LD boxset Vs DVD boxset (1 Viewer)

[Richard cash]

i hear lots of people say that they prefer the LD boxsets but i cant understand why, they must be bulkier and harder to store but then i am just guessing. If anyone had any pictures of these sets then could they post them as i have never seen one before.

 

[Dan Brecher]

It is their size that is part of what made so many of us fall for them. They were big heavy boxes to be sure, but that truly made you feel you had bought something incredibly special, but the biggest attraction to them for most of us was their presentation.

Take, say, Toy Story or The Lion King. Two of Disney's finest ever box sets on LD... These things came with booklets, attractive gatefold sleeves for the discs, and Lion King came with the most stunning set of lithographs.

You also had box sets that came with CDs (ET for example), even hard back books (Nightmare Before Xmas, Star Wars Definitive Box...etc). One could truly not fail to be impressed by the care and dedication put into these sets. Labours of love from their makers to be sure.

DVD can still score high in presentation terms. Fight Club's design drew special praise, and whilst so many have come in that same case design since (FC wasnt even the first) I have never felt any have done it quite so well. Se7en and Magnolia come close. Memento LE is also nice.

The 4 disc Fellowship of the Ring box design looks to be a nod to the old LD days, of which Peter Jackson is a fan and long time collector. Taking on the look of a hard back book, according to those who saw early versions of it back at the DVD announcement at Warner some months ago, the thing is heavy and BIG! BRING IT ON!

Dan

 

[alan halvorson]

Since I seem to own a gazillion LD box sets, I can tell you all about them.

DVD box sets generally contain a set of films/television shows, etc, and that is all. Very often, LD box sets are nothing more than this. However, many LD box sets contained non-disc extras, such as books, cds, photos, lithographs and a few other things. For instance, my Gettysburg box set, in addition to an extended version of the film and the same disc supplements as the dvd, has an excellent book, a map of the battlefield, the soundtrack cd, four photos of battle participants, and - this is one oddest extras in any box set - an actual Civil War bullet in a drawstring pouch. Disney box sets often contained a book and some very nice lithographs. And so on.

These non-disc extras are what makes many LD box sets still valuable, even though the film has been released to DVD.

There are a few DVD box sets that contain non-disc extras, but they seem to be hard-to-find and overpriced, at least in my jaded opinion.

 

[Dave Anderson]

The 4 disc Fellowship of the Ring box design looks to be a nod to the old LD days, of which Peter Jackson is a fan and long time collector. Taking on the look of a hard back book, according to those who saw early versions of it back at the DVD announcement at Warner some months ago, the thing is heavy and BIG! BRING IT ON!

Indeed he is. The Frighteners: Signature Collection LD is quite a gem. Even better is the fact it was all produced by Jackson himself.

 

[Dan Brecher]

And I forever thank you for the VHS dupe of the documentary, Dave.
Dan

 

[Christopher_J_F]

If I ever need to show any guests how incredibly cool LD's STILL are I'll always point at my box sets.
Some that comes to mind (In no particular order):
-One flew over the Cuckoo’s nest (Coffee Table set!)
-The Rocky Horror Picture Show
-Hellraiser (Limited)
-Nightmare B4 XMas
-The Wild Bunch
-Se7en
-Brazil
-Gettysburg
-Dances with Wolves
-T2
-Natural Born Killers
-Both Star Wars sets
etc.
The Japanese made some truly beautiful sets as well!
Some of the favorites (Owned):
-Twin Peaks
-Dune
-Millennium (1st Season pt1)
-Ghost in the Shell "Premium Box"
-Akira Memorial Edition
And talk about a box set -the most elaborate one I've ever seen is
-Death & Rebirth/The End of Evangelion Perfect Collection
It's HUGE w/ 2 gatefold sleeves, a doll, mini figure, phone card, complete storyboard book, a full size model kit(!) + more that I can’t think of in a 12x12x9" cube.

Personally, I don’t think many DVD collectors would have lasted that long back in the LD days. Everyone complains about special cases, not fitting on my shelf, etc.
With sets like the above that was the point! Many crossed over the one hundred dollar mark but YOU FELT where the money went. Getting home and taking off the shrink wrapping for the first time to explore what all awaited you inside... ahhhhh.
Am I the only one who misses that feeling?

 

[Dan Brodin]

Christopher,

I know exactly what you mean. I really do miss the feeling of bringing home and opening these great LD boxsets. Those sets were really more impressive and grand than the DVD boxsets we get now. There was just something about the LDs. Maybe it was the fact it felt special to own something not many other people had or could afford unless they were a true film buff. I still appreciate all the great content and effort that goes into DVDs but I never get the same feeling those LD boxsets and special editions gave me. They still hold up even against their DVD counter parts. Just look at the Jaws Signature Edition, Aliens SE, E.T (in all likelihood not everything will be ported over), The Nightmare Before Christmas, etc...

I guess that why I still have all 277 of my laserdiscs. I couldn't bring myself to sell these titles at 5 to 10 bux a pop.

-Dan

 

[Aaron Garman]

Hello all. I'm in this club too: I will always cherish the days of picking up a nice set of the big bad discs and going through all that material. I still have the Lion King box set and it is still totally awesome. Fantasia wasn't too bad either. I'm really looking forward to LOTR being something special like in the old days of home theatre. Cheers!

Aaron Garman

 

[Tom J. Davis]

The first box set I ever bought was the Star Wars Definitive Collection. I'll never part with that thing, even when my laserdisc player is dead and buried. There was something special about collecting laserdisc's period, let alone box sets. You knew you had something that very few had. Or would want to pay for.

