Imports or US region?

[Kevin]

Hello, the is my first post and want to tell all of you how much I love the show. I'm only half way through the first season and love it!
I'm intrested in getting all 5 seasons of Babylon 5 on DVD. On Amazon.com you can purchase the imports for 150! what's the catch? why so cheap? the US region ones are like 375! could someone please educate me on the difference? is it worth the imports?

Thank you,
Kevin

 

[darth_librarian]

Hi,
glad you like the show, welcome to B5TV! I take it you live in the US, and are refering to the region one versions? And you want to know if you should get region 2, 3 or 4 sets instead?

Content and quality wise, not a lot has changed that i'm aware, if anything, R1 has more in (blooper reels etc) The R1 versions are probably the best to get over R2, but I cannot speak for R4 or anywhere else...

You will also need non R1 compatable gear, i.e. a DVD player that can read regions 1-4 and a TV that can output PAL signals...

 

[Sindatur]

Darth, actually I believe wht he is referring to is the Chinese "Bootlegs (I use the word bootleg loosely, as they always call them imports, and may or may not be actual bootleg).

1. Obviously, you get some Chinese writing on the covers
2. The video quality isn't bad on these Chinese Imports, but if you are anal retentive that everything be exactly like the "real" version, and you'll be there with a ruler on every effect, stay away from these.
3. These typically work on almost all American DVD Players, although there is a very, very slight possibility you may be 1 person out of 1000 who has a problem. They'll normally tell you by the brand of your DVD Player if they've heard of problems.
4. Cover Art, DVD art, and sometimes special features may not be comparable (or existing) to the real versions.

So, if you ask some questions, and can deal with a few inconsistencies here and there, they 'Imports" are a great deal to save you a considerable amount of money.

 

[Flounder]

When it comes to season 5, I guess region 1 is better than region 2 because of the missing teaser on an episode.

For information on Anime bootlegs etc.:

Unlicenced Anime FAQ
Bootleg FAQ

Most of my Anime DVDs are obviously legal ones from ADV films (based in Texas and the UK).
My asian import DVDs are from distributors that I know are legit. As you see in the FAQ there are many indicators for fakes. The bootleggers even have their own company logos and professional-looking printing.

Amusingly, bad Engrish writing on the cover ISN'T an indication of a bootleg, since English is popular in Japan, and even legit products get it wrong all the time.

Don't do bootlegs. It's not cool.