DVDs are not distributed in PAL format; that is videotape terminology. European DVDs are released in either Region 0 or Region 1 format (North America is Region 2). Region 0 plays on "most" DVDs. It means "region free". It also plays on "all" PCs. (There are always exceptions). Region 1 will play on DVD Players that are manufactured in Europe and it will also play on "all" PCs but the number of times you can change regions (from 1 to 2 and back again) is limited (to 5 I believe).
The trick is finding out if the DVD is in Region 0 or Region 1 format. Don't believe what you see online; Amazon UK lists everything as Region 1 regardless. You will want to check with the company that released the DVD. If the DVD is in Region 1 format, and you still want to buy it, you will have to look for a DVD Player that is intended for the "international" market (ie, people who live in Europe and North America at different times). Such DVD Players will probably tend to be twice as expensive for fewer features, if my experience with PAL tape players is any indication.
Now, aren't you glad you asked? Just keep your fingers crossed that the DVD she wants is in Region 0 format. The European version of the Lightfoot DVD is (again, in spite of what Amazon UK says).
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Valerie Magee
Visit my GL fan site at
gordonlightfoot.com and Cathy Cowette's web site at
cathycowette.com