Ex-Rentals or Brand New Blu-rays?

[Commoodle]

Hi All

I am stuck with this and what to get the opinions of fellow blu-ray fans and see what you all do. I have just gotten into blu-rays and have two options to buy. Currently in the country I live in, I can buy an ex-rental for $20 ($13 USD) or $23 posted ($16). My other option is to just purchase them brand new with free shipping for $31 ($20 USD).

I don't purchase too often just movies that I like but am unsure weather to save a few dollars or buy brand new, as ex-rentals quite often have unremovable stickers, and twice before I have purchased an ex-rental and it did not even have the real cover, it was a photo copied version with all the stickers permanently in printed.

[BozQ]

For me, if it's movies that I really like, I will get new copies. But if it's movies that I just want to watch, I don't mind used copies.

[Commoodle]

Originally Posted by BozQ

For me, if it's movies that I really like, I will get new copies. But if it's movies that I just want to watch, I don't mind used copies.

I only buy movies that I really like. If its something I just want to catch, I will give it a rental or wait for netflix

[formula_nebula]

Why don't you buy from Amazon? I'm sure you could even get a used decent copy at a cheaper price than what you're paying, and without stickers all over the cover.

[WhiteTim]

depending how the rentals are like they may lack the special features and such

[Leterface]

Also if you want to resell the rentals it might be difficult.

[GasmaskAvenger]

I will happily buy used and new blu-rays.

Ex-rental copies, however, are more hit and miss for me, especially with the stupid "strip the rental copies of all of the bonus features and HD audio" practice that came to be several years ago.

[Gizz]

I don't mind if it's used or Ex-rental since Blockbusters closed down a couple of years ago I don't buy ex-rentals anymore. I still pick up used blu rays a lot as well has buying new blu Rays has well.

[StingingVelvet]

I'll get some ex-rentals if it's something I am interested in and would normally rent, but might as well buy for $5. If I really want something though I make sure to buy new.

[Michael24]

I always try to avoid buying used copies of anything. I just prefer new. I will only buy used when there's really no other choice but I've yet to buy a used Blu-ray so far.

[mogwai_macabre]

Those prices seem kinda high for ex rentals. $7 is my price point for ex rentals, if and only if they are not rental versions (ie missing features or only offer lossy audio).

Family Video is a good place to get them and the family video thread in the deals section also lists if the movies are dumbed down rental versions.

[Commoodle]

Originally Posted by hariseldon

Price is likely very different in other countries. For US prices those might be way too high, but non-US prices are going to be quite different

Ordering new from Amazon might be OK, but shipping and customs fees very likely change the cost analysis for the OP. The OP didn't specify the country, but if I had to guess it might be Australia or I'd bet on NewZealand since they used $$ and and 65% conversion rate

That said --I avoid rentals except on the very rare occasion I might rent one. I will no buy used unless I can inspect the disc and artwork in person except for extremely rare circumstances. I've had to buy too many things more than once due to the atrocious condition some people claim like new/mint/etc.

Yeah, here in NZ the prices for blus are not the best (for brand new items). Amazon is a no go as on top of the blu ray is a $14 shipping fee. I have bought a few ex-rentals in the past and they range from just having an unremovable sticker on the spine or the entire cover being a photo copy of the real thing covered in stickers. I have never had a problem with discs though, and they have always come with HD audio and all special features.

Basically I think it comes down to weather the extra $8 is worth no stickers and a digital copy.

[D00mM4r1n3]

I would only buy ex-rentals from a local store with a good return policy. The case and artwork don't really matter, it's the condition of the disc that does. With a rental my 2 concerns would be cracks and stickers. I buy a lot of used (non ex-rental) movies on Amazon and stick with sellers that clearly list the condition of the item being sold and didn't just copy/paste their company's used return policy. No need to buy new other than for movies you love or really want to see.

[jarrod_inf]

Used all the way unless I have to have it immediately. I've saved a ton of money over the years,