Am I just unlucky? I have a MI-3 that the hub is broken. Not that unusual as it happened a few time on DVD also. My son wanted Superman II this weekend. Opened it the other night and a small blue piece fell off. Opened the case and the whole thing was split down the spine. Exchanged it for another and this one is split, but not as bad.

Another complaint. I HATE THE FREEKIN SECURITY TAPE ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM!! It is constantly leaving residue. I have to try to get it up by re-sticking the tape on it and peel it off.. repeat. Sometimes I break the alcohol out.

And those damn anti-shoplifting tags! Those things are the bane of my existence!

What's worse are the new flat square ones that you can't peel off!

I actually find the stickers on BD to peel off easier than the ones on DVD's.

I have not had a Blu-ray case break on me yet, but the security tape is out-of-control on BD. Whereas HD DVDs have one piece of security tape, most BD have three. The residue you speak of is a problem I've had twice on Blu-ray, I think both times they were Lions Gate releases, and I never had that issue with a HD DVD.

On top of that the secuirty tags on HD DVDs are generally the tab kind. With Blu-ray, I've gotten the dread and impossible-to-remove security sticker, you know the black sticker that has the metal security 'circuitry' underneath. The stuff is impossible to take off with damaging the Blu-ray case in some shape or fashion.

I hope they change the plastic holder for the movies. The recent ones I have gotten ( A Knight's Tale and Memento) uses a push button, which seems less likely to break imo.

My copy of Superman II also had broken plastic pieces, but as long as it can hold the disc, I dont worry.

The stickers piss me off. One is something, three is just ridiculous. I dont get why they couldn't have come up with a less intrusive method of theft prevention considering they came up with a new case design.

Lion's Gate titles are just ridiculous. Stickers PLUS the square sticker inside PLUS the small black rectangle tag inside :|

They are a pain but you do get the hang of them. I usually find it to be a little fun getting the disk ready for my collection by carefully removing all the stuff on it. I have had an easier time with the Blu disks than my HD or DVD disks though. The sticker works well to reapply them pull away. Also get some Goo Gone, it works very well.

I did get 6 disks from the Fry's promotion the other day and it was kindof a pain to do 6 disks in a row.

Some people just cut the plastic stuff with a knife and leave all the stickers and security stuff on and in the case. Drives me nuts. Its just sloppy.

Another vote for Lionsgate titles leaving sticker reside. I've yet to have the problem on discs from any other studio.

Another boo for Lionsgate. I picked up 6 titles from Fry's yesterday and both Lionsgate films gave me residue trouble.

Yea. It's only been the Lionsgate movies for me. It's like they're using contact cement. On "The Descent" the cover was riding low and some of it was under the plastic slip and when I removed the tape some of the silver bottom of the cover came with it.

Has anyone mentioned this to anyone yet?

Well, I'm glad I'm not alone in my dread when opening up a Lion's Gate title. I supposed I should be thankful there aren't many more titles out from them I am interested in.

you think the lionsgate ones are troublesome, try the warner titles on HDDVD they leave all the sticky **** behind...its unbareable!

lol...great thread :D

I thought I was the only one that hated those damn security tapes on THREE SIDES!!!! whats the point of all three sides?? do BR discs have a high teft rate? :p

I usually don't have trouble with security tape. I just take a really sharp knife and carefully cut down the center of each piece of tape. I then open up the DVD/BD case and pull each one off. Works like a charm.

That residue you guys refer to also ANNOYS the Heck out of me as well. Its happened on 2 of my BD cases and also the chrome disc tray on my Xbox 360. I dont mind it so much on my cases because I dont really look at them but on the 360's chrome disc tray is very annoying when I look at it, its been there since Nov. 05 and it is still sticky.

The residue can be removed easily with Goo Gone.

What I hate is when the cover art is too low under the plastic cover, and the security sticker rips part of the cover art off when you try to peel it off.

