How To How to Spot A Bootleg Anime DVD

Here's How:

1. Check the packaging. While some bootleg copies are pretty hi-tech and "compressed" just like the studios do, others are ripped right on someone's computer and with just a little scrutiny, you'll notice things like pixelating on the cover art or even a DVD that actually says "DVD-R." A lot of bootlegs also use cheaper paper for the cover insert (think printer paper vs high gloss) and it's not often that you'll see one with those impossible to remove "Security" stickers all over the jacket. Likewise, if the DVD comes in a plain sleeve or other alternative packaging, you probably have a fake in your hands.
2. Check the audio. If there's no English dub, then it's probably a bootleg. There are exceptions to this, of course, such as a true import DVD from Japan, but in general, DVDs released for the North American audience are going to have an English dub. If the one you're considering is a Japanese language-only DVD with Chinese and English subtitles, chances are it's a fake. And if you're thinking "who cares," keep in mind that the translation most likely went from Japanese to Chinese to English so don't count on a high-quality sub.
3. Check the region. DVDs released for North America and Canada are Region 1. Import DVDs from Japan will be Region 2. To get past this encoding problem, many foreign bootleggers will encode as "Region Free" or "Region 0." But take note: the legitimate studios DO NOT put out "Region free" or "Region 0" DVDs. They just don't do it. If yours is region free or region 0, you're holding a fake. Period.
   
   Click here to learn more about Region Encoding for Anime DVDs.
4. Check the number of episodes. If you haven't already noticed, most legitimate anime DVDs come with anywhere from three to five episodes per DVD on average. Yes, you may find some that only have two and yes, you may find some that have six, but it's probably safe to say that you won't find a single-disc release with twelve or thirteen episodes on it. Likewise, if it's a two-disc release, the episodes are usually pretty evenly split between the two. If yours isn't or has an usually large number of episodes on one disc, your DVD is a bootleg.
5. Check the price. We all love a bargain. Especially when it comes to our anime and I'll be the first to admit that you'll sometimes luck into a really good (and legitimate) find. So while price alone shouldn't make or break your decision, it should be a flag to take a closer look. A limited edition Cowboy Bebop complete series, for example, sells for around $300 to $400, depending upon where you buy it. Find someone in a pinch and you might be able to get it for a mere $150 to $200. But if it's selling for $49.99, you need to look twice.
6. Check the seller. A DVD bought direct from Amazon is probably okay, but a DVD bought from an individual seller through the Amazon marketplace isn't guaranteed. Similarly, if you're out buying at a convention or on eBay, you need to pay a little more attention than you would if you purchased something from a known and reputable dealer.

Tips:

1. If you're still not sure, do some research. Compare the artwork and packaging to a release that you know is legit.
2. Check the release dates. Most anime DVDs are released in Japan before they hit the states, so if you're looking at a copy of something that you didn't think was out yet, you might want to double-check before you buy.
3. If you're buying at an online auction such as eBay, check the descriptions, most (but not all) legit sellers will say "this is not a bootleg." Even more important, however, is the description itself. If the seller tells you that it's "high quality audio/video," it's probably a rip.
4. Use common sense. While you can't always tell a bootleg from the real deal until after you buy, there are usually some pretty good indicators to help you weed out most of the fakes. If it's a rare edition and the seller has a large number of copies for a really cheap price, you're probably looking at a bootleg. The bottom line? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.