Blu-Ray packaging question

[Prydonian]

Hi, folks! I’m trying to solve a problem, and I’m hoping you guys can help me.

We all know that sometimes sellers re-package pre-owned discs by putting cheap new shrink wrap on them. With DVDs it’s always easy to tell because the cellophane is supposed to be neatly folded and glued, but with blu-rays it’s less clear. I had developed a policy of returning any DVD that arrived shrink-wrapped instead of factory-wrapped, but it’s not exactly working out as I expand my BR collection. About half the BRs I acquire come shrink-wrapped, and I’ve read that sometimes that *is* the factory packaging. Unless the plastic is extra-flimsy, I have no idea how to tell what’s been resold and what’s new. I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Does anyone have an answer to this predicament? Is it true that sometimes factories use shrink wrap on blu-rays? Is there a definitive way to be sure?

Thanks for your help!

[gunnerg]

It's only different types of wrap. Heat sealed, folded cellophane type (not glue) and polypropylene/sandwich bag type (the wrinkled edge). The cellophane looks neater and cleaner when new in-store, but once opened, often times the case spine takes a beating from the heat sealing along the spine edge. The cases spines survive better via wrinkled type...only usually. There are exceptions. Both types are used legitimately in the industry.
After market shrinkwrapping can be done better or worse than factory. Practice makes perfect. And quality of the wrapping varies on what materials the person buys. Many different types out there for the layman to purchase. The definitive way is to get to know each label and what they use. A phony will stand out easily. There was a time ALL labels used a titled sticker strip along the top of the case to indicate a new/sealed product, some added blank stickers along the other two opening edges of the case...this has it's own list of pros and cons.
Me, I keep all of my discs, 4k, blu, dvds & laserdiscs in thick, cellophane or mylar type pouches with resealable adhesive flap. Open air is a killer to all cases...I like keeping things fresh without any shelf patina. And since I properly align all art inserts and remove all traces of sticky adhesive film. I consider my discs better than new once I've performed my ritual. I'm sick.

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by Prydonian

Hi, folks! I’m trying to solve a problem, and I’m hoping you guys can help me.

We all know that sometimes sellers re-package pre-owned discs by putting cheap new shrink wrap on them. With DVDs it’s always easy to tell because the cellophane is supposed to be neatly folded and glued, but with blu-rays it’s less clear. I had developed a policy of returning any DVD that arrived shrink-wrapped instead of factory-wrapped, but it’s not exactly working out as I expand my BR collection. About half the BRs I acquire come shrink-wrapped, and I’ve read that sometimes that *is* the factory packaging. Unless the plastic is extra-flimsy, I have no idea how to tell what’s been resold and what’s new. I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Does anyone have an answer to this predicament? Is it true that sometimes factories use shrink wrap on blu-rays? Is there a definitive way to be sure?

Thanks for your help!

Maybe take deep breath and not worry about it so much? If the item is in good condition with no damage, the disc has no scratches and/or cracks and plays perfectly, I don't see how it really matters that it's in cellophane or shrink wrap.

[Region_unlocked]

Does it play? Does it look nice enough? Yes? Yes? Keep it then. If not, don't.

[Leeon0]

Originally Posted by Prydonian

Hi, folks! I’m trying to solve a problem, and I’m hoping you guys can help me.

We all know that sometimes sellers re-package pre-owned discs by putting cheap new shrink wrap on them. With DVDs it’s always easy to tell because the cellophane is supposed to be neatly folded and glued, but with blu-rays it’s less clear. I had developed a policy of returning any DVD that arrived shrink-wrapped instead of factory-wrapped, but it’s not exactly working out as I expand my BR collection. About half the BRs I acquire come shrink-wrapped, and I’ve read that sometimes that *is* the factory packaging. Unless the plastic is extra-flimsy, I have no idea how to tell what’s been resold and what’s new. I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Does anyone have an answer to this predicament? Is it true that sometimes factories use shrink wrap on blu-rays? Is there a definitive way to be sure?

Thanks for your help!

What I've done is call the film studio and ask them what type of plastic seal they use for a specific title (if I'm getting that title from a third-party seller).