BTW, did anyone else notice that many of the Blu-Ray titles that use the cases with the security lock on the side always have the lock folded in? All of my Lionsgate titles were like this. Whoever has been doing their replication better wake up and realize why that lock is there. :)

Ahh. Lionsgate. It was Reservoir Dogs that I had a problem with the this weekend for security tape. I have noticed the top tape on the BD shell is a lot less sticky and doesn't leave residue. I tried to use that to clean the residue and it didn't do anything. I had to use the tape from the side and bottom to get it to remove. I have tried Goo Gone before and it didn't work as well. Maybe mine is old. I usually use the alcohol and have to remove everything from the case to rinse and dry. Pain!

ToddUGA: And leave the tape there? Ah the HORROR!!! Of course all my LaserDiscs are in vinyl sleeves. Maybe it's me :)

its the sony and lionsgate movies that have 3 security tapes on them, extra ones on the side and bottom. the side and bottom ones are much harder to peel off than the top one.

the technique i use to get them off without leaving glue residue behind? i split them with a razor down the middle, then peel each half off from the middle. i also have a technique for the security tag inside that usually works, pulling straight up instead of back.

but seriously, if anyone from sony is reading this, knock this crap off. you are just making life hell for your paying customers.

I use the Citrus Goo Gone. Never had any problems removing residue and the smell, which is actually quite nice, usually leaves after a few days.

Want to join the hating. :mad: Reservoir Dogs and American Psycho had superman tape holding it together. Even Goo Gone was no match. Smeared up mess now. Security my a**. Just want to make it harder for people to resell.

Like others, my American Psycho and Reservoir Dogs are a mess. I finally said F it and just left them with residue -- it bothers me to think that it's still there though!

Those are my only two Lions Gate movies, I think... I don't recall having any trouble with residue on any other titles though.

Well, the worst thing I have seen yet was on, literally speaking "on", one of the HD-dvd combo discs I had purchased. When I opened Land of the Dead the small rectangular security thing must have been loose during shipping, because it was stuck on my disc. :(

The residue can be removed easily with Goo Gone.

With nothing better to do I went to Home Depot and purchased a bottle and all I can say is WOW! this stuff took the residue right off and looks brand new. Thanks BlackRiderX.

-Tom

Bought 4 movies 4 left residue from the security tape and 1 left a sticky from that black anti-theft bar. At least 1 of the 3 stickers leaves residue every single time no matter how careful or how slow i go. Royal pain in the a** to say the least.

Well, the worst thing I have seen yet was on, literally speaking "on", one of the HD-dvd combo discs I had purchased. When I opened Land of the Dead the small rectangular security thing must have been loose during shipping, because it was stuck on my disc. :(

That would be a "bring the shotgun to Best Buy" sort of day. :cool:

Yea, I've given up on peeling them. I use a fine Xacto knife to just split the middle and try to force the case open. It generally works.

Man, I've been using a tip I found on this board about a year ago for my security sticker residue problems. The *best* thing to get off the residue from a security sticker is...

wait for it...

The security sticker.

Once the sticker is off, just go over it a couple of times with the sticky side (dabbling the spots with the residue) and it comes right off. No goo gone (which does tend to smear the glue), no lighter fluid...just the sticker.

HTH.

lol ... at least I'm not the only one having problems. Here's a pic of the aftermath of one of my battles with security tapes:



http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9118/p1030157vv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ LOL

Yes, three-sided tape closures are ridiculous. As a previous poster said, Goo Gone works wonders to remove the adhesive, but it shouldn't be leaving a residue in the first place :rolleyes: - I have a feeling this is one of those annoyances that will never be changed/modified despite user complaint. It makes the manufacturer warm and fuzzy inside, false senses of security.

AGIAmaray Blu-ray case info can be found here (http://www.amaray.com/cases_rt-bluray.asp).

^^ LOL

Yes, three-sided tape closures are ridiculous. As a previous poster said, Goo Gone works wonders to remove the adhesive, but it shouldn't be leaving a residue in the first place :rolleyes: - I have a feeling this is one of those annoyances that will never be changed/modified despite user complaint. It makes the manufacturer warm and fuzzy inside, false senses of security.

Damn, that's alot of blood for 3 stickers.

Who'd have thunk it. 3 security stickers are going to prevent hackers from ripping movies and placing them on the internet for free distribution :rolleyes:. Seriously though, how in the world are those 3 strips going to stop physical theft? If i'm remembering right most store theft is actually caused by employees lol.

Hear, hear. Too much security tape!

