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Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

#1
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2/29/08 at 7:53pm
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Ok so this may be a rant but I like to think it valid since it ruins my collection! I think it is very awesome we are getting another Joan Crawford and Bette Davis DVD set from Warner Bros. My drawback is that each set is in those tacky fold out cases that never let the individual films get any let's say individuality. I loved the old sets cause we got each DVD with it's original poster artwork or a variation of it.

I even thought about just buying each title sep. on amazon.com even though it woudl cost a fortune. Turns out the single titles were pulled. Now it seems Warners is going back and re-issuing the Davis sets with the new look A big faced pic of the star then the fold out digipack foldout style case.

I love the Box sets covers but is it too much to ask for Warner Bros. to stay consistent and give each film it's own artwork? I guess I am different than most and love to take the reg sized keep case releases and have them all in alphabetical order.

Anyhow I hope Warner Bros takes notice. I am too picky that is for sure.
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#2
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2/29/08 at 9:12pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

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#3
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2/29/08 at 9:20pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod J
The packaging was the reason I didn't buy the new Crawford set (no need to replace laserdiscs for that kind of package). The Davis set will be a little harder to resist but it's getting easier. Individual slim-line cases would have been fine.
So you whether watch an inferior video presentation of the movies on LD instead of an improved video presentation on DVD due to the packaging? If so then the movies aren't the important issue in comparison to the artwork on the packaging.
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#4
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2/29/08 at 9:27pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
So you whether watch an inferior video presentation of the movies on LD instead of an improved video presentation on DVD due to the packaging? If so then the movies aren't the important issue in comparison to the artwork on the packaging.

I've got to agree with Robert here. Not buying a title for that reason is absolutely asinine.
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#5
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2/29/08 at 9:56pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I think the main point is while the outer case is nice... Any box set could have house the individual titles in their own keep cases (I am opposed to the slim line cases on Warner Bros full length features. They are great for TV on DVD) Warners just went cheap is all. Not much ingenuity with the box sets in my opinion. Sort of a easy way out for them, unfort. this could become the norm in the future. Sort of depresssing

I have to also say that some of us are hardcore lovers of film and we love a great presentation. It just feels like a let down when we get sets like these. I will still buy them. Just will hate the case.. those plastic slipcovers wear easily also
JackDVD78@aol.com
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#6
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2/29/08 at 9:56pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

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#7
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2/29/08 at 9:58pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Powell&Pressburger
I think the main point is while the outer case is nice... Any box set could have house the individual titles in their own keep cases (I am opposed to the slim line cases on Warner Bros full length features. They are great for TV on DVD) Warners just went cheap is all. Not much ingenuity with the box sets in my opinion. Sort of a easy way out for them, unfort. this could become the norm in the future. Sort of depresssing
I think it's more about people selling the movies they don't want when they're individually packaged.
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#8
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2/29/08 at 10:02pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

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#9
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2/29/08 at 10:06pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod J
With movies I'll watch as infrequently as Sadie McKee or Torch Song, yes.

p.s. I love how the movie starts automatically when you insert the laserdisc.
If you don't like the films enough to spend the money to buy them with a superior video presentation I can understand that, but you didn't state that in your original post. In that post, you clearly stated that the reason why you won't buy the dvds is because of the packaging, but since you clarified your post I won't debate the issue any further.




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#10
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2/29/08 at 10:11pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rod J
The packaging was the reason I didn't buy the new Crawford set

Same here. When I'm not absolutely sure whether to buy a box set, if discs have individual original artwork that can push me to buy it.
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#11
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2/29/08 at 10:11pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I just wish WB would just stick to their formula. I hate having to go out tomorrow and buy that set lol. I love the old posters etc of the films and with these new cases we just get big pics of Joan (nothing wrong with that) but no film history to really look at.
JackDVD78@aol.com
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#12
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2/29/08 at 10:22pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I did buy Joan Crawford Vol 2 and have Bette Davis Vol 3 on pre-order. However, I did rush out and bought Bette Davis Vol 1 and Vol 2 and Joan Crawford Vol 1 while the old packageing is still available.

