Is this what I can expect from SteelBooks... - Blu-ray Forum

RowdyBurns · 08-12-2013, 02:35 AM

Being in North America, we don't get many steelbook releases, but they seem to be a trend that is beginning to make its way here for collectors. And as someone who gets frustrated with bent slipcovers, I was excited about steelbooks.

I ordered 4 on Amazon....Hellboy 2, both of Burton's Batman films, and The Dark Knight. I even got one at Wal-Mart - Batman Begins.

All 5 have imperfections in the paint - little "chips" or whatever you want to call it. I even got the 'Django' exclusive steelbook at Target on the first day and what do you know? I take off the little cardboard backing only to find chips at the corners. I just chalked it up to a manufacturing defect for that particular release.

Am I just the unluckiest person in North America or is this really the kind of quality I can expect? I'm pretty disgusted and upset with it.

Villiam Hayes · 08-12-2013, 02:47 AM

I don't think your the unluckiest person in North America,that would be exaggerating a bit.

In saying that,if your buying these steelbooks brand new then you should expect to have them in perfect condition.

I only have a few myself and the only issue I have had is a small scratch on my An American Werewolf in London steel.
I have read plenty of stories on here about people who's orders have arrived looking like they were run over by an eighteen wheeler,then you have the infamous spine slasher.

PFrank · 08-12-2013, 02:54 AM

Mine have little chips in them as well. A couple are slightly bent. I still think they look great still. Who knows.. if it gets to the point where most of it is scratched off, I'll just create something custom with paint.

Petra_Kalbrain · 08-12-2013, 02:55 AM

Being OCD and collecting steelbooks is a tecipe for disaster. There are times when you will just have to accept that they can't all be the epitome of perfection. I blame this mostly on everyone that handles them before they are in our hands. Everyone from the manufacturer packaging them into boxes to the employees at the warehouse/store unpacking them to the post office employees tossing thousands of packages a day all add up to high risk scenarios for slight damages. I've come to accept anything that isn't immediately noticeable from a shrinkwrapped unit... unless something noticeable appears under the J-card.

RowdyBurns · 08-12-2013, 03:00 AM

Well in a perfect world, anything you buy new should be in perfect condition, but I have found in most cases this is simply just unrealistic (and not just about blu rays). When it comes to slipcovers and the sort, it's often very, very difficult to find PERFECT conditions so you get the best ones you can and find ones that are at least in good, acceptable conditions. That's a truth I've had to accept.

And a lot of these paint chips/scratches are behind the cardboard backing so you wouldn't even know until you open the plastic. Granted these blu ray steelbooks are "only" $10.00, I'm wondering if these were just cheaply done to capitalize on collectors and the steelbook trend? Just curious to know what other people's experiences have been.

But I find myself much less excited about steelbooks now if this is what I can expect.

RowdyBurns · 08-12-2013, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

Being OCD and collecting steelbooks is a tecipe for disaster. There are times when you will just have to accept that they can't all be the epitome of perfection. I blame this mostly on everyone that handles them before they are in our hands. Everyone from the manufacturer packaging them into boxes to the employees at the warehouse/store unpacking them to the post office employees tossing thousands of packages a day all add up to high risk scenarios for slight damages. I've come to accept anything that isn't immediately noticeable from a shrinkwrapped unit... unless something noticeable appears under the J-card.

Thank you for the responses everyone.....it seems like a manufacturing defect because I haven't noticed any discernible nicks or anything on the packages that seem like they would have caused the scratches. It seems like it's just a cheap, faulty paint manufacturing process - however it's done.

From the sound of it, looks like I'll have to accept it. Just curious if this is the norm.

blu-ray_girl_fan · 08-12-2013, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyBurns

Being in North America, we don't get many steelbook releases, but they seem to be a trend that is beginning to make its way here for collectors. And as someone who gets frustrated with bent slipcovers, I was excited about steelbooks.

I ordered 4 on Amazon....Hellboy 2, both of Burton's Batman films, and The Dark Knight. I even got one at Wal-Mart - Batman Begins.

All 5 have imperfections in the paint - little "chips" or whatever you want to call it. I even got the 'Django' exclusive steelbook at Target on the first day and what do you know? I take off the little cardboard backing only to find chips at the corners. I just chalked it up to a manufacturing defect for that particular release.

Am I just the unluckiest person in North America or is this really the kind of quality I can expect? I'm pretty disgusted and upset with it.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=224308

Captain Kirk · 08-12-2013, 05:11 AM

On topic...99% of all steelbooks I have bought that aren't glossy have little chips somewhere in them. Luckily for me I don't give a rats ass.

stevo4264 · 08-12-2013, 08:02 AM

In all honesty, I think you have just been unlucky, I'm in Australia and I've picked up Steel's from the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany etc. And all have arrived in Perfect condition, Maybe I've just been lucky

lateralspin · 08-12-2013, 08:26 AM

I am quitting this expensive hobby...

RyanPom · 08-12-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateralspin

I am quitting this expensive hobby...

Gasp.

