Expert: Gena - 10/30/2007

Question
Hi, I'm about to make the most important purchase of my life, namely buying the Buffy Season 1-7 DVD Collection Boxset! However, I'm so confused after looking at websites like Amazon. There are several different versions of the Complete DVD Collection on the market at varying prices, and I don't know what the difference between them all is.
A few years ago, I read that as the show was finishing, the DVDs were going to be scaled down in terms of quality of packaging and design, which is why we've ended up with these awful single plastic DVD cases for entire seasons. My worry is that the Collection I buy will also be a cheap quality version.

A difference I've noticed with some Collections is that one says it is 6065 mins running time, and the other 7200 mins, with the latter also adding in special features: "Letter from series creator Joss Whedon, talking about his experience of working on Buffy" and "Joss Whedon's selection of his own favourite Buffy episodes" while some don't mention that. Obviously I'd like the longer version with Joss' contributions!

So my question, in a roundabout way is, can you tell me what the exact differences are between the (at least) 4-5 different boxsets I've found online? It's hard for me to tell from just looking at the pictures of the covers of the boxes. If you have any of the boxsets and could even send me a picture or description of what it looks like and features when you open it up, or know of someone who does, that would be really, really appreciated.

I realise it is a difficult question but any help I could get in terms of narrowing down which one to get, ie. widescreen/non widescreen versions, special features (ie. if one of them has more than the rest), quality of box design/packaging, running time (obviously longer is better), no. of discs (more is better - why do some have more or less?), etc.

I should also say, my specifications are Region 2, PAL (as I live in the UK).

In case you need them, I have the links to the boxsets I was looking at:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buffy-Vampire-Slayer-Complete-Collection/dp/B000X42YPM/r...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buffy-Vampire-Slayer-7-Complete/dp/B000AM6NCW/ref=pd_bbs...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Buffy-Vampire-Slayer-Complete-Availability/dp/B0009RCQ6U...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Buffy-Collectors-Box-Set/dp/B0002UUO86/ref=sr_1...

Thanks!

Answer
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Buffy-Collectors-Box-Set/dp/B0002UUO86/ref=sr_1...

I am going to recommend this box set for several reasons.

Cast And Crew Commentaries
Featurettes
Behind The Scenes
Outtakes
Easter Eggs
Trailers
TV Ads
Cast Biographies
Letter From Series Creator Joss Whedon
Joss Whedons Selection Of Favourite Buffy Episodes

This box set has more extras than the original DVDs, including Easter eggs you have to search for (good luck!). By this, I mean it comes with everything and more from the original series. Reading the reviews, there are people who scrapped almost their entire "Buffy" collection just to have this box set - in fact, I may be one of them soon!

I am unsure about the regions in the UK, for that I am sorry...we Americans need to brush up on our geography! The first link you put down also looks good, although it has not been released yet. I am concerned that (due to non-release and no reviews) the first may have more than the one I am recommending. Unfortunately, the one I am recommending is also more expensive. On the bright side, that's because it is the one with the most Buffyverse fun! Good luck on your search, and let me know what you decide!

Thanks for the question!