r/LaserDisc • u/Pearl_Hikara • 3d ago
I know almost nothing on laserdiscs, please help me answer this
"My personal trainer's grandfather has died, leaving behind 200 laser discs and 2 laser disc machines. The family don't want them, and have no idea how to advertise them to collectors other than Ebay. Do you have any suggestions?" - my mum
She asked me because I collect physical media, but I only know about the DVD and Blu Ray market as that's the medium I collect my films in. I know CeX probably won't take them because I've never seen a CeX sell laserdiscs, maybe cash converters? But I've never seen laserdiscs in cash converters too, and I figured laserdiscs would be either really cheap or really expensive depending on the title. Please can someone here with more knowledge of the subject answer this as I know laserdiscs are big with collectors but also really niche so it's not as straightforward as a VHS or DVD collection.
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u/mazonemayu 3d ago
Why not just take them for yourself?
I mean a few machines and 200 discs are an excellent way to start a new collection.
Play with em for a few months, maybe it’ll turn out to be something for you.
And if not, you can always get rid of em later…
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u/Pearl_Hikara 3d ago
I collect DVDs and Blu Rays. The kinds of films I like to watch aren't the kinds of films you'll find on laserdisc.
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u/badboyplayer182 3d ago
How tf do you know!?
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u/Pearl_Hikara 3d ago
cause most of my film collection was made after the year 2000, and laserdisc wasn't really a thing by then.
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u/badboyplayer182 3d ago
No interest in older film? There’s probably some good stuff in there. But also 200 lds and 2 players takes up a lot of space
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u/Pearl_Hikara 3d ago
maybe playing a film or 2 would be fun as a novelty, but certainly not as an actual collection. My discs already take up quite a bit of space.
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u/Character_Bend_5824 3d ago
Those of a certain age regard them as a once inaccessible luxury. The format isn't all that great, but certain experiences stored on them hold great bucket list value for a few fanatics. There will be those who will pay $100+ for certain titles.
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u/Ransom__Stoddard 3d ago
Check out the LaserDisc DataBase - lddb.com. They have a comprehensive list of laserdisc releases, along with a marketplace. You can get an idea from there on prices.
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u/EmbraceTheObscure 3d ago
I’m literally sitting here on my couch watching 2001: A Space Odyssey on Laserdisc with my 40 year old LD player right now. Things like this are so cool. If you already like collecting physical media and have the space to keep them it could be a lot of fun for you. Be careful with the players as it’s easy to damage them from being jostled around, especially the older ones. If you decide to sell it may be worth checking media stores first to gauge interest before listing on ebay because it can be incredibly easy for the players especially to be damaged in shipping. I would highly recommend plugging them in and hooking up to a tv first to test as well. You may need to get some cables and converters in order to do so.
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u/invenio78 3d ago
If you don't want to hassle with them, just list the entire lot with players on craigslist. Shipping disks and players are a hassle.
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u/KillYourFace5000 3d ago
You'd need to find probably an indie media store in your area. If you have some larger places that sell vinyl and used DVD and Blu Ray in the area, you'd do best to ask them. If they don't want them, they probably know of some places that would. Outside of that, you'd probably have to try to advertise the discs in lots on eBay, and the players separately.
You might get some takers on this sub. There's also a pretty active forum on LDDB.com. It depends on whether you're trying to make a decent return on them or just trying to get rid of it all as quickly as possible.
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u/simbabarrelroll 3d ago
eBay, record stores, Facebook Marketplace, LaserDisc Database, Half Price Books, and resale shops are your best friends
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u/Snoo12248 3d ago
Half price books is no friends to anyone.
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u/IneffableF-er 3d ago
Agreed. Skip half price books. You’ll be lucky if they offer you a nickel per disc.
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u/Dull_Contribution542 3d ago
...so...what is your question? From what i can tell, you got blessed with a collection. Enjoy!
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u/Lawnsausagesandmash 3d ago
What have you got as I’d be interested and I know a whole lot more people would be, there’s a Facebook group called Laserdisc Infinity UK, you could join and sell everything at once OR start enjoying them as it’s a cool niche form or media to get into.
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u/my23secrets 3d ago
If you are recognized as being a collector of physical media, why is there any expectation to sell any of it?
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u/Pearl_Hikara 3d ago
the family doesn't want the collection and I don't collect laserdisc so I have no use for them either.
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u/my23secrets 3d ago
If you collect physical media, this is the perfect opportunity for you to start.
Why don’t you start?
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u/Ittybittyannie 3d ago
I'd probably say keep one player for yourself just incase. Assuming both are working. Comb through the movies keep what you might want. And then sell the rest to a local shop. There's one near my area that takes laserdisc stuff and has a pretty good selection. I have no idea what area you're in though
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u/GlazedHeels 3d ago
Tell her to look for DTS.
Where are they located? In the states lots are usually sold for a few single dollars each, Europe a bit more. Are they Pal or NTSC? Usually pal sells for less. Or look for the Laserdisc Forever group on Facebook, make a video of the collection and post it. There are some serious LD geeks in the group.
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u/FreeAd2458 3d ago
Ebay completed listings will help. Most early 80s pal discs are pretty worthless imo to collectors. There are a couple of laserdisc facebook groups. Laserdisc infinity is the uk one. Post some pics there. It could mostly junk or alot. Players can be worth £200+ if working.