With the national economic problem at hand, sales are generally in a decline for a lot of sellers out there. However, from time to time there is the shining gem that seems to stand out from disctinction. At the height of its "rareness", Criterion's first printing of Salo might go from anywhere between 500 and 800 bucks for an authentic factory sealed copy. Since it's re-release, sealed copies are slightly above the $100.00 mark.

Since high definition DVDs have come out, some titles barely escape warehouse and some barely after being printed. While some copies of Bee Movie on HD-DVD were sold on eBay for around $200.00, copies are not known to exist and they were likely profiteers falsifying the ad for quick cash. Blades of Steel, a Paramount release, who at the time was exclusive to HD-DVD have a short run on Blu-ray. These sold anywhere from 1-200 bucks each. Sadly, since Paramount is back making Blu-ray, along with Blades of Steel, and so that title is now overpriced.

Last week, an eBay auction for Taking Lives on HD-DVD sold at the incredible price for $511.00. The auction claims there are only 20 in existence. I do not know the amount that were made, but whatever the number, it is incredibly small. This was released by Warner Brothers, who probably did not intend upon its release once they decided to side with Blu-ray. However, a few did get out. The HD-DVD owner are ardent fans who are hoping to keep the format alive, even in its aftermath and will pay to have their collection complete. Also the rare DVD lover is apt to pine for one of these rarities. The other reason this title fetches so high is that it has not been available on Blu-ray. Why Warner has not released this yet is a wonder, but it certainly heightens the excitement.

This DVD is definitely one of the highest priced successful sales on eBay for a single DVD. It is not the most expensive one ever, but as of now, it stands as one of the highest, single DVD from a major studio. If you are currently interesting in having one for your collection, there is one active now here.