Ex Machina (Blu-ray SteelBook) (FilmArena Collection #18) [Czech Republic]

[Jospef]

Release date: October 2, 2015
Purchase link: FilmArena (sold out)
Price: 699 CZK (€26.57)
Notes: Limited to 751 copies
Group Buy (closed): carllenc

Spoiler: Live steelbook photos:

- WWA steelbook - same as Zavvi etc. (even though it looks little different from these photos - it is because of light)
- front embossed; back "AVA" title debossed

Spoiler: Audio, subtitles, region, extras info:

Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English; DTS 5.1 Czech, Hungarian, Portuguese, Spanish; Dolby Digital 5.1 Polish, Russian, Thai, Turkish
Subtitles: English, Czech, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Estonian, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovenian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian
Region: ABC

Extras:
- The Story (00:02:17)
- The Cast (00:03:08)
- The Design (00:02:48)
- Creating Ava (00:03:17)
- The Turing Test (00:01:51)

-Single Blu-ray disc SteelBook,
- WEA FullSlip original packaging, with an attractive finish,
- Lenticular magnet with 3D effect of AVA,
- 32-page PhotoBook,
- Collectible Character Cards with protagonists,
- Collectible Art Cards art cards with interior design sketches,
- Numbered Plastic Collectible Card and of course a Holographic Sticker with the indication of the number of your Collector's Edition,
- And also a special bonus in the form of Collectible Poster with technical drawing of AVA Android.

 

[metal hunter]

I received the same. Really a let down. The funniest sentence is that they call the scratches variations and that they don't affect the function of the lenticular so it's ok And small scratches? My scratches are so deep it looks like Edward Scissorhands and Wolverine did a movie night with this.

And especially in my case no word to my dented Full Slip

You can sum this message up in: We don't give a ****

Very dissappointing. Steelbook dents also do not affect its function as a Blu ray case. Thus what to expect next... dented steelbooks, because they are stored stacked over each other? Not an argument for high priced collectors editions in my point of view. Nevertheless I still enjoy my FA releases...

 

[Hamill82]

Well, I got a reply from Film Arena this morning:

Dear Collector,

Thank you for your feedback to the EX MACHINA edition. We noticed several reactions associated with EX MACHINA lenticular magnet.

We would like to assure you that these lenticulars correspond to the standard quality control, as well as lenticulars to previous editions. We try to prepare each edition with utmost care.

Please kindly note that all the lenticular sheets are prior to printing normally stored on pallets stacked one sheet over the other. For reasons of mechanical friction between sheets are created tags similar to scratches formed at different locations. These tags are visible only under a certain angle. According to communication with foil manufacturers are not these tags manufacturing defects. These small tags are more or less present on every lenticular sheet and you can hardly avoid them.

Opinion of Filmarena: According to our internal quality controls are different kinds of tags found on each lenticular sheet or final magnet. These variations of tags do not affect the function of lenticular lenses. It is not technologicaly possible to avoid those tags. These tags are therefore not evaluated as manufacturing defects. However, in case you are not satisfied with the edition, you can send it back and we will refund your money.

Thank you for your understanding.

Team FA

FYI @Actarus

 

[CyberT]

This is actually the response I expected. FA is probably not manufacturing these by themselves and they can't change manufacturing process. They could maybe suggest some improvements.

 

[tokaman]

As this is supposed to be on every lenti magnet, they are highly unlikely to do anything about it as the cost would be too high, so they come up with a bullshit excuse they expect us to swallow like it doesn't matter. Bad customer service, naughty FilmArena

 

[IRON MAN]

That response, although expected and understandable at this stage, is disappointing nevertheless. Hope they get their act together, slow down on announcing as many releases, and focus on QC for future titles.

Quality over quantity.

I'm yet to receive mine and hope it doesn't have the same fate.

 

[luke98]

Well, I got a reply from Film Arena this morning:

Dear Collector,

Thank you for your feedback to the EX MACHINA edition. We noticed several reactions associated with EX MACHINA lenticular magnet.

We would like to assure you that these lenticulars correspond to the standard quality control, as well as lenticulars to previous editions. We try to prepare each edition with utmost care.

Please kindly note that all the lenticular sheets are prior to printing normally stored on pallets stacked one sheet over the other. For reasons of mechanical friction between sheets are created tags similar to scratches formed at different locations. These tags are visible only under a certain angle. According to communication with foil manufacturers are not these tags manufacturing defects. These small tags are more or less present on every lenticular sheet and you can hardly avoid them.

