The Blu-ray Replacement Case Thread

[andantelise]

Originally Posted by BillieCassin

That's what I did...almost six months ago now. I've long since given up. I regret giving them my payment info, and am irritated that I can't just cancel the order since they obviously have no intention of filling it.



If you are waiting for a response, you won't be getting one. They put a notice up on their website saying "COVID!! we aren't replying to emails any more, we don't have time".

Not kidding.

I should've read the thread before ordering a couple of cases from them. I did contact them to add a few more cases, and weirdly they answered. They haven't gotten back to me once I let them know which cases, though.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

Not entirely true. Today I spent 5 minutes on the phone talking to a sales rep at

https://www.blankmediaprinting.com

Anyone can order from them. No business account is necessary. I was informed that there's actually a shortage of 4K cases right now in the US, just like all other things I suppose. I already knew about the steelbook shortages. Anyway, it was funny that the sales rep brought up Casetopia's failed track record. We were both on the same page on that clowns store. Further discussion lead to more insight. I was under the false impression that there were 2 plastic manufacturing plants located in Canada that were still making Viva cases. It's true that

https://www.viva.com.hk/elite/

does have two plants in Canada, but they're only making other things there. All Viva cases come from China now, as has been the case for some time now.

I can order single and double hub Viva Elite cases from blankmediaprinting for a better price per unit than mediadiscstore on Ebay AKA

http://goodwoodeshop.com

but then shipping costs kill the savings for me on what I'm after. Either way, it's going to cost me about $100 for the 100 or so cases I still need. I will keep looking for at least one more U.S. based outlet before I proceed with an order.

At least we now know of a third option that is actually functional, if only to fill more of our basic needs.

I didn't mean that you couldn't get cases from any other place, but most others only offer one price point or low quantities so they're just not cost effective. Discmakers was the best and most cost effective place for regular 1 and 2 disc Blu-ray cases. Years ago the first time they stopped carrying them, they brought them back after speaking with them. However, with Viva raising their prices several years ago, they stopped carrying them again. Maybe you could give it a shot with them.

Also, anyone can order from Viva if you want to go through the paperwork and approval process to open a business account with them and the last I was aware the the minimum order was pretty high (meaning thousands of cases).

Does blankmediaprinting even carry Viva Elites? If not, I can't see them going through those hoops just for a 100 case order.

[314carpenter]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Does blankmediaprinting even carry Viva Elites? If not, I can't see them going through those hoops just for a 100 case order.

Yes they do have Viva Elite's. Min 25 for blu's. Min 10 for 4k's. Click the link below and scroll down to see their inventory and pricing for raw packaging. If you see it, you can order it. Shipping quotes are location and quantity dependent, just like it would be if you were mailing them yourself.

https://www.blankmediaprinting.com/cd-packaging

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

Yes the have them. Min 25 for blu's. Min 10 for 4k's. Click the link below and scroll down to see their inventory and pricing for raw packaging. If you see it, you can order it. Shipping quotes are location and quantity dependent, just like it would be if you were mailing them yourself.

https://www.blankmediaprinting.com/cd-packaging

Do they actually carry Viva Elite Blu-ray cases though, their pictures are of generic Blu-ray cases (not Viva Elites). The 4K UHD cases specifically state Viva Elite though. Either way, I've added them to the OP.

EDIT: I went back and looked at my old Discmakers orders and at 100 cases they were $0.33/ea and $0.37/ea for the 1 and 2-disc cases, respectively, plus $10 shipping. 25 count of the 1-disc cases were $0.39/ea plus $5.50 S&H.

[314carpenter]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Do they actually carry Viva Elite Blu-ray cases though, their pictures are of generic Blu-ray cases (not Viva Elites). The 4K UHD cases specifically state Viva Elite though. Either way, I've added them to the OP.

EDIT: I went back and looked at my old Discmakers orders and at 100 cases they were $0.33/ea and $0.37/ea for the 1 and 2-disc cases, respectively, plus $10 shipping. 25 count of the 1-disc cases were $0.39/ea plus $5.50 S&H.

Thanks for that.
I'll contact them again on Monday to double check to be sure those are all Viva Elite. If anyone needs other questions answered, best post them now.

[toxsic]

Does anyone know what the brand/style of case is that came with the standard blu-ray for No Time To Die? it's kind of like a hybrid between an Elite & Vortex. it's actually quite a nice case in my opinion.

[dissolute_dog]

Originally Posted by toxsic

Does anyone know what the brand/style of case is that came with the standard blu-ray for No Time To Die? it's kind of like a hybrid between an Elite & Vortex. it's actually quite a nice case in my opinion.