Petra_Kalbrain · 08-12-2013, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateralspin

I am quitting this expensive hobby...

Gannet · 08-12-2013, 10:34 AM

You can also expect WB's mass-produced U.S. steelbooks to have other defects beyond paint chips -- more random indentations along the edges, at the corners, etc. I've bought about 60 UK steelbooks, and most of them are much higher quality than the US ones.

Jayze · 08-12-2013, 12:47 PM

I've just read this thread. In my experience, I find it that with the exception of the Django Unchained Target steelbook, the only steelbooks that seems to have all of these paint chips and scratch defects are the re-issued Warner Bros. steelbooks that available in Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. I only been collecting for a year and the matte steelbooks (again the WB steels) seems to have a lot of manufacturing imperfections. First print runs of WB steels which are glossier, were flawless when I got them (Sherlock Holmes:GOS, Wrath of the Titans 3D) The steels of these titles that are available now are matte and and most with defects.

I also haven't had any defects on first print steelbooks from Sony and Universal. Perhaps, the WB steels are that inexpensive ($9.99) because the quality is not on par with a first print steelbook. Why else would a new steelbook cost $29.99 on its release date.

mrpants · 08-12-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lateralspin

I am quitting this expensive hobby...

Best decision you'll ever make.

OCD + easily damaged tin cases + artificial scarcity = an early grave

Master S · 08-12-2013, 01:15 PM

When I started collecting Steelbooks they had to be 100% mint, but after all the fuss of returning or ordering multiple copies so at least one arrives mint I don't care anymore.

Now I'm just happy if it isn't bent, that is where I draw the line. But paint chips or small scratches I don't mind anymore. It makes my life much easier

RowdyBurns · 08-12-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayze

I've just read this thread. In my experience, I find it that with the exception of the Django Unchained Target steelbook, the only steelbooks that seems to have all of these paint chips and scratch defects are the re-issued Warner Bros. steelbooks that available in Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. I only been collecting for a year and the matte steelbooks (again the WB steels) seems to have a lot of manufacturing imperfections. First print runs of WB steels which are glossier, were flawless when I got them (Sherlock Holmes:GOS, Wrath of the Titans 3D) The steels of these titles that are available now are matte and and most with defects.

I also haven't had any defects on first print steelbooks from Sony and Universal. Perhaps, the WB steels are that inexpensive ($9.99) because the quality is not on par with a first print steelbook. Why else would a new steelbook cost $29.99 on its release date.

That seems to be the case......I think the re-issues are obviously aimed at the collector crowd - especially given the titles like Burton's Batman films, Nolan's Batman films, etc. - with the expectation that fans will double-dip. But they seem to have been made on the cheap.

But at least I know it's a common issue.......I suppose I will have to accept small imperfections in the paint. Just how it is.

P@t_Mtl · 08-12-2013, 02:36 PM

I never got into the steelbook collecting, but one of my friend is into this in a big way. He been a little sad with all these steelbooks being release, once they were not so common but now it seem they are all over the place.

I only got two steelbooks because of movies (they were only release in steelbook formats so I had no choice) Dune Director's Cut on DVD and Flicker Alley release of Un Voyage Dans La Lune. The only steelbooks I got as a double dip were the Star Wars that came out in the spring so I could include them in my Star Wars collection. Unless it's a movie I want and it's coming out only in steelbook, I will get it but if a non steelbook is available I will go for that instead.

MifuneFan · 08-12-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

I never got into the steelbook collecting, but one of my friend is into this in a big way. He been a little sad with all these steelbooks being release, once they were not so common but now it seem they are all over the place.

A typical Steelbook collector whines when there's not enough steelbooks, and whines when there's too many. I've seen it all too often on here.

MrClarke · 08-12-2013, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mifunefan

a typical steelbook collector whines when there's not enough steelbooks, and whines when there's too many. I've seen it all too often on here.

+1,000,000

08-12-2013, 02:35 AM	#1
RowdyBurns Member Member since:Aug 2013	Is this what I can expect from SteelBooks... Being in North America, we don't get many steelbook releases, but they seem to be a trend that is beginning to make its way here for collectors. And as someone who gets frustrated with bent slipcovers, I was excited about steelbooks. I ordered 4 on Amazon....Hellboy 2, both of Burton's Batman films, and The Dark Knight. I even got one at Wal-Mart - Batman Begins. All 5 have imperfections in the paint - little "chips" or whatever you want to call it. I even got the 'Django' exclusive steelbook at Target on the first day and what do you know? I take off the little cardboard backing only to find chips at the corners. I just chalked it up to a manufacturing defect for that particular release. Am I just the unluckiest person in North America or is this really the kind of quality I can expect? I'm pretty disgusted and upset with it.

08-12-2013, 01:15 PM	#16
Master S Expert Member Member since:May 2011 Location:Belgium Trading Score:40	When I started collecting Steelbooks they had to be 100% mint, but after all the fuss of returning or ordering multiple copies so at least one arrives mint I don't care anymore. Now I'm just happy if it isn't bent, that is where I draw the line. But paint chips or small scratches I don't mind anymore. It makes my life much easier Last edited by Master S; 08-12-2013 at 01:18 PM.