I would like to say one thing to Warner Brothers. I think the new packaging is just plain aweful.
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#13
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2/29/08 at 11:18pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I think it's silly not to buy a DVD because you don't like the way the packaging looks, but there's another concern here -- what if you don't want some of the films in the set? If each DVD has its own case, there's no problem because you can sell, trade, or give away the ones you don't want. But you can't do that with digipacks -- it's all or nothing unless you create your own packaging. If there's a set that I'm marginal on -- for example, I'd like copies of Watch on the Rhine and All This and Heaven Too but I'm unfamiliar with the other titles in the new Davis box -- the inability to get rid of the ones I don't like will sway me towards not buying the set.
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#14
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3/1/08 at 5:10am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Look, I'm not gonna argue about video presentation or anything like that but just address the original criticism which I have to agree with.

Warner Bros. seem to be going back to all of their sets and reissuing them for some reason with inferior packaging and putting a lot of focus into what seems to be sort of new promotion for their classic box sets.

The old formula was tried and true, why bother?

WHV was producing some of the most efficient box sets with great titles, terrific transfers, extras, etc. and packaged perfectly in the cardboard outer cases with amarays or thinlines inside and orig. artwork.

I personally don't like that their revisiting all these sets and putting them in foldouts and redesigning future collections. Can't any studio out there keep some consistency in their releases?

That said, I am still buying everything of interest, but I will have to side with the original poster in expressing my dislike of Warner's reissuing and redesigning of all these sets.

Again, the ONE box set that could actually benefit from this is the Warner Legends Collection with it's mishmash ensemble of packaging and the fact that it can hardly be found in retail any more! Why not focus effort into stuff of more worthwhile than reissuing already perfect box sets in less ideal packaging??
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#15
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3/1/08 at 5:22am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcoBiscotti
Look, I'm not gonna argue about video presentation or anything like that but just address the original criticism which I have to agree with.

Warner Bros. seem to be going back to all of their sets and reissuing them for some reason with inferior packaging and putting a lot of focus into what seems to be sort of new promotion for their classic box sets.

The old formula was tried and true, why bother?

WHV was producing some of the most efficient box sets with great titles, terrific transfers, extras, etc. and packaged perfectly in the cardboard outer cases with amarays or thinlines inside and orig. artwork.

I personally don't like that their revisiting all these sets and putting them in foldouts and redesigning future collections. Can't any studio out there keep some consistency in their releases?

That said, I am still buying everything of interest, but I will have to side with the original poster in expressing my dislike of Warner's reissuing and redesigning of all these sets.

Again, the ONE box set that could actually benefit from this is the Warner Legends Collection with it's mishmash ensemble of packaging and the fact that it can hardly be found in retail any more! Why not focus effort into stuff of more worthwhile than reissuing already perfect box sets in less ideal packaging??
As a consumer I can understand your concerns, though, admittedly I can careless about most packaging issues. However, as a business manager, I can see reasons why Warner would decide to change their packaging such as cost savings and perhaps being more environmentally responsive with their newest packaging. These are just guesses on my part, but, manufacturing costs such as packaging might have increased while environmental issues continues to pressure corporations to become more environmentally sound in how they manufactured and package their products.





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#16
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3/1/08 at 7:45am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

What does it mean when someone says they are not "interested" in certain titles? Does it actually mean that they've seen the films and disliked them or they want the titles that they've actually seen? Davis, Flynn, Cagney, Doris Day, Barbara Stanwyck, and others are genres unto themselves and the great thing about box collections (including gangsters, noir, controversial classics) is the possibility of "discovering"--perhaps even being educated--as a result of being exposed to a title that you might never be exposed to otherwise.
The problem with contemporary is that they are so overmarketed that we've already seen the movie before we shell out 10 bucks to go see it. The only reason to go to a movie theater today is to confirm the marketing.

