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DVD Region Comparisons

Each DVD-Video disc contains one or more region codes (sometimes called zones), denoting the area(s) of the world in which distribution and playback are intended. The commercial DVD-Video player specification dictates that a player must only play discs that contain its region code. In theory, this allows the motion picture studios to control the various aspects of a release (including content, date and price) on a region-by-region basis. In practice, many DVD players allow playback of any disc, or can be modified to do so. Entirely independent of encryption, region coding pertains to regional lockout, which originated in the video game industry.

Even though the same DVD can be be bought in multiple regions the content of the film or extras may be different in each region. This may be as the result of censorship or commerical decisions. The sites below offer comparisons of DVDs between regions so that you make an informed choice of which DVD to buy.

The following world map indicates the locations of the DVD regions (see Wikipedia for full detail on DVD Region Codes)

Comparison Websites

Michael D's DVD

DVD Compare.net

DVD Compare.info