Opinion of Filmarena: According to our internal quality controls are different kinds of tags found on each lenticular sheet or final magnet. These variations of tags do not affect the function of lenticular lenses. It is not technologicaly possible to avoid those tags. These tags are therefore not evaluated as manufacturing defects. However, in case you are not satisfied with the edition, you can send it back and we will refund your money.

Thank you for your understanding.

Team FA

FYI @Actarus

 

[kingkarl1967]

Simply not good enough , FA make these special editions for collectors and even they hold releases back due to certain things not being up to scratch , well where the hell were they with these then ..... it takes ages to get a good name and minutes to get a bad one.
If this carries on they will end up losing the customers that keep their pockets lined.

 

[Sigill]

I received the same. Really a let down. The funniest sentence is that they call the scratches variations and that they don't affect the function of the lenticular so it's ok And small scratches? My scratches are so deep it looks like Edward Scissorhands and Wolverine did a movie night with this.

And especially in my case no word to my dented Full Slip

You can sum this message up in: We don't give a ****

That is a dissapointing response. Whilst some lenticulars are bound to have small imperfections to have one badly damaged and just say it's unavoidable isn't really acceptable. We understand they can't replace them all but for those that are in really bad shape they should be replacing them. It does affect the function of a lenticular if it's all scratched up, it's not fit for purpose.

 

[famagosta]

Hey, here are my two cents: I'm sorry for your problems with the lenticular magnet, I experienced something pretty similar with my lenticular card in the HDzeta release of "Ex_Machina". I don't have that release anymore (sold to fellow member @galareta2332 ) but trying to see what was the real problem back when I had it, it was my sense that my lenti wasn't scratched: it was more like some pieces of dirt and dust got blocked between the lenticular sheet and the picture of AVA itself. Maybe is that the case here too? To me it really seemed a production process flaw that could be avoided with more care or such.

 

[galareta2332]

Hey, here are my two cents: I'm sorry for your problems with the lenticular magnet, I experienced something pretty similar with my lenticular card in the HDzeta release of "Ex_Machina". I don't have that release anymore (sold to fellow member @galareta2332 ) but trying to see what was the real problem back when I had it, it was my sense that my lenti wasn't scratched: it was more like some pieces of dirt and dust got blocked between the lenticular sheet and the picture of AVA itself. Maybe is that the case here too? To me it really seemed a production process flaw that could be avoided with more care or such.

Yeap, it had some flaws, minor scratches like it fell on the pavement. But in general it still looks awsome:

 

[Aw 83]

Sorry to hear that my friend @dan8885 but that's what I feel to they are not really bothered as it will be a majority of people receiving damaged or scratched up copies they should look at this mistake and not repeat in future releases which will not be good for them in terms of business and will not benefit them and for us as customers good luck in your future releases though and fingers crossed for the other pending GB's we all have.

 

[InAFalsetto]

Have you guys tried rubbing any blemishes / scratches on your lenticulars with rubbing alcohol ? it gets rid of quite a lot of marks.

 

[Actarus]

The response in regards that these types of scratches are normal during the manufacturing process is insulting especially as when we describe the severity of the issue and not just small scuffs and scratches. And they mentioned the many comments they received in regards to this, have they ever for any other types of releases receive any, many feedback for damaged lentis ?! No they have not ! They always been in wonderful condition.

My Mockingjay and Kingsman lenti are absolutely Flawless, even though we understand minor imperfection can happen, a member even dumped his as it was too damaged, so I would say it does affect the functionality of the lenticular as someone has said. I will definitely give them my view on this.

 

[InAFalsetto]

The response in regards that these types of scratches are normal during the manufacturing process is insulting especially as when we describe the severity of the issue and not just small scuffs and scratches. And they mentioned the many comments they received in regards to this, have they ever for any other types of releases receive any, many feedback for damaged lentis ?! No they have not ! They always been in wonderful condition.

My Mockingjay and Kingsman lenti are absolutely Flawless, even though we understand minor imperfection can happen, a member even dumped his as it was too damaged, so I would say it does affect the functionality of the lenticular as someone has said. I will definitely give them my view on this.

Agreed.

My kingsman, commando, terminator lenti's are all immaculate as the rest of the package. Usually it's Blufans that arrives with a dent on steel or creased slip. But I am always able to get an easy replacement with Blufans as customer service is A1 with them.

 

[dan8885]

Here is my answer to their bullsh*t e-mail. I don't think I will receive an answer:

"Dear Head Co Worker,

so Filmarena is not interested in satisfied customers? Or why you didn't responed to my request for a replacement of the damaged product you delivered?

