KimchiDVD - SteelBook Retailer Chat Thread

Feel free to discuss shipping, customer service, availability, etc about this retailer here.

List of Kimchidvd.com Exclusives HERE


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q) What is the link to Kimchidvd?
A)Welcome to KIMCHI DVD
Q) I haven't mastered Korean yet - how can I read the site?!
A) Install Google translate on your browser:

Google Chrome HERE
Firefox HERE

Q) How do I register?
A) Turn on Google translate >> Login >> click on "If members to join ..." >> fill in EVERY box >>
click on this box to ensure your member ID is available:

>> Sign up!

You don't need to use Google Translate to register, provided you use the English registration link.

Spoiler

You need to enter both a Celluar phone (mobile) and Telephone number when registering/placing an order, however they can both be the same number (I don't have a home phone number, so always use my mobile number).
Numbers should be entered without a proceeding 0 and you do not need to enter your country code (KimchiDVD add it automatically to your parcel label).

So a UK phone (01452 123123) is specified like this:
Local Area Code : 1452 Phone Number : 123123

A UK mobile (07847 123123) is specified like this:
Local Area Code : 7847 Phone Number : 123123

If you have already registered, afterlogging in you can update your address/phone numbers here.

Q) Do they ship outside of Korea?
A) Yes, worldwide delivery, various shipping options available, for example to UK: (1 x steelbook)

K-Packet is tracked and one Steelbook to UK (with a weight of 450g - which is the typical weight for a lenticular) costs $10.81.

Spoiler

On average it takes around 7 days after dispatch to arrive in the UK - I always use K-Packet when placing orders and my orders have always arrived safely.

I'm not sure if it's insured or not (there's no mention) but assuming you pay via PayPal, their guarantee will cover you if you don't receive your order for some reason.

You can track your K-Packet order using this website, however tracking information isn't always accurate after leaving Korea (e.g. sometimes it doesn't update again before it's delivered, or even after if your postman doesn't bother getting a signature).

EMS $21.80 (Tracked, replacement will be issued where possible if lost)
TNT Premium $37.80 (Tracked, replacement will be issued where possible if lost)

Q) What form of packing do they use?
A) Cardboard Box, with enough bubblewrap to keep things safe, see below: (Thanks to SBC28 for pics)

Spoiler

A pretty sturdy box, which seemingly took some damage during shipping.
(These are pretty much always the same boxes.)

Enough space for the item to "breathe", but snug enough to stop it from moving.
(That white thing is the invoice, which i choose to include, since i am in the USA.)

6 layers of bubble wrap.

Another shot of the bubble wrap, one sheet (4 layers) removed.

One minty mint SB, all the way from Korea.

Q) Is the retailer custom's friendly? (i.e will they mark as gift, or low value).
A) Very friendly, you have various options to choose from:

Spoiler

Q) Will the retailer charges upon order or upon shipment
A) You will be charged upon order

Q) What payment do they accept?
A) Card or Paypal

Q) Customer Services any good?
A) Yes - overall a very good, reliable site to order from.

Cancellations: Send an email to [email protected], including the number of the order you wish to cancel. He'll get back to you as soon as he can.

Replacements: are issued if in stock, if not a refund will be offered.
Refunds: They are normally processed within a few days.

 

[Jondog21]

Gotta give some props to Tony!

My Frozen came without the clear slip. I emailed him about it and he said he'd include one in my next order. Sure enough, it was included with my Amelie/Pianist order, without me having to remind him or pester him.

 

[raven76]

I had a quick question about the estimated arrival dates (especially for other german members).
Made my first order a couple of weeks ago and it's now almost two weeks over the estimated arrival date. Should I be worried or has anything like that happened with your orders too?

 

[ilu0]

I have something to say about the chinese subtitle of Amelie. Sometimes a sentence have more than 30 words disappers less than a second, while the actors are still talking and you have no idea of what they're talking about, because you cannot see the subtitles clearly before they fade. And sometimes the sub is not synchronized. It's really an unpleasant experience. Hope kimchi can improve the sub in the future. After all thank you for providing the chinese subtitles which helps us to know more great movies. And the problem of my Amelie copy is posted in the Amelie thread, because I don't know this thread exists until somebody just told me.

