Animation Source Forums

Okay, months ago, I rediscovered Balto. Weeks later, I excitedly ordered the VHS from Amazon. The DVD is, as you know, a shoddy release. Problem is, when the VHS arrived, it was just a VHS version of the DVD release. Bleh.

So here's my question: which of these is the 1996 release?
http://www.amazon.com/s/104-1529043-906 ... %5Fcode=qs

Here's what's confusing:
-The 1996 release was in a cardboard sleeve, right? It's listed as being clam (clamshell case) on there.
-The 2002 release isn't listed as either.
-Amazon has the same boxart next to them.

Please help! I'd like to truly re-experience Balto. That is, watch it the same way I did 10 years ago! Same previews in the beginning, same digitally un-mastered audio and video, etc.

Too bad, but that was expected, you can't find new VHS units of the first released version, that was more than 10 years ago.

Honestly, I think you should get the non-US DVD release instead. All the US versions of the film are pan & scan (4/3) which doesn't respect the original ratio format of the film. And that version has a little documentary on it. I would also think the quality is about the same, if not better. (besides, VHS are really becoming outdated nowadays, especially if you own or will own a high definition TV set...)
The only problem is to have a region-free player; but if you don't have one, you can still try to find a brazilian version of the film (sometimes you can find it on Ebay)

I don't care if it's new. I just want a 1996 tape with the cover in acceptable condition.

I often see it on eBay, so you could try there. Most are used. I've found several, like this one from Australia. Or if you want a US version, there's this one. However, it is in a three-lot with Babe and The Land Before Time V, although, since you're so desperate, I'm sure you won't mind.
There's lots of others too, so have a little explore.

No, I'd like to buy it on it's own. I'm not going to bid either.

Try neighborhood garage sales and thrift stores. Garage sales would be your best bet, given that parents like to sell their VHS and DVD collection of old movies when their kids move out.

I'd still hit a few thrift stores though, you will be surprised at the stuff you can find. Thrift stores are much better than eBay in the sense that donation processing doesn't know the value of half stuff they mark up. So, you can find really great stuff for cheap!

I have yet to find Balto merchandise, but I'm still looking.

Flea Markets might have the 1996 VHS version.

I have the first release of the Balto VHS somewhere. Had it when I was five, and been a fan ever since. Some years ago, I packed the VHS into an airtight seal, and stored it away so I would have it forever... Now I've lost it, *****!

But you can't get the first release nowadays, not even on Amazon...

Have you seen the movie in thrift stores? I've hit thrift stores and pawn shops to get video games (looking for Balto on the side), and I've never seen it. Goodwill would be my best bet, wouldn't it? Places like those are hotspots for kid's movies.

They sold a couple copies of the original at my local library- since nobody rents out the VHS's much anymore, they've been selling them to make a little extra cash. I should have picked it up when I saw it (mine has an ugly line running through the middle of the screen due to some cheap new VCR), but I didn't.

I looked through Amazon, but the results were so overwhelming and I don't have time to sort through everything.

Not yet. I've also been looking for Balto merchandise. (I go to thrift stores mainly to pick up home theater equipment.) I haven't had any luck as of yet.

You have to be in the right place at the right time. Thrift stores, including Goodwill, go through children's items fast. It's good to scan through stores whenever most convenient for you. People do get very lucky at thrift stores. A lot of the stuff you'll find on eBay was bought at a thrift store somewhere.

Happy treasure hunting!

Ebay is your best bet.

You do realize how much $$$ the original release of Balto is worth? Collectors pays hundreds of dollars for it. I doubt it's even possible to get one anymore.