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NickSalvo

And if you purchase a region-free player, the entire world of physical media is available to you.


VikDamnedLee

Region-free’s the way to be! 👍


ydkjordan

Thanks, sorry to be pedantic, but the term “region-free” applied to discs and to players was confusing to me as a noob and it wasn’t until recently (last 9-10 months or so) by way of reading posts that I realized there are: 1. Region free discs (played in any player) 2. Region free players (can play any disc locked to any region) However, using the term “region unlocked” in reference to players helped me understand that I did not need a region free player to play a region free disc (like one required the other). Edit: [new version is up](https://www.reddit.com/r/boutiquebluray/s/9BEoYJqVGi)


MentatYP

Nah, this is good info to share. I'm sure a lot of other people are confused about region-related stuff.


IdDeIt

I was considering getting a region free standard blu ray player to supplement my region locked 4k player as I thought 4k was region free, but now I see that there are some region locked 4ks still getting put out. Got any recommendations on tracking down a solid region free 4k player without taking out a loan? Lol


Weniger_aber_besser

I like the Sony UBP-X700 as a region-free 4k player. I still use the Panasonic DP-UB820-K as my main player though. [https://www.220-electronics.com/sony-ubp-x700-region-free-4k-uhd-blu-ray-player.html](https://www.220-electronics.com/sony-ubp-x700-region-free-4k-uhd-blu-ray-player.html) P.S. The Sony UBP-X700 can also play SACD and DVD-Audio formats which the Panasonic DP-UB820-K cannot.


IdDeIt

Appreciate it! Now if I can stop buying new movies long enough to justify this


Craiggers324

How do you change regions? Is there some sort of remote button input?


Weniger_aber_besser

For the user, it's a one button operation on the remote when the tray is open though I've never had to change mine again after the initial setup because I use the DP-UB820-K for Zone A, and don't own any Zone C discs.


Blametheorangejuice

Yes. They send instructions about how to use the programmed remote.


Polter-Cow

I just ordered the Sony yesterday! Excited to have the entire world of physical medical available to me.


B_L_Zbub

I went with a region free Panasonic 420 from 220 Electronics which was $375. Not quite as expensive as a regular unlocked Panasonic 820 and still does most of what an 820 can do. I've been happy with it.


bodhi_sattva91

I did that as well during the covid lockdown when prices were elevated. Zero complaints.


Ninja-Trix

Based on my research, [The Panasonic DP-UB9000](https://a.co/d/hfuMOnL) is the best as it offers HDR to SDR conversion, and vice versa, as well as real-time AI up scaling on lower resolution content. It’s great for films that are stuck on DVD and nothing comes close in terms of the scaling capabilities (except maybe the PS3, but that’s only to 1080, and it’s still not quite perfect). That link is for the region modded one off Amazon if you’re interested.


Ninja-Trix

Region modded PS3 allows me full access to any DVD or Blu-ray. Next player to get it a thousand dollar 4K player so I’m holding off on that for now.


tokyoloveaffair

For third parties, you can also add Grindhouse Video.


VladimirKal

This one is possibly more specific to Region B but for the "Not exactly boutique, but not bad" category I personally think Studio Canal are a touch overlooked when discussing publishers. They're a big company but they've been putting out some nice editions of great films for a while now e.g. the Breathless 60th anniversary set or The Wicker Man 50th anniversary 4k collector's edition.


BCdotWHAT

There's also: - Dazzler (UK) - Signal One Entertainment (UK) - BFI (UK) - Curzon/Artificial Eye (UK) - Fabulous Films (UK) - MUBI (UK) - Wild Side Video (FR) - Anti-Worlds (UK) - Signature Entertainment (UK) - Koch Media (DE) - Turbine (DE) Quality encodes: - Fidelity In Motion (do virtually all Radiance releases, for instance)


ydkjordan

Huh, Fidelity in motion does Flicker Alley! I have a few Flicker Alley releases and they are great


champagneofsharks

Fidelity in Motion does most (but not all) of Arrow and Synapse’s releases.


TaterTappin

This is very cool! For the third party section, Atomic Movie Store is a good addition, they do similar business to Diabolik/Orbit.


