Seriously. Shelf space.

[mrpants]

What are your tips for cutting down on how much shelf space amarays take up? I have 400+ films now.

One idea is to get hold of trays somehow, and put trilogies of films into one case with an added tray. For example, The Matrix trilogy, does that really need to be in three separate amaray cases? Pop all the discs into one single amaray case with an added tray and just use either a custom cover (probably not an option, people want to charge for these and the best I could do without taking a course would be rubbish), or use the first film in the series as the cover (I'll know the two other Matrix films are in there). It's not like I buy amarays for the artwork (I buy steelbooks/digibooks for that), and the other two cases I'll put into a box and put into the loft or under the stairs out of the way. The only minor problem would be technical details on the back cover, but they should be available online, could even scan the cover before putting it into storage.

Other option is to stop buying so many. Do I really need to own Bridesmaids? Funny film once, but can't see me watching it again for a long time, if ever, so why own it when I could maybe rent? I don't like this option. I am a fan of film, and while right now I can look at my collection and think "wtf have I got that?", the whole point of my collection to to own good movies I can pop in my blu ray player any time I want. Who cares if I don't fancy Bridesmaids again right now, I don't know how I'll feel a few months down the line. I like having a collection, I budget well for them so money isn't an issue. The issue really is shelf space.

I had the Resident Evil films in four separate cases, but sold them and bought the one case edition released recently. I would do this with all the series of films, but it's not in my hands what gets released, obviously.

I think my problem is that I want all my films in one room. Discs are the easiest solution to watching the best quality at the moment, but it defeats the object if they are spread all over the house in different cabinets or on different shelves.

[BigNickUK]

Originally Posted by mrpants

What are your tips for cutting down on how much shelf space amarays take up? I have 400+ films now.

One idea is to get hold of trays somehow, and put trilogies of films into one case with an added tray. For example, The Matrix trilogy, does that really need to be in three separate amaray cases? Pop all the discs into one single amaray case with an added tray and just use either a custom cover (probably not an option, people want to charge for these and the best I could do without taking a course would be rubbish), or use the first film in the series as the cover (I'll know the two other Matrix films are in there). It's not like I buy amarays for the artwork (I buy steelbooks/digibooks for that), and the other two cases I'll put into a box and put into the loft or under the stairs out of the way. The only minor problem would be technical details on the back cover, but they should be available online, could even scan the cover before putting it into storage.

Other option is to stop buying so many. Do I really need to own Bridesmaids? Funny film once, but can't see me watching it again for a long time, if ever, so why own it when I could maybe rent? I don't like this option. I am a fan of film, and while right now I can look at my collection and think "wtf have I got that?", the whole point of my collection to to own good movies I can pop in my blu ray player any time I want. Who cares if I don't fancy Bridesmaids again right now, I don't know how I'll feel a few months down the line. I like having a collection, I budget well for them so money isn't an issue. The issue really is shelf space.

I had the Resident Evil films in four separate cases, but sold them and bought the one case edition released recently. I would do this with all the series of films, but it's not in my hands what gets released, obviously.

I think my problem is that I want all my films in one room. Discs are the easiest solution to watching the best quality at the moment, but it defeats the object if they are spread all over the house in different cabinets or on different shelves.

I am approaching 1000 and ran out of space some time ago, any suggestions also would be good!

[chip75]

Depending on your shelf space above your BD's you can gain some room by putting the BD's in normal cases on their sides.

You can make custom-covers for your franchises or buy smaller US cases to put your movies in..

[Blu Lemmy]

Or you could get rid of that second sofa and buy more shelfs....

Guests may have to sit on the floor but at least they can admire your collection

[Buddy Ackerman]

if you really don't buy them for the covers or the cases then why not just put all of the discs in giant disc holder binders? It'll save you a huge amount of space but, obviously it's much harder to show off your collection, if that makes a difference to you.

[Nocturnaloner]

I have room for about 600 discs. I try to use that as the upper limit of my collection. Recently, most of my dvd dupes that I had upgraded to blu-ray were purged. If I had more room, I'd build more shelves.

[HotRats]

Store/dump the Amarays and put the discs in Tyvek sleeves or use CD jewel cases and print custom inlays.

[TJ Doc]

Originally Posted by chip75

Depending on your shelf space above your BD's you can gain some room by putting the BD's in normal cases on their sides.

I second this. Stacking the regular amaray cases has given my collection some extra breathing room.

Plus, I guess the titles are easier to read.

[Rixx]

I've replaced most of the large cases with 11mm blu ray cases. Have to be careful as some are really cheap quality, 11mm Amaray cases are good, though they are expensive at the moment.

I used to get 60 cases on each shelf, I can now get 80 cases on each shelf. Alot of the covers fit into 11mm cases but some needed a slight trim at the back (approx 1mm).

[BigNickUK]

Originally Posted by Rixx

I've replaced most of the large cases with 11mm blu ray cases. Have to be careful as some are really cheap quality, 11mm Amaray cases are good, though they are expensive at the moment.

I used to get 60 cases on each shelf, I can now get 80 cases on each shelf. Alot of the covers fit into 11mm cases but some needed a slight trim at the back (approx 1mm).

