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Importing Criterion/Region Free BluRay Player

  • 28-02-2014 11:45am
    #1
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭


    Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced region-free BluRay player? I know nothing about this stuff so is it as simple as buying the hardware and setting up as normal, or will there be compatibility issues with my TV?

    Also, does anyone here import Criterion releases? Do I have to pay an import tax on them? Say if I buy off Amazon.co.uk, are there any such hidden charges?

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    Sad Professor
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,698 CMod ✭✭✭✭Sad Professor


    Players that can be made region free for Blu-ray out of the box are scarce. Your best bet is to order from

    http://www.mrmdvd.com/catalog/

    using Parcel Motel. Switching between regions is generally going to be a pain regardless, so best to hang into your existing region B player.

    For Criterions, DVDWorldUSA are customs friendly, they also are great for getting things early, but they're expensive. I get most of mine from an Ebay seller called Blowitoutahere. Prices are good and shipping is fast. He's not customs friendly but he doesn't put the postage cost on the package, so as long as you order separately most things will come in under the limit.

    B&N have half price sales for Criterions several times a year, but they aren't customs friendly anymore and shipping can take a month or two. Amazon UK marketplaces are usually based in the US, so you may caught for customs with them as well.


  • #3
    e_e
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,464 ✭✭✭e_e


    If you only order one blu-ray at a time from the B&N sale you should be good. I've ordered a good few from there and never got customs charges.

    I managed to snap up the Toshiba BDX3200 before it went out of stock, which can have its region changed just by entering a code on the remote. Not sure about other players you can do this with though. Maybe look out for that one used.


  • #4
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭ThirdMan


    Thanks for the info guys. It's gonna cost a fair few quid either way. But it's time to bite the bullet and start paying for the art. I deleted over 1TB of films earlier. My entire 'collection', including a load of Criterion releases. It has to be done. I'm starting to treat films as a commodity and that's bad for the soul. I've been back buying BluRays recently. Carefully watching each film, listening to the commentary, reading the booklet and going through all the extras. It's been about 10 years since I allowed myself the time to take in a film like that. Feels good. Anyway, enough of my manifesto...


  • #5
    e_e
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,464 ✭✭✭e_e


    You can always go with Second Run and Masters of Cinema as worthy alternatives too. Great releases. ;)


  • #6
    Mickeroo
    Administrators, Computer Games Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 32,667 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Mickeroo


    If you know anyone going to the states any time soon that's probably your best bet. My brother was in california in the summer, bought me back 5 criterion titles and a BR player, all came to less than 150 euro and he had no trouble with customs at all. The player was a sony one and only cost 60 dollars. I know it's not the most practical solution but it's worth keeping in mind.


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  • #7
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭ThirdMan


    Mickeroo wrote: »
    If you know anyone going to the states any time soon that's probably your best bet. My bother was in california in the summer, bought me back 5 criterion titles and a BR player, all came to less than 150 euro and he had no trouble with customs at all. The player was a sony one and only cost 60 dollars. I know it's not the most practical solution but it's worth keeping in mind.

    My girlfriend is going to Chicago for two weeks during the summer. Brilliant idea. Thanks!


  • #8
    ThirdMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭ThirdMan


    e_e wrote: »
    You can always go with Second Run and Masters of Cinema as worthy alternatives too. Great releases. ;)

    I bought the MOC edition of Fritz Lang's M last week. Delighted with it. I picked up a couple of the BFI's Cassavetes titles as well and I was very happy with those. Realistically I'll be sticking with Region 2 releases for the most part, but I'd like to pick up some Criterion stuff every now and then. At least give myself the option. I need a new player anyway so it just makes sense to pick up a region free one. I haven't heard of Second Run. Must check them out. Cheers.


  • #9
    McLoughlin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,935 ✭✭✭McLoughlin


    This machine the Orei BDP-M2 is the best around 200 quid including postage

    http://dvdworldusa.com/shopexd.asp?id=88559


  • #10
    Leopardi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 352 ✭✭Leopardi


    I purchased my first multi-region player from multiregion magic - the link to the site was posted earlier. I had no issues with the player or the site; it was very promptly dispatched by courier.


    I buy a lot of Region A titles from all your music via amazon.co.uk; I've never had any problems ordering from them.


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