Toshiba DVD players are known to have a very good build quality and also come with a long warranty.
Sony is a great brand of DVD player that will play DVD-R's. This brand of player will not only play DVD-R's but it will play them in great quality, unlike other DVD-R players.
Yes Samsung is a good quality brand.
If you want a basic DVD player by a reputable brand, the Sony DVP-SR200P/B DVD Player, is a great choice.
Sony makes the best quailite DVD's by far.
As of now the best selling DVD player is the PlayStation 4 gaming console. In the past the PS2 was the highest selling DVD player.
Sony is a great brand to use and lasts years.
Panasonic have the longest warranties available.
Virgin brand (from Target) (SONY AND SAMSUNG are good picks too)
The Initial DTV-262 26 in LCD TV with DVD Player has received astonishingly high reviews and has very good quality. You can find it as low as about $350-400, and I personally know a few people who swear by them. That's very, very cheap for 26 inches and a DVD player.
The Toshiba D-VR5 DVD Player/Recorder with VCR has outstanding reviews.
I would try Wal-Mart or Future Shop, they are usually cheaper then Best Buy. It would probably be about $49.99-$89.99, depending on the quality/brand you want.
The Sony DVP-FX930 9 in. Portable DVD Player with Screen is very highly rated online.