10 Things About Collecting Physical Media That Drive Us Crazy!

A top 10 list of all the things we LOVE to HATE about the passion of collecting physical media movies.
Links to Fuzz's vids:
Packaging Matters:
• 4K & Blu-ray Movies: D...
Plastic BluRay Cases:
• Tired of Lame Eco-Case...
Follow me on Instagram:
/ ungraduated_media
Follow me on TikTok:
/ ungraduated_media
Follow me on letterboxd:
letterboxd.com/ungraduated/
Home Theater Video:
Projector:
- 4k Native Laser Projector - Sony VPL - XW5000 (2000 Lumens Standard Throw)
- HD Fury VRROOM (8k VRR adapter HDMI Switch) for Low Latency Dolby Vision (LLDV) and HDR10
Screen:
Elite Screens Cinagrey 3D
4K Bluray Player:
- Panasonic DP-UB820
3D Movie Set up:
Projector:
- Epson PowerLite 3000 (2300 Lumans)
Bluray Player:
- Sony UBP-X700
11.3 Home Theater Audio System:
Speakers:
- Front Speakers - Klipsch Forte IV’s
- Center - Klipsch R-34C
- Surround Sides - Klipsch RP-1400
- Surround Backs - Klipsch R-15M
- 4 Atmos Heights - Klipsch R-140SA
- 2 Klipsch KD-10” Subs placed in front
- 1 Soundshaker Amp in seats acting as 3rd rear sub
A/V Receiver:
- Denon X3800 (powers 9 channels and up to 4 subs)
Power Amp / Pre Amp powering front L&R Klipsch Forte IV speakers:
Vincent SP-332 (power)
Vincent SA-32 (pre)
2 channel stereo Vinyl / Streaming Set up:
Turntable:
- Project Debut Carbon Evo
Upgrades include:
- Aluminum Subplatter
- Acryl-It Platter
- Power Supply - Xinsu Global Switch Model SEC150100 (220v - 60hz - 1.3A)
- Project Record Clamp
Phono Pre-Amp:
- Vincent PHO-701
Sweet Vinyl Sugar Cube SC-2 Plus (pops & click remover / recorder)

[@garyrichardson475]

Regarding #10, you could create a spreadsheet to track everything that you ordered. Including when you ordered it and they release date. I’m going to start jotting mine down on my calendar. This made me remember that I ordered Treasure of the Sierra Madre nearly 2 months ago and haven’t received it.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Good idea - one guy here mentioned an app or software program called “DVD Profiler” I seriously need to check it out. I usually just order as I go about my day while killing time so I need to find someway of doing better tracking. I only showed a small example - there were far more this year where this happened to me 😒

[@purvistv]

I use the spreadsheet method myself 👍 It's on Google Drive so I can access it anywhere... especially handy when I'm in a store and pick something up that I already have. Also use a spreadsheet for my music purchases.

[@nightmarecollective]

Dude the FOMO is the biggest problem for me. Collecting while also doing youtube is tough. Deciding what you what vs what you would like to cover is hard. I have the same shelves. Solid video man. I have really had to make tough decisions as of late.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I feel you on every level of what you just said - I do try hard to just put out what I want to talk about over what I think will get views. I do this for fun and try to not take it too seriously…but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more views and exposure. But - I know if I stay true to who I am and enjoy what I do…it will all fall into place. But yeah - being a collector and doing YT vids…can be a torture lol. Thanks for the kinds words and for checking out the vid…

[@scottyluvslucy]

Oh you definitely hit a nerve with me those stickers!!! I try to take them off immediately when I get the bluray/4K. It drives me crazy when they put them on the slip covers. The studios have been getting a little better about not putting them on the slip cover......but when they do.....I am like "Why? Why? Why?.....smh Great video Ken .....thank you!! 😀

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Thanks Scott for the comment and for “the love of physical media!” Yeah - would someone who sells a painting just apply a “price tag” or “hype sticker” to the actual artwork? I know not the exact same thing but not entirely dissimilar. We’re lucky if we get them off with no damage but it ISN’T always the case. Thanks for checking out the vid my man!

