With the proliferation of non-authentic / bootleg Disney DVDs on the market (eBay in particular), I thought some further info would be helpful to others searching for and buying OOP DVDs. This problem seems to be most prevalent with the OOP titles which have a higher value like Toy Story 1 & 2, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book, Tarzan, Mulan, Lady and the Tramp, etc. I’ve been in contact with Disney’s legal/piracy dept several times. Per my conversation with Disney, it is illegal to sell bootleg or Asian import Disney DVDs in the USA. They are very concerned about this problem and are serious about pursuing offenders. If you want their contact info, please email me at
pemorris@insightbb.com and I’ll be glad to pass it along.
Here are some guidelines ….
1. Factory sealed DVDs should have the Buena Vista logo stamped on the shrink-wrap AND the white security seals on the case.
2. The majority (if not all) of the single disc DVDs are in a white case.
3. The case artwork will have rounded corners. If the corners are square, beware.
4. The disc artwork on bootlegs can be a different picture or inferior quality when compared to an authentic disc.
5. Be leery of case artwork & chapter index inserts that are on glossy, slick, heavier stock paper.
Then there’s the Asian import issue. On eBay some are identified as such but most are not.
1. As a general rule, if the seller is from any Pacific rim country, they’re selling cheap Asian imports.
2. Some will have Asian characters on the case.
3. Some will have a totally different picture used for the case artwork.
4. Some will have subtitle options for Asian countries.
If you’re buying off eBay, ask the seller questions before you bid, check their location and check their feedback! When asking questions, also ask them if they can email a photo.
