How to keep up?

[Musicguy]

With smaller labels popping up all the time and new catalog releases announced every week (not complaining) It's getting difficult to know what's available and for how long (Since some of these are limited editions)

Since I'm a film collector I try to keep up but it's getting harder each week. If collectors can't be sure what's available how can people who don't follow blu-ray web sites?

[TripleHBK]

I certainly agree with you there. While Blu ray seems to have found itself a new support structure through smaller labels and more limited releases, it's sure made it that much more difficult to keep track of and purchase films for everyone; but it's made it nearly impossible for the average person, that much is for sure.

These Forums here have been a lifesaver in terms of keeping up with my niche Horror titles as they seem to be coming from every corner now, but nearly none of them garner any sort of promotion or retail presence. Sadly I think this is how things will remain going forward. As retail stores downsize catalog sections and online stores become the only way to find many titles, it's going to be more and more important to stay on top of forums like these to ensure you can snag the titles you desire.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

With smaller labels popping up all the time and new catalog releases announced every week (not complaining) It's getting difficult to know what's available and for how long (Since some of these are limited editions)

Since I'm a film collector I try to keep up but it's getting harder each week. If collectors can't be sure what's available how can people who don't follow blu-ray web sites?

If people don't follow Blu-ray websites then I'd assume that they aren't that interested in smaller titles. As for the rest of us, the front page of this website pretty much covers all the upcoming releases as do a few other sites, so no problem.

[Musicguy]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

If people don't follow Blu-ray websites then I'd assume that they aren't that interested in smaller titles. As for the rest of us, the front page of this website pretty much covers all the upcoming releases as do a few other sites, so no problem.

Except here are titles you may want but the market isn't there because many of those consumers don't read these sites. Many of my friends love older films but they don't read these sites.

[buck135]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

Except here are titles you may want but the market isn't there because many of those consumers don't read these sites. Many of my friends love older films but they don't read these sites.

If they really want obscure and/or limited titles, then they need to frequent sites like this. Otherwise they risk losing out and are forced to pay higher prices (eBay, Amazon, etc).

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

Except here are titles you may want but the market isn't there because many of those consumers don't read these sites. Many of my friends love older films but they don't read these sites.

If they love older films and are interested in owning them, why don't they read these sites? Have you recommended it to your friends? I mean if people really want something, no matter what it is, they have to make the effort, it's not going to just drop into their laps. Anyone's who's stepped into a Best Buy or Wal-Mart recently is going to know that the B&M retail market is shrinking for this stuff. It's pretty easy to find out what's available and to shop around on the net these days.

[KRW1]

It's very difficult, I've long given up, if I stumble across a release I want, I get it, if not, I don't sweat it, as it'll be around again one day and if it doesn't, well, too bad. I'm part of the generation that didn't grow up with everything available to own all the time, so I'll wait and keep looking. Its sort of nice to have the thrill of the chase again, even if its on the internet.

[Musicguy]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

If they love older films and are interested in owning them, why don't they read these sites? Have you recommended it to your friends? I mean if people really want something, no matter what it is, they have to make the effort, it's not going to just drop into their laps. Anyone's who's stepped into a Best Buy or Wal-Mart recently is going to know that the B&M retail market is shrinking for this stuff. It's pretty easy to find out what's available and to shop around on the net these days.

What you are saying is true, but fact is they don't. I suppose many people see something in a store and may buy it but don't make an extra effort to find it on the net.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

What you are saying is true, but fact is they don't. I suppose many people see something in a store and may buy it but don't make an extra effort to find it on the net.

Stores that sell BDs are going the way of the dodo anyway as most of the sales have moved online. The days of Virgin Megastore are long over and the likes of Best Buy and Barnes and Noble have only a very small choice of titles in their stores.

[The Great Owl]

I assume that a lot more people simply visit the "Upcoming Blu-ray Releases" list on the home page of Blu-ray.com instead of joining the forum. That's what I did for a short while, and it's a thoroughly informative way to find the information.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by Musicguy

What you are saying is true, but fact is they don't. I suppose many people see something in a store and may buy it but don't make an extra effort to find it on the net.

Well then they really don't have any excuse for not being able to get films that they want, I mean the net is everything these days. If I want to know more about something I Google it. It's not too hard to type in "RANDOM MOVIE TITLE BLU-RAY" on Google and see if there's a release or not. I'm pretty sure that's how I actually found out about this very website!

[JimmyTwoTimes]

Originally Posted by baheidstu

Well then they really don't have any excuse for not being able to get films that they want, I mean the net is everything these days. If I want to know more about something I Google it. It's not too hard to type in "RANDOM MOVIE TITLE BLU-RAY" on Google and see if there's a release or not. I'm pretty sure that's how I actually found out about this very website!

Who says they're making excuses? If the interest in these was really there in the general public, the market wouldn't be in the shape it's in. Sales declined first, and B&M stores followed suit.

[Dickieduvet]

The search function on this site is invaluable. I don't understand why more folks don't use it. Select 'all Countries' then type any title you're interested in.

[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by JimmyTwoTimes

Who says they're making excuses? If the interest in these was really there in the general public, the market wouldn't be in the shape it's in. Sales declined first, and B&M stores followed suit.

And why did sales decline? Because the internet allowed easier access to choice and competitive pricing. I'm sorry, but I don't EVER remember a time when a Best Buy or a Wal-Mart ever offered a vast array of classic titles on offer and if they did have an interesting catalog title, it would be at full MSRP and stuck in the back of some shelf behind the standee promoting the latest Michael Bay crapfest. It's not just movies either, I know people who do ALL of their Christmas shopping from the convenience of their own home because it allows them to shop around without having to hoof it all over town looking for the best prices and selection. I can't imagine a person in this day and age, save for some technophobe geriatric, not using the net as a source of information for something they'd like to have.

And for the record, I personally prefer to shop from a B&M. My first choice when a movie comes out is to go to my local HMV mainly because I like to browse and I like the instant gratification of getting what I want but the funny thing is, I know exactly when all of the movies I like are coming out because of, hey, the internet!

[swaseem]

I just tell myself, "you don't have to collect EVERYTHING." And leave it at that.

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by swaseem

I just tell myself, "you don't have to collect EVERYTHING." And leave it at that.

wait! we don't???

[Rz_Samurai]

No offense to anyone! just my opinion!

It is impossible to keep up with everything... when you are married and have a kid they are top priority!

Honestly you do not need to collect everything. You should only purchase films that you like. There are people out there that tend to just buy buy buy and buy. there collection is massive like 2000 movies etc... to me that is a big waste of money IMO. You will never be able to even have time to watch all of the movies if you had a huge collection.

Stick to buying films that you like and enjoy and do not just buy because it is on sale or what not.

Example: I have a buddy that owns about 900 blus right now. but he is the type of person that no matter what the film is he buys just because he feels the need to owning it on blu ray.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

I assume that a lot more people simply visit the "Upcoming Blu-ray Releases" list on the home page of Blu-ray.com instead of joining the forum. That's what I did for a short while, and it's a thoroughly informative way to find the information.

Me too! I was using this site for about six months before actually signing up for an account. I would just use it as a reference but you guys pulled me in

[RiFiFi1955]

I actually thought this was a thread about ED for a moment though