It's not that LD collecting has become more popular, it's more like LD fans have more options to "connect" online without having to use arcane venues like Newsgroups. Between here, AVSForum, Blu-ray.com (ironically enough) and other places, it's easier to discuss this lovely, yet undead format.

It's called digital saturation! Anything and everything has the word digital attached to it. Of course most laserdiscs have digital sound but even that is processed differently. We've seen 1080p, it can look mind boggling and I don't shun it but, by human nature, many retro afficianados need somewhere else to go. I said to myself after being mainly into blu ray and hd dvd for a good spell, is this it? Is this the stopping point? It's not necessarily a bad stopping point but I remember something different. I never lost interest in my laserdisc collection but I just started to play around with hi-def more.

I see some of the younger generation picking up on the fact that pixels and storing digital files is not the beginning and end all. Film, looking like film, is appealing an interesting. I would say there has been a minor resurgence for laserdisc. Cds really squashed the vinyl world for 2 decades. It took a lot longer for a strong demand to "bring back" vinyl. When vinyl pressings and turntables started selling hotly you knew something was going on. Yes there where always some who never waivered from vinyl during the cd onslaught but in the last few years analog is being closely looked at and wisely appreciated.

I really enjoy the capabilities of the digital era but I want that alternative. I still believe, like vinyl, laserdisc in some form will come back. Not anytime soon but within the next ten years. It won't (or shouldn't be) two camps, it will be an opened minded, common sense appeal to human nature. The desire to view our home entertainment in unique ways. The new laserdisc pressings will sell and an ld may become commonplace again. The smoothness of film right now is on the back seat for most. All things come around again, eventually.

Hello Remington,

I just read your message with joy, a fine read indeed.

For me ''and I am sure that you will agree hopefully'' that the enjoyment of holding a laserdisc in ones hands feels somewhat exclusive, and the reading of the cover art is one of ease.

Yes I enjoy the DVD, HDDVD & Blu-Ray formats for sure but there is something missing.

Taking the 12inch Laserdisc out of it's sleeve and carefully placing into the tray and then hearing the player spinning into action.

Changing to the second disc of a movie is a great time to make a cup of tea or have a bite to eat, not a problem at all, what's the rush I say.

Anyway thank you for a great read.

Regards

Thank you! You touched briefly on another factor, possibly without knowing it. Speed. In addition to digital saturation there is this rush to get it done and see it quick. Not that laserdisc is slow (actually it is faster), it's the, "Oh man, I have to wait for the side to change" mentality of society. Film is an art form to be studied and pondered upon. Hence the laserdisc fans desire to pour over the object (disc, cover) and be fully immersed.

Basically laserdisc says back at society, NO I won't move faster for you, I will enjoy the art form of moving pictures with EVERYTHING it has to offer-cover, art, sleeve, disc and even the purchase. Old man time has it waiting on the horizon. Thanks for the subliminal fuel for the fire.

Hello remington,

That's exactly why Laserdisc is so collectable!

I enjoyed reading your reply

Regards

I am new to LaserDisc but I have read many articles from around 1998 or so that show that LaserDisc prices have stayed roughly the same. However it is a completey different story for your older DiscoVision and Magnetic Video Corp. titles. I get many of them for $.99 to $4.99 on eBay and in excellent condition. Most of the BRN NEW DiscoVision discs go for about twice or three times that e.g. $10-20.