ShadowGram Update #315 -- Counterfeit DS deluxe sets

[Midnite]

SHADOWGRAM NEWS UPDATE   # 315
 
April 8, 2014
 
Hello, Dark Shadows Fan,
 
ShadowGram (SG), The Official Newsletter & News Source for Dark Shadows (DS) announces the following key breaking news in this Official DS News Online Update "bulletin."
 
**** MPI Home Video asks SG to please report the following notification.
 
“FROM MPI HOME VIDEO, the exclusive authorized distributor of the original 1966-71 DARK SHADOWS on DVD:
 
Dear Customer,
 
It has come to our attention that there are counterfeit sets being sold and distributed for Dark Shadows: The Complete Series Deluxe Edition (MPI item # DVD7991). These counterfeit sets appear nearly identical to the authentic sets. If you are experiencing playback issues with your discs, it is possible that you have purchased a counterfeit set. If so, please alert us as to where you purchased the set. The more detail you can provide us (seller, links, pictures, etc.), the more it will help us put a stop to this illegal distribution of the Dark Shadows Complete Series.
 
Below is a list of ways you can tell you have purchased a counterfeit set:
 
--- The authentic set is wrapped in a plastic polybag whereas the counterfeit set is shrink wrapped
 
--- The authentic set has a thread that prevents the coffin lid from opening too far. The counterfeit set will open all the way (i.e. no thread).
 
--- The colors are much purer on the authentic set (stronger reds and blacks)
 
--- The pages in the booklet are a thinner/poor quality whereas the authentic set is a thicker glossier stock
 
--- The box corners of the set might be banged up on the counterfeit set
 
--- MPI used eco-friendly trays in the plastic amaray cases that hold each DVD disc. The MPI cases have holes in them to save on plastic where the counterfeit sets have solid black plastic backing behind each disc.
 
--- The picture quality of the actual program will be poorer. The counterfeit sets use a single layer disc compressing the quality onto one disc whereas the authentic version contains dual layered discs
 
--- The counterfeit set will have defective discs whereas the authentic set should not
 
Below is a video of the authentic set which also explains the differences between the two:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4yr9UcIChU&feature=youtu.be
 
MPI is not responsible for the purchase or quality of counterfeit sets. If you have purchased an illegal set, we recommend contacting eBay and putting a claim against the seller of the counterfeit set. We also encourage you to make your purchases through established retailers such as Amazon.com. eBay is not a recommended outlet for this item, and MPI does not sell this item via eBay.
 
Sincerely,
MPI Home Video”
 
If you have any questions, please contact MPI directly at:
 
MPI Media Group, 16191 S. 108th Ave., Orland Park, IL 60407.  1-800-323-0442. (In Illinois: 708-469-0555)   www.mpihomevideo.com
 
---- For a description and full details about the MPI authorized coffin box set, “Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series Deluxe Edition (DVD::
 
http://www.mpihomevideo.com/Store/Detail.asp?ProdID=11001

Marcy Robin
ShadowGram Editor / Publisher

[Mysterious Benefactor]

This warning sort of reminds of the very odd deal I came across back in February of 2013:

I was just reading the TV Guide Web site, and what should come up on a page but an ad for a sale at ctucenter.com on what appears to be the boxed set of the original DS - but without the coffin box - or the booklet. I know - very weird. And I can't say that the sale price is even all that good - especially when compared to the sale prices we've seen on Amazon. And actually, their whole Web site seems weird - if not downright suspicious. However, what I did notice when I went to their site is that the offer of the original series is apparently their most popular selling product - and the '91 DS is #7. Very interesting!

Check out: Dark Shadows - DVD Multi Box Set Collection

Apparently fans really need to beware when it comes to buying the DS sets from places other than through MPI directly or through reputable places like Amazon(though not necessarily their partners).

[Gerard]

I find it so difficult to think that someone can actually get away with this.  I mean, think of the expense of what they need to do for make the forgeries.  It can't be cheap.  Will they really make a profit off of it?  How many DS fans are out there who'd mistakenly pay for this stuff? 

Gerard

[Cousin_Barnabas]

Think of all the hours spent on ripping 1,225 episodes and burning them all again!  Geez...   

[michael c]

yeah the effort needed to counterfeit this particular series and boxed set seems like way more trouble than it's worth.

under the best of circumstances I don't think DS is currently a goldmine for anyone except perhaps MPI and even that's questionable.

[David]

MPI & Big Finish are both quite pleased with the $ they've made from DS, as is Lara Parker's publisher, but the franchise has definitely seen better days.

[michael c]

I don't mean the franchise is going down the drain...

just the amount of time and effort to copy and package 1225 sequential episodes for a relatively small market, most of whom already own other iterations of the series, seems like more trouble than it's worth.

this set was a highly niched product to begin with.

[Gerard]

Not only burning all those DVD's on faulty software, but doing the covers, the boxes, et. al.  Are there really enough DS fans out there who'd fall for that to make it profitable?  Maybe there are.  It's like all the spam.  Are there really enough people out there to fall for ads and stuff for everything from aluminum siding to fake viagra pills?  Maybe there are.  Anyway, I hope they get the guy (or gal) who's doing this and put them in the hooskaw.

Gerard

[michael c]

although like most other counterfeit goods these are likely produced under the most godforsaken conditions on earth...

so perhaps there is a small profit for the few at the top of the chain.