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.

 

[digitalbabe]

Hi guys-a friendly reminder-disagreement is natural and Steelbook collecting is highly speculative and subjective. Our community does not condone personal attacks and public accusations of any kind. Our members come here for information and fun collectibles discussion. The kind of potentially aggressive back and forth that inevitably spills onto the forum, and extends into pages and pages is not conducive to our idea for this community. If you are having a disagreement with one member, please take it to PM's as not everyone is interested in reading an ongoing argument between 2 people-it spoils the atmosphere in any community-on or offline. If there are issues beyond that, please contact a Moderator. Thanks for your cooperation in observing the HDN forum guidelines.

 

[SwiftDeath]

New member here and I will admit that I only collect video game steelbooks (by the bucket load though )

Saw this thread and thought it was a rather interesting topic

I have actually noticed that the grails for video game steels have gone done in value as well at least for the most part imo

You still get some higher end sales but I would say the average price has really come down

For instance here are two relatively recent auctions of the two most commonly sold VG grails

Assassin's Creed II Spanish Stickerbook
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170942122282?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Mirror's Edge
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321026781432?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

The AC II steelbook is usually valued around 200 euros while the mirror's edge has been known to sell for 350 euro or so. Granted the mirror's edge is marked as "good" condition but for it to sell for under 200 euro is pretty much unheard of

Just my thoughts, not sure if they would be interesting to other non-vg steel collectors

 

[sunnyx]

What does a sealed version of Mirror's Edge and Assassin's Creed normally go for?

 

[RiX]

I remember a while back when play had that wave of taken, alien anthology, predator, fight club etc. Most of them were going for a few pounds more then cost but on occasion someone had an opened one for sale in mint condition and it sold for less than £10. It was rare, but until something replaces blu-ray I can't see the decent ones going down in value at least. Buy what you like the look of is a good rule of thumb - most recently I got Full Metal Jacket and did not regret it.

 

[SwiftDeath]

What does a sealed version of Mirror's Edge and Assassin's Creed normally go for?

I would value a sealed mirror's edge at around 600 euros

The AC II stickerbook should actually be worth more as I'm only aware of 1 sealed copy of that whereas I know of 3 or 4 sealed copies of Mirror's edge that exist

But the one sealed copy of AC II was on ebay a while back and no one bought it from what I remember

Price was 600 euro or so

Most of us didn't know it came sealed until we saw that auction lol

 

[RiX]

I remember a while back when play had that wave of taken, alien anthology, predator, fight club etc. Most of them were going for a few pounds more then cost but on occasion someone had an opened one for sale in mint condition and it sold for less than £10. It was rare, but until something replaces blu-ray I can't see the decent ones going down in value at least. Buy what you like the look of is a good rule of thumb - most recently I got Full Metal Jacket and did not regret it.

Still available btw..

 

[SilverBlade]

I think what's decreasing the value of Steelbooks are people who get like 40 copies and horde them for a couple of years, then list them on ebay for like $200 per (or more).

Sure, that's the capitalistic way, buy low sell high, but an item is only worth how much people are willing to spend on it. If someone wants to spend $200 or more on a single movie, that's insane - but ultimately their money. But I bet, even the average Steelbook collector won't do that.

I feel that the people who buy 40+ copies are the ones who are ultimately ruing the game for everyone. It's no longer 'fun' when you know the person paid like $30 for one and are selling it for astronomical prices. It deters people from even wanting to start. Less people wanting to buy steelbooks cause the value to go down.

That's how I see it, anyways.

 

[sunnyx]

I would value a sealed mirror's edge at around 600 euros

The AC II stickerbook should actually be worth more as I'm only aware of 1 sealed copy of that whereas I know of 3 or 4 sealed copies of Mirror's edge that exist

But the one sealed copy of AC II was on ebay a while back and no one bought it from what I remember

Price was 600 euro or so

Most of us didn't know it came sealed until we saw that auction lol

Sometimes sealed copies make a difference to open copies. Same goes for The Dark Knight FNAC with FNAC sticker and John Rambo DE. Open them and the value takes a beating, but those sealed are very expensive. Basically, IMO unsealed rare steels do go up and down on bids.

---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 PM ----------

If someone wants to spend $200 or more on a single movie, that's insane - but ultimately their money.

I think $200 for a rare steel that you want is quite generous

 

[SwiftDeath]

Sometimes sealed copies make a difference to open copies. Same goes for The Dark Knight FNAC with FNAC sticker and John Rambo DE. Open them and the value takes a beating, but those sealed are very expensive. Basically, IMO unsealed rare steels do go up and down on bids.