[@garyrichardson475]

Regarding #2, I like that vinegar Syndrome gives an indication of remaining stock. I wish Severin would do that.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

It’s one of the best things about VS and their website / Inventory - I think Scream Factory just recently started doing something similar. It can only help with the “Fomo” lol

[@garyrichardson475]

Regarding #4, It’s not just dented steelbooks, it’s damaged products in general. My New Year’s resolution is to have zero tolerance for that. I sent one back yesterday just because the booklet was slightly damaged. That may seem fussy, but if you were trying to sell it on eBay, you would have to show a picture of the damage and the buyer would expect a lower price. Maybe if they get flooded with refund and replacement request, they’ll get the idea and package stuff properly. I ordered that Universal Monsters book set yesterday. It could arrive crushed. But if it’s sold out by then, I can’t get a replacement only refund. I was tempted to just buy two and return one.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

💯 and good on you my brother for taking that stance! It is just hard if you get something that is OOP. You’d just hope whoever you’re purchasing from would take the proper care when shipping. I mean these things are worth some $$$ and even if you’re not gonna sell it…you at least want it in 100% condition! This is an even bigger issue now as I pointed out needing to order more and more online. Your boutique labels are pretty good about packing and shipping but man….AMAZON…COME ON!!

[@richardnickell4116]

I use a computer program called DVD profiler. I have used it for years. It let's me keep track of what I own, what I have preorder. How much I paid and where I preordered it from.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

OMG!! I’m DEFINITELY Going to check that out… thank you for the share. I use bluray.com to keep track but I NEED something that tells me what / where I’m ordering from. There have been times I’ll buy off the label’s website, then I’ll do it from Diabolik DVD or something because I forgot that I already ordered as I see it mentioned here on KZbin. Been driving me nuts! So thank you!

[@garyrichardson475]

Regarding #6, I hate those eco cases mostly because they make the movie look cheap and disposable. I’m hesitant to swap them out with regular cases because I might feel I don’t have the official case.

[@JesusSavesSinners]

Myself last year I put my Video and Music Collection into Vinyl cases. I have cases that hold 100, 200, 400 CDs / DVDs. So yeah I bought a lot of New Cases. I did this because many of my cases were crumbling beyond use. (Plastic Cases, have just become so brittle they are useless to hold Movies.) I don't have any of my Media for display so I don't have any use for the cases. I saved the cover Art that was able to be Saved. I kept exclusive Art, Booklets. I have them in special containers. It took me months to do this. I filled dozens of plastic Extra Large Garbage bags with all the cases. I saved a lot of space. I now have 2 entire rooms I can use differently. I am able to have a home Gym now.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I hear ya - they are super flimsy. You can literally feel the difference. Fuzz’s vid I referenced is a great one about the different types of bluray cases. I don’t think but can hurt - expect your pocket to some level. Thankfully I don’t have many of those flimsy eco-cases.

[@scottcunningham799]

I love your videos and thought I'd leave you a tip you may or may not have heard of regarding removing stickers from movies. I know it's really frustrating as a collector. I find that using a hair dryer to heat the sticker up good first and it will easily peel right off after. If any residue remains put a little goo-gone onto a rag and rub the area until it's gone. Works great 🙂

[@ungraduatedmedia]

That’s a helluva recommendation - thank you! Have never tried that before and only have tried the “finger nail scrape and peel method” lol hoping that I don’t scratch up the slip case. Thanks for the tip and glad you’re enjoying the content here!

[@garyrichardson475]

Goo Gone is great! You can saturate the sticker in it and let is sit for a for hours before peeling.

[@mg-ThisHandleIsSoStupid]

@@ungraduatedmedia Believe it or not, lighter fluid is a great one to use. I found about it from a book store. They use it on rare books.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@garyrichardson475 - I’ve thought about that but always wondered if it would take off the print or damage the cardboard. Plastic case I wouldn’t worry about. Guess I don’t know till I try.

[@garyrichardson475]

@@ungraduatedmedia Right, I would experiment first.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I’m starting to get better lol - it’s just sad that we have to mostly order online our new purchases. I long for “the good ol’ days. Thanks for checking out the vid 😉👍🏼

[@AlexDawson2020AD]

5:25 Great analysis... Blu-ray still looks pretty damn good overall for most films and series..

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Agree 👍🏼- some films actually shouldn’t be made in 4k. I don’t think ALL films should be.

[@mg-ThisHandleIsSoStupid]

Never had an issue with Pre-orders. I keep a list in a text file on my computer. In order by release date, what the item is, when I pre-ordered it, and if it is paid for or payment will be due. And where ordered from. It takes 10 seconds to add it. I also have a list of Current orders. When I ordered, update when it ships, tracking, etc.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yeah I just need to get more disciplined about the process - Truth is I just pre-order things as I’m watching KZbin here and usually working out in the morning. Then I’m onto my day and I can’t remember all the things and different places I’ve ordered from.

