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Fare well movie collection: how I got rid of my DVDs and Blu-rays

7.6.2025

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

I poured a lot of heart and soul, passion and, yes, money into my movie collection. For years, I proudly had them on display in the living room. As time has passed, however, the films and my passion for collecting have gathered a lot of dust. Now I’m ready to let go.

200 francs. That’s all I got for my DVD and Blu-ray collection in the end. Besides, it’s already been spent on a week’s worth of food shopping. But you know what they say,easy come, easy go.

How it all began

I’ve always been a collector. In my childhood and early teenage years, stamps were the classic objects of my desire. These were later replaced by NBA trading cards, among other things. Be it pins or stickers, there was always something to collect, but, unlike my mother, I drew the line at the «Kafirahmdeckeli» fad that had people in Switzerland collecting the lids of those little cream containers you get when you order a coffee in a restaurant.

At some point, however, my love of movies was fully kindled. This also had an effect on my favourite collectibles, which I was to remain loyal to the longest. It all started with asking for films as a gift or buying them myself at every opportunity. Which was, of course, on VHS. After all, video cassettes were the most widely used medium for movie nights at home until well into the 1990s.

This is what they looked like, those legendary video cassettes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons / LoMit

Towards the end of the 20th century, I had my first small but solid film collection: around 250 original VHS. No comment on any pirated copies I may or may not have had. Everything changed with the dawn of the DVD. That little silver disc toppled that tower of black tapes as fast as quickly as the CD had done with music cassettes. And so, I became a collector of movies on DVD. What became of my VHS collection, I hear you ask? It ended up in the cellar where I completely forgot about it. Years later, I remorsefully got rid of all of them.

Gimme, gimme, gimme!

I wasn’t picky about the DVDs at the start. All I wanted was to have as many as possible. Later, my taste began to be more specialised, and I went through various phases. There was a time when I was fully devoted to the horror genre and bought frightening flicks only. Another phase involved months of scouring the internet to get my hands on uncut versions with the original soundtrack of Asian films like Ichi the Killer or Audition. Mediabooks and collector’s boxes were always high on my collector’s list. Basically, anything that was exclusive, limited and financially feasible.

Eye- and dust-catcher in the living room

Eventually, my collection spanned 841 films on 674 DVDs and 167 Blu-rays. Admittedly, it probably wasn’t the biggest collection out there, but it was to me. It was also enough to get astonished looks from visitors. What’s more, there would’ve been about 100 more films if I hadn’t accidentally disposed of that one removal box. Shame on me!

Speaking of moving: when my wife and I moved in together ten years ago, it was obvious that my film collection would be part of the interior design. Six months and almost a dozen DVD shelves later, the time had finally come: my pride and joy was adorning our living room wall.

You’ve got to admit, it’s quite the sight to behold.

But it wasn’t long until my pride and joy started to gather dust – both literally and figuratively. Streaming services were ramping up their selection and becoming increasingly available, while physical movie carriers were losing importance. Reaching for the film shelf was becoming quite rare and other things in life more important. My once blazing fire for collecting films had dwindled into a flickering flame – before going out completely. What remained was an impressive, dusty eye-catcher.

The top shelves had plenty of space for bits and bobs such as chargers or cables.

All good things come to an end

«Try picturing the living room without the movies,» my wife said about six months ago. Very gently, with zero pressure. What can I say, she knows how to nudge me towards change. It’s not something I enjoy. And sure enough, she successfully planted a little seed in my head. Although reluctant at first, I gradually warm to the idea. Until I make the decision – practically of my own accord – to part with my movie collection.

But how do I get rid of 841 films? Should I just dispose of them like I did the VHS collection back in the day? Out of the question! Sell them individually at flea markets? Nope, too much effort. While I was looking for a good solution, I came across a store whose owner Simon Freiermuth still buys complete collections. He tells me he can’t give me much for the films, because demand has dropped significantly in recent years due to streaming services.

This comes as no surprise and I’m already aware that I won’t be getting nearly as much for my collection as it’s actually worth to me. Looking at Simon’s purchase prices (around 10 cents per DVD and 50 cents per Blu-ray), I’m expecting about 150 francs. I can live with that.Especially because I’ll be getting rid of the entire collection I already mentally parted with a while ago.

Everything must go. Well, almost everything.

And so my wife and I start the decluttering process. The rubbish collection takes care of the empty shelves, the films are put into moving boxes. Seven in total. I’m ruthless with the collection and myself, but draw the line at Ultimate collector’s edition of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, which I’ll keep forever and ever. I mean it!

A quarter of a century’s worth of films packed into boxes in one single morning.

Finally, the time has come: the following day, I load the boxes into the car and make my way to Simon Freiermuth’s store in Olten.

First the films are crammed into the boot of the car for transport,...

...only to be expertly scrutinised by Simon two hours later.

Farewell

When I arrive, I’m almost struck dumb. But in a good way. Simon runs a true nerd’s paradise: his shop is full to the brim with films, games, merch and trading cards of all kinds. While he’s busy scanning my movies, I wander through the aisles, admiring everything in constant amazement.

When you can’t see the till for the stuff.

How on earth do you fit so much stuff into such a small space, I wonder. He tells me that he used to deal almost exclusively in films. As the demand fell, he started to expand his range. Today, he mainly sells games and merchandise articles such as Funko Pop figures. His shop is a kind of second living room to him. The nerd den he used to have has since been turned into kids’ room, says the father of two, who used to be a passionate movie collector himself. He adds that, today, everything that’s not been sold yet feels like it’s his collection.

Which collectible figure would you like?

A few years ago, there would’ve been no stopping my inner geek. There’s no doubt, I would’ve gone into a shopping frenzy at Simons’ shop. Sure, the temptation’s still there («Go on, just one cuddly toy for your daughter»), but I resist. I’m here to rid myself of clutter, not to get new stuff.

Simon also has to shed the load regularly. He estimates that he gives about half of all movie purchases to flea market dealers for free. He’s most likely to do business with sought-after copies, films that have long ceased to be published, collector’s editions, mediabooks and special steelbooks.

I wonder if he’s come across the odd gem in my collection. After a 30-minute inspection, Simon isn’t yet in a position to make a statement. He’ll be carrying out a more detailed check after closing time. After all, there’s a shop to run and he’s also busy advising and serving walk-in customers who are in and out while I’m there. Nevertheless, he picks up on the fact that my collection doesn’t just consist of run-of-the-mill flicks, but also includes some special pieces. In the end, he offers me 200 francs for it, which is more than I expected. I seal the deal without thinking twice.

A few minutes later, I leave Simon’s shop. I feel a bit nostalgic, but also relieved and free. What’s more, I know my movies are in good hands with a collecting brother in spirit like Simon.

In any case, my career as a hunter-gatherer is over for the time being. Honestly, I wouldn’t even know what to collect at the moment. Except for loyalty points at my local supermarket.

What do you collect? Is there anything you let go with a heavy heart? Let us know in the comments!

Header image: Patrick Vogt

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Patrick Vogt

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Patrick.Vogt@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm a full-blooded dad and husband, part-time nerd and chicken farmer, cat tamer and animal lover. I would like to know everything and yet I know nothing. I know even less, but I learn something new every day. What I am good at is dealing with words, spoken and written. And I get to prove that here.

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