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Posted by Christine Miguel Oct 11, 2006 |
Over this past weekend, I found myself in an Asian Mall that I hadn't visited in awhile.
Notorious for getting raided on a fairly weekly basis, the last time I went they were literally selling them out of CD spindles - completely In-your-face-and-not-hiding-it bootlegs. - No Jewel cover - just artwork burned on the disc themselves. However, I must say, they rank quite high on the customer service level as they tell you exactly how good the quality of the film is on the disc ... just so you know what you're buying.
In perhaps the most crowded of bootleg shops, the last time I ventured in they were selling TV dramas in baggies - yes - baggies ... now they've apparently stepped it up and packaged them fairly nicely in plastic boxes wrapped in cellophane. I decided to pick one up as it was a rare title and for 18 episodes on 10 discs for $35 - it's definitely better than my last purchasing experience. See previous blog entry.
So half expecting the discs to have purple undersiding, I was shocked to find a dual layer pressed DVD, plus DVD artwork insert.
.... No ... it couldn't be ... could it?
As far as I can tell, it's no different than a DVD purchased from Amazon. According to the box artwork, the series is distributed by STARS ... (from Hong Kong I think - I tried googling and came up with links to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) and when you play the disc, the distribution is by KBS Media - its origin network.
The weird part about this is, is that upon doing net research as to how much others are charging, I payed less than 70 - 75% of the retail value. - And of course, I can't find the exact release that contains 10 Discs.
When they said 'Slick packaging' ... they really meant it didn't they?
So the only downfall of this entire experience are the English subtitles, as they do not extend to the bonus features. My proficiency in Korean has greatly improved, however I still am not able to order anything off a menu without the waitress laughing at me.