08-12-2013, 02:47 AM	#2
Villiam Hayes Banned Top contributor Member since:Dec 2011 Location:Norn Iron Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:437 DVD collection:5 Trading Score:20	I don't think your the unluckiest person in North America,that would be exaggerating a bit. In saying that,if your buying these steelbooks brand new then you should expect to have them in perfect condition. I only have a few myself and the only issue I have had is a small scratch on my An American Werewolf in London steel. I have read plenty of stories on here about people who's orders have arrived looking like they were run over by an eighteen wheeler,then you have the infamous spine slasher.

08-12-2013, 02:54 AM	#3
PFrank Active Member Member since:Jun 2011 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:340	Mine have little chips in them as well. A couple are slightly bent. I still think they look great still. Who knows.. if it gets to the point where most of it is scratched off, I'll just create something custom with paint.

08-12-2013, 02:55 AM	#4
Petra_Kalbrain Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Vancouver, BC 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:561 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:20	Being OCD and collecting steelbooks is a tecipe for disaster. There are times when you will just have to accept that they can't all be the epitome of perfection. I blame this mostly on everyone that handles them before they are in our hands. Everyone from the manufacturer packaging them into boxes to the employees at the warehouse/store unpacking them to the post office employees tossing thousands of packages a day all add up to high risk scenarios for slight damages. I've come to accept anything that isn't immediately noticeable from a shrinkwrapped unit... unless something noticeable appears under the J-card.

08-12-2013, 03:00 AM	#5
RowdyBurns Member Member since:Aug 2013	Well in a perfect world, anything you buy new should be in perfect condition, but I have found in most cases this is simply just unrealistic (and not just about blu rays). When it comes to slipcovers and the sort, it's often very, very difficult to find PERFECT conditions so you get the best ones you can and find ones that are at least in good, acceptable conditions. That's a truth I've had to accept. And a lot of these paint chips/scratches are behind the cardboard backing so you wouldn't even know until you open the plastic. Granted these blu ray steelbooks are "only" $10.00, I'm wondering if these were just cheaply done to capitalize on collectors and the steelbook trend? Just curious to know what other people's experiences have been. But I find myself much less excited about steelbooks now if this is what I can expect.

08-12-2013, 05:11 AM	#8
Captain Kirk Banned Member since:Feb 2012 Trading Score:2	On topic...99% of all steelbooks I have bought that aren't glossy have little chips somewhere in them. Luckily for me I don't give a rats ass.

08-12-2013, 08:02 AM	#9
stevo4264 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Apr 2010 Location:Out There 4K collection:229 Blu-ray collection:899 Trading Score:7	In all honesty, I think you have just been unlucky, I'm in Australia and I've picked up Steel's from the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, Germany etc. And all have arrived in Perfect condition, Maybe I've just been lucky

08-12-2013, 08:26 AM	#10
lateralspin Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2012 Location:Sydney Australia Trading Score:6	I am quitting this expensive hobby...

08-12-2013, 10:34 AM	#13
Gannet Expert Member Member since:Jul 2009 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:-	You can also expect WB's mass-produced U.S. steelbooks to have other defects beyond paint chips -- more random indentations along the edges, at the corners, etc. I've bought about 60 UK steelbooks, and most of them are much higher quality than the US ones.

08-12-2013, 12:47 PM	#14
Jayze Active Member Member since:Jun 2012 Location:Bronx, NY USA 4K collection:40 Blu-ray collection:395 DVD collection:139 Trading Score:1	I've just read this thread. In my experience, I find it that with the exception of the Django Unchained Target steelbook, the only steelbooks that seems to have all of these paint chips and scratch defects are the re-issued Warner Bros. steelbooks that available in Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. I only been collecting for a year and the matte steelbooks (again the WB steels) seems to have a lot of manufacturing imperfections. First print runs of WB steels which are glossier, were flawless when I got them (Sherlock Holmes:GOS, Wrath of the Titans 3D) The steels of these titles that are available now are matte and and most with defects. I also haven't had any defects on first print steelbooks from Sony and Universal. Perhaps, the WB steels are that inexpensive ($9.99) because the quality is not on par with a first print steelbook. Why else would a new steelbook cost $29.99 on its release date.

08-12-2013, 02:36 PM	#18
P@t_Mtl Blu-ray Duke Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Montreal Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:452 DVD collection:513 Trading Score:3	I never got into the steelbook collecting, but one of my friend is into this in a big way. He been a little sad with all these steelbooks being release, once they were not so common but now it seem they are all over the place. I only got two steelbooks because of movies (they were only release in steelbook formats so I had no choice) Dune Director's Cut on DVD and Flicker Alley release of Un Voyage Dans La Lune. The only steelbooks I got as a double dip were the Star Wars that came out in the spring so I could include them in my Star Wars collection. Unless it's a movie I want and it's coming out only in steelbook, I will get it but if a non steelbook is available I will go for that instead.

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