SteelBook Alert: The Sincerest Form of Flattery

Although a fair number of big blockbuster movies have received SteelBook Blu-ray editions as retailer exclusives in the United States recently, the UK remains a haven for collectors. Here’s a look at some upcoming titles that will get the metal case treatment in that country.

‘The Imitation Game’

Available at: Zavvi
Release date: June 30, 2015
Price: £19.99
Region Code: Region B

Because this awards hopeful starring Benedict Cumberbatch had a budget less than $100 million and a plot that doesn’t involve giant robots or kung-fu mutants, it seems unlikely that Best Buy or Target would carry a SteelBook version of it. The British disc has pretty nice artwork. Unfortunately, as a Studio Canal release, it’s almost certainly going to be locked to Region B.

Imitation Game SteelBook front

Imitation Game SteelBook back

‘Into the Woods’

Available at: Zavvi
Release date: May 18, 2015
Price: £23.99
Region Code: Unconfirmed. Listed as Region B.

As noted in the image, the case art for the Disney fairy tale musical hasn’t necessarily been finalized yet. If this winds up being the design, it’s rather simplistic and boring.

Into the Woods SteelBook temp art

Update: Zavvi has released new artwork that looks a little better.

Into the Woods SteelBook new art

‘Paddington’

Available at: Zavvi
Release date: March 23, 2015
Price: £20.99
Region Code: Region B

I can’t say that I have even the slightest bit of interest in ever seeing the movie, but this Blu-ray case design is thoroughly charming and adorable.

Paddington SteelBook front

Paddington SteelBook exterior

Paddington SteelBook interior

‘Get On Up’

Available at: Amazon UK or Zavvi
Release date: March 30, 2015
Price: £16.00
Region Code: Unconfirmed. Listed as Region B.

The case for this James Brown bio-pic looks fine, but by far the best part is that the Blu-ray itself looks like a vinyl LP.

Get On Up SteelBook front

Get On Up SteelBook

‘Dracula Untold’

Available at: Zavvi
Release date: February 9, 2015
Price: £21.99
Region Code: Unconfirmed. Listed as Region B.

The first movie in Universal’s misguided attempt to reboot all of its classic monsters as a group of misunderstood antiheroes in a shared cinematic universe bombed pretty badly in North America. It did a little better overseas and may wind up turning a profit, but still doesn’t bode too well for the studio’s grand enterprise. If you happen to be a fan of the movie, the SteelBook looks decent, if unexciting.

Dracula Untold SteelBook front

Dracula Untold SteelBook exterior

Dracula Untold SteelBook interior

4 comments

  1. Well, Dracula Untold did more than “a little better” overseas – it did three times as much as it did domestically. With a budget of $70 million and a worldwide take of over $200 million, I’m sure it’s close to being in the black for Universal.

    Apparently, the next film in the series, The Mummy, is still coming in 2016.

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