Serial Experiments Lain - New Sealed Original Release DVD 1

[mobiusclimber]

I bought two copies of this at a thrift store. The original version doesn't have a red stripe across the top saying 'Signature Series" and it comes with a sticker sheet. Does anyone know if this is more valuable than the re-release, if anyone collects this or cares about it at all, etc?

[cyberfluxor]

Anime sales have been in the toilet for the last number of years and continue to get flushed down. Local resale shops no longer take VHS and barely want DVD. The prices are so low you can scoop up some series for dirt cheap these days. However, Serial Experiments Lain is one of the handful of series that holds value. Unfortunately the first DVD is super common while the rest I never stumble across (except at a friends house who bought it back when it came out). I find volume 1 for $5 all day and would be surprised if it fetched upwards of $20 or so. I took at look on Amazon and they have what appear to be reputable sellers with sealed DVDs asking $5 + $3 shipping. I also noticed there was a Blu-ray release and they're asking crazy money. Many series are available through streaming sites or the publishers via free or "premium membership" so that has helped push prices down further at retail stores. I was shocked a few years back when I stumbled across an Anime DVD at Best Buy with a label on the back telling customers not to purchase and instead check out Funimation's Website to watch instead.

[pseudonym]

DVDs are probably worth $10 to $15 each since the individual DVDs don't sell for more than $5 to $10 each. Best to sell these DVDs now because there is a US Blu Ray set on the way that's going to drive down the price even further.

[mobiusclimber]

I realize all this, guys but I'm specifically referring to a version that is out of print. The reprint of the series has a red line across the top part of the artwork and states it's part of a "Signature Series." There is no sticker sheet included. I was wondering if anyone cares (in the same way that people would rather have black label games over "Greatest hits," particularly as this includes something not found in the re-release). I'm guess the answer is probably no, but I don't see any of the original release for sale anywhere, so thought I'd ask.

[Gameguy]

I realize all this, guys but I'm specifically referring to a version that is out of print.
Is the transfer somehow any better than the other releases? This early set seems to sell for around $25-$30 used, new they should be worth around $40 as a set.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300721663801

There was a limited edition box set but even that isn't worth all that much. I've seen the show and I didn't think that much of it, $40 for 4 DVDs is pretty good considering most anime DVDs are barely worth $3-$5 if you can find someone who wants it.

[Sailorneorune]

It may be worth something to someone wanting to fill their original Pioneer Lain box. However, I can't be sure - Lain got an overhaul for its Blu-Ray release in Japan a year or so ago, and Funimation is releasing a remastered BD/DVD combo set in the fall.

[mobiusclimber]

Thanks for the info, guys! I'll probably toss one copy up on Ebay and see what happens. I'm debating keeping the other copy. Shame I always seem to find the first dvd only since I really want all the sticker sets, lol.