Meet The Collectors #010 – James Lowin

We’re back with another Meet The Collectors installment, as James Lowin tells us about his steelbook hobby.

How did you first get into steelbook collecting, and what was your first purchase?

I have always been a movie enthusiast since school, but really got into collecting movies whilst at University. I had a friend who owned and ran a region 1 DVD shop and I would spend hours killing time, talking movies and also getting some deals. I even worked at Blockbuster for fun which enabled me to feed my collection!

The evolution continued onto Blu-ray following the purchase of a PS3. The first movie steelbook I picked up, was a pre-owned Sweeny Todd from my local game for £9.99. To be honest at that time I didn’t know what a steelbook was, I just really liked the metal packaging/case.

Following that purchase I noticed more steelbooks out in the wild, mainly HMV and starting choosing this format over the standard Amaray. Mainly because of the type of packaging, but mainly the artwork. Then a friend recommended Zavvi and the rest is history….

Do you have a favourite steelbook in your collection?

Choosing a favourite is hard, if I had to choose one, I would say Terminator play.com release. I love the front artwork, reminds me of retro 80’s airbrushed sci-fi.

Would you ever buy a steelbook just for the art, if you didn’t like the movie?

No, but I have bought steelbooks for movies I haven’t seen yet, so is that the same? I did end up liking the blind buys I did purchase on this basis. An example is Easy Rider Pop Art.

Conversely, would you buy a steelbook of a movie you love even if you hate the art?

I want to say no….. To be honest I haven’t seen a movie I love with a poor steelbook design. Also it would be dependent on the cost. I’m sticking with no ?!

What movie that doesn’t currently have a steelbook really deserves one?

I’m being awkward and saying two titles I would love to receive the steelbook treatment.
1. The Abyss
2. Pumpkinhead

To my knowledge I don’t even think The Abyss has a Blu-ray release. I think both movies have great marketing artwork which could be transferred to a bad ass looking steelbook.

Do you store your collection neatly away, or is it all proudly on display?

My collection are all in protectors and displayed on bookshelves in my movie room. Better than posters!

Do you collect anything else?

Yes, unfortunately for my wallet. I’ve always liked toys/action figures. Currently I’m picking up Star Wars, Neca and select Funko Pops. I’ve also a gamer, so got a nice collection of games and consoles.

What do you family and friends think of your collection?

My wife shakes her head every time a delivery is dropped off, but also buys me bits for the collection also!
My friends and family treat me like a blockbuster wanting to borrow movies, sometimes I let them, only sometimes.

As ever, if you’d like to be featured in a future article, please get in touch here.