How old is it?
Wrong again. My old panasonic video wouldn't play NTSC tapes.
Is it older then 8 years old?
I don't know where you're shopping buddy, but I can't find a single store that sells NTSC region 1 DVDs.
It's true you see more R4 then anything else... but there's always some about which are usually over-priced. While you're at it pick up an R4 copy of Stars Of Star Wars... I'll think you'll find it's in NTSC.
Wrong again bud, ever used a PS2. Four strikes dude, you're outta there.
The PS2 isn't a real DVD player... in fact it can't even output true NTSC. It's still illegal for a retailer to sell a DVD player which isn't region-free.
PS: Sony doesn't even count, as I have a life-time boycott on all their products for the foreseeable future. I don't know how they get away with region-coding the PS2 for games and movies, but it is illegal.