Desirability of steelbook collecting

[creasey275]

The year 2012 has seen a massive surge in steelbook releases, and collectors. Of the 35 pages of threads on HDN steelbook forum, 24 have been started this year. Back catalogue films, new releases and multiple releases in different countries has, I imagine, lead collectors to become more choosy about which to buy and where to buy it. "Limited" releases to 4,000, shop exclusives and steelbook treatment(debossing...) are now crucial deciding factors whether customers buy, and judging by the posts on numerous thread here and elsewhere reporting that a lot are keeping steelbooks sealed, over-riding the film itself.

Now for the statement.

In 2012 the huge increase in steelbook releases has lead to the decline in desirability of steelbooks. Discuss.

 

[sunnyx]

From that list you provided, those are all ebay 'auctions' not BIN. On 'bids' they generally fetch less than a BIN. Sucker Punch SDCC I can recall being sold for around $180 best offer from $200. Not all bids indicate the value of the steel that has dropped in value, but it does give an indication of what the values are going around for to sell as a BIN.

I would say from that list Real Steel has dropped in value having been out in the market coming to a year soon.

 

[Pickersmadrid]

no offence but most the steels you listed are recent releases ... recent releases aren't supposed to be some instantly valuable sought after steelbook. Never has been how it worked. I remember when you could get an Iron Man FutureShop for $60 no problem a year after release. It takes time on all releases ... some are faster than others depending on popularity of title and print run qty.

I know it takes time and that the releases are newer, but they used to sell for more money and instead of increasing the value is decreasing.

Is just what I have seen lately, that's why I open this thread to see your guys opinions.

Wreck You would never offend me because it is obvious that you have more knowledge in this that I have. I appreciate your answer.

 

[Wreck]

Oh I dont mind the thread at all bud. Express your opinion. I think also its hard to judge things in Dec/Jan ... people are either spending more on xmas presents for others and money is tight and/or trying to re cooperate and pay off bills in Jan.

Check those in March and April.

Plus out of all those steels the 2 highest ones are those with the least print qty. So less supply for demand hence the value. All the others while great editions have many other editions the world over to choose from. The most recently released is Battle Royale and that is super cheap in what it sold for but not average. However, Battle Royale steelbook has just that one offering and its high class. It'll be commanding a nice premium in 6 months if no other Country makes a BR steel.

 

[Sigill]

I think what Wreck says is correct. The true value of a lot of steels won't become clear until down the line. Most of the rare ones and grails now have been out for a long time which leads to them being harder to find. I also think that there is more choice now than ever before so this leads people to be a lot more choosy when buying.
I have noticed the low auction prices on ebay, I think that is to do with the amount also. A lot of the Steelbooks you mentioned such as Spiderman, Prometheus, TGWTDT are available in other versions with the same artwork but a much cheaper price. A lot of the grail titles now have unique artwork which isn't available anywhere else.

 

[RiX]

I don't agree. For example my Predator SB is worth more now the Germany wave is out. The whole wave for Germany is crap so no ones gonna buy them any time soon, they'll definitely go down in value.

 

[frankfish44]

This may offend some but I think the value of holy grails has dipped as well. IM FS would always create a bidding frenzy for even an open steel and command a strong $400-$500 price on auctions. Recently saw a new sealed mint one on eBay for $600 and no bid whatsoever. I think the reality is that just as the stock market or real estate, the value is determined by the buyer. I for one gave up trying to get IM FS and settled for plays offer. Much easier to get at a more affordable price. IMO the grails already peaked but there are still a few collectors willing to pay a premium price.

 

[sunnyx]

This may offend some but I think the value of holy grails has dipped as well. IM FS would always create a bidding frenzy for even an open steel and command a strong $400-$500 price on auctions. Recently saw a new sealed mint one on eBay for $600 and no bid whatsoever. I think the reality is that just as the stock market or real estate, the value is determined by the buyer. I for one gave up trying to get IM FS and settled for plays offer. Much easier to get at a more affordable price. IMO the grails already peaked but there are still a few collectors willing to pay a premium price.

I know that one you are referring to. If you look closely the FS sticker does not appear to be stuck on completely and possibly that sticker has come from another IM. Little things like that creates 'doubt' if the steel is a re-seal or not. Those stickers are hard to come off and if you did pull it off you would no doubt tear the shrink wrap.

 

[frankfish44]

I don't agree. For example my Predator SB is worth more now the Germany wave is out. The whole wave for Germany is crap so no ones gonna buy them any time soon, they'll definitely go down in value.

I think there is a huge difference between the perceived value and what someone will actually pay. To many collectors value trumps rarity. I have seen the German wave in many posts for the latest steel acquired. IMO I'd rather get the so called crap releases to replace my blue plastic cases at a reasonable cost. To many others point, choice is a huge factor in value.