Originally Posted by RCRochester

Maybe take deep breath and not worry about it so much? If the item is in good condition with no damage, the disc has no scratches and/or cracks and plays perfectly, I don't see how it really matters that it's in cellophane or shrink wrap.

It does matter if the buyer doesn't know whether or not a brand-new item is actually used. Sellers sometimes sell used movies that they call "new."

[chip75]

For every "generally with" with shrink-warp and Cellophane with normal cases and O-Rings there will be a copy that does the opposite.

If you're not happy with a purchase send it back, but if it looks fine I wouldn't worry about how it was sealed. If it looks second-hand, send it back if you're not happy.

[benricci]

Originally Posted by Prydonian

I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Put them on your shelf and enjoy your purchases. Problem solved.

[Cremildo]

I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Take a hard look at them, decide whether they're new or used, and act accordingly. Not that difficult.

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by RCRochester

Maybe take deep breath and not worry about it so much? If the item is in good condition with no damage, the disc has no scratches and/or cracks and plays perfectly, I don't see how it really matters that it's in cellophane or shrink wrap.

Pretty much this.

[Axl Rose]

If it has no signs of being used then i wouldn't bother myself too much about it.

[billydillydilly]

Good grief!

[jtu128]

Some people have no real adversity in their life

[RCRochester]

Originally Posted by Leeon0

It does matter if the buyer doesn't know whether or not a brand-new item is actually used. Sellers sometimes sell used movies that they call "new."

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck... does it look in pristine condition with no damage and play perfectly? Then for all intents and purposes, it's "new" so keep it. If there is evidence that it is could be used, i.e. scratches, smudges, damage to the cover, issues with playback, etc. then send it back and ask for a replacement or refund. Just basing it on the type of wrapping being used without even opening it first is ridiculous and wasteful.

[Rzzzz]

Ha ha, probably half my collection is used although I always try to buy "like new". The only problems I have had is with a brand new Crank 2 (damn Lionsgate, what a POS company) that won't play because I have to disable BD live or something like that. The other was with a brand new burned (not pressed) Warners Archives Legends Of Horror DVD that freezes up in the same spot during a crucial scene in The Mask of Fu Manchu. I am STILL pissed off about that one.....

[shinobipopcorn]

Y fold vs heat sealed... Really the only one I care about this with is Disney. But Disney fakes/resells are easy to tell simply by the DMR code sheet. No code sheet, it's a return/bootleg/whatever.

[Jar Jar Stinks]

No visible scratches? Then who gives a shit?

[formula_nebula]

Originally Posted by Prydonian

Hi, folks! I’m trying to solve a problem, and I’m hoping you guys can help me.

We all know that sometimes sellers re-package pre-owned discs by putting cheap new shrink wrap on them. With DVDs it’s always easy to tell because the cellophane is supposed to be neatly folded and glued, but with blu-rays it’s less clear. I had developed a policy of returning any DVD that arrived shrink-wrapped instead of factory-wrapped, but it’s not exactly working out as I expand my BR collection. About half the BRs I acquire come shrink-wrapped, and I’ve read that sometimes that *is* the factory packaging. Unless the plastic is extra-flimsy, I have no idea how to tell what’s been resold and what’s new. I have a stack of BRs that I can’t figure out what to do with.

Does anyone have an answer to this predicament? Is it true that sometimes factories use shrink wrap on blu-rays? Is there a definitive way to be sure?

Thanks for your help!

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by Leeon0

It does matter if the buyer doesn't know whether or not a brand-new item is actually used. Sellers sometimes sell used movies that they call "new."

Yes but if they are in new condition who cares? That's the point. Though after 20 years of media collecting it doesn't surprise me at all that some obsess over it.

[8traxrule]

I've been collecting media far longer than that and have always had an aversion to buying used unless it's something out of print and/or on an obsolete format. I buy plenty of used stuff for those reasons, but I keep everything that I've obtained new separate from used. Yes I am a bit obsessive, as I generally know when and where all my 'new' media has been played.

This is one reason why I liked when they had the labels sealing the cases with the titles printed on top though, that made it easy to tell whether something was truly new or used. Without them, it's harder to tell.

[koberulz]

I hated those. I'm firmly against anything that comes between me and watching my damn movie. I've probably spent a solid couple of hours of my life trying to get those stickers off.