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#17
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3/1/08 at 8:39am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Crawford
As a consumer I can understand your concerns, though, admittedly I can careless about most packaging issues. However, as a business manager, I can see reasons why Warner would decide to change their packaging such as cost savings and perhaps being more environmentally responsive with their newest packaging. These are just guesses on my part, but, manufacturing costs such as packaging might have increased while environmental issues continues to pressure corporations to become more environmentally sound in how they manufactured and package their products.





Crawdaddy

Agreed. If the new packaging styles keep the MSRP of these sets down I'm all for it. With the Amercian economy struggling and gas prices rising consumers are going to have less discretionary income and so it will be up to sellers to find ways to stay competitive.

Also agreed with previous posts that it's asinine not to buy a high quality disc of a movie simply because of packaging. Digipacks aren't necessarily my favorite either (prefer slimlines myself) by that won't stop me from buying something I want or enjoying the film.

I would prefer that WHV and other studios eliminate standard size cases for their box sets because they take up too much room (and retail space).

Steve
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#18
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3/1/08 at 9:06am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Funny, i can recall many times i didnt buy a movie cause it was in a snapper. If i was on the fence, that one detail pushed me over the, "i wont buy it", edge. I also like uniformity in sets, but these days i know i have alternatives to DVD cover art.
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#19
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3/1/08 at 9:26am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

The digipacks are not really any more or less creative than the previous sets which just boxed up individual releases. I actually like the external packaging better than the outer box for the previous Crawford set. Original poster art is used for the main menu designs, so it is there when you actually spin up the disc. I was also encouraged to see that Warner went to the trouble of putting together three new featurettes for the latest Crawford set. One is on Crawford and Gable, one is on Crawford at Warners, and the other is on everyting that is wonderfully wrong about "Torch Song".

...and yes, I will eventually get a review posted, but probably not until late next week due to some business travel.

Regards,

Ken McAlinden
Livonia, MI USA

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#20
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3/1/08 at 10:25am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

There seems to be a disturbing trend recently on this forum in which members are posting things simply because they think the studios are reading it. I can understand wanting them to understand better the likes/dislikes/desires of the consumer, but too often it comes off as a childish threat. It's no wonder WB is not overly anxious to continue the chats.
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#21
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3/1/08 at 5:32pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Though I dislike the digipak packaging intensely, what I dislike is Warners no longer making the individuals titles available. Thus, if you want 2 or 3 of the films but not the others, then you have to buy all of them and are unable to sell off or trade the other titles any longer. In their upcoming gangsters v.3 box set the ONLY title I want is Brother Orchid which, fortunately at least for now, still going to be released individually.

I had to purchase the whole damn Frankenheimer collection (yes, I know it wasn't Warners) just for The Young Savages when I already had two of the titles and had zero interest in Ronin!
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#22
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3/1/08 at 6:26pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I'm just wondering if it really is a cost issue and if anybody knows whether or not Warner Bros. have been successful with their classic film releases in the past year, to the point of reaching reasonable profit expectations?

I can't understand them having trouble on that front, but I'd be sorry to hear if that is the case. Personally, I think the studio just wants to keep things "fresh" and find newer ways of promoting their releases. Well if that's the case, the feedback from fans/supporters/consumers in this thread expresses how we feel. I myself do not like it and hope WHV can continue as has been with their great DVD releases and tried and true presentation and packaging. Keep cases and original artwork are always the number one choice.
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#23
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3/1/08 at 10:57pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

STEVEO Posted

Agreed. If the new packaging styles keep the MSRP of these sets down I'm all for it. With the Amercian economy struggling and gas prices rising consumers are going to have less discretionary income and so it will be up to sellers to find ways to stay competitive.

My answer to that is well if it is money saving it didn't save me any money. The retail price is $49.99. No savings there.

I bought the set today scared to death to open it cause you know why the damn plastic slipcover case is gonna bow outward big time. Joan Crawford would never have approved of the packaging! lol

I still think they should stick to the keep case way and NOT those tacky slimline cases. That is half way doing it wrong.

I love WB and their releases and because I care so much it is box set releases like these that make me angry. but I still will buy them I just don't care to show them off to others.
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#24
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3/2/08 at 7:48am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
but is it too much to ask for Warner Bros. to stay consistent and give each film it's own artwork?