[@mg-ThisHandleIsSoStupid]

@@ungraduatedmedia Yea, for me I am only ordering from my laptop. No smartphone. So it is a bit easier.

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

Great video man! I knew from the title and intro this was gonna be for me LMAO! Very entertaining. It's a good one to just sit down, have a cup of coffee and chill with. To quote Lambert from the movie Alien, "I like Griping!"🤣😉 And thanks for the shout-out/mentions my friend!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

I knew you’d like this one and took just a little bit from some things I’ve seen you “gripe” about lol 🤣 Glad you enjoyed it! As collectors of physical media and all the time and $$$ we put into it I’d say we’re all entitled to a little bit of griping, bitching, and moaning from time to time 😉

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

@@ungraduatedmedia LMAO!😆🤣Exactly brother.

[@LaughMuBai]

Many PMYT's seem to be doing this, but out of all the moaning & whinging ones I've seen, yours is the best -- must be your radio voice!😆 That #2 is such a game that can be fun, and probably a sub pet peeve of that category is 'scalpers'...

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Lol - I have been told I have quite the radio voice. Don’t know where that ever came from…🤷🏼‍♂️ Scalpers is A REALLY good callout. It’s one thing to maybe make a little coin if you’re going to sell something from your collection you no longer need but those people that scoop up the new releases that they know are gonna go OPP quick and then “flip them”with 100% or more profit…yeah…really annoying.

[@skincrawlers2510]

I really enjoyed this countdown 👌😀 8K disks are a scary thought. I love collecting to death but there’s a ceiling. I am quite content with 4K. As you said it would be diminishing returns. Standard studio releases and CEX in the Uk. A pre owned release outlet. Both tend to put stickers on 🤬infuriating!

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Glad you enjoyed my friend! Thought it would be a fun little rant…I don’t think we’ll get to 8k physical media. At the rate of 4k sales, the cost to do those scans, the cost of what 8k technology would cost and then doing those 8k scans…yeah - I don’t see it. Maybe for the high end elite. And yeah - stickers suck! Hope all is well.

[@skincrawlers2510]

@@ungraduatedmediaPretty good thanks. Apparently DVD is still the main contributor for disk sales. 8K will be streaming only I’d imagine predominantly for gaming.

[@halloweenlady4073]

The only thing that bothers me is not everything I want ever had a release or is oop. If I can own a film I love I am not fussed about the format as long as no more VHS for a VCR to eat.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Getting the movies you love on physical media is what it’s all about…!

[@saltysven5259]

Fomo is no problem for me because modern stuff dont get me any more so hyped over time. Most of my orders are now older Movies and there are not a lote special collections (specially here in germany) . About the Case-Colors, still think that the colors should be genre-codet ^^ like black = horror, yellow = comedy..... Oh and my way to keep track about my collection is the my movies pro app for android Good video and you have a VERY relaxing voice! helped me throught the work-time, thx for that

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Interesting point about the genre colors. I think that would be a cool idea. Would definitely help you find your stuff on your shelf more easily. I like the app idea too. Thanks for the comment and glad I can help you make it through the work day. Thanks for checking out the vid and hope to see you around in future ones.

[@benpascall4297]

I think the residue has f***ed up my Panasonic UB820. When I play a disc from startup, where the movie is restarting from a certain point, I get a disc read error every time now. This is resolved by opening and closing the drawer but I think it's the start of a bigger problem with the lens that reads the discs.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You bring up a great point - it’s not like these players are “indestructible.” Especially the lens itself. I have NO DOUBT that “off-gassing” and the oils / chemicals used in the bluray case manufacturing if excessive would cause issues for a disc player. When I notice it, I try and always wipe the disc first before inserting. You also reminded me about researching a good “cleaning disc” for our good players. A cheap one may not matter to most but the UB820 is like a $400+ retail at current time. Great comment and one that should help others if they read.