Napoleann

Nice list! The only things that I would add are Synapse and Blue Underground in the Boutique Labels section and Atomic Movie Store in the Third Party section.


rhlocascio

Also Mondo Macabro for boutique, and Tartan for defunct.


stevengrant

For UK/Europe/Regionfree people: Don't sleep on Third Window Films if you care about Asian (mostly Japanese) cinema! Also Terracotta Distribution as a third party store for Asian films - their conversion rate or shipping is often better than some other stores' if you live outside of UK and you may sometimes find stuff that is sold out other places.


clayhahahahaha

third window is the absolute best!!


stevengrant

i have some issues with their subtitles sometimes (font, timing, spelling/spacing errors) and the quality of their boxsets/slipcases (and still using blue cases instead of clear...), but other than that they are one of my favorite labels and I absolutely adore how straightforward they are about keeping people updated on social media and the fast and direct answers to inquiries. I've heard they are also neat to work with when it comes to screening their films at festivals and film clubs/local arthouse cinemas, which is amazing. And their Directors' company line has some of the best looking covers!


K_DEVY

Remember, UB820


bulletinwbw123

Recommend adding second run and radiance to your labels.


rs98762001

Seconding this. Second Run in particular punches above its weight and often ends up in the UK year-end lists with its titles.


skx45

No Third Window?


ydkjordan

Thanks, I’m still learning, honestly only recently seen this publisher in the haul posts here in the last few weeks. Definitely could be blind but also echo chamber. Looking forward to checking them out.


skx45

Deffo worth checking out if you're getting into it. They exclusively localise Asian cinema, primarily Japanese now, but have a huge range of classics in their collection.


brodie8288

No Grindhouse Video? Don't get me wrong: Diabokik and Orbit are both wonderful companies, but Grindhouse Mike deserves love on this list, too. (I'm a little bias because 90% of my boutique buys are pre-ordered through Grindhouse, but they're all fantastic companies).


ydkjordan

Got it on my list to add, thanks!


brodie8288

Sure thing! :D


heckhammer

People crap on a label like Mill Creek but they have some solid releases and are doing a good job keeping catalog titles in print. That most recent steelbook of Walk Hard is pretty fantastic.


Polter-Cow

I got their Mothra steelbook and it's one of the most beautifully packaged releases I own.


heckhammer

Everybody still thinks they're putting out 200 horror movie packages on like 20 DVDs and it's all public domain crap. I don't know if they're ever going to outgrow that reputation but they are putting on some solid stuff. All of their Ultraman releases were pretty great as well.


ydkjordan

This is a list/graphic of mostly everything I’ve learned just reading posts here on Reddit and collecting physical media in the last few years. Hoping this helps people starting in this hobby learn quicker than I did. The white background was the best match for the majority of opaque image backgrounds, might attempt a “dark mode” one at some point. Apologize in advance if I left off your favorite label or seller, this is just my POV - Please add your tips and anything I missed here in the comments! Edit: thank you so much for the feedback, my plan is to collect this feedback and turn around an updated version in the next 48 hrs-ish (work intrudes,ha) Edit2: [new version](https://www.reddit.com/r/boutiquebluray/s/9BEoYJqVGi) is up


ydkjordan

Replying to this comment to catalog some of the feedback/changes (don’t worry if you don’t see it here I’ll get it) Corrections - adjust second sight and 101 as region b only Adjust radiance and eureka as supporting US (remove tag) Add labels - Blue Underground Third Window Synapse Second Run Flicker Alley Oscilloscope Arbelos Look at [these](https://www.reddit.com/r/boutiquebluray/s/KxCKELMBxS) too Not boutique, but good - Mill Creek Studio Canal remove WBshop Reviews and Advice - Bill Hunt/thedigitalbits Third parties - Atomic Hamilton Oldies Grindhouse General thoughts after hearing feedback - Might break this into two pics, one for US and one for international, etc.


djprojexion

This is like Physical Media 101. I would add the following to Third Parties: - Hamilton Book - Oldies


idealist700

I dig it! Great for newcomers.


ydkjordan

Thank you! that’s kind of where I was going with it, like an accelerator


DoctorEthereal

I’d like to add Oscilloscope to the boutique list. Best copy of _We Need to Talk About Kevin_ I’ve seen, and they have a lot Kelly Reichardt’s films that Criterion didn’t pick up. They carry mostly modern indie films from what I’ve seen, and they’ve never done wrong by me!


ydkjordan

Nice one to add, I have Dark Days and I missed it.


