DVDs are everywhere at car boots and charity shops, often at 50p or less. Most are not worth listing on their own, but some formats and labels sell reliably. Here's what to look for.
Usually worth a look
- Boutique and collector labels: limited editions from specialist UK labels that release restored classics, cult, horror and world cinema, often with booklets and slipcases. These are made in small runs and go out of print.
- Steelbooks and limited packaging: collectors want them complete and undamaged, so check the case for dents and the slipcase for tears.
- 4K UHD and Blu-ray box sets: newer formats hold value better than standard DVDs, especially complete series.
- Out-of-print TV series: older shows that were never reissued, children's TV, and documentaries.
- Anime and niche imports: check the region code before you buy.
- Fitness and educational discs: some sell steadily to a specific audience.
Usually not worth it
Blockbuster films from the last 20 years, newspaper giveaway discs, and single seasons of long-running shows were made in the millions. Unless they're sealed or part of a set, they rarely cover the cost of postage.
Check before you buy
- Open the case. Is the right disc inside, and are all the discs there?
- Hold the disc to the light. Light scratches are often fine; deep scratches, cracks near the centre hole and cloudy patches are not.
- Look for rental or ex-library stickers, which lower the value.
- Check the region: UK discs are Region 2 (DVD) or Region B (Blu-ray). 4K UHD discs are usually region-free.
Bundles and trade-in
Lower-value discs can still earn something as a themed bundle (a director, a genre, a complete film series) or through trade-in sites and shops that buy by barcode. Compare a couple of offers before sending a box off.
Pricing
Check current listings for the same edition (labels often release the same film several times), and use eBay's Sold items filter to see what recently sold. Edition details belong in your title: label, format, "limited edition", "with slipcase", region.