There is a local supplier of Sony MiniDV tapes for a little over $4 per tape. They are made in France. Does anyone know if these tapes are inferior to the ones made in Japan?

Is it the same tape only repackaged?

Could be that they are just packaged there, or something like that.

The tape says that it is made in France.

Paul,
What are you finding remarkable: the price or the listed location of manufacture?

Regarding the price, it really depends on the grade of tape. The Sony DVM-60PRL's, Sony's mainstream grade, lists for $3.99 at Tape Resources (http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DV60P-S&dept=6).