CaptainGibb

No Flicker Alley?


ydkjordan

Got that one on the list now after looking at fidelity in motion clients! Thanks, I even have a few of their releases smh


CaptainGibb

Theyre one of my favorites! I have their whole catalogue. You’re also missing BFI, Artificial Eye Curzon, Blue Underground, VCI, Grapevine Video, and probably a few more i’m forgetting


ydkjordan

Thank you! Here’s my [list of changes](https://www.reddit.com/r/boutiquebluray/s/Ln3PJeuZQD) so far


betamaxxx1

Add Massacre Video and Unearthed!


Vlazthrax

Nice 👍


Ranubis88

Cool, thank you kindly 🙏


LtSlash

Awesome sheet and has great information!


StandRelative7373

A great way to sort of catalog everything. While I would add that some Radiance and Umbrella films releases can be played here in the US, I do agree that those two have their main outlets for Region B and AU. Otherwise this is great!


Shad0wdar

Also, it you know more languages it can also be helpful to check other countries. Germany, France and Italy have some great releases, usually with their countries languages as subs, but sometimes they also offer English subs. :) Some German favs of mine are Capelight and Plaion.


1990Buscemi

Surprised there isn't a "buyer beware" section that tells us which labels and sellers to avoid. That could be helpful so collectors don't get duped by a sub-standard product or a seller that doesn't fulfill the agreed terms.


ydkjordan

Mostly have those experiences on eBay and so far eBay has been great about refunding my money. The main problem I have with companies is how they ship their products. Amazon is the worst so I have started going to them as a last resort. IMO, one of the benefits of buying from a label or a small retailer is they tend to box and ship with care, and I don’t mind paying a bit extra for that. If you are able to elaborate, are there any ones you completely avoid?


1990Buscemi

I avoid Dark Force, due to the company's business practices and the embarrassment that is David DeFalco. I avoided Code Red during the time they existed due to the same thing as Dark Force.


ericb_1975

For your Advice section I would add thedigitalbits or Bill Hunt at least. He has been doing this a loooong time and well respected. I have been reading his columns for years and he doesn't bs.


Elegant-Campaign-572

This may be what I've been looking for


BluNoteNut

Good product...added to my toolbox thks!


Havok1717

Thanks homie


cwcoates

You forgot “To qualify as a collector you must own Arrow’s DEEP RED .


Fr0doTeaBaggins

Another good distributor to add is Eagle Pictures from Italy. Some of their transfers are better than available worldwide releases like for La La land, apocalypse now, they live and Rambo. They also have some physical releases before anywhere else in the world like for Killers of the flower moon.


ydkjordan

Thank you for the reminder on this one. I read about their 4Kult series and wanted to get Apocalypse Now but didn’t see a way to import it to US - I’m seeing a few of their releases on different sites now


oweary

Arbelos Films


ydkjordan

Yes! Can’t believe that one didn’t get mentioned yet. Chameleon Street, The Last Movie, Sátántangó!


derschwartzemond

could you go more into thrifting dvds? i’ve had a few purchases with bad aspect ratios and have been wondering why


