It looks like there's no title on the front of the steelbook though.
Yes, it seems to be the case that this one, along with THE MUMMY, DRACULA and IN BRUGES, is missing the title on the front.
Hmmmm, bit of a strange decision . . . and all I can assume is that they've put it on the front of the slipcase instead to keep the steelbook front artwork "clean" and free.of print (?)
When all's said and done, it's likely that the slip and steel will remain together for life and therefore no need to put the title on the front of both . . .
With the TITLE . . .
- on the back of the steelbook
- on the spine of the steelbook
- on the spine of the slipcase
- on the front of the slipcase
. . . it might be considered overkill by some to also have it on the front of the steelbook itself.
It looks likely that titles will be on the backs of all of these slipcased steelbooks as part of the original poster artwork choices (going by the examples we've been allowed to see - DRACULA, THE MUMMY and THE BIRDS).
Regarding the quality of the SLIPCASES: I can only speak for the one I've received - TOP GUN - and although it's not of the thickness and quality of an Arrow "window" slipcase for example (back in the day when Arrow really made an effort packaging-wise for each and every release) and, although there's no raised print or raised design like on the Sony Collector's Edition of white and gold slipcovers, I kind of like the one I've bought.
Putting the extra artwork aside as a collector of steelbooks I personally would have preferred these slipcases to have windows in the front (like the Arrow or HMV ltd. ed. Amaray cases) so that the steelbook front artwork can still be appreciated even on those kept in a sealed condition - as an analogy think half hunter instead of full hunter pocket watch
I suppose, depending on sales, we'll know sooner or later whether or not these slipcases are here to stay or just a temporary blip.
I don't really mind either way as on the one hand they add a little extra to the package but on the other hand I'm concerned that their potential popularity will mean more and more releases with slipcases and less and less chance of buying steelbooks priced at between GBP 7 - 10.
Anyway, regarding these few upcoming classic releases in slipcases: I think they are all just as brilliant and stunning as they could be for the relatively modest pricing and even though I never considered slipcases before for steelbooks I can see how they might add something extra to the mix and not just because of the extra artwork related to the films.
The only thing that concerns me is if the studios are going to make a habit of this practice how much extra space will be taken up by these slipcovered steels on the limited space available on my shelving dedicated to steelbooks compared to naked steels (LOL).
