Web Surfing
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 25, 2001 9:00 p.m.
 DVD Demystified
Calling itself the “home of the DVD FAQ” is quite an
appropriate name for this Web site. It has pages and pages of
responses and advice to simple questions like what a DVD is, to
harder questions regarding the DVD’s compatibility with other
technology. The site also covers the costs, speeds, hidden
features, and even has a section listing DVD disadvantages. The
coverage is so extensive that there is also a section that caters
to individuals seeking advice on how to get jobs making DVDs.
Apparently there are many DVD-making courses available along with
DVD “boot camps.” Since there are a ton of frequently
and not-so-frequently asked questions featured on the Web site,
viewers may struggle to find the exact question they have. However,
it is comforting to know that they will eventually find it among
the various lists and links. DVD Demystified actually acknowledges
its vastness and conveniently offers a link to a “simpler
version.” DVD-illiterates will be thankful for this site and
get all of their questions answered.
Sophia Whang
 DVD Express www.dvdexpress.com
Taking the DVD express during the holiday season just may be the
quickest route to present buying success. This DVD shopping Web
site offers new releases, the top ten DVD sellers, shopping
shortcuts and bargains to make life a little simpler for its
customers. DVD lovers will have more than films to choose from, but
also games for GameCube, Xbox, and PS2, DVD music, and DVD
players/accessories. Although the shipping of DVDs from Web sites
do take time, there are unique “deals of the day” and
discounts that this site offers that make up for lost time. One the
newest releases, Shrek, is offered at a price $7 below its retail
price. The site also includes customers’ reviews of the DVD
and the disc’s details, such as its features. For the more
devoted viewers of this express, there is also a newsletter
available to them previewing upcoming releases and offering
additional bargains and special giveaways. The site is well
organized in the various DVD selections it offers, also providing a
convenient method for patrons to choose DVDs in an informed
manner.
Sophia Whang
 DVD Review www.dvdreview.com
The sprawling DVD Review Web site has everything you could ever
want to know about DVD releases. With 24 options on the menu, be
assured that whether visitors need to hear the truth about
“DVD Myths” or know the meaning of DVD
“Lingo,” there are sections devoted to each. The
question arises, though, “Who really needs this much
information?” For the average visitor to the site, the
“Coming Releases” and “Reviews” sections
are probably the most useful. Others, like “Stock
Watch,” are far less relevant. The site is well organized and
direct, looking professional without having a lot of flashy
graphics. In an apparent attempt to make the site more than just
pure information, a few extras like interviews and features are
included, although these tend to have a DVD release slant. Even
with these efforts, though, many areas of the site feel
unnecessary, like “Menu Gallery,” which shows screen
shots of the menus at the front of a variety of DVDs. This
isn’t the kind of site where people can lose hours by
exploring the various options on the menu. Nevertheless, it does
contain easily accessible information.
Mary Williams