 

[Andy Olivera]

Creative Design Arts was attempting to bring that same feeling to DVD with all those Warner box sets. Personally, I'd like to see every studio do something along the same lines. And don't forget Anchor Bay and their many limited edition tins(what happened to these?)...

 

[L. W. Cobb]

The size limitations that are inherent to DVD packaging preclude the inclusion of the type of extras found on the best of the LD Box Sets. I have many LD sets that include 8x10 lobby cards, hard and soft cover books, CDs, lithographs, cast biographies that are actually readable without a magnifying glass, not to mention the various liner notes and programs that just can't be included on DVD due to the limited space that's available. Until the releasing studios get past the notion that all DVD special edition releases must fit into the standard DVD-size packaging, we may never see the type of Box Sets that we enjoyed on LD. Why is it that many CD Box Sets come in the large 12"x12" format, while DVDs are constrained to adding another disc to make their releases "special"? The studios need to be made aware that many desireable extras can be included not on another disc, but in the form of artwork, books, CDs, etc. If they review the best of the LD Box Sets, perhaps they'll get a clue about what makes a "Collector's Edition" really special.

 

[Richard cash]

thanks for the info guys but i still haven't seen any pics. Has anyone got some photos so i can see what i am missing only having collected dvds

 

[Mattias_ka]

Richard cash, You have some pic's here:Box-set's homepage . And what ever you wife/girlfriend has said, size MATTERS!!:b

 

[alan halvorson]

Mattias' listed site is excellent but doesn't include all box sets. You could also peruse Ebay - there's always a bunch listed and some auctions have photos of the contents.

 

[Greg_Y]

I compiled a list of Entertainment Weekly's Top 100 laserdiscs. If you're interested in a sampling of what hasn't made it to DVD as far as special features go, try this thread.

 

[Ric Easton]

When I bought the DVD of Terminator 2, I gave away that great big leathery feeling box set for a song. 10 bucks maybe. I wish I hung on to that and a few others. You really felt like you were holding something special in your hands.

Ric

 

[Matt Pelham]

While I agree that Laserdisc box sets might have a more "magical" feel to them, I feel you are sacrificing a small bit of magic for amazing value on DVD. Let's say for example I wanted to buy Aliens, the Hustler, and Se7en on LD. That would have cost me over $300. I can get the same thing on DVD for about $50.

Maybe it's because I've never actually held a laserdisc box set (or even a laserdisc) in my hands, but I'd say that's a small price to pay for paying a much smaller price.

 

[Yee-Ming]

The first box set I ever bought was the Star Wars Definitive Collection. I'll never part with that thing, even when my laserdisc player is dead and buried.

hear hear. I bought the SW Def Colln even BEFORE I bought a laserdisc player. and I haven't bought a laserdisc since, although my brother has bought some.
unfortunately, I just gave my laserdiscs a spin the other day, to watch the OT again, and it appears one of the ANH discs has developed a bit of rot as it "froze" near the end of the "side" :frowning:

 

[Lars Vermundsberget]

I've kept most of my LDs including ~25 great box sets (most of them Disney/animation). I can understand those who miss the feeling of a new LD box set, but I'm not sad. DVDs are great value for money.

 

[Mike_S]

I love the DVD format. The BLUE VELVET & THE GREAT RACE DVD's are out tommorrow. I'm there! However, thoses BIG LD Box Sets are amazing. Tons of supplements such as lobby cards, books, CD's, ready to frame art & beautiful gatefold LD jackets. Here are a few of my favourites:

AMADEUS: Gorgeous Box with a 'making of' 50 page book as well as a 2 CD set of the movie's soundtrack along with a booklet of the soundtrack chapters and another commentary booklet.

THE AFRICAN QUEEN: Another beautiful box with reproductions of theater lobby cards and a hardcover book written by Katherine Hepburn detailing the making of the film.

THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY: Glorious 8 Disc set with Stereo/PCM sound.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: All the extras that were 'ported over' to the DVD S.E. plus a beautiful hardcover book. Beautifully designed box.

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL: Probably my favourite. Autographed by the Director, Robert Wise. At least 90 minutes of supplementary material. A book about the career of Robert Wise and his filmography and a gold CD of the music featured in the film by Bernard Herman. Incredible.

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME: AC-3 Sound and far more supplementary material than is on the DVD version. Beautiful cover art for the box.

THE LION KING: AC-3 sound. TONS of supplements and 6 ready to be framed lithographs. Beautiful box cover art.

POCAHONTAS: Ready to frame art prints. AC-3 sound. A very nicely illustrated 'The Art of Pocahontas' book. Also an artist portfolio with concept to finished art cell (suitable for framing). Very lavish set. Once again, gorgeus cover box art.

TOY STORY: Very nice silver box. AC-3 sound. A book with the art of the movie. Also included is a wonderful 3D print of Woody & Buzz in a silver frame.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: A hard cover book of the film as well as lobby cards. It's a pretty hefty box.

JAWS: FULL 2 hour documentary (DVD is shortened to 1 hour). A CD of the music soundtrack is included as well as the Paperback novel.

E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL: Tons of supplements and a CD of the music of the film.

I think you get the idea. These things are so beautiful they beg to be displayed prominently in your home theater. With all their various prints, books and CD's they are 'keepers', no matter when the DVD comes along to 'replace' it.