Unveiling The Hilariously Unconventional World of 'Obviously Planted' CDs and DVDs

Too bad these CDs are not real

Some people don’t recognize a favor, until it shows up in their hands as an “obviously planted” CD or DVD, still wrapped like it came straight from a flea market time capsule. It’s never just a movie either, it’s a whole vibe, a whole mystery, and somehow it always feels like the media is hiding from the internet on purpose.

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It started with a simple obsession: finding obscure titles that never got digitized, digging through DVD store aisles that are shrinking by the week, and realizing there are more feature films than anyone could realistically watch in a year. In the United States and Canada alone, 449 feature films hit in 2022, then 873 in 2018, then 334 in 2020 when the pandemic slowed everything down. And that’s only feature films, not the short films, home videos, direct-to-DVD weirdness, or the how-to tapes people swear they still have.

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Then the real complications begin, because the case files read like a joke list, “School is a prison,” “The 4 types of husband,” and “Your skeleton escaped,” and you can’t tell if you’re collecting movies or accidentally uncovering someone’s planted storyline.

1. School is a prison

1. School is a prisonobviousplant
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2. The 4 types of husband

2. The 4 types of husbandobviousplant
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3. Very far away horse

3. Very far away horseobviousplant

In this era of streaming dominance, the act of purchasing a CD or DVD may appear antiquated and unfamiliar to many. Often, it involves seeking out second-hand options, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience.

Furthermore, this pursuit typically revolves around unearthing obscure gems that have yet to be digitized and made readily available in the vast expanse of online libraries. To embark on this quest, one might find themselves venturing to flea markets or the dwindling number of DVD stores, scanning the aisles in search of hidden treasures.

Those who have embarked on such journeys in recent years can attest to the overwhelming abundance of media that exists, of which they had previously been unaware.

In the United States and Canada alone, a staggering 449 feature films were released in 2022. While this may already seem like an impressive figure, it pales in comparison to the 873 releases witnessed in 2018.

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the industry, resulting in a reduced output of just 334 films in 2020. Nevertheless, even with this decline, one could still indulge in the luxury of watching a new film almost every single day.

However, it is essential to note that these figures solely encompass feature films, defined by their minimum duration of forty to sixty minutes. When factoring in short films, instructional videos, and everything in between, the sheer volume of content being created surpasses what an individual could comfortably consume within the span of a year.

4. Your skeleton escaped

4. Your skeleton escapedobviousplant

5. Super ride grandpa

5. Super ride grandpaobviousplant

6. A sad trombone sound

6. A sad trombone soundobviousplant

The hunt for second-hand CDs and those “obviously planted” discs gets weirder the moment you realize people are chasing titles no one has uploaded, while the shelves keep shrinking.</p>

Adding to the complexity, the situation may become even more challenging when considering home films, direct-to-DVD releases, and how-to videos. These forms of media, especially those predating the widespread use of the internet, are unlikely to have any online presence.

Consequently, discovering these truly underground creations relies heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations or stumbling upon them unexpectedly while browsing through physical stores. While the "Obvious Plant" Instagram account offers a glimpse into this realm of eccentric media, it represents just a drop in the ocean of peculiar content that exists out there.

7. Small talk

7. Small talkobviousplant

8. Abandoning your family made easy

8. Abandoning your family made easyobviousplant

9. Raccoon daddy

9. Raccoon daddyobviousplant

In a world where "real" films bear such vibrant titles as "Born Into Mafia" and "Shark Exorcist," some of the (unreal) options presented here may appear relatively mild in comparison. While high-budget releases meticulously curate their fonts, visuals, and focus-grouped titles, small independently created DVDs operate without such constraints.

In the realm of these productions, the auteurs-turned-directors have the freedom to unleash their creativity with peculiar choices, unconventional colors, and titles that defy grammar. Consequently, distinguishing between what is real and what is fake becomes a challenging endeavor. While there are general indicators that can help us discern authenticity, the existence of enough peculiar creations out there ensures that many of us are left in a perpetual state of speculation.