This seems like the most favourable suggestion. will look into it

[Orton31291]

That's a pretty good suggestion, the covers need a very small light trim which you won't notice. Problem being finding the official cases for a good price.

[gattotimo]

I'd try to avoid removing discs from their respective packages: as uninteresting as amaray cases can be, it's always nice to be able to see (and show) the whole collection at glance, not having to browse through one or more anonymous binders.

I did this way: one of these, combined with two of these additional shelves and this top element. The resulting bookcase can easily host up to 48 standard amaray DVD case per row, with a total of 9 rows. This means 432 amaray DVD cases in 80 cm width. BUT bluray amaray are shorter than dvd's, so is perfectly possible that the total number can raise up to around 600 when it comes to bluray, more so when talking about standard european or american slim cases, and not the "fat" english ones.

[mayday72]

Did a big BR purge last week taking my collection from 121 to 89 (already back up to 96 lol). Mainly it was a matter of deciding what I bought because it was cheap & what I love rewatching. Yesterday I took it a step futher & spent most of the morning tossing out all digital copy only discs. Then making a stack of DVD copies (combo packs) to give the GF. Why do I need a DVD copy of a movie I have on BR? Charge me a few dollars less & keep your DVD! Anyway, the next step I took was to combine any & all related movies. Expendables & Expendables 2 together etc. I even went so far as to put Judge Dredd in with Dredd. Then any bulky box sets with nothing but paper thin boxes as their housing like The Bourne, Transformers, Spider-Man trilogies I put into triple cases with all artwork behind the first movie artwork. I actually cut the front & back of all the boxes to fit the amaray cases & it looks quite good. Now I have about 15 extra cases & alot more shelf space for new BR's

[mrpants]

I will spend too long decided what goes with what.

I wouldn't put Dredd 3d with the Stallone film.

Do I put Wolverine with the three X-men movies or with First Class?

Should I lump a load of director's together, Coen, Tarantino etc? What about the two Kill Bills, some argued they should have been one film anyway, so maybe give them one case?

I dunno, all I know is my shelf space is full and the amaray boxes are piling up beside the sofa.

[mayday72]

Originally Posted by mrpants

I will spend too long decided what goes with what.

I wouldn't put Dredd 3d with the Stallone film.

Do I put Wolverine with the three X-men movies or with First Class?

Should I lump a load of director's together, Coen, Tarantino etc? What about the two Kill Bills, some argued they should have been one film anyway, so maybe give them one case?

I dunno, all I know is my shelf space is full and the amaray boxes are piling up beside the sofa.

Funny thing is as much sense as it made to me to just house Dredd & Judge Dredd together (Judge Dredd artwork behind Dredd's. With Dredd slipcover over amaray) I can't bring myself to put Wolverine with any of the X-Men movies. Probably because First Class & Wolverine are both getting sequels I'll house them with eventually. I would however like a 6 disc holder to put the original trilogy & special feature's disc's in.

[DaveSimonH]

Originally Posted by mayday72

Did a big BR purge last week taking my collection from 121 to 89 (already back up to 96 lol). Mainly it was a matter of deciding what I bought because it was cheap & what I love rewatching. Yesterday I took it a step futher & spent most of the morning tossing out all digital copy only discs. Then making a stack of DVD copies (combo packs) to give the GF. Why do I need a DVD copy of a movie I have on BR? Charge me a few dollars less & keep your DVD! Anyway, the next step I took was to combine any & all related movies. Expendables & Expendables 2 together etc. I even went so far as to put Judge Dredd in with Dredd. Then any bulky box sets with nothing but paper thin boxes as their housing like The Bourne, Transformers, Spider-Man trilogies I put into triple cases with all artwork behind the first movie artwork. I actually cut the front & back of all the boxes to fit the amaray cases & it looks quite good. Now I have about 15 extra cases & alot more shelf space for new BR's

Would be nice if that were the case. But generally removing the DVD doesn't translate to a cheaper product, on the consumers side. Disney UK removed the DVDs from their blu-rays, and they were actually charging more on release than they had with recent Blu+DVD releases.

[mattyl149]

I had already posted a link to my first collection video, but as I have a new one, and I wanted to show off the other shelves I've put in, I've put a link in for the new video:

Blu-ray and DVD Collection - Part 2 - Overdue update - YouTube

[*PREACHER*]

Anybody want to lead me in the direction of some nice looking brackets to hold shelving...just bought a house with a fiished basement and want to start building a built in looking shelving unit on one of the walls to start. I'm really trying to stay away from ugly L brackets if i can because I'm trying to conserve space, and don't want movies hitting up against them..if you know what I mean. Suggestions and ideas are greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!!!


If this is in the wrong thread please direct me to the right one then...sorry!

[HotRats]

Ikea, Wickes, B&Q all have plenty of brackets. Flat steel L shapes are probably the most unobtrusive but hardly decorative. Consider Ikea's Algot system if it'll fit

[Zippyfan]

Originally Posted by mattyl149

I had already posted a link to my first collection video, but as I have a new one, and I wanted to show off the other shelves I've put in, I've put a link in for the new video:

Blu-ray and DVD Collection - Part 2 - Overdue update - YouTube

Great Vid and a great collection. Is that your basement of ground floor?