 

[RiX]

I don't think an open IM FS was ever worth that much. I'm not offended

 

[stevo]

I can't help but notice that the vast majority of titles you mentioned are those Asian releases lol. I was never really into these "limited" releases, with the exact same artwork as their N American or European counterparts. The difference being stickers and slips lol, so I was not aware of their increase or decrease. I place my faith in the FS Disney releases, which are the vast majority of my collection. I can tell you that they have definitely not decreased in value in any way, shape or form. I'm shocked (and happy) to find out that these Disney's typically gets bidded up to X2 their retail value, just days or weeks after their release. Case in point, Finding Nemo.

Personally, I don't expect these to decrease in value anytime soon, if ever. I don't recall a time in history where Disney was not popular. As for the the grails, they just go up and up. I'm keeping an eye on a few of these grails on ebay right now, the the bidding price is as high as ever, if not higher. Maybe alot of steels that are not grails, or Disneys are decreasing in value, but those I purchase because I like them, and don't expect them to amount to much in terms of collectability.

 

[frankfish44]

I think it is also important to point out that there is always an uptick in demand when there is another version of the movie released in a steelbook version to complete a set.

 

[stevo]

This may offend some but I think the value of holy grails has dipped as well. IM FS would always create a bidding frenzy for even an open steel and command a strong $400-$500 price on auctions. Recently saw a new sealed mint one on eBay for $600 and no bid whatsoever. I think the reality is that just as the stock market or real estate, the value is determined by the buyer. I for one gave up trying to get IM FS and settled for plays offer. Much easier to get at a more affordable price. IMO the grails already peaked but there are still a few collectors willing to pay a premium price.

Where is this FS IM you speak of? I did not see this on ebay. Can you tell me which ebay its on? because its definitely not on the main ebay. I want to take care of this oversight. $600 for a mint, sealed FS IM?, tell me where, and I'll remove it from the auction.

 

[RiX]

As long as Blu-Rays are around SBs won't ever be less than what you paid for them. Unless it's like Sweeney Tood or something like that.

 

[sunnyx]

Where is this FS IM you speak of? I did not see this on ebay. Can you tell me which ebay its on? because its definitely not on the main ebay. I want to take care of this oversight. $600 for a mint, sealed FS IM?, tell me where, and I'll remove it from the auction.

Ebay Link

Appears the FS sticker was stuck on which is why no one was interested.

 

[jcm]

I tend to agree with the OP somewhat, because with worldwide releases and greater number of steelbooks it is devaluing some. However, I collect them because I really like movies and just prefer a metal case over the plastic amarays and digibooks. It sucks for those who collect them to resale or as an investment but I like that steelbooks are becoming more readily available at lower prices.

 

[RiX]

I only buy to sell to cover the cost - I can't afford thousands. Others tend to buy for like 20-30 then wait a couple years then sell them off for 600-700. It's no coincidence that sunnyx is having a sale and claiming IM FS is worth so much, though he's gonna disagree, I know already.

 

[sunnyx]

I only buy to sell to cover the cost - I can't afford thousands. Others tend to buy for like 20-30 then wait a couple years then sell them off for 600-700. It's no coincidence that sunnyx is having a sale and claiming IM FS is worth so much, though he's gonna disagree, I know already.

Before I had my collection for sale, I already knew what the values were going at for grail steels and created a thread with an impartial and unbiased views to rank the most expensive steels in order. And I'm not that lucky to buy them at $30 each!

 

[frankfish44]

I think there are those who collect steels as investments and those who are genuine collectors. Investors are always looking for a certain valuation. This muddies the true worth of the steel. There are a couple of grails on offer on ebay for the valuations seen here but no one is biting. Cant name names as they are members here. Auctions are IMO a true and unbiased way to properly value steels.
A yrs or so ago there were always listings of grails with low starting bids. Now you barely come across these as sellers are not guaranteed the high bids they would consistently sell for.

 

[stevo]

Ebay Link

Appears the FS sticker was stuck on which is why no one was interested.

Uh, that was a starting bid of $700, not BIN of $600. Where is the one for $600? Oh BTW, I inquired about shipping costs Teehee.

 

[SteelbookedUp]

A few examples, that in my opinion, makes my point:

The dark Knight rises Taiwan with notebook not OOP yet but sold for: 23,21 €
The Amazing Spiderman Taiwan: 32,19 €
Prometheus Korea: 40,92 €
Prometheus Taiwan: 56,19 €
Battle royale ( even cheaper than when it was released ) 12,55 €
The girl with the dragon Tattoo Japan: 50,91 €
Alien Anthology Japan: 36,68 €
Real Steel Blufans: 57,64 €
Sucker Punch Comicon: 70 €
..... etc .........

:violent:

No offence but demand determines the prices of steels. Some of those you've listed have had multiple releases worldwide, particularly TDKR, Amazing Spider-Man and Prometheus.

Most hardcore collectors would have already sourced a copy, also meaning less demand for it.

Someone in the UK for example would only source a UK version and not the Asian/s equivalents.

Add to that that auctions can go either way, depending on how many people are bidding for it.

So all in all, answer is no because of how much the holy grails go for.