Yes as in all things sealed is worth more then opened

I would agree that for video game steel grails at least the sealed copies do not lose value or at least have yet to

Only seen one ebay auction for a sealed Mirror's edge and that tipped 600 euro maybe a year ago?

Haven't seen one listed since

 

[Top_cat2]

Hi Guy's

firstly I will say thanks to Pickersmadrid for his Post & ubiased but TRUE obsevations of sales of late

I agree unheartedly that what he is pointing out is unfortunatly True !!

I would like to say , that I really dont aknowlage or condone what Collectors do any more with thier steelz

Both Germany & the UK have been Hit the hardest with thier constant barrage of weekly steel book releases & look what has just happened there Self Destruct !!!

I have said in many Previous Posts , that I would for 1 , would rather have a Mint Open Steel Book , than a Damaged sealed one !!!!

And , yes in the days of Old , you could by a Steel , Open it , watch it , enjoy it , put it in a Poly bag untill , you wanna watch it again!!

If you come to ever Sell it , you would normally get pretty good / fair price for it Via the Forums

Today Not on your Nelly !!!!

Some / most Collectors are so consumed in Value than that actual Steel book thay are buying /Bought !! and allready thinking abouit "wonder how much I can sell this Puppy for on Evil Bay " (Swine ~ Porco ~ Hassay ) they have no Idea wat so ever about the actuall content or even what the Movie is called , its just a cash register that keeps ringing for them !!

there are some UK guys who are still asking for IM I & II play.com as they have allready pumped that many out into the Market place that they need more stock !! Disgrace !!!!

The whole Hobby is no longer a Hobby as such, its just a money making investment now, to see how much $$$ you can make from new , veterain Collectors alike !!

Its more of a Slip & Sticker Collectors Paridise Now , with very little attention taken to any thing else , like Blu-Ray Transfer, extras, commentries, Art Work , both inside & Out !!

10 Cents

 

[Rodbull]

I think what's decreasing the value of Steelbooks are people who get like 40 copies and horde them for a couple of years, then list them on ebay for like $200 per (or more).

Sure, that's the capitalistic way, buy low sell high, but an item is only worth how much people are willing to spend on it. If someone wants to spend $200 or more on a single movie, that's insane - but ultimately their money. But I bet, even the average Steelbook collector won't do that.

I feel that the people who buy 40+ copies are the ones who are ultimately ruing the game for everyone. It's no longer 'fun' when you know the person paid like $30 for one and are selling it for astronomical prices. It deters people from even wanting to start. Less people wanting to buy steelbooks cause the value to go down.

When I see a seller who as multiple copies I avoid them I would rather buy off someone else ...

Not lining there pockets

 

[Wootball]

I agree with that 100%. I'm brand new to steelbook collecting but I already hate it - seeing astronomical prices being banded around for what originally cost £14, and justified because "it's a premium steel". It's only a damn premium steel because you and a bunch of other morons bought 300 of them to fleece everyone else who legitimately wanted one in order to watch the movie.

I can't afford to get the movies I actually like because people are hoarding them to sell for much more than they're actually worth - so what's the point in me even bothering? I'll just go with amarays, I really don't care enough to keep chasing steels. The whole 'business' side of steel collecting is killing it.

 

[digitalbabe]

Hi guys-there are numerous ways to acquire Steelbooks at decent prices especially when they are released. I have been collecting for several years, and although there are some people that are in the Steelbook game to buy and resell, there are 100's and 1000's more who purchase the film for the film and the nice case upgrade. Our group buys at this site, and simply building relationships with people from around the world can allow you to own some of your favorites without a ridiculous price tag. For the very first Steels there will always be some premium, because they were the 'First'. Like Comics, Antiques, Classic cars,etc, the value appreciates the more time passes, the less were made etc etc. And for those, the only advice I can give to new traders, or those on the fence about to blow a bunch of money, is to figure out what is important to you. Remember no one can fleece you, or hype you up, if you don't let them. Many of our traders here are good people that help with group buys and are willing to help you get items at cost+fees. Those far outweigh the scalpers and or, just those being capitalistic (which is still their prerogative). In the end you don't need to buy from those people who charge exhorbitant prices-it's always your choice.

 

[Rodbull]

Hi Guy's

firstly I will say thanks to Pickersmadrid for his Post & ubiased but TRUE obsevations of sales of late

I agree unheartedly that what he is pointing out is unfortunatly True !!

I would like to say , that I really dont aknowlage or condone what Collectors do any more with thier steelz

Both Germany & the UK have been Hit the hardest with thier constant barrage of weekly steel book releases & look what has just happened there Self Destruct !!!

