Don't get me started on the region code system. It's a shame that not many people know about it (because 99% of buyers don't look for special editions from other countries) because IF people would know there would be louder protest.
When I buy a new player, the first killer "application" is that it is region code-free or there's an easy way to "crack" it. Funny thing: the cheapo no-name players are the ones that are codefree from the beginning. Some expensive brands require expensive hardware kits if you want them codefree. Check on the Internet before you buy!
If you want to buy a new player, searching for a string like "multi-region DVD player list" or variations of that might be a good start.
Here's more info about the region code system and what it does (very good site I think):
http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/search/SearchFAQ.asp?Category=227&Search=region+code
Here you can find info about how to get rid of the region code for certain players:
http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/info/multiregion/
Do something for consumer rights! Tell your friend about that region code system and encourage them to buy no crippled players!
Note: Even dvd drives in your computer are now mostly crippled. If you are not sure about yours, here's a tool:
http://www.remoteselector.com/driveinfo.htm
Ok. by now you may have noticed that the topic upsets me a bit.
Good look!