Utilize your DVD collection! How to enjoy classic movies with your family

Even in an age of widespread digital streaming services, DVD collections still hold special value. DVDs of classic movies, in particular, can serve as a bonding tool, passing on childhood favorites to the next generation and allowing families to share timeless memories. This article explores how to make the most of your DVD collection and enjoy classic movies with your family. It also provides detailed information on choosing a region-free DVD player, selecting classic movies that can be enjoyed across generations, and creating a viewing atmosphere at home. This guide is ideal for those seeking entertainment at home or those seeking classic movies.

1. How to choose "classic old movies" DVDs for the whole family to enjoy

When choosing classics from your DVD collection to enjoy with your family, it's a good idea to consider criteria such as "stories that resonate with people of all ages," "content that's easy for children to understand," and "works that resonate with parents' memories." Below are some recommended classic DVDs by age and genre.

1. Anime masterpieces: Dreamlike works for both children and adults

Anime can captivate the whole family with its visual appeal and heartwarming stories. Studio Ghibli, in particular, has many classics that are loved by people of all ages, and many families have them in their DVD collections.

• "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) : This film depicts harmony with nature and family bonds, and features a light-hearted story that even young children can enjoy. The scene where Totoro meets Totoro on a rainy day is reminiscent of childhood memories for many people.
• Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974) : Set in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Alps, this story tells of Heidi's pure heart saving the people around her. Showing today's children this classic film that their parents watched as children can create a common topic of conversation.
• "Doraemon: Nobita's Space Adventure" (1981) : This film depicts the adventures of Doraemon and Nobita, teaching the importance of courage and friendship. Watching the Doraemon movie version you watched as a child with your current child can help bridge the generation gap.

② Life drama masterpieces: Works that convey the warmth of family life

This life drama, which deeply depicts family relationships and human emotions, is perfect for stimulating conversation after the screening.

• "Home Alone" (1990) : A comedy drama about a boy named Kevin who gets separated from his family and fights thieves who sneak into their house. There are many humorous scenes that children can enjoy, but it also contains a message that reminds us of the importance of family.
• "Good Will Hunting" (1997) : This is the story of a young man with hidden talent who gets help from a psychologist to re-open his life. Parents can appreciate the complexities of human growth and human relationships, while older children can learn about the importance of hard work and friendships.
• Grandma's Lamp (2007) : This Japanese drama depicts the bond between a grandmother and her grandson, and is filled with the atmosphere of the Showa era. Watching it with elderly family members can be a great way to start a conversation about "life in the old days."

3. Adventure classics: films that the whole family can enjoy

Hollywood adventure movies captivate the whole family with their explosive scenes and moving stories, and series in particular make for fun family movie nights.

• The Indiana Jones series : This is the story of archaeologist Indiana Jones' adventures around the world in search of ancient treasures. The action scenes are exciting, but they also foster an interest in history, making it a fun series for parents and children alike.
• Harry Potter series : This work depicts Harry's adventures at the magical school Hogwarts, teaching the importance of friendship, courage, and justice. Children will be fascinated by the magical world, and parents will be able to experience the joys of raising children through the characters' development.

2. How to Choose a Family-Friendly DVD Player: Region-Free Feature is Key

Choosing the right DVD player is crucial for enjoying your DVD collection. A player with region-free functionality is a must-have, especially for those who enjoy family entertainment or have specific needs. Here are some tips for choosing a family-friendly DVD player:

① Region-free function: Enjoy your DVD collection from all over the world

DVDs have region restrictions called "region codes," which means that regular players cannot play DVDs from other regions. For example, DVDs sold in Japan are "Region 2," while DVDs sold in North America are "Region 1." However, by using a "region-free DVD player," you can remove these restrictions and play your DVD collection from all over the world.

Many people who are looking for antiques have rare classic DVDs purchased overseas, and with the region-free function, they can enjoy these precious collections with their families. For example, it will be possible to play the original Star Wars DVDs released in the United States and classic anime DVDs produced in Europe.

② Screen resolution and sound quality: Maximize the appeal of the masterpiece

The screen resolution and sound quality of a DVD player are also important factors when it comes to enjoying movies with your family.

• Screen Resolution : If you choose a DVD player with "1080p upscaling," it can upscale standard-resolution DVDs (480i/576i) to high-definition (1080p) for a clearer picture, even for classic movies. This is especially useful when paired with a large-screen TV or projector.
• Sound Quality : By choosing a player that supports digital sound such as Dolby Digital or DTS, you can recreate the powerful sound of movie soundtracks. By connecting to home speakers, you can enjoy an audio experience that is close to that of a theater.

