I recently purchased some DVDs on ebay from the UK which, according to the packaging, were supposed to play anywhere but they did not play on my (US) Region 1 player.  The sellers were quite willing to take them back but I thought of a more satisfactory solution.  I decided to purchase a multi-region DVD player.  I feel stupid about this, but I first checked with Best Buy and American TV and Appliance as they do heavy volume in DVD players.  Though they told me that the more inexpensive models are often region friendly, I could not find one that would play the DVDs.  Then the light went on--I admit, I'm a bit slow.  I decided to try ebay (search "multiregion DVD players") and, sure enough, I found one that works.  It was inexpensive--about $60 + $20 shipping.  I now have the freedom to purchase DVDs from anywhere in the world and my choices have increased virtually immeasurably as many DVDs not available in the US--even of US made films--are available in other countries.  This may seem the obvious solution to many but I feel it will help those, like myself, who are technologically challenged and are great believers in Murphy's Law.