Blu-ray packaging inconsistent?

[Geologist]

Backstory-

I recently purchased the Firefly series on Blu from Amazon. When I received it, I noticed that there was no episode guide neither included in the case or printed on the outside or inside. It made it a bit difficult as the menu system only shows the episodes in list form for a moment before collapsing and the Blu-Ray did not give any kind of summary as to the episode contents.

So I called Fox and asked them about it. Their first response was, "There is no episode guide". I replied that for a Blu-Ray product that retails for $90 (I hope none of us payed that much for it), to not include a basic summary was being a bit cheap. After discussing the situation (now via email), I was told to provide a mailing address and that they would send me an episode guide.

Now I was expecting something cheesy, some copy, or possibly even an episode guide taken from the DVD set.

Low and behold, today I received a envelope from Fox containing a full color original, FOR Blu-Ray episode guide for the FireFly series. This guide was made for the Blu version - even indicates which disc (1-3) that the episode is located.

Another recent example is a Blu-Ray set of the "Over" series (Over America, Over Ireland, Over Alaska, Over Nova Scotia). It was a budget package with no covers whatsoever. I contacted them requesting covers for the BLANK Blu cases or even a download of something high quality to print out. At the end of our email exchange all they ever sent was web icons from the website for the products - nothing that would ever look suitable for a cover.

Well that got me to thinking about the other Blu-Rays (just hit 100 recently) that have no type of episode or guides included with them. Do they exist? Are we seeing Blu-Ray Deals on the packages where they forgot to put the episode guides in? If they exist, like in my first example above, why were they not included in the first place? Are they trying to skimp on that $0.01 that it would cost to include?

Even if studios are that cheap, why don't they offer download versions of the above for users who would like a chapter or episode guide?

Should I sort my Blus by studio and start sending email requests for chapter/episode guides for the products that didn't include one?

Thoughts, opinions, and experiences would be appreciated.

[DJ Manyak]

most people usually just throw away whats inside anyways so most studios dont bother anymore

[Nepse]

Originally Posted by DJ Blend

most people usually just throw away whats inside anyways so most studios dont bother anymore

I know I do :P imdb for episode guides if u need them. But really, why read about the episode instead of just watching it right away?

[Geologist]

When I purchase Blus or DVDs, I do discard the ads, Blu-Ray player notices but never any content guides or extras - that is like saying I would just discard the slip cover because it is just paper and not relevant to the movie I am about to watch.

Especially for TV content, it is very helpful to know which disc a certain episode is on and to figure out via the synopsis if you have already watched it or sometime wish to view it again. The alternative is to guess which can also be a PITA with the "Disc in, wait for for the content to boot, wait for manadatory warning and disclaimer screens, get to the menu, not sure if this is the title of the episode episode or did I watch that - wrong disc, take disc out, repeat" sysndrome.

Maybe it is just me?

[Adrock]

While I usually do throw away the inserts/advertisements, I always hold on to any episode guides that come with TV seasons. Fringe comes to mind, they have a great episode guide included with both Seasons 1 and 2. I like having the episode guide as sometimes I forget which episode I was on, especially if the viewing is split up over a few weeks or so. I could as easily find this quickly on IMDB or on the Show's website, but I appreciate having it right there.

[I_Like_Movies]

The Mad Men series comes with a episode booklet. Outside of those all the ads, promos, and digital copy codes gets tossed.

[Clark Kent]

I keep everything except the useless one-sheets discussing firmware updates.

[FlipperWasIrish]

Episode guides are not important to me. Since I start at the beginning of a series I'll remember what disc an episode is on when I go back for the 2nd or 3rd time viewing.

I agree with OP and can't see adding them as being a huge cost, but at present some studios probably need to watch every penny of cost.

[detective392]

Originally Posted by FlipperWasIrish

Episode guides are not important to me. Since I start at the beginning of a series I'll remember what disc an episode is on when I go back for the 2nd or 3rd time viewing.

