As I attempt to fill in a few missing titles in my disc collection, I’ve found myself spending more and more time perusing the shelves of shops that still stocks DVDs. As previously mentioned, I’ve found plenty of bargains through the secondary market, including an absolute plethora of discs in charity shops.

As of late, one such shop has become my ‘go to’ place because I’m pretty much always guaranteed to come away with something. And most important of all, I’m spending next to nothing with each visit.

Below are a collection of titles from a recent trip to the local charity shop. Some are titles I was seeking, others are DVDs I simply couldn’t leave behind.

—

Tomb Raider (2018) – DVD

Action-adventure movie, based on the computer game series of the same name. Directed by Roar Uthaug, Tomb Raider stars Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

The blurb reads: “Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander), the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, is driven to solve the puzzle of her father’s mysterious death on her own. Armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and inherently stubborn spirit, Lara must learn to push herself beyond her limits as she braces the perilous journey into the unknown lands, and ultimately earns the name tomb raider.”

Bonus features: Tomb Raider: Uncovered.

Condition: Excellent, as new.

Cost: 20p (five for £1). If I was to buy a copy of this brand-new it would cost £6.99, so this is a brilliant saving.

Likelihood of finding this in a UK charity shop: Not that likely. DVDs from the latter half of the 2010s tend not to pop up in charity shops all that often, as less people were buying discs during this era, so less DVDs get donated to shops. 

—

E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – DVD

Steven Spielberg’s unforgettable sci-fi adventure movie about a lost alien who befriends a group of kids. Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Peter Coyote, and Drew Barrymore star.

The blurb reads: “A little lost alien, three million light years away from home. A lonely ten-year old boy willing to take him home. Two lives changed by a timeless adventure and a friendship that knows no earthly bounds.

“Steven Spielberg invites you to celebrate one of the best-loved films of all time. Rediscover E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial through enhanced visual effects and digitally remastered soundtrack.

“Winner of four Oscars including Best Effect, Visual Effects 1983 and two Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture, E.T. is funny, moving and unforgettable.”

Bonus features: (Disc One) Feature Film; Isolated John Williams Live Music Score; Introduction by Steven Spielberg; (Disc Two) The Evolution and Creation of E.T.; The Music of John Williams; The Reunion of Cast and Filmmakers; The 20th Anniversary Premiere; Photograph Montage; E.T. Theatrical Trailer.

Condition: Great condition.

Cost: 20p (five for £1). Brand new this DVD would cost £6.99, so another huge saving.

Likelihood of finding this in a UK charity shop: Fairly likely. E.T. does tend to appear in many charity shops, although not always in a great condition.

—

Coach Carter (2005) – DVD 

Biographical sports drama starring Samuel L. Jackson, Rob Brown, Ashanti, and Channing Tatum (in his movie debut). Directed by Thomas Carter.

The blurb reads: “Based on an incredible true story, Coach Carter is the inspirational account of controversial basketball coach Ken Carter (Academy Award nominee Samuel L. Jackson), who received both high praise and staunch criticism when he made national news for a gymnasium ‘lockout’ of his entire undefeated team for poor academic performance.

“With the players, the parents, and the community rallying to get the team back on the court, Carter must overcome the obstacles of his environment and show the young men a future that stretches beyond gangs, drugs, prison and even basketball.

“Co-starring pop-music icon Ashanti, Coach Carter will have you on your feet cheering for more.”

Bonus features: Coach Carter: The Man Behind The Movie; Fast Break at Richmond High; Deleted Scenes; Music Video.

Condition: Excellent, no signs of any shelf wear or damage.

Cost: 20p (five for £1). Would be £6.99 if bought brand new.

Likelihood of finding this in a UK charity shop: High! Coach Carter pops up regularly in UK charity shops, so you don’t need to go far to find this one. However, from my experience, most copies of this film always tend to be battered or worn (I have no idea why), so finding a copy in excellent condition is great!

—

The Wave (2008) – DVD

German socio-political thriller from director Dennis Gansel. Based on Ron Jones’ social experiment, The Third Wave, as well as Todd Strasser’s novel, The Wave, the movie stars Jürgen Vogel, Frederick Lau, Jennifer Ulrich, and Max Riemelt.

The blurb reads: “Based on a real-life experiment that took place in a Californian high school, The Wave tells the story of a high school teacher’s unusual class experiment. In an attempt to demonstrate what life is like under a dictatorship, the teacher comes up with an experiment to explain to his students how totalitarian governments work. A role-playing game with tragic results.

“Within a few days, what began with harmless notions like discipline and community builds into a real movement: The Wave. As the students boundaries are pushed, things begin to spiral out of control and this newly found cult starts to take on a life of its own.”

Bonus features: Deleted Scenes; Alternate Ending; Making of The Wave; Empty Trash – Music Video; ROM Content; Trailers.

Condition: As new.

Cost: 20p (five for £1). This film isn’t currently available on disc in the UK, so finding a copy for 20p is brilliant.

Likelihood of finding this in a UK charity shop: Extremely unlikely. This is simply not a title everyone has in their personal collection, so it is very unlikely to then be donated to a charity shop for re-sale.

—

The Falling (2014) – DVD 

British mystery-drama from filmmaker Carol Morley. The cast includes Maisie Williams, Maxine Peake, Monica Dolan, Greta Scacchi, and Florence Pugh in her film debut. 

The blurb reads: “Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) leads an all-star cast in The Falling, a bewitching supernatural story of friendship, sexual obsession, forbidden knowledge and dark secrets.

“When tragedy rocks her school, Lydia finds herself at the centre of a mysterious fainting outbreak. As her power and influence over the school grows she’s driven to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences. But as Lydia begins to ask questions, she forces old secrets into the light, revealing dark truths.”

Bonus features: The Madness of The Dance Short Film.

Condition: Excellent, as new.

Cost: 20p (five for £1). To buy this brand-new in a shop would cost £3.99, so another great saving.

Likelihood of finding this in a UK charity shop: Very unlikely. Not a well-known title, and also released during a time when popularity in DVD was beginning to wane, so less likely to be donated to a charity shop.

—

All of the above discs were in great condition. On top of this, The Wave and The Falling are rare titles for a charity shop, so these were great finds! 

The total cost for all five DVDs was £1. An absolute bargain.

__

Thank you for taking the time to read this post on HOME VIDEO HAVEN. For more posts, please check out the recommended reads below.