LaserDiscs, or LDs, are a home video format that was introduced in 1978 and used optical discs to store analog video and audio. Although they offered higher quality than VHS and Betamax tapes, they never became very popular due to their high cost, large size and lack of recording capability. However, some LaserDiscs have become rare and valuable collectibles for movie fans and enthusiasts. Here are some of the most valuable LaserDiscs according to the LaserDisc Database (LDDb.com) and Flipsy.com.
1. Daicon III and IV (1983) [NTSC] – $1,000
This is a Japanese LaserDisc that contains two short animated films made by Gainax, the studio behind Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gurren Lagann. The films are tributes to science fiction and anime culture and feature references to Star Wars, Gundam, Macross, Godzilla and more. They were never officially released due to licensing issues and are considered rare and sought-after by anime fans.
2. Stigmata (1999) [NTSC/LBX/AC3/Uncut] – $536
This is an American horror film starring Patricia Arquette as a woman who experiences the wounds of Christ. It was one of the last films released on LaserDisc and features an uncut version that has more graphic violence and gore than the theatrical release. It also has a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound track that enhances the atmosphere and scares.
3. End of Days (1999) [NTSC/LBX/AC3] – $472
This is an American action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a former cop who tries to stop the Devil from impregnating a woman on New Year’s Eve 1999. It was also one of the last films released on LaserDisc and has a widescreen presentation and a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound track.
4. Beethoven: Classical Music Album (1989) [NTSC] – $500
This is a Japanese LaserDisc set that contains 24 discs with performances of Beethoven’s symphonies, concertos, sonatas, quartets and other works by various orchestras, conductors and soloists. It is a comprehensive collection of Beethoven’s music that covers over 20 hours of playing time.
5. The Golden Age of Looney Tunes Volumes 1-5 (1991-1995) [NTSC] – $400
This is an American LaserDisc set that contains five volumes with 25 discs each, featuring over 300 classic Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1930s to the 1960s. The set includes many rare and restored shorts that are not available on other formats, as well as commentaries, documentaries, interviews and other bonus features.
6. The Beatles Ultimate Live Collection Tour Years 1964-1966 (1996) [NTSC] – $324
This is an American LaserDisc set that contains four discs with footage of The Beatles’ live performances from their tours in America, Europe, Asia and Australia from 1964 to 1966. The set includes concerts, press conferences, interviews, newsreels and other rare material that showcase the band’s popularity and impact.
7. The Matrix (1999) [NTSC/LBX/AC3] – $160
This is an American science fiction film starring Keanu Reeves as a hacker who discovers that reality is a simulation controlled by machines. It was one of the most influential films of its time and introduced groundbreaking visual effects and action sequences. It was also one of the last films released on LaserDisc and has a widescreen presentation and a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound track.
8. Tron: Archive Collection (1982) [NTSC/LBX/SRD/CAV/THX] – $50
This is an American science fiction film starring Jeff Bridges as a computer programmer who gets transported into a digital world where he must fight against an evil master program. It was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery and has a cult following among fans of video games and technology. This LaserDisc edition is part of the Archive Collection series that features restored transfers, THX certification, supplementary material and CAV format for still frame access.
9. Ghostbusters: Special Edition: Criterion (1984) [NTSC/LBX/SRD/CAV] – $25
This is an American comedy film starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as a team of paranormal investigators who battle ghosts and demons in New York City. It was one of the most successful and beloved films of the 1980s and spawned a franchise of sequels, cartoons, video games and merchandise. This LaserDisc edition is part of the Criterion Collection series that features high-quality transfers, commentary tracks, documentaries, deleted scenes and other extras.
10. Akira: Special Edition: Criterion (1988) [NTSC/LBX/SRD/Bilingual/CAV] – $20
This is a Japanese animated film based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo. It is set in a dystopian future where a biker gang leader named Kaneda tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret military project that awakens his psychic powers. It is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential anime films of all time and has a stunning visual style and soundtrack. This LaserDisc edition is part of the Criterion Collection series that features high-quality transfers, commentary tracks, documentaries, storyboards and other extras.
Conclusion
LaserDiscs may be an obsolete format, but they still have value for collectors who appreciate their quality, rarity and nostalgia. If you have any of these titles or other LaserDiscs that you want to sell, you can use online platforms like LDDb.com, Flipsy.com, eBay.com or Discogs.com to find buyers and prices. You can also check local shops, flea markets or garage sales for potential bargains or treasures.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
- Q: What is a LaserDisc?
- A: A LaserDisc is a home video format that uses optical discs to store analog video and audio.
- Q: How big is a LaserDisc?
- A: A LaserDisc typically has a diameter of 30 cm (12 in) and a thickness of 2 mm (0.08 in).
- Q: How much data can a LaserDisc hold?
- A: A LaserDisc can hold up to 60 minutes of video and audio per side on CLV discs or up to 30 minutes per side on CAV discs.
- Q: How does a LaserDisc player work?
- A: A LaserDisc player uses a laser beam to read the pits and lands on the disc surface and convert them into analog signals that are sent to a TV or an amplifier.
- Q: What are the advantages of LaserDiscs?
- A: LaserDiscs have higher resolution, better color reproduction, less noise and more dynamic range than VHS or Betamax tapes. They also have features like chapter selection, freeze frame, slow motion and reverse play that are not possible on tapes.
- Q: What are the disadvantages of LaserDiscs?
- A: LaserDiscs are more expensive, bulky and fragile than tapes. They also have lower capacity, shorter playing time and no recording capability. They are also prone to disc rot, which causes deterioration of the disc surface over time.
- Q: What are some of the most popular genres on LaserDiscs?
- A: Some of the most popular genres on LaserDiscs are science fiction, horror, action, comedy and animation.
- Q: What are some of the most collectible LaserDiscs?
- A: Some of the most collectible LaserDiscs are those that are rare, limited, out-of-print, uncut, signed or have special features or editions.
- Q: How can I find out how much my LaserDiscs are worth?
- A: You can use online databases like LDDb.com or Flipsy.com to search for your titles and see their current bids, asking prices or sales prices. You can also compare prices on other platforms like eBay.com or Discogs.com.
- Q: How can I sell my LaserDiscs?
- A: You can sell your LaserDiscs online through platforms like LDDb.com, Flipsy.com, eBay.com or Discogs.com. You can also sell them locally through shops, flea markets or garage sales. You should make sure your discs are in good condition, have their original covers and labels, and are packaged securely. You should also provide accurate descriptions, photos and shipping information for your buyers.