How to Spot a Fake Criterion DVD on eBay

Ebay and anything from the excellent Criterion DVD collection would seem a perfect match, two giants in their respective fields coming together to give a high-quality product at an amazing price. However, as with anything, there is the potential for fraud. So, let’s say you are looking to bid on a title you have longed to own and yet something seems fishy about the selection--you want to make sure that this treasure is the real McCoy. This article will show you how to spot a fraudulent Criterion DVD on the eBay. For this example, we will use Bertolucci’s "The Conformist," a film the author nearly purchased but instead followed the steps below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the title in the Criterion inventory on their online catalog (see Resources). If the Criterion catalog does not have a release of Bertolucci’s THE CONFORMIST, for example, you know that the seller is probably not selling you a Criterion DVD. Please note that although recently the company Muze, Inc. has released this title, it is not a Criterion release. Now, although the title was not in the Criterion online catalog, the author took the next step.
2. Contact Criterion’s distribution services. In addition to inventory updates, often eBay sellers are able to obtain pre-sale items from companies before there is a public announcement. So before you walk away, take the time to ask if the title exists. If the title does not exist, then you have your answer. If it does, now you have some work to do.
3. Compare packaging. Does the package art in the catalogue match the artwork on the auction page? If it does not, walk away. This is a fake. Unlike special edition comic books, Criterion does not issue titles in which the packaging artwork differs depending on the copy you purchased. They are consistent. Again, the seller may be using the packaging art to entice the sale, so if the packaging matches the artwork in the catalog and you are still not 100% certain there are two another options.
4. Compare the price. Criterion DVDs are top of the line and therefore garner a higher price, so be aware of deals that may seem too good to be true because more than likely, they are.
5. Contact the Criterion Forum, an excellent resource. In addition, they have a links page, linking you to reputable Criterion eBay sellers. Also, you can see if the seller you are potentially purchasing from is legit or someone trying to sell you a fake DVD. See Resources.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch out for too good to be true deals.