Your collection is missing _From the Earth to the Moon_. I expect you to rush out and get it this afternoon. :)

"Yes, sir, Colonel, sir!"

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

I find I want to by almost any DVD I want to watch, as it allows me the time to go back and watch the extras, commentary and other material later, and also even watch the movie over several nights, if I'm short on time. Plus I seem to be buying several DVD's at a time now, (new DVD owner, building the collection) and it may take me a week or two to get around to watching all the disks I've bought. One of the few times that I find I want to rent, however, is when a movie I want to watch is available only in a crude pan and scan or non anamorphic transfer, or has little or no extras. Many of the DVDs which came out when the format first showed up are of this variety, and I've purchaced a few of them, and usually been disappointed. So I just rent these, return them, and hold out for an extra packed, pristine transfer special edition to come out in the future.

I like to buy much more than rent, but I can't buy too often because my funds are pretty few and far in between. So far I've bought 7 DVDs, about half in the last few weeks (since I finally bought a DVD player). The strange thing is is they're pulling me away from my native addiction of (video)games.

For the most part I just buy discs as well -- it's still far cheaper than taking three people out to the movies!

Yeah, but the popcorn isn't nearly as good ... :)

Lets compare going to the movie v buying dvd:

Going to the movies:

$40 babysitting
$60 dinner for 2 (when you get out, you have to live a little).
$20 movie tickets
$20 for med coke and sm popcorn.
$140 total.

Buy dvd < $20.

I also buy all of my movies. Like some others above I have plenty of Disney etc. in the 300 DVD-Changer (now half full) and it is perfect for the kids. For myself there are still a few in the collection I haven't seen. Last time I rented was 1 year ago, and in total I've only rented a few (<5).

In case someone is interested, here is my DVD-collection:
[Link: dvdprofiler.com]

I have always loved movies and the BIG screen. I find it increasingly annoying and difficult to go to theaters these days, though, despite the stadium seating and huge screens. People talk, a lot. People kick the back of my seat. Cel phones continue to ring, no matter how many warnings are posted. Ushers don't ush any more. Food costs a fortune.

BUT what finally is going to keep me away is the latest round of ticket prices. $13.50 for a movie, whether it's good or bad. That's just too frikkin' much. It's insane, it's ludicrous.

I will continue to go on Tuesday nights, when the prices are reduced. And I MAY go to see some spectacular blockbuster that demands the BIG screen treatment. But honestly, watching a Rental DVD at home has finally become more important to my sanity. ... Mike

.......and that, my friends, is why we're all here.

Home theater can be better than the "real thing", because the real thing is losing its appeal, while the home thing is "....getting so much better all the time!"

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

This message was edited by Larry Fine on 04/02/02 11:59.39.

I second that sentiment. I am so looking forward to HD-DVD. I hope these future players can play today's dvds.

This is all very interesting. If one were to use these responses as a proxy, one could conclude that the Blockbuster's and the AMC's of the world will soon be out of business. Obviously some people are still patronizing video rental and movie theatres. If I can put it in a nutshell, it seems the majority on this board choose to buy DVDs for one or more of the following reasons: they are collectors, have young children, feel it's a better value proposition than renting videos or going to the movies. Thoughts?

I think Blockbuster is making money selling the pre-viewed dvds since they get them at a discount since they share the rental revenue with the studios. I don't think the studios foresaw them selling the dvds and competing with them. Each previewed dvd blockbuster sales is a dvd that a person will not buy new, cutting into the studios profits.

It will be interesting to see what happens when that deal expires. I think it expires soon. I think the studios aren't too happy about Blockbuster selling previewed dvds.