"Oh No! My movie won't play anymore." Keep these words out of your vocabulary. Safe keeping of DVDs is a matter of storage and handling.

DVDs and other media do not like fingerprints. They can cause your movies to act as though they are damaged even when they are not. Please try to hold only the edges when handling. To release the disc from the case is usually a matter of pushing down the center catch with your index finger.

The thumb and other fingers can be used to gently pull upward using the edges of the disc. A micro-fiber cloth is great for cleaning. These are available at most AV shops.

Next to handling is storage. There is no better way to keep your movies pristine than by using the proper storage options.

• The most inexpensive storage solution would be a simple CD sleeve or envelope. One has a flap to secure the DVD inside and the other does not. Paper with a window will suffice. Fabric lined with two sides will be safer. Less sleeves, less chance of damage or loss. A thin cardboard sleeve is used to package some discs. The cover art for these depends on the printer. A scene guide may or may not be present. Sleeves also come in a vinyl binder version that holds 4 or 8 discs per page.

• A step up will be a good quality CD wallet. They are durable and depending on your choice can be very sturdy. A nice thing about them is the huge amount of discs they can carry. If you need to be portable with your collection this would be a good option to think about. Gamers have been using them for years.

The drawback to these methods is for the most part low quality cover art and no scene guide. This may seem like a small price to pay, but true Vidiots love the info available from this paperwork. As well as the true artwork that goes into a movie cover.

• A keep case is what the majority of purchased DVDs are packaged in. A full scene guide and nice clean cover art under protective plastic is a gimme. Slim line or multi disc versions are available for those with limited space.

• Between sleeves and keep cases come snap cases. Generally constructed of a stiff paper or thin cardboard with a plastic frame. One edge is a plastic fastener that will snap when it is closed properly.(Hence the name.) The scene guide and cover art are usually as good as a keep case. The drawback is the artwork is printed directly onto the cover. This isn't a problem as long as you store them properly.

Most people will end up with a variety of case types in their library. Bulk storage with this in mind is the next decision to be made.

• A DVD rack is an inexpensive choice but does not hold alot of movies. Most are constructed of heavy wire making up an open frame and shelving. This tends to make it hard to contain the CD sleeve or envelope storage options

• Towers for DVDs are constructed of wire, wood or plastic. It is still tough to store your sleeves or envelopes though some towers have a solid bottom making it possible to stack them. The cost is comparable to a rack but you can store several more movies.

• Modern DVD shelving no longer looks like it came from your dads garage. Wood, plastic, metal or other materials make for some very upscale and functional shelving. Adjustable with dividers makes storing any media much easier. The cost will be higher than a rack or tower. Most people will find the extra space and adaptability well worth it.

• Cabinets for DVD and media storage come in all shapes and sizes. Constructed of wood for the most part although other materials can be used. They tend to look more like fine furniture and can hold hundreds of DVDs. Adjustable shelving and drawers are standard on several higher end models. Most have a finish from suitable to a see yourself shine. There is generally no problem finding storage room for any of the DVD cases or other media. Of course the price can go from tens to hundreds or more dollars depending on what you require.

Utilizing this information will keep your movies, Blu-rays or CDs in great condition. Watch the kid with peanut butter and everything will work out fine.