What's The Difference Between SteelBook, IronPack & MetalPak?

[Wreck]

As many people have come across this craze of a hobby collecting blu-ray steelbooks they have also noticed the talk of "Star Metal Paks" and "Iron Packs". Ultimately, all are made of a metal and some are made and packaged better than others.

SteelBook is by popularity the most saught after, best packaged, and best made.

Iron Pack (in my humble opinion) seems to be close but still a bit behind in the quality department.

Star Metal Paks are fine on the outside but the hinges and cut spine for the hinges are just attrocious and cheapy made. (IMO)

Never the less, they are all still better than a cheap amaray (regular blu-ray case) and if you are a collector of movies and your favorite movie gets a metal version of any kind (like the tins, Band of Brothers) then you will probably rush after it!

Below is a picture of the differences, but ultimately the choice is up to you as far as what you like and will buy. Canadians and Germans are starting to get Iron Packs so it may be more feasible for you to make your own judgement in person but ofcourse we are strong supporters of the SteelBook brand.

Pics taken from http://bluraysteelbooks.com/steelbook-resources/

 

[Wreck]

steelbook.com

 

[thomastan]

Think of steelbooks like Lego. It comes from Denmark so it's the most superior.

Metal Pak's, Iron packs, Viva metal boxes and so forth are all just inferior imitations from some foreign land.

 

[catcc003]

That was really helpful always wanted to know the different since I started collecting

 

[FabFlick5]

Thanks - very helpful!

 

[DjViper]

Thanks

 

[dawei]

Viva metal boxes are becoming my favorite, nice finition,mainly (if not all) embossed, inside artwork, and more durable.

 

[thyle]

Thanks for the post... glad to be informed so I can better speak to my collection! I certainly concur that Steelbooks hold up much better than IronPacks!

 

[The Driver]

Just bought Kill Bill 2 off ebay which was advertised as a steelbook, but when i got it, it was a metalpak, it was a dutch version. I prefer the look of steelbooks.

 

[SYKES]

I like the Steelbooks the most, easy to put custom artwork inside if thats your thing. Also cover art printed directly onto Steelbook just looks and feels better than IP or metal

 

[confessor94]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a viva metal box and a metal pak? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[apsmith21]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a viva metal box and a metal pak? Thanks in advance for your help.

Biggest difference is the spine. You'll note that the Viva Metal Box has a spine like a steelbook in that opens up like a book. However, it has plastic at the top and the bottom - the spine is not entirely made of metal.

In a metalpak, while the spine is metal, there are two plastic clasps on the inside, that act as a hinge to allow the case to open.

Those are the biggest differences, IMO, and what people notice first.

 

[Elena]

Hi guys, I saw at Viva website and found that their Metal Box release have option for being "lenticular label for 3D effect for 3D blu-ray release", until now I never see that kind of art cover on viva metal box.. I presume it will look stunning if they release the lenticular 3D cover

btw here's the link http://www.viva-metalbox.com/mb2.htm

 

[bd251]

Hi guys, I saw at Viva website and found that their Metal Box release have option for being "lenticular label for 3D effect for 3D blu-ray release", until now I never see that kind of art cover on viva metal box.. I presume it will look stunning if they release the lenticular 3D cover

btw here's the link http://www.viva-metalbox.com/mb2.htm

When did they come out with the slim metal box (12.5mm)? Has anything been released in this yet?

 

[Elena]

When did they come out with the slim metal box (12.5mm)? Has anything been released in this yet?

As far I know, they haven't release it (on movies metal box, I don't know if there another release beside movies) as well.. I think Viva will surprise us someday, their release get better and better now

 

[Elena]

Can anyone show me difference between Viva Metal Box and Steelbook , please !?

Thanks.

According to ygorrenato question about the difference between Viva Metal Box and Steelbook, here's the visual look for VMB spine, at this thread OP there's only pics of Steelbook, Iron Pack, and Metal Pack spine.

Detail of it already mention by apsmith at his post here :

Biggest difference is the spine. You'll note that the Viva Metal Box has a spine like a steelbook in that opens up like a book. However, it has plastic at the top and the bottom - the spine is not entirely made of metal.

In a metalpak, while the spine is metal, there are two plastic clasps on the inside, that act as a hinge to allow the case to open.

Those are the biggest differences, IMO, and what people notice first.

 

[ygorrenato]

Metal Pack Spine is the same thing Viva Metal Box??

 

[Elena]

Metal Pack Spine is the same thing Viva Metal Box??

not at all, you can see at the OP pic number 3 from the top that's metal pack, compare it with my pic of metal box. All 3 kind of metal packaging (Steelbook, Iron Pack, and Metal Pack) doesn't have plastic at the top and bottom of it's spine. It's the easiest way to see the differences between Metal Box and the other metal packaging

 

[80sfanboy]

Thanks for the information

 

[kitsunisan]

I see. The Avengers preorder box that Best Buy did was a Viva metal box, I wondered why there was the clear plastic on the edges. Still, not too bad, though it does break up the look next to the steelbooks I have.

 

[Higgser]

So now I know

Thanks for the info