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5 Ways Bootleg DVDs Make You Poor
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 6:26AM 
Bootleg (aka Pirated) DVD movies are very popular in consumer markets. While they provide easy satisfaction, Bootleg or Pirated DVDs actually creates long term financial losses for consumers. As a cash-strapped movie fan, bootleg DVD purchases may seem like you are getting a great deal. It can be easy to notice the vast $10 to $15 difference between Bootleg DVDs and standard retail prices. That huge upfront discount will actually cause you to loose money without even noticing. Learn five ways bootleg DVDs make you poor. These points are especially worth considering if your bills exceed your income:
#1 The "Saving Money" excuse is based on a Myth
Sure, you can get bootleg DVDs at $7 or less on city streets or through some co-workers trying to make side income. A friend who knows a "friend" may also hook you up with a deal at 3-4 DVDs for only $20. As a hard-working consumer, it is easy to justify bootleg movie purchases as your way of saving money. Many people would rather spend $7 than $19.99 on most products whether they are movies or not. The problem here comes with the fact that you are not really saving money by purchasing bootleg DVDs. One of the solutions to saving money is to stop BUYING and start RENTING. This is can be especially beneficial to those of you who purchase pirated movies on a regular basis.
How many DVDs do you really need to own if saving is most important? You can download full-length movies for the same price or less on iTunes, Amazon Unbox and many other websites that offer LEGAL content. These websites offer Hollywood and independent fare at $2.99, $3.99 and $9.99 price tags for rentals and purchases. Movie rentals are also a worthwhile choice if you are really trying to save money. The same $5 spent on a bootleg DVD of Monsters vs. Aliens will get you at least two movie rentals on Netflix. This is not the only option, as Blockbuster also has a rental program where you can rent more movies for the cost of one higher priced bootleg DVD.
It would cost you $20 a month at the low end to watch one movie every weekend using bootleg DVDs. At the high end, you will be spending around $28 for four movies. One of the most expensive Netflix plans will allow you to watch 12 movies within a four week period for less than $18. Blockbuster also provides a similar deal for movie rentals at $19.99, which makes it a lot cheaper than bootleg DVD purchases. Eliminating bootleg DVD movie purchases can save you at least $10 each month.
#2 Bootleg DVDs Have Zero Long Term Value
Authentic DVD movies purchased at full retail price will usually have a used resale value depending on the title. They can be a great way to make extra money or help raise funds during financial hardship. You can trade in your used DVDs and maybe get back 20% or more in cash. This does not apply to bootleg DVDs since they are illegal products and more often lack in quality compared to a Manufacturer's copy. There are dozens of stores and private collectors who will purchase your old DVD movies and pay between $1 and $4 each.
Some stores also buy entire DVD collections, making it easier to get a substantial return on your investment. How many bills or expenses did you have trouble paying in the last 5 years? Your son or daughter's lunch money could be had from the resale of a used DVD if bootleg movies were not chosen instead. Money received from used DVD sales could also be spent on new DVDs, rentals or a new savings plan. You will not have these options if bootleg DVDs are where your money is spent.
#3 It's more than a Bootleg operation
In doing some research on bootleg movie sales and purchases, I noticed a trend in consumer attitudes toward these illegal products. Many people view bootleggers (or bootleg salesmen) as people who are doing what they need to in order to "get by" or "survive" and take care of themselves or their family. While that may be the case, do not fool yourself into believing that survival is the only reason that bootleggers have turned movies into a small business. A post by New Criminologist notes an MPAA financed study given by the Rand Corporation that reveals bootleg movie purchases funding organized crime and terrorism. Of course, the bootlegger who is trying to get $5-$10 from you on the street is not going to tell you that.
It is not to label every single bootlegger as a member of organized crime or a terrorist. However, some bootleggers buy their products wholesale from larger connections or networks that may be affiliated with organized crime or terrorist groups. For every bootlegger that duplicates and packages his or her own DVDs, there are dozens of networks that sell these products and use their profits to fund other illegal activities. Since bootleg movie sales are a black market business, it is not easy for the average consumer to differentiate those who are selling DVDs to "survive" from people who are selling them as part of a larger criminal network.
No matter if bootleg operations are used as fronts for more illegal activity or a method of survival, neither circumstance justifies breaking the law. Every bootleg movie purchase tells criminals that the public accepts their criminal behavior. It does not stop at bootleg movies. Criminals are criminals no matter if they are selling pirated media, robbing stores, posting internet scams or trafficking drugs.
By purchasing bootleg DVDs, you are paying the black market to steal from you later. That is not a benefit of supporting pirated movies, as it just takes more money out of your pocket.
#4 Deal or No Deal?
Are you really getting a bargain at "3 for $20". Bootleg DVDs attract impulse purchases, which does not help your finances. Chances are that men and women who are trying to save money would not visit a movie theater three times in one month. Therefore, you would be saving a minimum of $10 each week if bootlegs were not available. If you would not go to a movie theater repeatedly, the same should apply to bootleg DVD purchases. Movie fans who really want to see a film will pay full price for a movie ticket or newly released DVD whether they have the money or not.
