Just because something is steelbook (or SE/CE/LE) means you'll buy it?

[Chattery]

I caught myself pre-ordering The Walking Dead season two LE from Amazon. Besides the fact I don't have $75 to throw around willy-nilly, it simply would not work, as it will be likely to be region-locked. So why get it? I came to my senses and cancelled the pre-order. Writing this makes me want to re-pre-order, which brings me to the point of this thread.

I have seen steelbook collecting explode - obviously for a good reason. I have seen steelbooks that are beautiful (my Metropolis steelbook makes me nerdgasm every time I glide my hand across it), and have seen steelbooks that I couldn't care less about (it's wonderful to have Psycho and The Wolfman steels, but...they're shiny, and have the back cover printed on them...no...just...no).

In this day and age where every man and his dog is releasing steelbook editions, do you actively seek out to get those, simply because they're steelbooks, and not because of the movie at all?

Being a collector of various things, from Pokémon cards to Barbies (yes, weird, I get it), to DVDs and Blu-Rays, I understand the hunger for that special something. What I don't understand is the mass production of these now that steelbook collecting is en vogue. Doesn't that render the whole point of steelbook collecting redundant? Their initial draw was that they were manufactured in tiny numbers, making them collector's items. Sure, steelbook releases will undoubtedly run out faster than the traditional amaray releases, but there's still a huge amount of them, not 250.

I received Psycho from the UK on steelbook Blu when it was originally released. I was chuffed. I opened it to see Janet Leigh screaming, in silver, just like she should be, and a huge dent in the front, just like it should - wait...WTF?!

Let's face it, these get damaged in the post. Luckily I got Psycho replaced for free, but that very much turned me off buying steelbooks.

I pre-ordered Lady Snowblood on Blu-Ray/DVD dual format. At first on steelbook. But I really don't care - I just want the movies. So I cancelled that and pre-ordered the Amaray ("standard") edition.

I've rambled on long enough, but think I've made my points clear:

• If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
• Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
• Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
• Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
• What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?

[Blu Lemmy]

See below


If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later? - Always think first
Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks? - I like matte
Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented? - Yup, Ghost protocol
Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it? - Didn't want to break it more
What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu? - Price and looks, if it looks nice and the price is only a couple more quid you would be silly not too

[tom pain]

• If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later? Sometimes. I've done a few blind-buys but are definitely cutting down on those now. Usually see how much I want to see it, then read reviews, then order.
• Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks? Not bothered overly.
• Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented? Nope
• Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it? Nope
• What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu? I'm not a steelbook collector. It takes certain criteria for me to buy a steelbook such cost (it has to cost around the same as the amaray version) and looks (if it looks stunning that does help). I think in my collection of 200+ BDs I have around 14 steelbooks (approx)

[Al_The_Strange]

My collection, so you know where I'm coming from.

• If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?

No, I usually stick with movies I'm familiar with. I have blind-bought certain Steelbooks, but only regret one ("The Green Zone). Like any blind-buy, I'll stick with genres and directors I know I'll enjoy.

• Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?

No preference. Any Steelbook is a good one. If I really had to choose, it'd probably be the glossy finish. But I would also give a special commendation to the crazed finish of the "Clash of the Titans" German steelie.

• Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?

Maybe, but it's never been major enough for me to get hung up about it. I'm more worried about chipping paint and stuff.

• Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?

Nope.

• What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?

Mostly, like any SE or LE, to have a favorite title in a special packaging. Secondary incentives would be the potential for an increase in value as given steelies go OOP and become rare. Tertiary incentive: I still think a metal case will last longer than a plastic one (especially now that cheap eco-friendly cases are common ).

[poisonedyouth]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
I only buy/pre order if I've seen the film and I at least rate it 8/10, I'm a lot pickier with Blu-Rays than I used to be with DVDs.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks? Matte probably, I think I prefer matte for most things.

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
None yet!

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
No issues with any damages but if it was badly broken I would probably just send it back.

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?I think they look nicer and at the moment they're not really much difference in price so why not? If it has a steelbook release (UK only) I will seek it out over the standard edition.

