If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you may have noticed that I dropped some hints on what I would be writing about on my blog next. Originally, I had planned on posting my thesis on season four's "Restless", but as I have ten pages worth of notes on it (and I have only got through one and a half so far), I decided that I would write about something completely different for today, instead.
As you know, I am an avid collector, but my main focus is on trading cards. Recently, I have started to collect something else, too: the DVDs. For this piece, I am going to be writing about four different UK exclusive released DVDs from various years.
Starting with my least favourite release from 2011, this is season six which I have taken from my complete box set:
As you know, I am an avid collector, but my main focus is on trading cards. Recently, I have started to collect something else, too: the DVDs. For this piece, I am going to be writing about four different UK exclusive released DVDs from various years.
Starting with my least favourite release from 2011, this is season six which I have taken from my complete box set:
I selected season six because the cover is actually my favourite design out of all of the individual seasons from this set. Though this set is a reasonable price (£49.99 on UK Amazon as of 30/05/15), I don't feel as if it reflects the content in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". As many other fans have rightfully said, the packaging is more akin to something you would find on a "Twilight" cover. One thing that this release has done right though, is that the individual cases are very slim and they house the discs securely. Unfortunately, the inside of the case is just plain, clear plastic, so it looks and feels cheap when cycling through the discs. I mainly use the DVDs from this release for travelling and lending to friends. It is also worth noting that the box set that houses the individual DVDs has just about fell apart for me (see pic below).
I do think that this is the poorest out of all of the releases and it is really quite a let down for "Buffy" fans, especially as I had originally paid £70 for it. It does include all of the special features from the UK, though, so if you are the type who buys DVDs for special features, you will most likely be pleased with the content across the discs.
Pros:
Cons:
Next up is a season five release from (what I can gather) 2006 which was generously given to me:
Pros:
- Secure design for discs
- Includes all of the special features
- Slim packaging
Cons:
- Flimsy
- Unattractive cover art
- Feels cheap
Next up is a season five release from (what I can gather) 2006 which was generously given to me:
This particular release works best when you have got the complete set, as the spines feature the number of the season. The case is rather chunky and it reminds me of VHS tape casing, that can either be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. As for the inside, it is plain black plastic and the discs are spread out in a rather bizarre way (see pic below).
However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing as the discs all feel very secure. In fact, the set itself feels durable. I also love the artwork as it is the same as the ones featured on the collectible book style box sets released a few years before this set. Overall, in choosing this set, it all boils down to on whether or not you would like chunky DVDs on your shelf. Personally, I don't mind having thick DVD cases. This season five release also includes rather a lot of special features.
Pros:
Cons:
Next up is season two from (I believe) 2001, which was also given to me:
Pros:
- Durable case + sensible design for discs
- Good amount of special features
- Nice art work
Cons:
- Case may be too chunky for some
- Looks better with all of the sets - not good for individual purchases
Next up is season two from (I believe) 2001, which was also given to me:
This is my second favourite release of the individual seasons. It excels in neat, attractive and durable packaging. The set has a cardboard sleeve and unlike the other releases I have written about, instead of being just the one DVD, it actually has three slim ones. Although I generally keep away from slim packaging, I will excuse this set as it is presented in such a lovely way. Each DVD case has a portrait of Buffy herself from the season two promotional shoots. It also lists the episodes found across the discs. As for the insides of the cases, they list the chapters for each episode. My favourite part of this release, though, is the spines of the DVDs. It all comes together to form a picture of the Scooby Gang.
A drawback of this set, however, is that it does not include any special features. This set is ideal for if you just want the episodes themselves, but if special features are your main reasoning for buying a DVD, I wouldn't recommend this set.
Pros:
Cons:
Finally, on to my absolute favourite from the DVD releases. I actually received this set as a present just this morning. Naturally, it is also my favourite season:
Pros:
- Neat, attractive, durable packaging
- Slim case DVDs
- Thick cardboard slip-case
Cons:
- No special features
- Some may find it too fiddly with the three separate DVDs
Finally, on to my absolute favourite from the DVD releases. I actually received this set as a present just this morning. Naturally, it is also my favourite season:
To me, the Bible/book releases are the creme de la creme of "Buffy" DVD releases. The artwork on every single season is striking and beautiful, but the packaging itself is even better. In the photo I provided above, that is only the slip-case. Once you remove that, you are presented with an actual book of DVDs:
The first section of the book features a cast photo of Willow, Xander, Buffy, Spike and Giles from season six. On the next page, there is a synopsis of the first four episodes. This continues for another five pages before it gives you two pages of information about the actors and writers for the episodes on each disc. Then there is the first disc itself! It is housed in a thick cardboard sleeve with a protective sheet behind it. It tells you the individual chapters of the episodes as well as the special feature(s) for each disc.
Something I would strongly advise for you to keep in mind when buying the book sets is that they are often difficult to come by and they are frequently riddled with problems (especially season two). The way the discs are placed makes them to susceptible to getting scratched, even if you handle them delicately. People also tend to over-charge for them on Amazon and eBay, too. As gorgeous as these sets are, I would seriously suggest that people only start collecting them once they have a set of DVDs that they can keep for casual usage. I would recommend the book sets, yes, but just be extra vigilant when buying them; ask the seller questions and be sharp!
Pros:
Cons:
So, what do you all think about the UK DVD releases? Do you prefer to use streaming sites like Netflix or do you have DVDs/VHS tapes, too? Let me know!
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Something I would strongly advise for you to keep in mind when buying the book sets is that they are often difficult to come by and they are frequently riddled with problems (especially season two). The way the discs are placed makes them to susceptible to getting scratched, even if you handle them delicately. People also tend to over-charge for them on Amazon and eBay, too. As gorgeous as these sets are, I would seriously suggest that people only start collecting them once they have a set of DVDs that they can keep for casual usage. I would recommend the book sets, yes, but just be extra vigilant when buying them; ask the seller questions and be sharp!
Pros:
- Stunning design + unique layout
- Episode guide
- Special features
Cons:
- Fragile
- Difficult to actually come by + involves a lot of leg work in getting a decent copy
- Impractical design for the discs
So, what do you all think about the UK DVD releases? Do you prefer to use streaming sites like Netflix or do you have DVDs/VHS tapes, too? Let me know!
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