[@Graphicxtras1]

Moans would be for me 1) 4K with a Blu-ray extras disk that is not region free, you can play the 4K but not the blu-ray, why not just two 4K disks ?? 2) No universal indicator of 4K disks, quite often I get to the point where I am not sure if I have the blu-ray or the 4K, it is not always announced anywhere clear on the packaging and also many of the blu-rays have mentions of 4K restorations etc to confuse things. 3) Amazon putting all their reviews together for the DVD / Blu-ray / 4K etc to the point where you have no idea what version people are talking about. 4) Yes, stickers ... why ?? so pointless. At least the films are generally good to watch

[@ungraduatedmedia]

Yes! The extras disk being on a region locked bluray is horrible if you don’t have a region free player (or a Panasonic UB820 with a region free hack like mine). If you ever get a panny UB820 as your nice 4k player I have a good hack here on my channel you can refer to. But nice added “gripes.” lol As much as we can complain - I’m still very thankful to have my collection and continue collecting

[@Graphicxtras1]

@@ungraduatedmedia I perhaps should have gone for the UB820 but didn't. I don't mind the regions being locked but it would always be great if they include that info on the various sites (Amazon etc) In some cases it wouldn't matter but with Phase IV, the extras really sound great. I will definitely still be collecting Blu-rays and 4K and DVDs for many years hence (hopefully)

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@Graphicxtras1 completely agree with you on that point. I’m beginning to really enjoy extras and special features so when I want to dive into them I certainly expect to be able to. But if it isn’t called out clearly and you order that set…especially from a region A distributor, then it’s almost like false advertisement. It definitely needs to be clearly called out. Keep on enjoying that physical media my man! Glad you’re here with me…

[@ralphlaney4620]

My pet peeves are loose disc eco cases Bent torn rip punctured art work Stacked discs instead of a disc tray in the cases Skipping disc

[@ungraduatedmedia]

- agree on all fronts! Loose discs happen more frequently it seems with Scream Factory. It’s like they don’t make the little center holder thingy deep enough or something. Nothing worse than a brand new (scratched) disc!

[@JesusSavesSinners]

Interesting video. I think Large collectors accidentally buy duplicates of Videos / Media that they already own. I have bought dozens of duplicates over the years. For me it was no big deal because I bought the duplicates at unbelievable prices. Giving away duplicates makes for very Nice low cost Gifts. 4K is Not worth the Money. I have bought dozens of 4K All at Greatly reduced prices. 4K DVDs are widely different in Quality. So I would disagree Adamantly that 4K is Far Superior to Blu-rays and DVDs. I have DVDs that are far Superior to the 4K version. Yes this happens often. Many 4K DVDs are of very poor Quality. I have Glory on 4K it looks absolutely Horrible my DVD version is 100 times better. DVDs are up to 720p. 720p is HD, High Definition. If I had you over I could show you DVDs that look considerably Better than the Blu-ray and 4K Versions. I think it's Ignorant to assume that buying a 4K or a Blu-ray Version of a Movie you already own is an upgrade because I have been burned doing this. I have bought Blu-ray and 4K Versions of DVDs I already owned just to discover that the DVD I already owned was the Better Version. When you own DVDs especially of Movies between the 1920s through 2000 you will Not necessarily be getting a Video upgrade by buying the Blu-ray or 4K Version (If you can get a 4K version.) I think it's a huge waste to try and Replace a DVD collection with Blu-ray / 4K. I know I wasted a lot of money discovering the DVD version was better. I don't buy my Media for show. I don't show off my very Large Movie, Music, Books Collections. I bought them to Watch, to Listen to, to Read. Sure I will Give away and Lend them out but I don't buy anything for Display purposes. So I am Not the one to Waste Money on Steelbooks Collections. I own maybe a dozen of them only because I found them for cheap. I have bought brand new Steelbooks for as low as $4.00 new. Yes if you create alerts for Movies you want you can find incredible values. Everyone is different....

[@ungraduatedmedia]

You bring up MANY interesting points so I can’t thank you enough for taking the time for that thoughtful comment. I suppose I need to just start watching and comparing some DVD’s - I’ll admit it’s been a long time for me since watching a DVD and I do just “assume” the 4k or even bluray is better (unconscious bias I suppose). I would assume to some level too the type of equipment one has would matter as well when viewing a DVD. I really have been annoyed with my duplicate orders as I am a “larger collector” and tend to order and pre-order at multiple times. I’m working to figure that out… But thanks for the perspective and the thoughtful comment.