I have been wondering this as well! I like it too, but unfortunately I've only seen this brand/style a few times, and it's always been for Blu-rays by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (from my experience).

As you said, "No Time To Die" uses this brand for its 3-disc Blu-ray cases, and a few batches of "A Dog's Journey" (2019) also used it for their 2-disc Blu-ray cases.

Just for fun, I looked at the US Patent number on the spine (D605887 S) and did a quick Google search about it, lol. If I'm understanding the info correctly, these cases were designed by a Hong Kong company called Finest Products Limited, and they filed a patent for it way back in 2009! And their drawings for the design do seem to match:

https://patentimages.storage.googlea.../USD605887.pdf

Looking at all this patent info gives one an appreciation for all the work it takes just to design a disc case and try to get it into the market. It's kind of sad that for all their work, we haven't seen much of their design make it to store shelves. At least Universal Pictures has turned to them occasionally, with James Bond being a good catch for this case brand.

[johnnyknoxsvill]

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

Yes they do have Viva Elite's. Min 25 for blu's. Min 10 for 4k's. Click the link below and scroll down to see their inventory and pricing for raw packaging. If you see it, you can order it. Shipping quotes are location and quantity dependent, just like it would be if you were mailing them yourself.

https://www.blankmediaprinting.com/cd-packaging

Just put together an order of 10 each of the 4K cases, and even with shipping It came out cheaper than Goodwood. Plus I'd be getting 5 extra of each case compared to my Goodwood order i just placed of 5 cases of each.

I wish I saw your post before placing my order.

[jstxanothrxstory]

Originally Posted by johnnyknoxsvill

Just put together an order of 10 each of the 4K cases, and even with shipping It came out cheaper than Goodwood. Plus I'd be getting 5 extra of each case compared to my Goodwood order i just placed of 5 cases of each.

I wish I saw your post before placing my order.

Their eBay store has free shipping on certain quantities. They charge a bit more, but sometimes it comes out cheaper as a result of the shipping fees.

Unfortunately, shipping prices in Canada are ridiculous at the moment. ;_;

[MoviePhanatic00]

Originally Posted by toxsic

Does anyone know what the brand/style of case is that came with the standard blu-ray for No Time To Die? it's kind of like a hybrid between an Elite & Vortex. it's actually quite a nice case in my opinion.

Apologies as I am not answering your question, but if you are looking for great quality cases, I switched over to Ace Plus a few back. I am very picky about my cases and my favorite was always Amaray cases, but they stopped selling them in U.S. I was never really fond of the Viva Elite cases. I am fairly certain I'm in the minority in this regard, but they don't have the most secure fitting hub system IMO.

The BR logo on Ace Plus is not embossed like the Amaray cases, but a screen print overlay. I know that is important to some collectors. I get them through sellers on AMZ. The do come in various quantity assortments and the price won't break the bank, thought the price of them has been increasing steadily the past few years.

[toxsic]

Originally Posted by MoviePhanatic00

Apologies as I am not answering your question, but if you are looking for great quality cases, I switched over to Ace Plus a few back. I am very picky about my cases and my favorite was always Amaray cases, but they stopped selling them in U.S. I was never really fond of the Viva Elite cases. I am fairly certain I'm in the minority in this regard, but they don't have the most secure fitting hub system IMO.

The BR logo on Ace Plus is not embossed like the Amaray cases, but a screen print overlay. I know that is important to some collectors. I get them through sellers on AMZ. The do come in various quantity assortments and the price won't break the bank, thought the price of them has been increasing steadily the past few years.

Personally, i'm pretty fond of Viva Elite cases, but that's just because i can't stand Vortex cases. if there are even other generic brands that are close to Viva Elites in thickness and build quality, that would probably be ok with me also. i just don't like the thin flimsy Vortex cases and the crappy latch tab that they have.

[toxsic]

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

Thanks for that.
I'll contact them again on Monday to double check to be sure those are all Viva Elite. If anyone needs other questions answered, best post them now.

looking at the pics on the site for the 1 and 2 disc cases. they look like generic case, not Viva Elites. notice how on the 4K cases, they actually state that they're official Viva Elite cases, but they don't state that on the normal cases.


