What you Americans and some Canadians call Cider is just unfiltered apple juice (thanks wikipedia!) what we call cider is what you call hard cider and the Germans call it Apfelwein.
I don't disagree with you, it is just a matter of regional names.
If you use juice from the supermarket it produces a clearer product quicker.
It will also help you to achieve more uniform results, as the supplier blends to maintain his own unique flavour. You can use this to fine tune your beverage by using different brands in different proportions until you find the taste you like.
