If you are reading this you have likely decided to start collecting physical media. Whether it is due to streaming services not always being reliable or just wanting to own your favorite movies or shows physically, you have come to the right place. I have been collecting physical media for about ten years now. Over that time, I have amassed quite the collection primarily from thrifting. I find it has been the most affordable and easily accessible way for someone to start a collection. Here are some tips and tricks I have learned over the years to help you get started.
1. Make a List of Must Haves and Set a Budget
This may seem like an obvious starting point, but I did not really do either of these until about a year ago. I would just go out and see what I could find. Which can be fun but can also get you into trouble. I recommend starting with a list of your favorite movies/shows and giving yourself a budget that you feel comfortable with before you head out. You don’t always have to stay strict to the list, but it can help set boundaries if you are on a tight budget.
2. Places to Look
The places in my area that I have had the most luck in have primarily been Goodwill and Savers. Although I will admit that the prices have gone up at these places over the years, they do tend to be the most accessible. I also recommend specifically going to the Goodwill Bins if you have one near you. As long as you are willing to dig you can find a pretty decent selection of DVDs, VHS, and sometimes Blu-rays. I will add that if you are going to attempt the Goodwill bins consider bringing gloves and wearing them while you dig. There tends to be a lot of grime, and your hands will inevitably get dirty otherwise.
Other places to check out would be your local thrift stores, antique malls or flea markets, and pawn shops. I have found that pawn shops tend to be the most affordable, often selling DVDs for $1 and Blu-rays for $3.
Places like eBay and other reselling websites can also be great places to check if you are looking for something more obscure that you are unlikely to find out in the wild. Just note that prices will vary, so make sure to shop around and don’t be afraid to put in an offer if you find something close to the price you are looking to pay.
3. DVD vs. Blu-ray and Players
If higher resolution and improved audio quality are important to you, then I recommend Blu-rays. I will say that currently they are not the most accessible in terms of thrifting, but I am seeing more show up at thrift stores as time goes on. DVDs are abundant and are cheaper. I personally tend to stick to DVDs and pick up the occasional Blu-ray if I wish to upgrade something I already have.
If you do not already have access to a DVD or Blu-ray* player, they are often available at places like Goodwill.
*If you have a PlayStation 3, 4, or 5 (if you have a disc drive), it can act as a Blu-ray player. Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Xbox Series X also can act as a Blu-ray player. Blu-ray players are compatible with DVDs. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with a disk drive also can play 4k UHD discs.
VHS players can be a little bit harder to come by. Keep an eye out at all of the places you thrift and if you don’t have luck there you can always check eBay.
4. Other Tips and Tricks
Always Check Your Discs! This may seem like a no brainer but always open up the case to make sure that the disc is inside and that it has no scratches that will affect its playability.
VHS Mold is something I wish I knew when I started my VHS collection was that tapes can get moldy. This is something to keep an eye out for when thrifting. It is extremely easy to spot mold on tapes. It will look like a white fluffy layer on the inside portion of the tape itself. It is important to check because the mold can spread, and you don’t want it to infect your entire collection. It can also cause you VHS player to become patient zero, so make sure you do a tape check before using your player. There are ways to clean mold off of VHS tapes. If you feel up to the challenge, you can find videos on how to do so over on YouTube.
Clean Your Haul. This may also feel like a no brainer, but lot of used physical media tends to have some kind of grime or residue build up from years of use and/or sitting in storage. I recommend picking up a container of sanitizing wipes (I use Clorox wipes) to have on hand to clean your finds.
I hope this guide helps you get your physical media collection started! It’s such a fun hobby and a great way to ensure that the media we love continues to be around for future generations. Happy Hunting!
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Over the years, movies have given me room to express myself and have helped me to find community. Currently I find myself watching primarily horror/thrillers (David Cronenberg and David Lynch have my heart) but I also love Studio Ghibli and have a special place in my heart for Star Wars and the MCU. When I’m not watching movies, I’m either thrifting physical media, adding to my Scarlet Witch collection or working my retail job.
My Favorite Movies: The Mummy (1999), Clue, Howl’s Moving Castle, IT (1990), and Mamma Mia
You’re so knowledgeable! I had no idea vhs tape could grow mold