After looking at all the actual options remaining to buy basic blu-ray cases, realization is that the loss of Casetopia as a dependable resource and the fact that discmakers quit selling Viva Elite cases is a major blow. I was so spoiled by Casetopia & Discmakers prices (even counting shipping in) that prices for almost any cases seem stupidly high now. unless you're buying very large quantities to get discounts, it seems like most places after shipping, cases are coming out to around $2 per. just a year and a half/two years ago, including shipping, you could get 100 cases for $60 or less.

went back and looked at my last order from Discmakers back on 3/27/2019 and i ordered the following cases:

100 Elite Singles
100 Elite Doubles
25 Elite Triples

my total including shipping was $125.75. that's about 50 cents per case. the same order right now with goodwood would cost me about $315.

[314carpenter]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

[Show spoiler]Do they actually carry Viva Elite Blu-ray cases though, their pictures are of generic Blu-ray cases (not Viva Elites). The 4K UHD cases specifically state Viva Elite though. Either way, I've added them to the OP.

EDIT: I went back and looked at my old Discmakers orders and at 100 cases they were $0.33/ea and $0.37/ea for the 1 and 2-disc cases, respectively, plus $10 shipping. 25 count of the 1-disc cases were $0.39/ea plus $5.50 S&H.

Update:
Due to a lack of common knowledge and some recent misinformation that was shared here (certainly not from you rdodolak, thank you for your great work btw), I was forced to do some extensive research today to sort out a few things. In the process I was able to gain much information from first party sources that I am providing here now to help the community moving forward from this date and time.

http://goodwoodeshop.com/
https://www.ebay.com/str/megadiscstorecom
https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A1T68YC5...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
All are the same, but differ in pricing, so cross-shopping is recommended. They are conveniently located 20 miles away from the Viva manufacturing plant (Toronto area) which has a big impact on their market share and pricing for Viva products. As suggested, they are now the best place to source from, for most people looking for Viva Elite products.

Casetopia:
Do not order from them, and it's in your best interest to forget they exist as a source. If you order from them in the future, that is your own burden to bear, but we don't need to know about it here. You have been warned. If you have an outstanding order with them, well good luck.

BlankMediaPrinting:
Viva Elite stock will not be replenished, at least for now. If you order more than they have on hand, you will not be charged for units they don't have, and your order will be amended. For prosperity, I added the bulk pricing information as the links will be soon be going down for the following (2) items. Shipping is location and size dependent, but for me shipping was nearly equal to the product price, so I left these for someone else. If you live closer to Florida, give them a try.

Only 30 Units remaining!... Viva Elite 4K Ultra HD Single Disc Case 12.5mm - Black

[Show spoiler](10 - 24 are $0.85 per unit)
(25 - 99 are $0.80 per unit)
(100 - 299 are $0.75 per unit)
(300 - 499 are $0.71 per unit)
(500 - 999 are $0.62 per unit)
(1000 - 2499 are $0.55 per unit)
(2500 - 4999 are $0.53 per unit)
(5000+ are $0.52 per unit)

Only 40 Units remaining!... Viva Elite 4K Ultra HD 2-Disc Case 12.5mm - Black

[Show spoiler](10 - 24 are $0.95 per unit)
(25 - 99 are $0.90 per unit)
(100 - 299 are $0.85 per unit)
(300 - 499 are $0.72 per unit)
(500 - 999 are $0.69 per unit)
(1000 - 2499 are $0.62 per unit)
(2500 - 4999 are $0.58 per unit)
(5000+ are $0.57 per unit)

BlankMediaPrinting also carry generic (they couldn't even give me a name) blu-ray cases. This stock will continue to be replenished. Order all you want.
Generic - 6mm (1-disc)
Generic - 12.5mm (1-disc)
Generic - 12.5mm (2-disc)

*Viva Elite disc cases in all shapes and sizes: are and will continue to be manufactured and shipped from Toronto, Canada. More information on that below in the next post.*

[314carpenter]

https://www.viva.com.hk/elite/

Update #2:
Good news today.

I spoke with Viva manufacturing (voice phone call) with a Viva company representative specializing in sales of their media cases. Please be responsible and don't abuse the information I am sharing with you in this post. I inquired on availability, licensing, sales, shipping, pricing, quantities, and distribution. I was also able to clear up some shared misinformation on their products. Viva is a good company with a quality product. I am providing this information as a service to the community.

I'm also waiting on correspondence on a list of vendors. Hopefully we'll be getting some first party insight so we can get even more solid updates to this thread. It would be very helpful to know where these are actually currently available, outside of Toronto, outside of the information that I've already updated.

First of all let's clear up some misinformation.
Viva is not manufacturing in China. There is zero shortage of product available. There are no supply chain issues, no logistical problems, other than shipping costs have obviously gone up for everyone. All current Elite "Blu-ray Disc" and "4K UltraHD" labels are foil stamps, and have not been embossed by them in many, many years. They may be custom ordered without the stamps, but I have no idea what it would take to have them do it.

