(sorry if this is a duplicate, I'm a newbie to posting - sumimasen )

I'm so glad people on this site really care about buying authentic material! I was so sad about seeing SO much crooked material on ebay but this site makes me feel a tinge better. You guys are awesome!

don't support crooks and please report them, its confidential!

Fortunately I've also found this site on Nausicaa.net. It's really helpful for identifying bootlegs, finding the little hints that let you know that it wasn't made authentically, and also helpful - it seems they list release dates as soon as they know. (i.e. so you know Howl is DEFINETLY not out in DVD yet, in any part of the world).

Here's and example of things they wrote. Plus a link:

Do you know...
If the DVD box-sets on auction sites are bootlegs?

Our reply:
Yes, the "6 disc," "10 disc" or "13 disc" DVD box-sets are all bootlegs (as are most of the single movies). Please visit this page for information about "Anime Cartoon International" and other piraters.
Rule of Thumb: If you can't find the item at a reputable store it's probably a bootleg.

The packaging quality is remarkably good, but that's because the pirates are more sophisticated then in the past. Team Ghiblink strongly recommends that you bypass these bootlegged products. All Studio Ghibli films will be officially released on DVD by the end of 2003, please visit the Video Release page for details. The main video page is a good starting point for video searches.

http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/feedback/faq.html

__________________
Omoide no oku ni
yuragu hohoemi wa
toki no hajime kara no
sekai no yakusoku. - Promise of the World

-- Why did Chihiro have to let go of Haku's hand? Why Chihiro do you make me cry buckets of tears?... sob--

Please report pirated Ghibli/Disney products: tips@disneyantipiracy.com or the confidential Antipiracy voice mail hotline, 818-560-3300.
Please protect Mr. Miyazaki's works.

My Howl's MC viewing addiction - final theatre count: 11 showings