③ Connectivity: Flexible integration with TVs and projectors

Family viewing environments vary, and some families use not only televisions but also projectors. For this reason, it is desirable for DVD players to be equipped with a variety of connection ports, such as HDMI and AV terminals.

• HDMI port : Transmits high-definition video and audio over a single cable, making it easy to connect to a TV or projector.
• USB port : You can also play home videos stored on a USB memory stick (recording your children's growth or travel footage), allowing the whole family to enjoy a variety of content in addition to DVDs.

④ Ease of operation: Easy to use even for the elderly and children

It's important that a DVD player that's easy to use for the whole family is easy to operate, especially for older family members. Here are some things to consider:

• Remote control button size : Choosing a remote control with large buttons and easy-to-read text will make it less likely that even elderly people or children will operate it incorrectly.
• Japanese menu display : If you choose a model that displays the menu in Japanese, it will be easier to change settings (such as adjusting the sound quality or screen settings).
• Easy play, pause, and rewind controls : Having basic controls prominently located on the remote makes it easier to use.

3. Practical use cases for region-free DVD players

Region-free DVD players can do more than just play DVDs from overseas; they can also meet the diverse needs of families. Below are some examples of how they can be used in actual households.

Example 1: Enjoying a DVD given to you by a relative living overseas with your family

If your relatives abroad give you a DVD of a popular family movie from their country (e.g., the American Christmas classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas"), it won't play on a regular DVD player. However, if you use a region-free DVD player, you can play this DVD and experience Christmas culture with your family.

Mr. O's family in Tokyo played "The Grinch" DVD, which had been sent to them by his sister who lives in the United States, on a region-free player. "It was the first time the children had seen a Christmas movie from overseas, and they were very excited. As they watched the Christmas scenes in the movie, they were able to talk about how they celebrate Christmas in America, and it was a great opportunity to learn about the culture," says Mr. O.

Example 2: Play your rare DVD collection and share your memories

Many people who are looking for antiques have rare classic DVDs that they bought overseas decades ago (for example, the original version of the French anime "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"). These DVDs cannot be played on a regular player, so they often remain on the shelves for many years.

However, with a region-free DVD player, you can play these rare collections and share "old stories" with your family. Mr. K. (60s) from Osaka enjoyed an early edition of "The Lord of the Rings" DVD, which he purchased in Europe when he was in his 20s, on a region-free player with his son and his family. "I never forgot the excitement I felt when I saw this movie in the theater back then, so I bought the DVD and kept it. I'm happy that I can now share the appeal of this masterpiece with my son and grandson, who are now in the younger generation. It was great to be able to talk about my memories of our trips back then while watching the movie," Mr. K. said with emotion.

Example 3: Multilingual subtitles for children's language learning

Many region-free DVD players are equipped with multilingual subtitle and audio functions, making them ideal for families to enjoy movies together and for children to learn languages. For example, if you play the classic American animated film "Zoomanbia" on DVD, you can set the audio to English and the subtitles to Japanese, which will keep your child engaged and help them hone their English listening skills.

The S family in Chiba is using the multilingual function of a region-free DVD player to help their fourth-grade child learn English. "My child used to hate looking at English textbooks, but he has no problem watching his favorite movies in English, and he's naturally picking up English vocabulary. For example, by listening to the lines repeatedly on the 'Shark Tale' DVD, I was able to help him memorize phrases that can be used in everyday conversation. Being able to learn while enjoying the movie keeps my child highly motivated," says S.

For middle-school-aged children, you can also turn off the subtitles and practice understanding the content of the movie using only the audio. By pausing and explaining parts they don't understand, you can further enhance the effectiveness of their language learning. In this way, a region-free DVD player can be more than just a video playback device; it can also be an educational tool that helps children learn while having fun.

4. Family DVD Classic Movies: Tips for Creating the Right Atmosphere

When enjoying classic movies from your DVD collection with your family, a little ingenuity can dramatically improve the viewing experience. Here are some tips for creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all generations.

① Create a sense of realism with costumes and accessories that match the theme of the movie

Preparing costumes and accessories to immerse yourself in the world of the movies will increase the excitement for the whole family. For example, when watching the Harry Potter series, you can recreate the atmosphere of a wizarding school by having children wear shrine maiden hats and simple magic wands, and adults prepare mugs labeled "pattern juice."

Also, when watching "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," placing a stuffed sheep in the room and European-style cookies (e.g., biscuits) on the table will create a warm atmosphere like an Alpine farm. Elderly family members often say with nostalgia, "It makes me feel like I'm watching an old movie," when they see these accessories, which helps to stimulate family conversation.

