Acquiring Legal Digital Download of Film Available only on DVD?

[splitpea]

So, there's a film I very badly want to watch (part of research for a project). I've scoured the internet for a way to buy a legal digital download, and it appears not to be available anywhere.

Spending $20 for a DVD would be fine, but I don't have a DVD player and am not going to spend $$ and clutter up my home with yet another gadget just to watch one film. And research has unearthed no indication that this is one of those recordings that comes with a code for a free digital download.

Is there any service out there that will convert commercial DVDs (as opposed to home movies) into digital files? Has anyone else had this problem? How did you get around it?

 

[zone23]

I just rip the movie myself with handbrake. I have a external DVD player and a older PC that I installed Ubuntu on with handbrake of course. I believe you can rip dvds for your own private use.

 

[logicstudiouser]

I agree with the poster above, if it is for private use only, just buy a DVD and rip with handbrake. You have a right to make a digital backup of your media purchase. It only crosses a line when you start illegally distributing, copying or using for public use without permission.
If part of your project is showing the film, contact the film's distributor for assistance, I am sure they will be glad to help and will appreciate you asking.
Another option, send Apple feedback. There is an iTunes Store request form.
Check here: http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunes.html

 

[splitpea]

I just rip the movie myself with handbrake. I have a external DVD player and a older PC that I installed Ubuntu on with handbrake of course. I believe you can rip dvds for your own private use.

That requires actually having a DVD player, though, yes?

 

[zone23]

That requires actually having a DVD player, though, yes?

Well yes but Best Buy has a 15 day return policy.

 

[Longkeg]

"DVD player" implies a set top box. That's not what you need to rip a DVD. Any computer/laptop with an optical (DVD) drive should suffice. Be warned though: if the DVD is copy protected Handbrake may need some additional files downloaded and installed. You'll need fo do a little research.

 

[splitpea]

"DVD player" implies a set top box. That's not what you need to rip a DVD. Any computer/laptop with an optical (DVD) drive should suffice. Be warned though: if the DVD is copy protected Handbrake may need some additional files downloaded and installed. You'll need fo do a little research.

As a Mac laptop user, it's been 5 years since I had a computer with an optical drive. That can't be particularly uncommon on these forums, can it?

 

[BrianBaughn]

A service that will rip a DVD for you? Not in the Yellow Pages.

You could post a request on Craigslist and hope that "ripping my DVD" isn't a euphemism for something nasty.

 

[Rigby]

As a Mac laptop user, it's been 5 years since I had a computer with an optical drive. That can't be particularly uncommon on these forums, can it?

Borrow or buy an external USB DVD drive. If you don't know anyone who has one, you can find some models on Amazon for less than $20.

 

[Timothy Leo Crowley]

I hear rumors that there are sites that have something called torrent files and you can just download any movie you want. I'm not sure if this is true. But if you bought the DVD and downloaded the movie, I don't think there would be an ethical issue.

 

[Beerstalker]

Telling us the actual name of the film would probably be a big help. It may be available to stream from one of the many providers.

As far as the DVD goes, have you checked your local library to see if they have it or if they could get it for you. You may be able to get the DVD for free. Then put the money you saved by getting it for free toward buying an external drive so you can RIP the movie if you feel like you need to keep a copy for reference.

Be aware, if the disc has copy protection on it, which most do, it is technically illegal to RIP the movie. Even if it is just for personal use (thank the DMCA).

 

[ActionableMango]

Is there any service out there that will convert commercial DVDs (as opposed to home movies) into digital files?

I assume you are in the USA. The DMCA would make any such service illegal, so I don't see who would provide it.

Anyway, you must have some friend or family member with a DVD drive in their computer. Just bring the DVD and a thumb drive and do it there.

 

[sorcery]

I hear rumors that there are sites that have something called torrent files and you can just download any movie you want. I'm not sure if this is true. But if you bought the DVD and downloaded the movie, I don't think there would be an ethical issue.

This. Definitely the easiest way.
[doublepost=1489983951][/doublepost]

So, there's a film I very badly

Which film?

 

[2010mini]

What is the name of the movie? Chances are it is already available on streaming sites. You can use www.fan.tv to see where it is available.