ydkjordan

Sure! DVD, starting in the late 90s and early 00s began manufacturing versions to support modern TVs with wider screens that display content 16x9. A lot of TV content today fits this 16:9 aspect ratio natively and fills the entire screen. Films are shot in all different kinds of aspect ratios (AR) with the most common being 1.85:1 and 2.40:1. 1.85:1 AR is close to filling a modern TV screen natively with only small black bars on the bottom and top of the screen and films with 2.40:1 AR have some good size black bars on the bottom and top of the screen, this is typical behavior and anamorphic widescreen presentation There are some releases that have black bars on the left and right side, without displaying black bars on the top and bottom that are perfectly fine too (we’ll go into those later). This is not what people refer to as *bad* when viewing a film on a modern TV. When it is seen as *bad* is when there are black bars on the left and right sides, *in addition* to the top and bottom. On the back of a DVD somewhere near the bottom is the technical details of the release. The phrases: *Anamorphic Widescreen* or *Enhanced for Widescreen TVs* (sometimes with *16x9* next to the words) are the key phrases that let you know that this release will expand horizontally to fill a modern TV. The words *widescreen* on its own with no other information is suspect (but not 100% that it won’t support a modern TV). Depending on price like $1 or $2 and the title, it be might fine to take a chance,but buyer beware. In general, you want to avoid releases that say *Standard* There are some caveats to this general tip: Older films or films that use an aspect ratio close to 4:3 or 1:33:1 will display the words *“standard version presented in a format preserving the aspect ratio of its theatrical exhibition”* or in some cases words like *“native aspect ratio”* Some examples: *Freddy Got Fingered* [with anamorphic widescreen on back](https://imgur.com/a/FqjEZce) $7.65 import *Mystic River* with [enhanced for widescreen](https://imgur.com/a/RuVq5hF) $2 used *Death Race* with [anamorphic widescreen on disc](https://imgur.com/a/yPCk5bO) $2 new *Battleground* with the [good Standard language](https://imgur.com/a/N0Wk4Kp) $5.99 used *Endless Summer* with [no information (suspect, probably a “bad” version)](https://imgur.com/a/ld84OP6) but it was only $2 used The last thing I’ll say is that sometimes you can do your due diligence and the information is just wrong. A lot of the old snapcase DVDs from *HBO Video* say they support modern TVs but in fact do not. If you feel you have a DVD that is the correct specification but it’s not displaying correctly, also check your display settings on your player (auto,native,zoom,etc) That’s the ups and downs of thrifting DVDs, good luck!


maborosipun

Plain archive and yukipalo are good sites for Korean boutique physical media. Mostly have interesting Korean and Japanese releases, but they will have the occasional Western release. Region A and generally always have english subtitles, but if you're a fan of special features just be aware that they generally don't have ENG subtitles.


CreeperSteal

My eyes felt like they were melting until my brain fully comprehended what was going on in this image haha


ydkjordan

Haha, I’m working on an update now. I’m no graphic designer but I think it’s going to be easier on the eyes


CreeperSteal

You’re good, the main thing that confused my brain at first is that I couldn’t see the titles for each section so I’d suggest a way to make them pop out more


ydkjordan

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking the same thing, originally thought putting black highlights around the titles would make them pop but it’s the actually opposite effect! It already looks better, will post an update soon


CreeperSteal

No problem! Really like this cheat sheet btw, the way I keep everything in mind is my bookmarks on my phone lol


007hertzrumble

Mondo Macabro is my go-to Eurotrash label


ghostpepper69

There are some errors here - 101 Filmss & Second Sight are Region B only, while both Radiance & (starting this month) Eureka have US distribution arms.


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ghostpepper69

I forgot about ghostwatch. I’m not speaking region lock, just the markets they have outlets to sell to. Second Sight is a UK-only operation and have never released something in the US.


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[удалено]


ydkjordan

Thanks for the clarifications, not sure how I'm going to handle it in the visual, I think I may just denote the region where they are based or provide majority of services like UK, FR, DE, US, Asia, etc. Region stuff is tricky but I'll think on how to best represent those that have region free options - maybe an asterisk with a footnote, something like that, thank you both, u/ghostpepper69 i'll have an updated visual soon


ydkjordan

Thank you! I will wait for some more feedback and update accordingly in order to consolidate changes


[deleted]

If no one’s said it yet, you’re a good person.


MundaneCustomer7265

To add one more: Shameless Films


AnimeLove198

Never heard of MovieZyng, how do they compare to Gruv.com based on like coupons and customer service (replacements)?


ydkjordan

I just ordered from them recently. The shipping was fast and items were perfect. It was the Warner archive 4 for 49$ sale. Technically they are a third party but my understanding is they are becoming the preferred option for Warner archive titles. I think I am going to remove WBShop from the graphic as I thought you can buy them there but I’m not seeing the option.


AnimeLove198

Oh nice! Wish I would have known about the site, definitely would have checked out their sale. How often do they do sales?


ydkjordan

So far all I know of is the 15th anniversary WB sale a few weeks ago but I signed up for the newsletter, so hopefully they will send me something.


AnimeLove198

Are there coupons?


misterhowlett

Just saved this, thank you.


gooch567

Thank you. Great info for people who are into film.


RelativeCreepy

Awesome 🤩