About Me

🧰 Who I Am

Hi there and welcome to my blog.

I’m David, based in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. I’ve been collecting movies on DVD and Blu-ray for many years, and over time I’ve built up a pretty deep knowledge of films, formats, editions, and all the quirks that come with being a collector. From classic cinema to cult favourites, from steelbooks to box sets, I’ve bought, watched, and traded more discs than I can count.

I’ve always loved movies for the escape they offer, but collecting them has become just as rewarding as watching them. Along the way, I’ve picked up more than a fair share of expertise about releases, reviews, retailers, and the joys (and frustrations) of being a physical media fan.

This blog is where I share that experience, along with thoughts, reviews, and observations on the movie world.

Here I am, I'm notoriously camera shy and it took an awful lot of effort to be in frame here. The bowls in the picture sold overnight after I put this and another image out on a FB page. The larger one went to California and the other to Cork.

I'm immensely proud of being able to create pieces like these and even prouder when they find new homes with delighted new owners, whether it’s down the road or across the world. That photo marks more than just two gorgeous Ash bowls; it captures a moment where craft, confidence, and connection all came together. It’s also comforting to know that those bowls will likely outlive me by a long margin; still useful, still beautiful, long after I’m gone.

Here’s a little more about how this blog happened, what you’ll find here… and how it eventually led me to start sharing a few more of my passions elsewhere too.

🕊️ And Now There’s More!

My second blog, David Condon Finds, was originally created to share all the everyday discoveries, product reviews, and personal posts that didn’t quite fit under my main Woodcraft site Blog.

But lately, my head’s been overflowing with movie talk, everything from Blu-ray releases and classic cinema to forgotten gems and collector’s editions. So I decided to revive this older pre-existing blog and give it a brand-new purpose.

It felt fitting to leave the name Phoenix DVD Blog, because just like a phoenix, it’s risen from the ashes with a new identity. this time dedicated entirely to films, cinema, and the joy of collecting physical media.

💡 How I Come Up with My Post Ideas

Ideas come from the shelves in front of me, the films I’m watching, and the rabbit holes I fall into online while hunting for new releases. Sometimes it’s sparked by a bargain I spot, sometimes by a ridiculous review that makes me roll my eyes, and sometimes by rediscovering a movie I’d forgotten I owned.

Like collecting itself, the more I dig, the more I find. And the more I write, the more I realise just how much there is to share about this hobby.

I’m not claiming to be the world’s greatest critic, but I am a collector who knows his stuff — and if my posts help another fan or collector out there, that’s reason enough to keep writing. You can find all my posts all together in my All Blogs Page if you'd like an overview of my topics.

🔥 My Business Logo – Why the Phoenix?

The Phoenix has been my symbol for a long time. Back in the day, my first attempt at a side project was Phoenix DVD, where I planned to buy and sell new and second-hand movies online. That venture never fully took off — streaming was already starting to change the landscape and Blu Ray had just won over their rivals — but the Phoenix name stuck with me.

When I revived this blog, it felt right to bring the Phoenix back. It represents rebirth and renewal, which fits perfectly for a blog that originally sat idle for years and has now risen again as a space to share my love of movies, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

The Phoenix is also a reminder that collecting never really dies. Physical media might not dominate like it once did, but collectors know the value in holding a film in your hands, owning it, and keeping it for the long haul. Just like the Phoenix, discs live on.

My friend Mark designed the original Phoenix logo years ago, and my son Kyle later created the updated version I now use as a favicon. If you look up at your browser tab, you’ll see it — a small but proud flame keeping the Phoenix spirit alive.arting over is worth it, and that every piece of wood deserves a second chance, just like people do.

phoenix bird in Irish colours as the logo of David Condon Woodcraft

They look great, don't they?

🧪 Why I Started This Blog

For years I was researching film releases, comparing different editions, checking which retailers had the best deals, and looking up fixes for playback or storage issues. At some point it hit me — if I’m already putting in all this time, why not share what I’ve learned?

I started writing to keep track of my own notes and gradually realised others might be searching for the same information. Whether it’s finding out if a Blu-ray transfer is worth the upgrade, spotting the difference between region codes, or calling out the nonsense in user reviews, I wanted a place to set things straight from a collector’s point of view.

🔍 Why Phoenix DVD Blog?

The name goes back years. I set this blog up a long time ago back in 2012, let it sit idle for a while, and now I’ve revived it — much like the phoenix rising again. It’s a space dedicated to DVDs, Blu-rays, and the wider world of movies from a collector’s angle.

🛒 Why I Became an Amazon Affiliate

I only recommend films, box sets, or accessories that I’ve owned, watched, or seriously considered adding to my collection. No hype, no junk — just honest thoughts from someone who lives and breathes physical media.

If you buy through one of my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s not about getting rich; it just helps cover the costs of keeping the blog alive.

🧭 What You'll Find Here

Expect a mix of:

● Honest DVD and Blu-ray reviews from a collector’s eye

● Comparisons of different editions and box sets

● Thoughts on movie culture, retailers, and reviews

● Occasional opinion pieces on the state of physical media

● Links to films I recommend or have for sale myself

If it’s something I’ve watched, collected, or learned the hard way, you’ll probably see it here.

🤝 Supporting the Blog

If you enjoy the blog content or just would like to support an artisan, you can support me through the Buy Me a Coffee buttons anywhere in my Blog. You’ll find the buttons on the side of the main page or at the bottom of each post. No pressure, I swear.

Once again, you can visit my main website David Condon Woodcraft and have a browse around if you'd like or visit my other blog site David Condon Finds where I explore a wide variety of topics including some great and useful items for the home and to make your life easier.