Any domestic source for replacement BR cases? At roughly $3 + shipping from Europe, that German supplier is a wee bit pricey.

AGIAmaray Blu-ray case info can be found here (http://www.amaray.com/cases_rt-bluray.asp).
:cool:

They even have cases that 'smell'.
We can also create a case with a particular smell. For example we recently created a chocolate smell for the DVD of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and are willing to attempt any smell requested!

Funny most of my BD cases have had only 1 sticker and KoH had only half of 1.

Man, I've been using a tip I found on this board about a year ago for my security sticker residue problems. The *best* thing to get off the residue from a security sticker is...

wait for it...

The security sticker.

Once the sticker is off, just go over it a couple of times with the sticky side (dabbling the spots with the residue) and it comes right off. No goo gone (which does tend to smear the glue), no lighter fluid...just the sticker.

HTH.
That's exactly what I found out too after a while. When you see it's breaking up, that's precisely the spot you want to apply everywhere just after. And it's gonna stick, sure it must take 100 movement but in the end, nothing is left. Push, pull, Push, pull, Push, pull... ad nauseum...

The more you do it, the more it will stick so at first it does'nt seem to work but it sure it's a resistance match between you and HIM. You sure does'nt want it to finish in blood, so patience is the key.

This even work when the cover slipped a little and got the sticker right on it. The pushing and pulling act very slowly so everything is intact after you finish, no damage to the colors of the cover!

Has anyone found a reliable way to get the tape off without deforming at least a small section of the plastic cover of the box? It seems like the adhesive is stronger than the plastic... I can't seem to even pull up a single corner without doing a bit of damage.

Is there a trick that I'm just not aware of? I'd hate to take an exacto knife to it, but if that's what it takes...

Is there a trick that I'm just not aware of? I'd hate to take an exacto knife to it, but if that's what it takes...Ice, my trick is to use a Case pocket knife with one of the three blades having a "rounded point". I use this edge to raise one corner of the tape, slip the knife edge under tape a little further, pinch the tape between the knife blade and finger nail and gently pull the tape off. I can normally do this without marking the plastic case.

It is time consuming and royal pain in the a$$. These folks have been doing this for nearly 10 years and probably will not stop this practice.

I rub the corner until an edge is free to pull - can get it in 2 to 3 rubs with practice :cool: . Of course the super-sticker, 1 out of maybe a dozen or so discs, is almost impossible to get off without damage or residue or both.

Professionalthieves slice through the tape in seconds and extract the disks with no problem. Of course they don't care about trashing the case! The tape is useless in reality. I find empty DVD cases littered around the inside of BB and Walmart.

ToddUGA: And leave the tape there? Ah the HORROR!!! Of course all my LaserDiscs are in vinyl sleeves. Maybe it's me :)

No, I take the tape off. After using a knife to carefully split each piece down the middle and open the case, I pull each piece off. Usually where I cut it, it sticks out when the case is opened. It's usually a piece of cake to grab that part and slowly pull it off.

Replacement Cases (if you speak German):

http://www.dvd-verpackung24.de/product_info.php?products_id=5460
Too bad they don't ship to the states. They have some really good bulk rates on their HD-DVD/BD cases.

I rub the corner until an edge is free to pull - can get it in 2 to 3 rubs with practice :cool: . Of course the super-sticker, 1 out of maybe a dozen or so discs, is almost impossible to get off without damage or residue or both.

This is excactly it. I havent had a "Super Sticky" Blu-Ray yet. It is almost as if the case is made of a slightly different material or coating than HD cases. Although as I only have 11 mabey my next on will be sticky. I am thinking that it has to do with heat and humidity. If the cases are exposed to the wrong combination between when they are applied and when you pick it up you get the "Super Stickys".

had trouble with the artwork being seated too far down in the case and ripping with the label..YMMV but what usually works for me is to peel towards the edge on both sides instead of doing the usual peel and keep peeling. That would make much more sense if I had a diagram. Again, this isn't 100 percent, but it seems to hold up better than peeling toward the artwork.

Im glad removing security tape is the worst problem BD owners have to deal with.... it could be worst. (Im also glad others have a strange need to remove those black tags... I thought it was just me!)