This is when learning to make your own Cover Art is VERY handy & nice. When I had a great deal of free time a few years ago I convert a whole bunch of snappers to keepcase art & other art I didn't like was changed. There is another Forum that has a dedicated section for this subject.

I can't wait to get the latest Davis set. And I WANT MORE!!!

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#25
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3/2/08 at 8:49am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

For titles available separately (Gangster V3) I hope they stick to regular keepcases in a slipcover. That is the format I still prefer (even though it takes up much more space). For titles not available separately I guess they found that digipacks offer even more space savings compared to slimlines. I don't care either way as long as they put each movie on a separate disc (which Warner has thankfully been doing with the exception of the Forbidden Hollywood set and the last Film Noir set).

Has anyone also noticed some changes lately in the WB DVD art department ? They have been going for more contemporary-looking designs - as in the new Gangster box covers (including V1 and V2) as well as Bonnie and Clyde. I personally find these covers tacky compared to the covers they used to do before. In this regard I think Fox is still doing a terrific job with their covers for classic releases.

-D
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#26
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3/2/08 at 11:39am
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Same here Deepak,

That's why I said Warners are probably going for a "fresh" promotion for their classic titles. It's too bad because their earlier designs were some of the best around and lately they've been slipping in the art department I find. I'm not thrilled about the lack of consistency with the Noir and Gangster sets and I think the news artwork is far inferior to what was already perfected in previous waves. I'm not quite sure why they're bothering to go back and reissue these with new "updated" artwork. Fox on the other hand, has been turning out some of the nicest and classiest packages as of late and the irony is that they took their cue from the success of WHV.
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#27
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3/2/08 at 12:53pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

They need to stick to the old designs they have been using before they end up making their cover art look like Columbia Pictures releases for Seems Like Old Times! Companies love to photoshop the actors as big as they can get them. In the end they are trying to sell to those who don't have the brains to appreciate a good product unless it looks new and hip.

I have decided to return the Joan Crawford set. I have stared at it all day and I can't bring myself to open it. I know it will just look horrible. I'd rather be without than knowing this horrid case is on my shelf.
JackDVD78@aol.com
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#28
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3/2/08 at 1:31pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

I have decided to return the Joan Crawford set. I have stared at it all day and I can't bring myself to open it. I know it will just look horrible. I'd rather be without than knowing this horrid case is on my shelf.

I will never understand this line of thinking. I guess the films themselves aren't the important thing with some people.





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#29
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3/2/08 at 1:46pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

the point is that the films are important. I just think Warner bros is doing a disservice to collector's by offering the set up in mediocre packaging.

The films I'm sure are good and I've been waiting years to see Flamingo Road even passing it up on TCM just waiting for the DVD release.

If the DVDs were placed in plastic ziplock most would be happy however I really hate the packaging I just don't want to spend 50.00 plus on a set that once I open it the outer sleeve will bow outward and just look obtrusive.

Warner Bros is the best studio by far for classic catalog titles and I love hearing what they are releasing next but all I wanted was individual keep cases for each film. I don't mind it some are doubled up i.e. The Stanwyck set tha features To Please a Lady/ Jeopardy.

I just wish WB would listen to the ones who buy the DVDs and not those in an art dept. who just thinks something would be cool in this packaging but would probably never buy the set. I just don't think much thought went into it.

For this reason I won't be buying the next Bette Davis set. I just don't think keep cases are too much to ask for in a box set.
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#30
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3/2/08 at 2:29pm
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Re: Warner Bros. Crawford and Davis Sets / No distinction

Quote:
Originally Posted by Powell&Pressburger
the point is that the films are important. I just think Warner bros is doing a disservice to collector's by offering the set up in mediocre packaging.
I am a collector with over 4000 dvds in my collection, but I don't feel Warner is doing a disservice to me. Granted, a segment of collectors that are into artwork and packaging might feel the way you described, but Warner services the general public not just a small group of consumers.





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