DVD????

There is no real DVD version yet. As I've said, the only DVDs are ILLEGAL bootlegs. If you buy them I can almost promise you'll be sorely disappointed. The only authentic, legally released version is the VHS tape from MGM/UA Home Video. Yes, eBay is probably the best place to look. "eBay-ing" can be a very interesting and rewarding experience if you keep a few things in mind...

1. ALWAYS check feedback ratings. I can't stress this enough. As a rule, I NEVER deal with any sellers with less than a 99% positive rating. If an auction does not allow you to view the seller's profile, DO NOT bid.

2. Check the length of the auction. 3- or 5-day auctions may be suspicious, since they may be bootlegs, and the auctions will end before authorities are able to catch on to them. 7- to 10- day auctions are reliable.

3. Legitimate auctions will allow you to view who other bidders are, and will list a real city name from where the item will ship. If when you click on the bid history of an item, it comes up with a message like "bid history has been kept private," the item is questionable. Likewise, if the item's location says something like "someplace in the USA" or "warm and sunny Illinois" or something to that affect, rather than showing an actual city, the item may also be suspect. Also avoid videos that give a location in southeast Asia or South America, as many bootlegs are known to originate there.

4. Shipping fees. Generally, shipping fees will be somewhere between $2 and $4 for a single video. Multiple videos and larger items will of course be more. Be careful that you do not pay $8 or more to ship a single video--the video may be suspect due to the amount of money to ship it from Asia or wherever the bootleg originates.

5. The picture should be a photo or scan of the actual item on which you're bidding; do not rely on "stock photos."

6. Watch for terms the seller uses. Reputable sellers will tell you that the item is an original factory produced tape, and that it is not a copy or a bootleg. If you are still not sure, ASK THE SELLER BEFORE YOU BID. Also watch for terms like "opened but never played" or "original artwork in plastic case" when bidding on videos and DVDs. If you are ever unsure of an item, ask the seller how he came to acquire it in the first place.

7. If a seller has any negative feedback, look to see why there are negatives. Honest mistakes on the part of the seller can and do occur, especially sellers who move large volumes of inventory on eBay. The vast majority of eBay sellers strive for customer satisfaction, and will work hard to rectify any problems you have. Remember that just because one or two people have had a less than ideal experience with a seller doesn't mean that you will.

Always look at all these things simultaneously when you are thinking of bidding. I can confidently say that I have never had a bad experience on eBay, simply because I follow these guidelines.

Here's to a happy eBaying experience.

TMS

"Snozberries? Who ever heard of a snozberry?"

Joan,

I got my copy of the VHS off Ebay last August. I paid $30 + S&H, but this was a new & sealed copy. You'd be best to hold off until May 9 when Warner Bros. released the REAL and AUTHENTIC DVD version.

"Snozberries? Who ever heard of a snozberry?"

Don't forget Too Many Girls, and The Big Street

Don't stand there and yell "Bring the bull in the ring and laugh in his face". Lucy Ricardo

[deleted]

I ordered the DVD at this site:
http://store.thesmallscreen.org/lolotr19dvdl.html
Just watched it and it's so hilarious!