No, the worst thing I find with BDs is when the insert is pushed to far down such that the bottom sticker is on the insert - hence when peeling the sticker off, it rips off the insert...the only title I've seen that has this problem consistently is BHD.

Im glad removing security tape is the worst problem BD owners have to deal with.... it could be worst.
Yeah it could be much worse; like having no software to choose from. ;) :)

It appears that the "sticky" problem may be a product of one factory. I have encountered it and had to use fingernail polish remover to clean up the residue. Most BD and HD product, however, peels off with no problem.

I find the BD and HD-DVD cases softer and don't scratch disc's as easy as regular DVD cases do. I use Isopropanol If there is residue left from the stickers. The 3 security stickers do kind of suck. You must have sliced your finger using a xacto knife because that won't happen peeling them off with a finger nail. Good thing you didn't use a table saw to open the case. :p

lol ... at least I'm not the only one having problems. Here's a pic of the aftermath of one of my battles with security tapes:



http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9118/p1030157vv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
You need one of the case openers. You just slide it along the edge and it splits it down the middle. Then it comes right off. Out of around 190 Hd DVD/BD titles, I've only messed up one getting stickers off and that was because I didn't use the case opener or a knife to slice it down the middle. If your cutting youself and bleeding you really need to change how you open it. You definitely shouldn't cut yourself.

Well, unfortunately I tried to open Finding Neverland before reading this thread, and the protective cover is destroyed. If I buy the third party BD case, does it have the protective cover and is it the right size so that I can put the standard insert for the movie in there?

lol...great thread :D

I thought I was the only one that hated those damn security tapes on THREE SIDES!!!! whats the point of all three sides?? do BR discs have a high teft rate? :p
They spend all this time and energy protecting the CASE. If someone really wanted to steal the disc, wouldn't they just slice the tape with a pocket knife and take it? It's all so stupid.

I use an "iSlice" (www.islice.com) and it works pretty good. It has a tiny ceramic nib that won't cut your finger. I slice the stickers down the middle and then open the case and peel them from either side. Sometimes I have trouble with the side stickers since there is an open cavity under most of the sticker and the iSlice doesn't work as well there.

Thank goodness I'm not the only one that thinks Lions Gate is freaking horrible. I just used a blow dryer on all of the Rambo movies to make sure the stickers would pull of painlessly. Took forever and it did still leave some residue behind!

I hate the residue. Hate it. Oh, and speaking of fragile cases, I just got my copy of Prison Break SSN 1 from Amazon, and they had shipped it in a padded envelope instead of a box. The top of the case is completely broken. I can't open it to check the discs though, as its a present for the missus.

Ah well, I knew Karma would bite me back after having my Star Trek SSN 1 HD DVD arrive without a single flaw or disc out of place :p

I wish all studios used the blue PS3 cases. Those babies are 10x sturdier than the crap US BD cases. I know some people think they are too wide. I think their shelves are too short. ;)

AGIAmaray Blu-ray case info can be found here (http://www.amaray.com/cases_rt-bluray.asp).

thanks for the link
I need some cases for my HP set

edit - don't see where to order them

I have not had a Blu-ray case break on me yet, but the security tape is out-of-control on BD. Whereas HD DVDs have one piece of security tape, most BD have three. The residue you speak of is a problem I've had twice on Blu-ray, I think both times they were Lions Gate releases, and I never had that issue with a HD DVD.

On top of that the secuirty tags on HD DVDs are generally the tab kind. With Blu-ray, I've gotten the dread and impossible-to-remove security sticker, you know the black sticker that has the metal security 'circuitry' underneath. The stuff is impossible to take off with damaging the Blu-ray case in some shape or fashion.

Lion's Gate BDs are the worst. A few months back I nabbed a few on sale at J&R and I finally started opening them this week. Talk about ridiculous; 3:10 to Yuma had the normal (for BD) 3 security seals along the sides as well as the flat square RFID AND the tab style security tag inside. The other issue is the fact that they put the security tape right across the BD logo, which means I'm missing half of my BD logos.

The HD DVD system was definitely better:

- They never had those square RFID tags inside just the tab style which are much easier to remove.

