Purchasing Made for TV Movies

Purchasing made for TV movies has never been simpler. Whether it's a DVD, digital download, or hard-to-find VHS, the Internet helps facilitate the search and buying process. Indeed, from the comfort of your home, you can browse, comparison-shop, and buy movies with a few clicks of the mouse.

From the comfort of your home.

Most television movies now become available on DVD soon after their premiere. An example would be PBS's Masterpiece. Starting with the 2008-2009 season, these movies were available to watch online during the week of their broadcast. Airing on Sundays, the DVD version would be available to purchase the Tuesday after the final episode. Viewers could either purchase the movie from retailers like Amazon.com or directly from Shop PBS. Thus, unlike in the past, purchasing made for TV movies could be done fairly quickly after the movies air. What's more, with media stores like iTunes, you also have a choice between DVD versions or digital downloads. On iTunes for instance, you can shop a particular channel, such as HBO, A&E, MTV, or Lifetime Movie Network.

E-commerce websites like Amazon.com or Wal-Mart will likely carry the titles you're looking for. In fact, Wal-Mart is such a force within the DVD market that it often sets the price for everyone else. Make this website one of your first stops. Also, visit Target, Best Buy, and discount retailers like DeepDiscount.com or Overstock.com, the latter which offers a "best price match" guarantee.

As for older titles, the search may be a bit more difficult. However, with the Internet as your investigative tool, you should be able to get a lead on how to best acquire your movie or at least determine if the title is available. Keep in mind that some older made-for-television movies were never converted to DVD and thus, VHS versions will be your best bet.

Begin by searching for the title with quote marks. A search engine like Google will always bring up the most relevant results and from there, you can refine your search with parameters, such as "buy," "DVD," "VHS," or "sell." Also, try eBay, Amazon.com (shops), and Half.com – these sites in particular deal with older titles. On eBay especially, the chances are good you'll find a seller offering the very title you seek.

Given the convenience of online shopping, don not hesitate to comparison-shop. As noted above, some sites like Overstock.com, will guarantee their prices against the competition. You can also do this research on your own.

Take HBO Films for instance. The movie Taking Chance is available on iTunes for $14.99, but at the HBO store, you can get it for $19.97 and at Amazon.com, for $13.99. Consider that with iTunes, you won't be paying for shipping and it seems a good buy. Yet bear in mind that as a digital download, your viewing options will be limited.

PBS and Oliver Twist. This 2007 film became available immediately after its U.S. broadcast, but from Shop PBS, the price was $5 more than at Amazon.com: $14.99 vs. $19.98. While Amazon.com seems the better deal, Shop PBS also offers a special where you can get the book for only $2 more. For those who want the companion volume, Shop PBS is the clear winner.

As you can see, it really depends on the buyer. However, that is the point. Buying power rests with the consumer. You should take advantage of the tools at your disposal. While purchasing made for TV movies has definitely gotten easier, you still should do the research (or mouse work) to ensure you get the very best price. Good luck!

In addition to Google, the following websites will be a good start for any DVD search. For older titles, also try local used booksellers or any store specializing in "vintage" movies. They may have a section for you.

• A&E: Shop by subject, search by movie name, or consider the recommended picks.
• Amazon.com: Browse its "made for TV" section or search by title under "DVD."
• Best Buy: Start with the TV on DVD section.
• DeepDiscount.com: Prices its movies to be competitive with Amazon.com.
• eBay.com: You can even search by format, i.e. DVD, VHS, or Laserdisc.
• HBO: Check the "Inside the HBO Shop" blog for special offers, savings alerts, and new releases.
• iTunes: Offers immediate download, no shipping charges, and portability.
• Overstock.com: Merchandise is surplus, so expect better prices.
• Shop PBS: As PBS says, "Feel the Drama" at the official store.
• Wal-Mart: A comprehensive selection of movies, always with the latest releases.

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