Meet The Collectors #011 – Jonathan Larter
After a few days’ break, here’s another installment of our Meet The Collectors series, and now it’s the turn of Jonathan Larter, who took time to tell us all about his steelbook collecting.
How did you first get into steelbook collecting, and what was your first purchase?
My first steelbook was Rambo on DVD with a G1 size case. It has (what is now printed on J-cards) print credits on the back of the steelbook. After that I was lucky to join the early play.com Marvel blu-ray steelbooks and been addicted since.
Do you have a favourite steelbook in your collection?
My favourite has to be Iron Man. It’s a grail and I would never sell it!! I open all my steelbooks, some others I love are Thor (HMV), Drive and more recent releases such as The Voices.
Would you ever buy a steelbook just for the art, if you didn’t like the movie?
Yes, I have a few movies I think are average but have great art such as The Dictator, Riddick, Horns, Enders Game etc.
Conversely, would you buy a steelbook of a movie you love even if you hate the art?
Probably, as I said I’m a bit addicted. A good example is the upcoming Ant-Man steelbook. I loved the movie, but think the art could be so much better. I’ve still got it pre-ordered as its Marvel. Legend also needs better art, Noodles at HDN (Twitter @_nickkemp) concept art is always brilliant
What movie that doesn’t currently have a steelbook really deserves one?
I’m still waiting on Zavvi to release Despicable Me to match the 2nd one they released a while back. Other movies I’d like are Lord of the Rings trilogy, No Country for Old Men, Donnie Darko etc.
Do you store your collection neatly away, or is it all proudly on display?
Proudly on display! I have 5 on show and the rest on shelves. I use SC2 protective slipcovers from steelbook central. I used to use cheap plastic bags, but when I’m spending around £20-25 a steelbook they deserve a decent case IMO.
What do you family and friends think of your collection?
My family think I’m crazy. For example I have 3 versions of Drive (HMV, Mondo, Kimchi full slip etc), 3 Avengers (HMV, Nova, Zavvi) and 2 copies of Raid 1&2 (play with Jock art and Kimchi lentis), 2 Nova John Wick (Full and Lenti).. you get the picture. I will also be getting some of the Zavvi re-release Marvel steelbooks too. It’s like an expensive addiction, but it’s fun and I have some nice art to look at on the shelf!
