Strange Discs

Speedy Video is a local chain-store that mainly sells videos and music. Another competing chain is Music Valley. In both cases, I have recently noticed a strange phenomenon. They seem to be carrying non-original discs.

At Speedy Video, I had recently come across some unfamiliar discs. The funny thing about these discs is that they all have prominent original stickers on them. On closer inspection however, I noticed that they have an ISBN number on the back. An ISBN number!

As its name suggests, ISBN numbers are used for books, not DVDs. I have only come across such discs at the pasar malam. What made things worse is that Speedy video stuck a new barcode sticker over these ISBN numbers, concealing them. This either means that Speedy is correcting a known mistake or they are fully aware that they are peddling such wares.

At Music Valley, I had come across some familiar discs instead. As these were foreign films, these discs had very weird titles on them. In fact, their stickers of authenticity printed an entirely different title. I have previously come across these discs at some less than legit outlets. So, I’m kind of shocked to find them at legit stores as well.

One thing that I have noticed is that these are appearing on Korean films. I’m guessing that this is because the enforcement is lax on Korean films. I was told by someone that they were now getting their wares from several new vendors. Maybe some of them are less than legit.

Anyway, I’m staying away from these products. Both Speedy Video and Music Valley sell plenty of fully legit products of high quality. I will continue to buy only these products. It helps that I am able to identify the markers that separate these products from the rest. Pity the rest of the people though.