I agree with OP and can't see adding them as being a huge cost, but at present some studios probably need to watch every penny of cost.

Same here I don't need them as I would watch it from the first disc and after that it's all in my mind as what disc has what episode etc. Surprised studios don't include them though as it seems weird not to but most don't anymore.

[Soxbro]

Originally Posted by Geologist

Backstory-

I recently purchased the Firefly series on Blu from Amazon. When I received it, I noticed that there was no episode guide neither included in the case or printed on the outside or inside. It made it a bit difficult as the menu system only shows the episodes in list form for a moment before collapsing and the Blu-Ray did not give any kind of summary as to the episode contents.

So I called Fox and asked them about it. Their first response was, "There is no episode guide". I replied that for a Blu-Ray product that retails for $90 (I hope none of us payed that much for it), to not include a basic summary was being a bit cheap. After discussing the situation (now via email), I was told to provide a mailing address and that they would send me an episode guide.

Now I was expecting something cheesy, some copy, or possibly even an episode guide taken from the DVD set.

Low and behold, today I received a envelope from Fox containing a full color original, FOR Blu-Ray episode guide for the FireFly series. This guide was made for the Blu version - even indicates which disc (1-3) that the episode is located.

Another recent example is a Blu-Ray set of the "Over" series (Over America, Over Ireland, Over Alaska, Over Nova Scotia). It was a budget package with no covers whatsoever. I contacted them requesting covers for the BLANK Blu cases or even a download of something high quality to print out. At the end of our email exchange all they ever sent was web icons from the website for the products - nothing that would ever look suitable for a cover.

Well that got me to thinking about the other Blu-Rays (just hit 100 recently) that have no type of episode or guides included with them. Do they exist? Are we seeing Blu-Ray Deals on the packages where they forgot to put the episode guides in? If they exist, like in my first example above, why were they not included in the first place? Are they trying to skimp on that $0.01 that it would cost to include?

Even if studios are that cheap, why don't they offer download versions of the above for users who would like a chapter or episode guide?

Should I sort my Blus by studio and start sending email requests for chapter/episode guides for the products that didn't include one?

Thoughts, opinions, and experiences would be appreciated.

I now received my second Firefly Bluray box without episode guide.

I've sent you a private message.

[Soxbro]

Originally Posted by Geologist

After discussing the situation (now via email), I was told to provide a mailing address and that they would send me an episode guide.

Is this the email you used ?

foxconnect@orderassistance.com

I allready sent an email to that address, but didn't get a response yet,
Maybe it just isn't the right address.

I await your response.

Thanks in advance.

Greetings,
Soxbro

[Gardenofstone10]

They probably don't care because if you buy it on blu ray, you're planning on watching everything on the disc, all the episodes. If not, I guess that's why Google exists!!!!

[Wings80]

Think Green.

[Clark Kent]

The studios are not making much of an effort anymore to cater to their customers.

[bullets]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

The studios are not making much of an effort anymore to cater to their customers.

I've always liked the booklets. Another thing is the images on the reverse side of the cover , those are more infrequent but always cool.

[SteelPen]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

I keep everything except the useless one-sheets discussing firmware updates.

QFT!

BTW, I bought Firefly back in December 2009 and it came with the guide! (Bought it at Wal-Mart)

[Soxbro]

It was indeed the right email address and they asked to give them my mailing address, so I did. I then got an email back saying they were sorry, but they don't ship out of the U.S. , I live in Belgium.
What should I do ?

[Soxbro]

I emailed Amazon and asked if they would contact FoxConnect for me,
and have the booklet sent to Amazon.
And if they could send it to me when they receive it.

[Bmvc1]

I keep everything because, why not?

[OG Pooh]

Originally Posted by Geologist

When I purchase Blus or DVDs, I do discard the ads, Blu-Ray player notices but never any content guides or extras - that is like saying I would just discard the slip cover because it is just paper and not relevant to the movie I am about to watch.

...Maybe it is just me?

LOL... I toss out the slipcovers & keep the inserts.