[zoomddy]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
No. I think first. I did not buy Safe House, because I have not seen the
movie. I also will not buy Sherlock Holmes II because $28 is too much
for any one movie, IMHO.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
I think the matte look much nicer.

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
I have not ordered a steelbook online.

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
Yes, the first Resident Evil. There was no fixing it . . . the plastic hinge
split.

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
I like steelbooks, and if they are a fair price I will buy one.


Getting back to question 1, I have cut WAY down on my blind buying. I have been burned a couple times buying really crappy movies that I thought would be great . . . Skyline and Sucker Punch are the most obvious examples. Also, I like collectors / limited / special editions, but I only buy those used. The retail price points on special packages tend to be way over-priced, and I prefer to stretch my dollars as much as possible.

[DanMc]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?

I always think first, but I kinda have a method, when I see big sales I grab a crapload of em and walk around the store to get my fix. Then I put em back and go home.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?

I'm finding most of my steels are glossy but the Matte ones really stand out. Depends on the artwork I guess..

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?

Unfortunatley yes, from Futureshop. Would be nice if they took a page from play.com and upgraded their steelbook packaging. 3 steelbooks in an extra large bubble envelope is just a bad idea..

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?

None "broken" but I'd try my best to repair it if it happened..

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?

Right now, most steelbooks are only $3-5 more than the amaray so why not get something you'd be a little more proud?



Now with that said, I'll say I've become addicted. I used to buy the cheap blus here in the $10 or less thread and boosted my collection quickly, but since getting the steelbook bug I almost always check for those first.

That's not to say I won't buy regular blus, in fact there are some I'm still trying to find...

[Lucy Diamond]

I hear you OP. I am a veteran of the glorious comic book age that was the late 80's and early 90's so steelbook keeps that collector bug at bay for me.

If a movie comes out in Blu, will you buy it first, think later?
Depends on the movie and who is in it. I have many sub collections and the biggest one is every single title from every actress I like. Today is a shining example of that. Sherlock Holmes 2 comes out and Rachel McAdams is in it...so....guess what
I prefer to have a standard copy in addition to my steelbooks, so the steelbooks don't get any wear and tear.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
I like them shiny.

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
YESS!!!

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
Not full on broken, but my Sucker Punch Best Buy steel is bent in a weird way that makes it close weird. (classic example of a movie I would have never bought if I didn't find it in a steelbook)

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
It comes from the comic book era. It is the desire to have something special that everyone else may not have. They look cool, they are fun to buy and not everyone else has them. AND...they would completely suck if they became the standard...then we'd collect standard blu-ray jewel cases.

[Jayze]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
I usually buy movies that I have watched already (either in theaters or stream (legal)). However, I must admit I blind bought Underworld:Awakening (fan of the series), Safe House, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows because they were released as Steelbooks. So far, I'm pleased with these blind buys, but I have yet to see Sherlock Holmes and SH:AGOS.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
Being new to collecting SB's, at this point I don't have a preference. I have yet to experience a SB chip or scratch. I do like that the mattes SB do not leave traces of fingerprints.

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
Yes, I have bought 6 steelbooks online. I picked up the Twilight Saga: New Moon SB package with the Twilight Empty Case Steelbook (Canada), The Dark Knight (Canada), Sin City (Canada), Toy Story 3 Iron Pack, Pirates Of The Caribbean:On Stranger Tides Empty Case Metal Pack, and Lion King Empty Case Iron Pack.

Only Sin City was dented noticeably on the top right corner, and had about 5 pin sized dents in the face of the steelbook.

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
None, so far

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu? The overall, packaging. I love how the image can take up the whole case and in some cases have a reflective effect to them. I have yet to own any embossed cases or debossed cases and I can't wait to own those as well.

[Talyn]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later? - Depends on the movie. If I have seen it first in theaters and liked it enough then perhaps. Each movie's different...for every Phantasm movie that's a day 1 buy, there's a Sin City that waits until it hits $5.99. They have a priority level, (Sherlock 2 is the first blind buy of a SB) if they don't...I pass entirely until I see it, determine I don't like it or already know it's not my kind of movie.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks? - Honestly, I do like Shiny, but Matte doesn't become glue for fingerprints as easily...


Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented? Resident Evil Afterlife and you bet I'm still pissed about it.... dented and hit with a box cutter. Others have had a slight ding or so and I can deal with that. One day I'll replace RE:A....


Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it? - Yes, carefully worked the ding out out of it. I'm familiar with dings on cars to an extent...some things are not so easily repaired....*looks above at RE:A*

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu? - Good question, makes me feel like I got something special to enjoy and display. I take pride in 3 things, my lady, my pets and my hobbies...car is included in hobbies.

[loki993]

Im just starting collecting and dont even have a steelbook yet, so here is my point of view from that:

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
Think first. For me to buy a movie, steelbook or otherwise, it needs to meet certain criteria.
First obviously I need to want it. Its one I've either seen in the theater and want to own or I was waiting for the video release and want to have it on Blu Ray. If I dont already own it I'd be more inclined to pop for the steelbook. If I'm double dipping it needs to be unique artwork.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
Dont know yet but I think it would depend.

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
Id have to say, looks first, again hopefully unique artwork. Rairity. I don't mind paying a bit of a premium for that, but I'm not going to go nuts either, it has to be justifiable. Though that's a relative term.

[Trekkie313]

No.

[Apinamakina]

When I started collecting Steelbooks I had set my mind on buying only those Steelbooks that I am going to watch many times over, like Batman Begins & The Dark Knight.

But my mind has changed to buy any average Steelbook too. Kinda embarrasing really, I even blind bought The Green Hornet because the case looks nice. But I doubt that I am ever going to watch it again.

I think I am going to sell some Steelbooks I have, and keep only the ones that has a good movie inside it. But I am going to keep some average movies like Underworld movies. The first 3 were "good", the newest was definitely "bad" but I am going to keep it so I can have the whole quadrilogy.

I just recently blind bought Fight Club-Steelbook and I already regret it. Movie was fine, but I doubt I am going to watch it again.

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
I admit I have blind bought some movies, but from now on I think twise before buying. Expect if I know the movie is good.
I am fan of Spaghetti Westerns so when I heard that The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was on blu-ray, I obviously had to buy it. You can't imagine the disappointment on my face when I saw the image quality. This same story fits with Bram Stoker's Dracula and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
Shiny, smooth Steelbooks for me. The matte ones seems kinda cheap to me.

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
I ordered V for Vendetta from Amazon.ca and it came badly dented. Lucky for me they send me another one for free, and it arrived in perfect condition.

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
None of my Steelbooks haven't been broken.

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
They just look nice. I don't buy Steelbooks for them being 'rare' or so I could sell them later for a higher price. ALLWAYS buy only the Steelbooks that you like personally. That's what collection is about. For me it's just a hobby after all.

[uraki]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later?
Always will think first. Bit of a movie junkie so will have seen quite a few movies before they get released on blu-ray, so I know what I'm letting myself in for.

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks?
No real preference. As long as the steelbook looks good

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented?
Yep. Thankfully only a small few so far

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it?
None yet

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
Even when collecting DVDs, always went for special editions over a normal release. Nowadays with movies being released in the many different collectable versions - digibooks, slip covers, steelbooks, etc - I just decided to stick to one form and chose steelbooks

[Tony208]

Only for the movies I like a lot

[Liselotte]

I'll buy it. I'll even double, triple, etc. dip if they have different artwork.

[Terrorfirmer]

If a movie comes out on Blu-Ray, will you buy it first, think later? I only buy what I like and will check reviews first on films I haven't seen, too many crappy dvd blind buys not to have learned my lesson

Do you prefer shiny, smooth steels or matte steelbooks? They're all good

Have you ever ordered one online, and it turned up dented? Nope

Has any steelbook of yours broken? If so, how did you fix it? Nope

What's the actual incentive to purchase a steelbook over a normal Blu?
I like the overall look of a steelbook and they usually have pretty sweet artwork and i'm a huge movie artwork nerd (thanks to VHS horror movie isle of my younger days) but still I won't pay rediculous prices if I can't get it for around $20 instore, I keep watch on ebay and for online deals.