The release of Twilight one a prime example. I know a few people who do not always have money for gas or lunch but would be willing to stand in a line with hundreds of other people to see Twilight. That is just one movie, which may cost $9 or less for students or people who arrive for early showings. The remaining $11 can be saved instead of spending it on bootleg DVDs. Before using your money to buy a single bootleg movie, ask yourself if standing it's worth standing in line for a few hours.
#5 The trickle effect of piracy will cost you big
Have you ever applied for a job? If so, you should understand how the movie industry's multi-million dollar loss due to piracy affects the average working American. Stop justifying your bootleg movie purchases on the fact that Hollywood makes millions of dollars anyway. The fact that Julia Roberts or Will Smith may receive over 5 million dollars per picture does not give anyone the right to excuse bootleg movie sales. Sure, Will Smith is not sweating his water, phone, heat or electric bill but piracy goes farther than movie stars. It's not entirely about Will Smith or 20th Century Fox.
This is about the people who are working at Best Buy to pay for their college tuition. It's about the people working at Blockbuster, AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas and the like to pay bills and "survive" like those bootleggers that you make excuses for. It is also about the people who are working in U.S. factories and production houses, packaging DVDs, CDs and other media. These are the average Americans who need their jobs. Do you know what happens when studios can't control piracy and big companies like Wal-Mart, Blockbuster and Best Buy lose money because you're buying bootlegs on the street?
Real people lose their jobs, which means that your cousins, friends or next-door neighbors won't be able to pay you that $50 owed to you after borrowing gas/food/babysitter money because they are out of work. Unemployment turns into welfare cases which turns into more taxes for people who work at companies other than Best Buy or Blockbuster, but now have to foot the bill for something that could have been prevented.
"None of these apply to me. It is still better to buy bootleg DVD movies", you say?
Consider the fact that you may still be SOL after buying pirated movies even when none of the previously mentioned points apply to your decisions. At their worst, pirated movies do not have a return policy. There is no guarantee that bootleg DVDs will actually work in your DVD player. That means you are essentially gambling with your money to buy a product that does not provide anywhere near the amount of returns as taking the same chances in Atlantic City, Las Vegas or your state Lottery.
Do you agree or disagree with the sale of bootleg movies?
Leave your comments below!
Related Posts:
How Poor are We? A Blog Action Day Observation
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Reader Comments (14)
I think the main point is that buying DVDs at all is silly. It's a waste of money and fills your house with clutter.
I know people who spent a lot of money on VHS collections back before DVDs were popular and now they are worthless. The same will be true with DVDs.
WWWIAF,
Your point that buying DVDs is silly makes for a valid perspective. However, I disagree when it comes to some films because there are movie fans who would like to have the option of watching their favorite films at their leisure.
If someone wants to watch an old episode of House or even Quantum of Solace for the 5th time, he or she should have that option. Sure, DVDs may be worthless sometime in the future (Chris Gore from Film Threat believe that DVDs will become less popular maybe 10 years from now) but that does not mean that you and I and everyone that we know should not buy them.
The main point of this "5 Ways Bootlegs Make you Poor" post here is that buying bootleg DVDs can have a significant impact on one's finances in many ways.
Your point could also be valid when it comes to the purpose of this post in that purchasing bootleg or pirated DVDs is silly in many circumstances.
When it comes to DVDs being worthless, pirated DVDs put the "W" in that term. Authentic, studio-released DVDs can still bring you more money than pirated DVDs (go back and read #2 listed in the above blog post) even if they get old.
If you have no money and need money for food, an old DVD of Clockwork Orange or some Obscure Japanese Horror Film will get you enough to buy something at McDonald's which is not the case if you had a bootleg version of the same movie.
I forgot to mention that Chris Gore's comments on the lifespan of DVD media is covered on an episode #209 of LAGtv just in case you wanted to check that out. The show seems to be geared more toward gaming but he also discusses some film related stuff.
Wow, you have put a lot of thought into this. I can honestly say I have never bought a bootleg DVD -- and now I know why! I knew I must have had a good reason. Thanks for providing it. ;)
You're welcome Lydia. There are many good reasons for not purchasing Bootleg DVDs and I have to commend you for never buying a bootleg DVD. There may not be a lot of people who can say the same thing!
does anyone know if i can reprint this article and hand it out to customers around my store?
Anonymous,
No, you may NOT reprint this article and hand it out to customers around your store. That is illegal.
Although I rarely post Anonymous comments, this one is important, as it can give the same information to others who may be wondering.
If you are interested in reprinting the article, there is a "contact" section on this blog where you can contact me to discuss your inquiry. Otherwise, reprinting in whole or in part is not allowed.
What crap, sure buying bootlegs is not a good deal anyway considering each disc is worth 25 cents and renting movies is not the same as owning it. If the MPAA really gave a crap, there would be no bootlegs on the street. But that's why I make my own bootlegs. For free. Nothing spent, Nothing earned, No prices to compare.