Here is some information on some of the ECO-BOX products that Viva makes, which I'm still in the process of trying to replace with other (probably Viva products again) as explained further below.
https://www.viva.com.hk/ecobox/about.html

I was also told that anyone can order from them direct, as long as you are purchasing in full pallet quantities only. There are no carboard boxes used to fill the pallet, plastic wrapped bundles only (see below). There are no other requirements to purchase direct, but you will need to sign some documents, which will explain your own liabilities of your purchase. There may be some other specific limitations inherent to their business model, but that information would be available to you before making a purchase. No special business account is required. No vetting, no special approvals required.

*Products are manufactured in our facility in Toronto, Canada.
*MOQ – 1 full pallet per item (splitting pallets or mixing items per pallet is not available)
*Bulk packed (no cartons) - 28pcs per band, 21 band per layer, 8 layers per pallet = 4704 pcs (for the items shown below).
*pricing is quoted in USD, valid for February 2022 and will be revisited next month.
*LTL freight charges are not included- customers can choose to pick up from our facility or we can arrange logistics for you.

I'm not here to discuss pricing for anyone buying direct from Viva. However, I will tell you I'm considering buying a large order of Viva Elite 4K 2-disc black cases, and Blu-ray 2-disc blue cases. This is two separate products, so buying direct would require me to purchase two pallets consisting of 9408 total units. I would likely need a forklift/dock to unload the truck. Shipping for me would be close to 20% of my total associated cost, not counting my own storage and logistic requirements, etc. Storage is never totally free for anyone, but space may occasionally be wasted by some. My personal financial break even point for this venture is above 5000 units vs just going with the same items from GoodwoodEshop. Thank god for them. YMMV. IMOP their pricing and availability is very respectable, but I still want more options. This photo was provided to me today by Viva manufacturing. I included it here for reference.

image003.jpg

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

http://goodwoodeshop.com/
https://www.ebay.com/str/megadiscstorecom
Both are the same, but differ in pricing, so cross-shopping is recommended. They are conveniently located 20 miles away from the Viva manufacturing plant (Toronto area) which has a big impact on their market share and pricing for Viva products. As suggested, they are now the best place to source from, for most people looking for Viva Elite products.

Yes, these are the same and MegaDiscStore was renamed Goodwoodeshop several years ago. Links to their eBay and Amazon storefronts have been included in the OP for some time.

Originally Posted by 314carpenter

BlankMediaPrinting:
Viva Elite stock will not be replenished, at least for now.

Did they state why they will not be replenishing their stock?

[toxsic]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

Yes, these are the same and MegaDiscStore was renamed Goodwoodeshop several years ago. Links to their eBay and Amazon storefronts have been included in the OP for some time.



Did they state why they will not be replenishing their stock?

If i had a guess, i'd say it's probably cost. seems like goodwood is about the only place selling Viva Elite cases now and they're pretty expensive after you factor in shipping. could be another reason, but that's just my guess.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by toxsic

If i had a guess, i'd say it's probably cost. seems like goodwood is about the only place selling Viva Elite cases now and they're pretty expensive after you factor in shipping. could be another reason, but that's just my guess.

That's the reason why Discmakers dropped them years ago, due to a bump in cost though the cost back then was still much less than what it is now.

[toxsic]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

That's the reason why Discmakers dropped them years ago, due to a bump in cost though the cost back then was still much less than what it is now.

yeah, i found another place that carries generic cases. prices seem ok'ish.

https://www.squaredealonline.com/sea...&vDBFilter=999

[rdodolak]

It's too bad there aren't more viable options, it's even more of a shame that there aren't many options for non-blue cases.

[chewbabka]

Originally Posted by toxsic

Does anyone know what the brand/style of case is that came with the standard blu-ray for No Time To Die? it's kind of like a hybrid between an Elite & Vortex. it's actually quite a nice case in my opinion.

Are these the ones that are debossed at the top and have a 5-star style hub? I’ve gotten a few: Kino’s Mad Max, Disney/Pixar Rattatouolle, and Sony’s Guns of Navarone and Fifth Element. They just seem to show up randomly.

I like them. More sturdy and a very satisfying “snap”


Edit… so I googled an unboxing (how embarrassing) of the NTTD BD and yeah, that’s the one. Oddly it’s not a new style for BD, my old 3-disc Pirates of the Caribbean (2011 edition) came in that case. The only other examples I have are 2-disc 4k cases.