Studios Prep Boxed Sets for the Holidays

27 Aug, 2010 By: Chris Tribbey

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If there’s one thing Jeff Baker, Warner Home Video’s SVP and GM of theatrical catalog, knows about holiday gift sets, it’s that packaging means everything.

“Packaging is the single most important component in the theatrical catalog gift set world,” he said. “Historically, more than 70% of these purchases are impulse, therefore, the aesthetics and visualization become critical.”

Warner conducts focus groups around the country before going forward with a packaging idea, taking notes about what consumers want in their gift sets. The results: the collection of Clint Eastwood’s greatest films, more “Harry Potter” Ultimate editions, and a definitive Humphrey Bogart collection, all in sleek packaging meant to grab the eye of the consumer.

Oct. 19 Warner streets the third and fourth (of eight) “Harry Potter” Ultimate Editions on Blu-ray Disc ($49.99) and DVD ($39.92), both in collectible packaging with photo books, digital copies, collectibles and more.

Nov. 2 sees the boxed set re-release of Clint Eastwood 35 Films 35 Years at Warner Bros. on DVD ($159.96), this time including his most recent film, Invictus. The set will be released in book-style slipcase packaging with a new single-face configuration.

Baker is also enthusiastic about the Oct. 5 release of the Humphrey Bogart: The Essential Collection DVD set ($99.98), which comes in a package as white and sleek as Bogart’s dinner jacket in Casablanca. Inside are 24 films, a 48-page tribute book, photo cards, studio correspondence and bonus features to last a week.

“The stylish, contemporized, re-imagination of Bogart in the key art you see from the 24-film box set is spectacular and unique,” Baker said.

Other notable Warner titles seeing specially packaged releases in time for holiday shopping include the Sept. 14 release of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: 35th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray ($49.99) and DVD ($39.92); the Oct. 26 release Elf: Ultimate Collector’s Edition, with the Blu-ray ($49.99) and DVD ($39.92) packaged in collectible holiday tins; the Nov. 2 release of The Goonies: 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on DVD ($39.92) and Blu-ray ($49.99); and the Nov. 9 release Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! — The Complete Series ($79.98), with the discs held in a plastic version of the Mystery Machine that rests on a decorative stand.

Other studios with boxed sets:

•    Sept. 7 Classic Media releases The Original Christmas Classics Limited Keepsake Edition on Blu-ray ($44.99), featuring the Rankin/Bass classics Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and Frosty Returns.

•    Sept. 28 Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment streets Scrubs: The Complete Collection ($149.99), featuring a lenticular cover, a Sacred Heart Hospital ID and a photo booth strip of the cast.

•    Oct. 19 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 35th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray ($34.99), with a full-color press book and photo gallery, and a slew of new bonus features.

•    Oct. 26 HBO Home Entertainment streets Sex & the City: Complete Collection Deluxe Edition ($249.98), a sleek set with all seven remastered seasons, both feature films and an exclusive bonus disc.

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