[@JesusSavesSinners]

@@ungraduatedmedia You are absolutely correct that the Video Equipment that you use is very important. I have a Lot of High Quality 4K TVs Including A recent Top of the line TCL Mini QLED 75 inch TV. I have over 10 Projectors Including All the Major Brands with many 3D Projectors and my Most recent LG True 4K Cinebeam Projector. I have more than a dozen Blu-ray and 4K video Players. My Most recent is a New Panasonic 4K player. It is unique because it has options depending on if you are using a Projector or a TV. It even has an OLED option. It also has a setting that lets you change SDR to HDR. So when I watch my DVDs I get the best possible Picture Quality from them. There are Purist's who don't like any 4K or any other Conversions of Film content . If a Film was made in 360p it should be viewed in 360p. The reason is that if you are a True Film Buff you should watch the video in the same format, if possible, that it was originally shown in. They Detest 4K versions of, for Example, The Maltese Falcon / The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. It is Not Truly Experiencing the Film as it was made. I myself I stopped trying to buy everything in Blu-ray or higher. I now only do that for New Films. Films from 1920-2005 I will only buy on DVD only because let's face it Blu-rays came out in 2006. Buying Blu-rays of Films before 2006 is Not the real original version of the Movie. The first Blu-ray Disc titles were released on June 20, 2006. I am a bulk buyer so I definitely try to only buy Discount. Occasionally I have paid more than I would want to for something very hard to find. Still even then I paid $25.00 with the Regular price being over $50.00. I have No problem buying used from eBay, or Amazon etc..., But 95% of my purchases are New Media. Although recently I have been buying Used "Like New" off of eBay. I have Created numerous alerts on Movies I have been looking for and I have been finding a lot of them recently. I have been into AV since I was in Junior High School. I was part of the AV Department and our School TV Station that played on local TV. I have been in the Professional AV Industry for decades working in the Engineering Department on the Newest AV Technologies. I have worked on Panasonic TVs, Intel, Microsoft and Honeywell Engineering Departments. I have 2 Home Theaters in my Home. I watch Films primarily on a 120 inch Screen or a 150 inch Screen. I use my TVs for TV Series and other Media. So I am very experienced in Audio Video. I wish you the best in everything.

[@ungraduatedmedia]

@@JesusSavesSinners- truly LOVE your passion for the hobby…not only of physical media but for ALL aspects of home theater. I have a Panasonic UB820 that does a lot of what you are saying. By far the best player I’ve ever had. And I hear you about “the purist” out there. It’s made me consider doing things that are similar. I.e. getting a VCR player again and getting back into VHS or even Laser Disc. I’ve never owned a laser disc player but ALL of the technology from times past interests me. I’ve recently gotten into vintage audio which is a WHOLE different rabbit hole to venture down but there are purist in that hobby that insist if you are going to listen to music from the 50’s 60’s 70’s then you gotta do it on equipment that it was recorded to listen to at that time. So I’m getting down those rabbit holes now 😉 But thank you again for sharing. If I had my way I’d probably build a theater room for every style and era of viewing experience. That would be AMAZING to see and watch it ALL as intended…

[@garyrichardson475]

I don't think upgrading is a waste, especially when the upgrade is from DVD. C'mon now, realistically, how often is the DVD better than a 2K or 4K Blu-ray? I'm sure you have a lot of good examples but I find that *typically* there is a significant improvement going from DVD to 2K or 4K. On the other hand, going from 2K to 4K Blu-ray can sometimes be underwhelming but usually, there's very good chance it will be an improvement also.

[@JesusSavesSinners]

@@garyrichardson475 DVDs are very often Better than the Blu-ray versions. 4K DVDs of Video Not Filmed in 4K originally are Not in anyway True 4K they are AI generated Upscaling. This process is Horrible. Some things are considerably over sharpened while others are not sharpened at all. The color grading is Hideous most of the time. Films with Special Effects really look bad. You can see clear differences in the Film where the Special Effects separate from the rest of the frames. Blu-ray Technology did Not come out with Blu-ray Discs before June 20th 2006. All Movies Filmed and put on DVD before June 20th 2006, that are put on Blu-ray are Questionable in Quality. The Quality of the Blu-ray version is typically Not as good as the DVD version. Again the DVD represents the correct color grading. DVDs are 720p largely, which is HD High Definition, especially when it comes to Hollywood Films. It is typically a Huge Waste of Money to Buy the Blu-ray version of a Movie if you Already own the DVD version especially if the Movie was Filmed before 2006. Most of the Time when you buy the Blu-ray version all you are getting is the DVD version upscaled on the Blu-ray to 1080p. Guess what, today you cannot buy a DVD player let alone a Blu-ray player and a 4K player (Also modern TVs will upscale content to 4K.) that doesn't claim to upscale All Video to 1080p, let alone 4K. Upscaling DVDs to 1080p works Excellent. People who complain about DVDs really don't know what they are talking about. They Lie and say that the highest resolution you can get on a DVD is 480p when the Truth is it is 720p. They also are Liars because they Brag about Not owning any DVDs. How can people who don't even own DVDs complain about the Quality of DVDs 🤥🫣