10. Lute simulator

10. Lute simulatorobviousplant

11. Soccer- twice the action!

11. Soccer- twice the action!obviousplant

12. Your parents are doing sex - avoid the trauma!

12. Your parents are doing sex - avoid the trauma!obviousplant

That’s when things got complicated, because the numbers keep stacking up, 873 in 2018, 449 in 2022, and 334 in 2020, but none of it explains why these specific DVDs feel targeted.</p>

However, for those curious about creating their own "obvious plants," what are the essential ingredients? First and foremost, an idea is required.

These creations often take the form of parodies, mimicking existing media in a way that is immediately recognizable to viewers. Take, for instance, the title "Abandoning Your Family, Made Easy!

To provide context for younger readers, in a time before YouTube tutorials were readily available, individuals could purchase VHS tapes or DVDs that would guide them on various topics, such as changing a car's oil. Interestingly enough, it was rumored that some of these instructional videos even delved into unconventional topics like "How to Abandon Your Family."

13. The game where you just watch someone else play the game!

13. The game where you just watch someone else play the game!obviousplant

14. Scent of Corn man

14. Scent of Corn manobviousplant

15. Mayonnaise - Appreciation game

15. Mayonnaise - Appreciation gameobviousplant

To effectively parody a medium, it's crucial to adopt the language commonly associated with it. Take, for instance, the phrase "Made Easy," a prime example that can be found on countless DVDs and VHS tapes. Exploring further, you might consider alternative formats like "In Ten Easy Steps" or employ slightly unconventional grammar, such as "The Joy of Father!"

The overall text on the item should closely resemble genuine content, albeit with an amateurish touch, while focusing on a subject matter that is undeniably bizarre. Optimal choices include incredibly niche scenarios, like teaching a gorilla to land an airplane or venturing into more macabre territory, such as the aforementioned act of abandoning one's family.

This is the same kind of meltdown as the AITA parent who served a surprise vegan meal and sparked family dinner disaster.

16. Surf dog

16. Surf dogobviousplant

17. What's for breakfast?

17. What's for breakfast?obviousplant

18. Thonas

Close-up of obviously planted CDs and DVDs with playful, familiar labelsobviousplant

In the art of deception, visual design plays a pivotal role in fooling the unsuspecting viewer.

19. A very Corn man Christmas

19. A very Corn man Christmasobviousplant

20. Knobs

Array of unconventional CDs and DVDs arranged like a deceptive product displayobviousplant

21. Back rub 2

21. Back rub 2obviousplant

22. Spreadsheet...now as a game

22. Spreadsheet...now as a gameobviousplant

23. Barn harmer

23. Barn harmerobviousplant

24. Just the instruction manual for a more fun game

24. Just the instruction manual for a more fun gameobviousplant

25. Fear of commitment

25. Fear of commitmentobviousplant

26. Pro father 2

26. Pro father 2obviousplant

27. Devastating fight tactics

27. Devastating fight tacticsobviousplant

28. Say anything

28. Say anythingobviousplant

29. 3 Straight hours of the bulls**t piccolo

29. 3 Straight hours of the bulls**t piccoloobviousplant

30. Practice girlfriend

30. Practice girlfriendobviousplant

31. Keep adding fingers

31. Keep adding fingersobviousplant

32. Bro hole - Get in the hole!

32. Bro hole - Get in the hole!obviousplant

33. Duck puncher

33. Duck puncherobviousplant

34. Feed Gary

34. Feed Garyobviousplant

35. Sadden 92

35. Sadden 92obviousplant

By the time “A sad trombone sound” shows up in the pile, you’re not just scanning aisles anymore, you’re trying to figure out who planted the joke and why.</p>

The world of "Obvious Plants" captivates with its skillful blend of reality and parody. Through cleverly crafted creations that employ familiar aesthetics, these delightful surprises challenge our perceptions and spark amusement.

Embrace the element of surprise, for within these faux items lies a deep appreciation for the absurdity inherent in our media-driven culture.

Now you’re wondering if you bought a movie, or if the movie bought you.

Want office potluck chaos too? See whether someone should swap a veggie platter for famous guac at work.

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