What to Look for When Buying Used DVDs and Blu-rays

Used DVDs and Blu-rays are one of the best deals in home entertainment — pennies on the dollar for movies you'll watch for years. But not every used disc is worth buying. Here's how to sort the keepers from the ones to leave on the shelf.

1. Inspect the Disc Surface

Flip the disc over and hold it under a light. You're looking for:

• Scratches: Light circular scratches (from improper cleaning) are usually fine. Deep radial scratches (running from center to edge) are more likely to cause skipping.
• Disc rot: Brownish or iridescent discoloration, especially near the edges, indicates disc rot — a chemical breakdown that makes the disc unplayable. Walk away.
• Delamination: Bubbling or peeling of the disc layers, usually visible near the outer edge. Also a deal-breaker.

2. Check the Case and Artwork

Condition of the case affects value, especially for collectors:

• Original cases with intact hinges and no cracks are preferred
• Original inserts and booklets add value — especially for special editions
• Generic replacement cases are fine for watching but reduce collectibility

3. Know What You're Buying: Editions Matter

Not all releases of the same film are equal. Look for:

• Special/Collector's Editions: Often include bonus discs, booklets, or packaging that make them more desirable
• Director's Cuts and Extended Editions: Different cuts of the film with additional content
• Region coding: Make sure the disc matches your player's region (Region 1 for North America)
• Out-of-print releases: Some titles go out of print and become genuinely scarce — these can appreciate significantly

4. Out-of-Print Titles Are Worth Seeking Out

Studios regularly let titles go out of print, especially catalog films, foreign cinema, and niche genres. A used copy of an OOP title in good condition can be worth multiples of its original retail price. Horror, cult classics, and certain anime releases are particularly prone to going OOP.

5. Cleaning a Scratched Disc

Light scratches can often be buffed out with a disc repair kit or professional resurfacing service. Always clean from the center outward — never in circular motions, which can worsen the damage.

Browse Our Movie Collection

We stock a wide range of used DVDs and Blu-rays across every genre, including hard-to-find and out-of-print titles. Check out our Movies & Media collection and find something worth watching — and keeping.