Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for secure media checkout of media contained within locked media cases that have information tags thereon identifying at least the media contained therein and the checkout status thereof, and specifically for controlling and effecting the unlocking of media cases presented for unlocking as part of a checkout process subsequent to a checkout match and recordation phase wherein media case matching occurs, utilizing a media case unlocking system that includes a media unlocking station or mechanism, a tag reader, such as a radio frequency identification transponder or bar code reader, a multicolor optical sensing array, a visual display, a microprocessor, and associated software, to control the media case unlocking phase of the checkout process and, preferably, to determine case type, case color, case position, and lock condition of the media case presented for unlocking.