Film Glossary

Multi-region DVDs can be played on any DVD player, regardless of region code. DVD region codes divide the world up into 6 main regions; with the exception of multi-region DVDs, discs from one region won't work on a DVD player from another region.

DVD region codes were introduced to allow studios to control the timing and release of DVDs in different parts of the world. For example, a DVD might be available in the USA before the film has been released theatrically in the UK; DVD region codes prevent a UK consumer from buying the film on import. To take another example, a studio might release a DVD at a cheaper price in one country; DVD region codes prevent these lower priced DVDs from being imported to other countries where domestic DVD prices are more expensive.

The UK is covered by Region 2, which includes Japan, Europe and the Middle East. This means that European or Japanese imports will play fine on most UK DVD players. However, DVDs from the USA - including the superb Criterion Collection - are Region 1, so they will only play on American or Canadian DVD players.

Multi-region DVDs, also known as Region 0, will work on any DVD player, though the selection of titles is limited. Multi-region DVDs are often world cinema, indie or documentary titles, or films that are now out of copyright.

Multi-region DVD players allow you to bypass the region system entirely, and enjoy titles from around the world. The only potential limitation is that different countries have different TV standards: in the UK, we use a standard called PAL, whilst the USA uses a standard called NTSC. Older British TV sets might not be able to display the NTSC signal output by an American DVD, but most sets bought in the last 10 years should be able to switch between the two with no problem.