I think the habits and preferences of collectors across the board vary across a very wide spectrum, which will necessarily evoke very strong emotions-especially from long-time collectors who collect for the rarity or just for the uniqueness-to own something special, and not necessarily even for resale value.
There's nothing wrong with someone new to the hobby (or for that matter around for a long time) to decide not to chase down a $1000 Steelbook-that is their prerogative. And how else would the Steelbook community grow, unless more people start to enjoy them. There are members of the entire Steelbook community with completely different opinions-from one extreme to the other. As long as folks can remain civil and respectful while disagreeing, of course all opinions are welcomed here.
Our site is in direct contact with many decision makers, and by the mere fact that effort is put forth every single day by the 1000's of members here, and the Staff and Section Supervisors behind the scenes to discuss and share feedback as appropriate, this 'community' is created.
We will never all agree-and that is what a diverse community should be about-different opinions, and shades of gray of preferences, while all the while remaining respectful of those differences-otherwise things would get very boring, very fast. Zavvi for instance is relatively new to the Steelbook game and has been thrust into because of the position that Play and HMV found themselves in due to the circumstances at hand.
It will take a little bit of time for other retailers who don't regularly sell Steelbooks to get their bearings and relationship building is not done overnight. Our rapport grows every day and numerous retailers are receptive and interested in what our community wants.
And...because what the community wants varies by collector, the retailers have to play a delicate game of trying to release products that will appeal to a variety of collectors in order to make smart business decisions. As has already been mentioned a few times, details are still not final on what the re-release of Star Trek will actually look like in terms of the final finish, art, etc etc, nor what the 2nd alternative art will look like. But at HDN, our Steelbook community thrives because of the vocal nature of our members, and our own desire as collectors ourselves, to give you dozens and dozens of chances to share your feedback (polls, individual Steelbook threads, studio feedback threads, etc etc etc).
We are united here by a love of Steelbooks and many other special editions, and movies as a whole-so hopefully, regardless on which side of the fence you stand, regarding re-releases, you will continue to find and express your voice at HDN.
In the end, the final decision maker-the studio will choose what it wants to do. And in the meantime, we will continue to share any necessary feedback as appropriate with anyone with which relationships are built,and those who are receptive.
Play was very successful in working with studios to develop some alternate art and some different covers, and finishes, and even played a part in releases that are upcoming. This takes a lot of time, effort, and a sense of what collectors are seeking, however- so as a community, we will need to try to remain patient while their and other retailers' places in the marketplace unfolds.
Please continue to share your thoughts-they are not going unheard, rest assured.
