Try the Toshiba 2109. It is being discontinued, I understand and you might actually be able to scoop it up for under $200. it's a great play for a cheapo one. Sound is decent and blacks are black. real improvement if you use the component outs which this player has.
DVD Player of choice for $200-300 range.
I'm not into Home Theater per say. Most of my money has been going into upgrading my 2-channel system. But I would like to a least start out by getting a good DVD player. This would be for watching movies only and not hooked into my audio system. My wife bought me The "Buena Vista Social Club" on DVD. I think she's trying to give me a hint. Any thoughts?