My Lenti Magnet is not light scratched. And they're not only visible in certain angles. It is heavy and deep scratched. To explain it it is still functional is a shame for a collectors item. It's not a car engine, it is a colllectible. There are rating systems of condition for collectibles for a good reason!

And you said no word about my dented Full Slip. Or do you want to say it is also still functional, it still holds the Steelbook correct?

Why you lying and say it is not technologicaly possible to avoid scratches when all of your other Lenti Magnets are flawless and from every other retailer too. What technology did you use till Ex_Machina? Brint it back please.

You tried to play with the Big Dogs. For a short time it seemd like you can. But with your floot of releases, with your pushed back release dates and with lagging in customer service you're not a step close to them. Every other retailer is able to sent replacements. Kimchi, Nova, Blufans, Plain Archive. All of them. Maybe you step your business up before releasing more rushed stuff. And don't say ever again you treat your products with upmost care. Quality over quantitiy and not vice versa.

Thanks for nothing,
-Daniel"

 

[InAFalsetto]

Hopefully that provokes a favorable response Dan. It's astonishing, these companies have millions of pounds in revenue going through their accounts but yet when one person complains about the quality they shrug it off and say tuff like it's YOUR fault for choosing their product.

 

[dan8885]

Hopefully that provokes a favorable response Dan. It's astonishing, these companies have millions of pounds in revenue going through their accounts but yet when one person complains about the quality they shrug it off and say tuff like it's YOUR fault for choosing their product.

Received an answer:

"Dear Sir,

we are very sorry but unfortunatelly each piece of this editions ir original and there is no more fullslips or another parts of this edition. So unfortunatelly there is no way how to get You some replacement. You can sent back to us the edition and we will return You money of course. But unfortunatelly these editions are unique and it is not possible to provide new pieces of these editions.

We are sorry for inconveniences."

I recommended for future releases that they should produce more like every other retailer do. Either for promotion, friends or family or to replace damage. I don't know what they thinking..

 

[Actarus]

I can understand that some light scuffs and marks can happen during the manufacturing process, but so far all my lentis have been in Flawless Condition ! So I can understand their comment in regards to light scuffs and marks, but when it goes to the point of a lenti being that scratched and so many members making the same comments over and over, they should own up to it and simply do as they usually do. In the past whenever an issue was brought up to their attention, they have always said they will make sure that it would not happened again in the future, this is what puzzles me as they usually are very receptive and willing to make sure that the issue will not repeat itself. So I don't get the reply.

 

[InAFalsetto]

I can understand that some light scuffs and marks can happen during the manufacturing process, but so far all my lentis have been in Flawless Condition ! So I can understand their comment in regards to light scuffs and marks, but when it goes to the point of a lenti being that scratched and so many members making the same comments over and over, they should own up to it and simply do as they usually do. In the past whenever an issue was brought up to their attention, they have always said they will make sure that it would not happened again in the future, this is what puzzles me as they usually are very receptive and willing to make sure that the issue will not repeat itself. So I don't get the reply.

Once a company establishes a product line. They do not care about your opinion anymore. It's all about making money and pushing pallets of product out the door. Look at Zavvi ... Out of 10 orders I place, 5 of them arrive scratched or damaged one way or another.

I really hope FilmArena don't go down the same road and keep an eye on quality control from now on as Dan rightly pointed out, we spend silly amounts of money for a PRISTINE product / collectible that should retain a good re-sale value. If I know an item is damaged, I would rather buy the regular amaray cased bluray.

 

[Actarus]

Once a company establishes a product line. They do not care about your opinion anymore. It's all about making money and pushing pallets of product out the door. Look at Zavvi ... Out of 10 orders I place, 5 of them arrive scratched or damaged one way or another.

I really hope FilmArena don't go down the same road and keep an eye on quality control from now on as Dan rightly pointed out, we spend silly amounts of money for a PRISTINE product / collectible that should retain a good re-sale value. If I know an item is damaged, I would rather buy the regular amaray cased bluray.

In my communication with them whenever I had an issue, they were always receptive and made sure to state that they will make sure this won't happen again for future releases. Even though they did not offer a replacement or do anything, it was sufficient and satisfactory that they owned up to the mistake, apologized and reassured it won't happen again in the future that the comment will be passed along to the right person.

So this response, in regards to many members having over scratched lentis is not like them, I really do not get it.
Maybe they just didn't really understand the severity of all those who got deeply/intensely scratched lentis
and they just think it is small scuffs and scratches...