I have said in many Previous Posts , that I would for 1 , would rather have a Mint Open Steel Book , than a Damaged sealed one !!!!

And , yes in the days of Old , you could by a Steel , Open it , watch it , enjoy it , put it in a Poly bag untill , you wanna watch it again!!

If you come to ever Sell it , you would normally get pretty good / fair price for it Via the Forums

Today Not on your Nelly !!!!

Some / most Collectors are so consumed in Value than that actual Steel book thay are buying /Bought !! and allready thinking abouit "wonder how much I can sell this Puppy for on Evil Bay " (Swine ~ Porco ~ Hassay ) they have no Idea wat so ever about the actuall content or even what the Movie is called , its just a cash register that keeps ringing for them !!

there are some UK guys who are still asking for IM I & II play.com as they have allready pumped that many out into the Market place that they need more stock !! Disgrace !!!!

The whole Hobby is no longer a Hobby as such, its just a money making investment now, to see how much $$$ you can make from new , veterain Collectors alike !!

Its more of a Slip & Sticker Collectors Paridise Now , with very little attention taken to any thing else , like Blu-Ray Transfer, extras, commentries, Art Work , both inside & Out !!

10 Cents

There are some very greedy people on eBay ive Bought a number of steels off eBay in the last month ....one off a known member on here got the steel at a ok price and it was immaculate but some of the prices are ridiculous There's a lot of overkill of the same copies of certain films by different sellers at all different prices.

+1 for preferring to have a opened mint steel to a shrink wrapped new one what could be damaged,I open all mine and check them over piece of mind then I put the steel in a plastic case.

 

[sunnyx]

I said this before - sealed does NOT mean mint. A mint open copy is sometimes better than a sealed copy. A sealed copy you cannot see the imperfections under the shrink, regardless if there is a data sheet or not. But like any collectibles, unopened original packaging will always demand a premium. Look at Nintendo NES. Sealed, lots of money, unsealed worth nothing really.

 

[Rodbull]

Hi guys-there are numerous ways to acquire Steelbooks at decent prices especially when they are released. I have been collecting for several years, and although there are some people that are in the Steelbook game to buy and resell, there are 100's and 1000's more who purchase the film for the film and the nice case upgrade. Our group buys at this site, and simply building relationships with people from around the world can allow you to own some of your favorites without a ridiculous price tag. For the very first Steels there will always be some premium, because they were the 'First'. Like Comics, Antiques, Classic cars,etc, the value appreciates the more time passes, the less were made etc etc. And for those, the only advice I can give to new traders, or those on the fence about to blow a bunch of money, is to figure out what is important to you. Remember no one can fleece you, or hype you up, if you don't let them. Many of our traders here are good people that help with group buys and are willing to help you get items at cost+fees. Those far outweigh the scalpers and or, just those being capitalistic (which is still their prerogative). In the end you don't need to buy from those people who charge exhorbitant prices-it's always your choice.

@digitalbabe I was a browser of this site until recently then i joined and quickly learned the best places to get all these steelbooks and thanks to the posts off members got some steels at cost prices.

My only concern is I need counselling I've purchased over 40 steels since early december ..............lol I think I need to calm it down

Is there a Steelbook helpline

 

[digitalbabe]

Hi Rod-I think in the action of 'collecting' most anything, there is an element of 'addiction'. Each person really has to decide what are 'must have' films/cases. Otherwise, you could quickly 'burn out'

 

[sunnyx]

Rod my advice is this, buy what you can afford

If your wife/partner has a go at you for buying too much thats normal (I hope )

If you struggling to pay off your bills then I think there is a problem!

 

[Rodbull]

I said this before - sealed does NOT mean mint. A mint open copy is sometimes better than a sealed copy. A sealed copy you cannot see the imperfections under the shrink, regardless if there is a data sheet or not. But like any collectibles, unopened original packaging will always demand a premium. Look at Nintendo NES. Sealed, lots of money, unsealed worth nothing really.

Very true as I'm a buyer who will watch the film sealed means nothing to me but mint does,I think the only people who buy sealed are resellers or collectors who will never open them.

I recently bought most of the marvel collection minus Thor and avengers for a decent price they wasn't sealed but they were new to me as the condition was flawless they had come from a comic collector so they had been prized.


Bought 3 new sealed steelbooks from amazon.fr 2 of them were damaged

 

[mllNY]

Rod - Create a monthly budget. Set a limit for how much you can spend during that time frame and once you go voer for the month your done. Its hard sometimes when movies suddenly pop up and you'll break it but at least if you have a number in mind you won't go too much over. I really found it curbs excess purchases and makes you really think what is your personal priotiry