 

[RekLess]

With 3 steelbooks going up for pre-order in June, I'm wondering if Kimchidvd is going to have any time to look into that server issue.

 

[rwalten88]

+1 100% the last one was tortuous.

 

[frankfish44]

+1 100% the last one was tortuous.

Its about the experience. Gotta say I absolutely love it Getting amped up at the moment about how I will go about getting the next exclusive. Ain't worth it if its easy

 

[darczap]

Its about the experience. Gotta say I absolutely love it Getting amped up at the moment about how I will go about getting the next exclusive. Ain't worth it if its easy

Waking up at 6am sometimes, getting stuck in cyber quick sand, just to miss out possibly on a steelbook I really wanted. Not fun to me Frank lol

 

[Troll2Fan]

Its about the experience. Gotta say I absolutely love it Getting amped up at the moment about how I will go about getting the next exclusive. Ain't worth it if its easy

I don't mind an adrenaline rush, but Kimchi's draconian server or servers are ridiculous and inexcusable. That, and their horrible method of checking out needs to be revamped.

 

[GER]

I had a quick question about the estimated arrival dates (especially for other german members).
Made my first order a couple of weeks ago and it's now almost two weeks over the estimated arrival date. Should I be worried or has anything like that happened with your orders too?

Here:

The shipping status tells me that the package has been shipped 20 days ago, but I didn¡¯t get my package. What should I do?

Contact us if you don¡¯t get your package within 20 days from the shipping date. We will take care of the rest as prompt as we get your message

Or is still at customs.

 

[earthscope]

Waking up at 6am sometimes, getting stuck in cyber quick sand, just to miss out possibly on a steelbook I really wanted. Not fun to me Frank lol

I don't mind an adrenaline rush, but Kimchi's draconian server or servers are ridiculous and inexcusable. That, and their horrible method of checking out needs to be revamped.

+1

I love the excitement of the upcoming pre order day's, but when I'm sitting at my computer behaving like the exorcist trying to place my order. Then I think I would have more fun sticking hot pins in my eyes than trying to fight my way through quicksand on Kimchi's archaic ordering system.....

 

[frankfish44]

Waking up at 6am sometimes, getting stuck in cyber quick sand, just to miss out possibly on a steelbook I really wanted. Not fun to me Frank lol

6am live exclusives are the worst. First and foremost, I begin work at 5.30am on most days. Missing out always sucks and I've been there a couple of times. Anyway I can't complain much about a small operation doing great things for the hobby.

I don't mind an adrenaline rush, but Kimchi's draconian server or servers are ridiculous and inexcusable. That, and their horrible method of checking out needs to be revamped.

I could be wrong but I think I read somewhere that even if the servers were upgraded, kimchi is pretty much reliant on the infrastructure of the ISP. If the infrastructure of the ISP is not up to scratch, then end user experience is still going to suck I think there are a lot of assumptions out there about the issues that plague them at these go live times. Would I like it to be more efficient.....ABSOLUTELY.

I also agree that the check out process can be improved. A functionality that would allow you to easily and quickly complete the transaction by allowing customers to save their preferred method of payment would do.

 

[darczap]

6am live exclusives are the worst. First and foremost, I begin work at 5.30am on most days. Missing out always sucks and I've been there a couple of times. Anyway I can't complain much about a small operation doing great things for the hobby.

Exactly my friend. Kimchidvd is a gem in the steelbook collecting community. We have to weigh the pros and cons, and I believe the pros outweigh the cons.

 

[urbeenjammin]

To be honest,the site's simply awful when it comes to pre-ordering their exclusives.Even if you count all the ones who were able to order their copies.Overall,one would have to give it a less desirable grade.It's so ironic that when Kimchidvd talked about the premium membership and backed out of it,now Blufans announced their own version of a VIP membership that will guarantee pre-orders.Someone took note and took advantage.
Didn't want to really deal with all this madness and thats why I decided to go with my friend/contact to secure my copies.I feel for all of the devoted and loyal buyers here who were not able to secure their desired versions.Time to step it up like Bufans for a similar if not better KIMCHIDVD VIP membership as well.

