There are a lot of counterfeit DVDs around the world, and it is common to wonder if what you are about to buy is original or not. If you are about to make a purchase online or from a street vendor, in this guide you will find methods to check the authenticity of the DVD.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Basic Signs of Lack of Authenticity
Step 1. Do some research on the movie you want to buy
Find out how many official versions exist, what are the additional content of each and which regions they have been coded for. This allows you to easily recognize a fake DVD, and also gives you an idea of the price of the product. In fact, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For example, original Disney DVDs are rarely of type "Region 0", "All Regions" or "Region 1 Compatible". If you see any of these indications on a Disney DVD, there's a good chance it's a fake
Step 2. Look carefully at the cover
The artwork style of the cover should be similar to other films sold in reputable outlets (such as a well-known chain store), but be sure to compare with DVDs from the same region. For example, an original Disney DVD imported from the United States might contain two discs, while the Italian one contains only one; in this case it is not a counterfeit, but of differences between different versions (to be sure, check that the Disney hologram is present). Variations in the cover art should make you suspicious: different covers are often printed for pirated copies. If you notice misspelled words, it is certainly a fake. Another thing you should pay attention to is the quality of the cover: if the paper looks poor to you, or if the image is faded and blurry, it means that it has probably been photocopied. The barcode must be black and well defined; if not, the DVD cover has probably been copied.
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Do not buy DVDs without a case (they are often referred to as "DVDs for rental").
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The absence of security seals and plastic films around the case should raise some suspicion.
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If you notice that DVD is described as DVD-9, be aware that this is often associated with counterfeit DVDs, as distribution companies usually never mention this feature; those who produce pirated copies tend to emphasize the quality of the DVD-9 format over that of the DVD-5 format. In general, any indication of DVD quality is suspicious. The only exceptions are some Thai DVDs, which actually are labeled DVD-9 or DVD-5 (DVD-9 is dual-layer DVD, and generally has additional content).
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Method 2 of 3: Check the quality
Step 1. If you have already purchased it, please check the DVD
If you are reading this guide, chances are you have already noticed the imperfect quality. Other questions to ask are:
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Can you see through the DVD? If you can do this, the DVD is probably a fake, although that's not always the case.
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Is it colorful (blue, purple, gold, etc., instead of silver)? If it's colored, it's probably not a mass-produced DVD.
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Look at the DVD by holding it so that the light hits it sideways. You may be able to see the brand of the DVD (e.g. Maxell). If you can see it, it means that the DVD is a blank burned disc, and that the contents are forged.
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Step 2. Put the DVD in your PC drive
If you use Windows, click on "My Computer" and then on the player. You should be able to see the size of the disk. A single-layer DVD contains almost 5 GB of data, while a double-layer DVD can contain more (but it also depends on the length of the movie). Enter Windows Explorer and right click on the various files contained in the DVD, and check the creation date of each file. For example, if the DVD is out of production and the date is recent, something is wrong. This method may not work with DVDs that have special protection to prevent them from being copied.
Step 3. If the DVD case is dull, and its back is thin, it is probably a fake
Step 4. If there are any messages that say bootlegs are illegal, or if the colors are distorted, it is a fake
Step 5. Check for copy protection
All DVDs are "protected" by copyright. Fake DVDs do not have this protection, so checking if it is present can be a good way to determine if it is an original DVD. If you have recently purchased a DVD, try making a copy of it; if you succeed, it means that it is a fake.
- Insert the DVD into the drive.
- Open a program to copy CDs and DVDs.
- Try making a copy. Based on the result of the attempt, you can determine if it is a fake.
Method 3 of 3: Ask for a Refund
Step 1. File a complaint with the seller
If it's a shop or business, contact them for a refund. If they refuse, contact a consumer association. If, on the other hand, it is a street vendor, report it to the local authorities (police or carabinieri). If it is a seller who uses an online auction platform, please forward the complaint to the platform and leave negative feedback. You can also report the scammer directly to the distribution house of the fake DVD that was sold to you.
Advice
- Suspicious products are always accompanied by suspicious people. It is very unlikely that a street vendor will sell you a brand new original DVD for half the price, just as it is unlikely that you will be able to buy original DVDs from a site that seems to have been created quickly, without care, and full of errors.
- If you buy a counterfeit DVD at an online auction, you can report it to the Postal Police.
- Most of the counterfeit products come from Asia. If you are thinking of buying at an online auction, and you find that the product is being shipped from Asia, try to be cautious. Check if the seller has any other active auctions, and read the product descriptions carefully. But remember that there are also many Asian vendors who sell original DVDs, and it's not fair to discriminate against them regardless.
Warnings
- There is always a risk of being scammed when buying from disreputable sellers; be cautious in shopping.
- If you want to get a refund from street vendors, know that they may not be too happy to do so, as long as you can find them.
