Frequently Asked Questions

P.O. BOX 492768
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30049
U.S.A.

OUR PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED. If you need to FAX your order please call us first at the number below.
Phone Number: 678-836-5838

Hours to call are 11 AM to 6 PM M-F (est)

E-mail Address : vsomorders@fastmail.fm

What is Video Search of Miami?
VSoM is a "membership only" video service specializing in contemporary exploitation and "cult" films, principally European and Asian entries. We offer -to our members- copies of movies currently unavailable in the United States.
We are not interested in furnishing prints of movies officially released domestically; the function of VSoM is to provide completely uncut and/or alternative versions of collectable films to the serious video enthusiast. VSoM does not sell "pre-records" or "factory sealed" tapes. Rather, we offer duplications of films from our extensive library. Every master-tape in our library originates from sources outside of the USA and, as such, are not subject to the jurisdiction of American copyright laws.
Most of our films are in English Language, but many of them have foreign language subtitles. However, if a foreign language is indicated in brackets () after a title, then the film is only in that language.

Refund Policy?
We will gladly replace or refund any defective disk. We cannot refund, however, for DVDs that you don't like or when the quality is not to your liking. Please ask questions before ordering.

Is Video Search an illegal pirate operation?
Definitely not! The section of American copyright law known as "The Berne Act" clearly states: films unreleased in the United States, including original version of films altered and/or edited for release in the United States, are not protected by American copyright; thus, they are considered public domain. The entire purpose of our company is to provide (otherwise unavailable) films to the serious video collector. We do not offer videos owned by American releasing companies. If a film should become available domestically we immediately stop offering it to our clients.

How good are the copies? Are they letterboxed (widescreen) or full frame?
The quality varies wildly. While most of our prints are very good, some (because of their rarity, coupled with unavoidable PAL or SeCAM transfer distortions) are less than perfect.  However, we guarantee our prints are the very best available in the United States. If you have specific questions about any title, please ask.  Please check the "Print Quality" ratings given at the end of each film description on our website.
Regarding the "letterbox (widescreen) or full frame" question: many of our films are letterboxed because that is the standard in some countries. In this catalog, we have tried to identify the wide-screen prints with a symbol (¤). However, we believe quality and availability of the film is more important than whether it's letterboxed or not.

How much does a transfer cost? Is there a discount for quantity purchases?
For a copy of any movie in this catalog, the cost is $20. There is a quantity discount. When purchasing 5 or more titles, the cost is $17 per video.

Can VSoM ship product outside of the United States?
We can. And we do. But, remember, many countries have very strict laws regarding importing exploitation videos. Be certain that you are permitted to own the films you are ordering. We, of course, assume no legal responsibility.

Do censorship laws get in the way?
Although we abhore censorship, we do respect all censorship laws. If the law in your area prevent you from receiving our videos, we will not ship to you. A few examples: If you live in Canada or Germany, don't attempt to order S&M or XXX materials. Customs officials will make sure that you won't get them. (They will likely take the videos home themselves!)

How fast is the turn-around time?
All orders are filled within two days from the time we get your e-mail, snail mail, or phone call.

What form of payment do you accept?
If you order by e-mail, you can complete the transaction with your credit card. VSoM uses the latest SSL encryption technology along with the Netscape secure server to ensure that your transaction is private and secure. Make sure you give us the complete number plus expiration date.
If you're purchasing by snail mail, you can pay with cash, check, money order or any major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). We do not accept any C.O.D. orders.

How do you ship? and what are the rates?
We prefer using the USPS and we try to ship fast. The cost is $5 for one title and $1 for each additional title (for US ORDERS). International orders, shipping starts at $7.

Why don't you list running times for your films?
Running times are quite deceptive. Many countries speed up or slow down films during the transferring process. For example, the Japanese video companies usually transfer the English Language films at a faster speed because the slight variation gives a higher-pitched quality to the voices, which more closely resembles their own style of speaking English. But this process can affect the running time by 5 to 8 minutes.

How come some foreign videos censor (or fog) genitalia in the "nude" scenes?
This is a common problem with Japanese prints; pubic hair [considered offensive by that country] is digitally "fogged;" VSoM tries to avoid this visual nusance by securing prints from other countries, but sometimes the Japanese print is the one one available. We have identified "fogged" titles with the symbol (R) in the catalog.

Certain terms are used in the catalog, for instance "Giallo" "Peplum" "HK" "WiP" "S&M" What do they mean?
Giallo is the term which refers to European thrillers; A Peplum is a "Sword And Sandal" movie; HK is an abbreviation for a Hong Kong production; WiP means Women In Prison; and S&M is Sado/Masochistic fare, specially "torture" and "whip" movies.

I've read that Video Search is subtitling movies into English. Is this true?
Yes, VSoM is involved in an extensive task of adding English subtitles to foreign language films. Now, for the first time, the films of Jean Rollin, Jess Franco, Joe D'Amato can be seen and appreciated in English! A team of translators are working full-time to bring a potpourri of other-wise unavailable films to our members. As of this writing, over 500 have been subtitled. English subtitled films are indicated with a (*) in this catalog.

What if I buy a foreign language print and you subtitle it into English at some future date? Will you replace it?
Yes, if we secure an improved print of any movie, VSoM will exchange tapes with you at no extra charge. Simply return the original one to us for an upgrade.