 

[DodgyDave]

To be honest,the site's simply awful when it comes to pre-ordering their exclusives.Even if you count all the ones who were able to order their copies.Overall,one would have to give it a less desirable grade.It's so ironic that when Kimchidvd talked about the premium membership and backed out of it,now Blufans announced their own version of a VIP membership that will guarantee pre-orders.Someone took note and took advantage.

Didn't want to really deal with all this madness and thats why I decided to go with my friend/contact to secure my copies.I feel for all of the devoted and loyal buyers here who were not able to secure their desired versions.Time to step it up like Bufans for a similar if not better KIMCHIDVD VIP membership as well.

When I mentioned this in the BF thread I got my arse kicked by DB.
Hope you do better.
Got my full slip. Lenti vanished from cart as usual.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Towser]

Something needs sorting once a item is placed in your basket, on 10 separate occasions I added Snowpiercer Lenticular only to fail with payment and cart empty pages appearing.

Once an item is added to cart it should give you at least 15 minutes to complete payment, but, even 15 minutes may not be enough whilst the servers are as they are now

Ron

 

[wjasoncul]

I humbly disagree. With 3 a month, once you factor in all the different packaging, you are looking at 6-12 steels per month if you are a completist. That's way too much. 1 a month or else even the most avid collector will stop collecting their stuff.

That's why I said what I said about doing 3 exclusives per release. T2 was a 1 version release. Now it doesn't rival the Thors and Frozens but at least it was affordable.

 

[snooloui]

Its not my intention to derail the thread. The old adage that "too many cooks spoil the broth"...for me applies if they decide to do more exclusives per month. I think in general choice is great. That said though, too much choice is not good and only serves to confuse IMO

I totally agree with this, it already applies to a lot of aspects Steelbook collecting. The prime example is the number of releases in the UK which has made Steelbooks less special for many collectors. It's probably why so many are turning to companies like Kimchi. Another example is 'ultra limited' titles from Zavvi. At first collectors thought it was a great idea, now it has become tiresome as Zavvi have taken it too far.

 

[blu-steel]

I agree with the amount of releases each title gets. I think next time they need to make the boxset a little lighter. That is my only complaint. It sure is going to be one heck of a package though. I would love to see the old days of just Lenticular and quarter slip, but looks like the 1/4 slip is either being retired or going to be the normal edition. So kimchi should have just 2 numbered editions for every steel. Lenticular and Full Slip. 2-3 Exclusives per month. That would mean 6 steels per month you would get from Kimchi and you can bet the average collector buys more than that from Europe each month. Look zavvi and UK.

I dont think 6 numbered exclusives per month from Kimchi is overkill. I rather pay $35-$45 for a numbered KimchiDVD release than $30-$40 for a zavvi exclusive or general day and date title.

Best thing about this hobby is you vote with your wallet. Nobody is forcing you to buy anything.

---------- Post added at 11:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------

I'm betting this gets the Futureshop District 12 Treatment!

I hope not. Paint chip galore. I hope it is better. Too many paint chips on that one.

 

[chilean]

2-3 Exclusives per month. That would mean 6 steels per month you would get from Kimchi and you can bet the average collector buys more than that from Europe each month. Look zavvi and UK.

I dont think 6 numbered exclusives per month from Kimchi is overkill.

Best thing about this hobby is you vote with your wallet. Nobody is forcing you to buy anything. .

@chipvideo: I agree with everything you posted buddy! In my humble opinion, Kimchi should refrain from so many releases (24-36 release per year). I think they should focus on quality over quantity! Although there are countless films that deserve Kimchi exclusives, it is nice to see that level of selective curation. I think they should do around one "classic/already released" exclusive per month, and maybe another new release every other month (i.e. Frozen, Rush etc.) You see the level of "perfection" Plain Archives has due to the love and care put into every exclusive! I think that is what differentiates Asian releases from the rest of the world! That said, this is not my decision lol... Although this was not my favorite movie, the lenticular looks to be really nice in hand

 

[NomegustaU]

I have a feeling that kimchidvd is going to make as many as they can and still keep this quality. By saying you only want 1 or 2 releases a month you are telling them to make less money. I say keep them coming, if its something I don't want I will just not get it.