② Sound and lighting that recreates the "old days"

Adjusting the sound and lighting is also important to enhance the atmosphere of classic films. For example, when watching a Japanese film from the Showa era (e.g., Tokyo Story), you can recreate the atmosphere of the time by switching the lighting in the room to warm lamps and playing popular songs from the Showa era (e.g., songs by Hibari Misora) softly in the background.

When elderly family members hear this kind of music, they will start reminiscing, saying, "I used to listen to this song a lot when I was young," which can help to close the gap between parents, children, and grandchildren. Also, when the opening scene of a movie starts, turning off the main lights in the room to create a dark space like a movie theater can help you concentrate better.

3. Snacks and drinks connected to the world of film

To make the experience even more immersive, prepare snacks and drinks that match the setting and historical context of the film. Below are some examples of snacks that go well with classic films.

• Home Alone (American Christmas movie) : Get ready with some Christmas cake scraps, candy canes, and hot cocoa and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
• My Neighbor Totoro (Japanese summer anime) : Prepare watermelon slices, shaved ice, and barley tea to recreate the atmosphere of the countryside in summer.
• Indiana Jones (adventure film) : Prepare sandwiches, nuts, and lemon drinks to create the atmosphere of a break from the adventure.

When Mr. and Mrs. T's family in Kanagawa watched "My Neighbor Totoro," they made shaved ice at home and ate it together as a family. "The kids had a great time watching the movie while eating homemade shaved ice. My elderly mother also said, 'It reminded me of the summers when I used to eat shaved ice in the countryside,' so it was a wonderful time for the family," Mr. T said.

5. Storing and Organizing Your DVD Collection: How to Make It Last

For those who love old things, a DVD collection is a treasured memory. To enjoy it with your family for a long time, proper storage and organization are necessary. Below are some tips to help you preserve your DVD collection for a long time.

① How to choose a storage location: Avoid moisture and direct sunlight

DVDs are sensitive to moisture and direct sunlight, so keep the following points in mind when choosing a storage location:

• Avoid humidity : Avoid storing your books near the bathroom or kitchen, as these areas tend to be humid. Ideally, store them on a bookshelf in your living room or in a special storage case.
• Avoid direct sunlight : Leaving your DVD near a window for extended periods of time can cause the label to fade and the disc itself to become distorted.
• Temperature control : Do not store in high temperature locations (e.g., near air conditioner vents or heaters). It is best to store in a room temperature between 20-25°C.

② Organization method: Classify by genre or era to make searching easier

As your DVD collection grows, it can be time-consuming to find what you're looking for, so it's helpful to organize it in the following ways:

• Sort by genre : Sort by genre, such as "anime," "life drama," "adventure movies," and "foreign movies," and store them in a dedicated storage box.
• Sort by era : Sort movies by the year they were released, such as "Showa Era Movies," "Classics of the 1990s," "2000s and beyond," etc. This makes it easy to find movies from a specific era when you're looking for something old.
• Label your storage boxes with genres and eras to make them easier to find. Older family members can use the labels to help them choose movies from their favorite eras.

3. Cleaning the disc: Tips for keeping the image clear

If you've been using a DVD for a long time, dust and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface, causing the image to become distorted or the sound to cut out during playback. By cleaning the disc regularly, you can extend the life of your DVD and enjoy clear images for longer.

The cleaning method is as follows:

1. Use a soft, dry cloth : Use a special DVD cleaning cloth or a plain microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe from the center to the edge of the disc : Wipe in a straight line from the center to the edge, as wiping in a circular motion can scratch the surface of the disc.
3. Remove stubborn stains with a little water : If there are fingerprints or stubborn stains, lightly wipe them with a cloth dampened with a little tap water, then wipe off the moisture with a dry cloth.

Mr. U (in his 70s) from Aichi Prefecture keeps movie DVDs from decades ago and regularly cleans them. "I treasure these classic DVDs because they're no longer being sold again. Thanks to the constant cleaning, I can still play them with clear images and show them to my grandchildren," says Mr. U.

6. Summary: Family memories woven together through a DVD collection

Even in this digital age, DVD collections remain a special treasure that forges bonds that transcend generations. By using a region-free DVD player, you can enjoy classic movies from around the world with your family, and the multilingual functionality can help children with their language learning. By creating an atmosphere that matches the theme of the movie and knowing how to properly store your DVD collection, you can share these precious memories with your family for a long time.

For those who enjoy family entertainment, watching movies on DVD offers a sense of realism that cannot be achieved through streaming, and for those who love old times, it's an opportunity to reminisce about the good old days. So why not take out your DVD collection, play it on a region-free DVD player, and enjoy classic movies with your family, creating new memories?