Seriously, This research is bogus! Why rent when you can own? I agree the CAM versions are not worth 2 pennies, but the legit copies are the same ones they sell in stores. Going to the movies cost over $20 these days and thats without the popcorn. Why not enjoy the movie at home? The new going rate is(6-$20)where I'm from, Standard DVD quailty. WHY RENT? How are you losing money in the long run? Example Best Buy sells The Harry Potter Collection for about $80 or more You'll save $60 on the street. Granted, not every sells person is trustworthy but 7-10 is not bad.
Jacob, Thanks for commenting and adding your perspective to this discussion on bootleg DVDs. I disagree with your arguments because for one thing, bootleg DVDs are illegal no matter whether you buy those "CAM" versions you mentioned or the copies that may be considered high quality. There are still nothing but "high quality" stolen merchandise. That's like saying you won't buy jewelry that some drug addict left at a pawn shop because you don't know where it came from but you'll buy jewelry that your neighbor or a good friend lifted from a department store.
Both are stolen or "hot" goods so the selling and purchase of these items do not make it right no matter which end of the illegal merchandising spectrum you choose to support.
Why rent, you ask? The answer to this question is located in the post. You are welcome to read it again. If you buy two bootleg DVDs totally $12 a month based on the market prices you listed for your area, that same money could get you at least 4 rentals in the same month, therefore you are essentially wasting money.
You can jump on DAKEZ's bandwagon and also argue that renting does not allow you to own the movies whereas bootleg DVDs allow you to own copies of movies to watch again but the argument still loses some validity because owning bootleg DVDs does not provide any quality benefits to movie fans or any other consumer.
So, you may have what....10-20-30 or more bootleg DVDs in your movie collection (this is a hypothetical question)? That still means nothing because you do not really own anything of real value. The average consumer can go out and sell their REAL/AUTHENTIC retail packaged DVDs if they no longer want to own the movie, while you let illegal bootlegs pile up in your movie collection. You won't be able to sell them on eBay or even the corner store 12 months from now unless of course you are selling them to someone else who watches and buys bootlegs...continuing to support piracy, crime and illegal transactions.
To each, his own, I suppose. While I am not likely to purchase bootleg DVDs and would rather miss out on watching a movie I wanted to check out than contributing to illegal activities and crime, I do hope that you will someday value the money that you spend to an extent that you will use it to acquire good of true quality whether they are DVDs or not and make informed and wise purchasing decisions.
Have a Wonderful Day Jacob and a Happy and Productive New Year.
Sheesh, it's late. I meant acquire "goods" of true value instead of "good". My bad.
Bootleg DVDs are great, especially when you make them yourself. The distributors/retailers are ripping you off charging $20 for a piece of plastic that costs cents to make. The movie theaters will continue to nail-shut their own coffins if they continue to overcharge for bad movies and food, $11 dollar tickets to I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry with 100 other people then obscenely overcharged for convenience store slop + popcorn? I'm all for paying for a movie that is worth it, but I think a 35mm print of Saw VII is a bit overkill.
Some films are worth buying a nice version of; give me a little book of essays, a great transfer, commentary, and extras beyond a bio and a trailer and I'd gladly fork over $20 or more (provided its something actually good). But again, do I really need a 'nice' copy of the newest high school sex-comedy?
I've met plenty of bootleggers, and the picture of a seedy underworld that you paint just isn't anywhere near what I've seen, it is generally a geeky hobby/easy income source.
And to answer your question of "are you really getting a bargain?":
3 new DVDs at $19.99 each is $59.97, resold at 20% each (I'll round in your favor to $4) you can get $12 for all 3 later; $59.97-$12=$47.97. So, yes it is a bargain to buy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry 2, Saw VII, and Not Another Teen Movie 3 for $20 rather than spend nearly $60 (with the chance to lose them for a return of $12).
Bootlegs can create unfair competition. A few years back, I put a 21-volume set of Little Rascals VHS tapes up for auction on eBay. The set cost me about $200. However, I only got $39 for my set. I am sure the reason I got so little is because I had to compete with other eBay sellers offering bootleg DVDs of the same set. I always choose the authorized releases over the bootlegs, when a choice is available.
However, I think there are gray areas to this issue.
There are many movies and TV series that are not officially available, and the copyright owners have no plans to release them to the public. In such instances, I think it would be a victimless crime to buy bootleg versions, when they are the only versions available.
Summary: When bootleg DVDs are in competition with authorized versions, then I think it's wrong. When the bootleg editions are the only ones available, then I think it's a victimless crime.
Anyhow, this is just my humble opinion.
Perlinator,
Thanks for leaving your feedback on the subject of purchasing bootleg movies.
Sometimes, I agree with the point that you made regarding the gray areas to the issue of purchasing the bootlegs but then I wonder if it can truly be justifiable on some level.
Stay tuned for a post that covers the subject of gray areas for bootleg movie purchases.