Region-Free

I am curious how most of you view DVDs that come from other countries–do most of you have region-free players? If so, what?

I just purchased the comprehensive Laurel and Hardy collection from Amazon UK. It had been marked down from 100 pounds to 30. Of course, the USA doesn’t have such a thing available–it’s all the same two or three mediocre films in crappy editions. However, I can’t play these discs on any of my machines.

First I learned that one might “trick” the laptop software so that it plays all DVDs. I downloaded “AnyDVD” without success and then “Region-Free” software without success. Then I learned that my drive is notoriously resistant to this kind of software.

So what to do? The options are to purchase an external DVD drive for about $100, but I don’t know if there are any complications with the laptop software and hardware. Or to purchase a portable DVD player—10″ inch screens run about 100-150. Or to purchase a full-blown player…but from where? apparently not a single electronics store in my area sells “region-free” players. What’s the deal with that? My options are to go to JR in New York city or order online from Amazon, Overstock or 220 Electronics.

Recommendations? I have to start in on the 21 DVDs of Laurel and Hardy soon! Unfortunately the collection is not complete, though it includes most of their major films–however, it pointlessly includes colorized versions of these films? Who buys a set like this but demands that the originals are colorized?

5 thoughts on “Region-Free”

  1. Holy crap, I’m envious! I need to see about that collection…

    We got a Phillips player, under a $100, from Amazon. It is pretty fine. (It also will play movies downloaded to a jumpdrive, so I can get my digital fix, too, if needed.)

  2. I adore my Apex AD-600A. It comes with hidden menu settings that allow you not only to watch DVDs in any region, but to disable Macrovision (Macrovision is installed on every DVD sold in the United States. It prevents you from copying DVDs onto VHS).

    I bought a second one on eBay a few years ago, only weeks before eBay banned the selling of the Apex AD-600A. If you can find one, GET IT.

    Now, just to make things complicated, Apex was forced to remove access to the hidden settings (for obvious legal reasons). So some AD-600As don’t allow you to access the hidden settings. So if you buy such a model, all you need to do is buy a little chip (which I did) and replace the one that comes with your Apex. Bingo! Hidden settings!

    Here’s a story on the Apex AD-600A in Wired.

  3. Thanks for the advice so far. Why do the corporate fucktards wish to prevent people from copying DVDs onto VHS? I suppose it has to do with the same reasons for promoting a new incompatible Blu-Ray format whose machines are all outrageously overpriced. I’ll check out the Apex, John, thanks. Amazon and 220 also have a good selection. Thanks for the confusion, powers that be. Who’s up for scalping Jack Valenti? You can make a snuggie out of that mess.

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