Cheap or Free DVDs

No matter how many DVDs you watch in a month, Netflix is a cheap way to watch your favorite cartoons.

• Pros: You can choose from plans that limit the number of DVDs you can rent in a month, or opt for unlimited plans. Even the most expensive plan, though, is far less than, say, one whole season of South Park or The Simpsons on DVD. No matter which plan you choose, you save money on DVDs.
• Cons: If you're signed up for a limited plan, your allotted DVDs might be used up too quickly.

DVDs don't get much cheaper than free, and your local library may have what you're looking for.

• Pros: It's free! Plus, while you're at the library, you'll discover more about your area, other programs available, what's new in books and other great information.
• Cons: The library may not have the DVD you want. Most libraries have a sharing system with other libraries, but even then, you may have to wait for your DVD to become available. However, if you can't find specifically what you're looking for, ask a librarian to help you. I'm sure he or she can give you some ideas of what to watch. You may discover a love for classic or foreign cartoons you would have bypassed before.

Rather than shelling out for every TV cartoon on DVD that's released, you could share the cost with friends or family. A viewing club could work many ways.

First, gather other fans from your group of friends, family or neighborhood. Then, decide how the DVDs will be viewed. Will you view them as a group? Over weekly sessions? Or, you could rotate DVDs through the members of the club, with each person passing the DVD along to the next member once they're finished.

Then, the group should decide how the DVDs will be purchased or rented. Will each member chip in for every DVD? Will members take turns paying for the DVDs?

• Pros: Save money and bond with other members.
• Cons: You play the waiting game.

Very frequently DVDs become bargain bin goods when their hype has worn off. If you're patient, you could pick up a new DVD at a cheap price. Watch your local retailers, like Target or Wal-mart, for when they move the DVDs to the cheaper section of the store. Sign up for newsletters to your favorite web sites, like Amazon, to be alerted about sales or discounts.

• Pros: Saving money on new DVDs.
• Cons: Waiting, and spending time watching for sales.

Most networks offer full episodes of your favorite cartoons streamed online. Even if the full episode isn't available, you may be able to watch several clips from each episode.

• Pros: Shows you want, on demand.
• Cons: It's not always comfy to watch shows on your laptop or PC. Plus, you have to watch those very repetitive commercials during the show.

There's nothing new about the idea of buying used DVDs. But thanks to the Internet, there are even more outlets for finding cheap DVDs to buy. Browse huge sites, like buy.com or half.com, to find a variety of prices and shipping options on many of your favorite cartoons on DVD. Don't forget to stop by local rental stores, like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. These stores frequently sell used DVDs at great prices, once the DVD has lived on their shelves for a while.

• Pros: Save money and keep used DVDs from landfills.
• Cons: Yet again, waiting for the DVD to become used and less than recently released.

If you haven't discovered a Freecycle group, you don't know what you're missing. Freecycle is a non-profit, volunteer group that hooks up people who want stuff with people who want to get rid of stuff. You can get everything from DVDs to furniture to appliances. The catch is that everyone else in your area wants them, too. However, if you're vigilant and lucky, you could end up with free DVDs to add to your collection. Or, conversely, making room in your own collection by giving away what you don't need.

• Pros: DVDs for free and reducing your carbon footprint.
• Cons: Like other bargain hunting methods, you have to be patient and vigilant.