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Getting the most from your DVDs
With DVDs being so commonplace today, it's easy to assume you know all there is to know about them. To help you get the complete DVD experience, however, here are a few suggestions.
Even though you may know what titles you want to buy, borrow or rent, there often are multiple versions to choose from. Widescreen, full screen, director's cuts, special editions, different prints: these are some of the choices you may have to make. Since the quality of the print and the sound can differentiate a good purchase from a bad one, do the research at a first-rate review site. DVD Verdict (http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/index.php) employs a fun format for its "verdicts," otherwise known as reviews. Its search page allows for a number of options, including browsing alphabetically, by genre, by studio or by keyword search (from the search box at the top of the page). On the left-hand side of the screen of any given review is a convenient summary that includes the reviewer's ratings, the video and audio formats, running time and extras. The body of the review expounds on these in full.
DVDtalk (http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/index.php) has a nice collection of searchable reviews. Its advanced search allows you search by title, genre, studio, MPAA rating, reviewer recommendation and more. If you're looking for information on upcoming releases, dvdactive http://www.dvdactive.com/home/ is reliable and often features artwork and user forum commentary.
Easter eggs are extra features that are not readily apparent in video games, compact discs, computer programs and now in DVDs. Sometimes these Easter eggs are deleted scenes, gag reels, additional trailers or documentaries. They usually can be accessed by experimenting with menu options and the remote control, but for those who would rather know the direct path to any given Easter egg, there are several Web sites that can help you. DVD Easter Eggs (http://www.dvdeastereggs.com/) is one such site. Click on "Easter Eggs" or try typing a title into the search box to access a title list. There also is a forum where a registered user can submit eggs.
Care and Cleaning of DVD or CD Discs (http://sony.storagesupport.com/mediacare.htm) provides a nice, coherent set of instructions for taking care of your DVDs.
Lastly, for those who want more, the answers to everything you have ever wanted to know about DVDs but were afraid to ask can be found at DVD Demystified: Home of the DVD FAQ (http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html). The hyperlinked list ranges from the highly technical to the very practical.
Whether for short-term viewing, making a purchase or buying a gift, any of these sites will help you be a true DVD expert.
—Michelle L. Zafron, University Libraries