Avoid Panasonic as well... that is one of the worst to get unlocked, as you have to take it or send it somewhere to get done from an authorised repairer (so it is free... but you can't do it yourself).
Google search a brand to see if it is region free... or how to unlock to see if it is easy to do, or is even possible.
I was told that Playstation 3 is region free for blu-ray, but I haven't got my console handy to check that. If that is true, that could be an option if you are a willing gamer.
At least with Blu-ray, there are only 3 regions... compared to 6 for DVDs. So if you were desperate and went the expensive way of importing a Blu-ray player (with a powerpoint adapter), you then have access to 2/3rds of the world's Blu-rays.