- They used just one exterior security tape, along the top and it had a cut-out to allow the tape to AROUND the HD DVD logo instead of across it. The only time you risked losing a part of your logo was on Universal Combo releases that had the Combo, DVD and HD DVD logos across the top. Even that was rare because the HD DVD tape is more flexible (almost like clear rubber) than the tape that Lion's Gate uses. The LG tape is almost like adhesive cellophane or perhaps acetate; very sticky, not flexible and prone to breaking up.

At the end of the day it means I need to go to town with WD-40 to get the residue off and then scrub for a while to get the WD-40 smell off of the case. Alternatively I can buy a bunch of extra BD cases and that will probably be my ultimate solution. It can be tough to be a perfectionist.

One of my recent Fox BDs, Juno I think, had the square "circuit" sticker attached to a blank paper insert instead of the case. That was convenient. I've pretty much given up on removing those from cases. At least they're usually hidden by an insert ad.

I hate that sticker residue, too! Lionsgate is out of control here. I had to use bug & tar remover to get that stuff off. :mad:

Am I just unlucky? I have a MI-3 that the hub is broken. Not that unusual as it happened a few time on DVD also. My son wanted Superman II this weekend. Opened it the other night and a small blue piece fell off. Opened the case and the whole thing was split down the spine. Exchanged it for another and this one is split, but not as bad.

Another complaint. I HATE THE FREEKIN SECURITY TAPE ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM!! It is constantly leaving residue. I have to try to get it up by re-sticking the tape on it and peel it off.. repeat. Sometimes I break the alcohol out.
I agree about the security tape, I'm a honest person why should I have to put up with this s**t! not to mention the crap on the inside, almost need to buy fresh cases for every disc.
plus I buy from amazon, they don't need security s**t!

Professionalthieves slice through the tape in seconds and extract the disks with no problem. Of course they don't care about trashing the case! The tape is useless in reality. I find empty DVD cases littered around the inside of BB and Walmart.
if employees weren't sleeping in the back room all day there would be no need for security tape.

It's funny, I was just cursing that three-sided security tape yesterday, and yep.. it was Rambo. The top one came off clean, like always, but the other two left residue. That would seem to imply that it's a different type of security tape, possibly added by Lionsgate themselves after the top tape is added at the duplication facility?

I did manage to tear off the shoplifting tag, though.. it had been badly placed inside the case, so one corner was lifted up and let me get a grip to tear it off.

Mind you, this was a disc I had ordered from Amazon... triple security seal and a shoplifting tag, from an online store? Come on.

if employees weren't sleeping in the back room all day there would be no need for security tape.

As someone who works in retail, I can assure you I am constantly looking for shoplifters but it still happens, no matter what. Of course, they normally just grab a couple things then run, so it doesn't even matter if there's five million security stickers or not.

My understanding is that the EU doesnt have these damn stickers/tape and the consumers will not tolerate being treated like theives!

I hate the residue. Hate it. Oh, and speaking of fragile cases, I just got my copy of Prison Break SSN 1 from Amazon, and they had shipped it in a padded envelope instead of a box. The top of the case is completely broken. I can't open it to check the discs though, as its a present for the missus.


Contact Amazon. They are the best when it comes to replacing broken cases.

The funny thing is that the security tapes have virtually no effect in preventing disk theft.
They are basically a psychological measure similar to copy protection on DVDs. Anyone wanting to steal a disk can do it easily...even with three security stickers. With the right tool and technique you can slice through to the disk in under 5 seconds and have it in your pocket in about 7 seconds.

I've watched a demonstration of the technique given by a theft prevention group. I left the presentation convinced ( along with others) that the tapes are there for show only. The presenter made this statement outright.

5 seconds..swish...swish...swish....case discarded disk in pocket.

Go to your local Best Buy within 15 minutes of closing. If you look around...you can find sliced open cases.

My understanding is that the EU doesnt have these damn stickers/tape and the consumers will not tolerate being treated like theives!


But EU consumers will tolerate being treated like children and allow volume controls on their audio players.

But EU consumers will tolerate being treated like children and allow volume controls on their audio players.

As opposed to Americans who file class action lawsuits against player manufacturers that don't include maximum volume level controls.

(Thus why iPods now have them.)

I have not had a Blu-ray case break on me yet, but the security tape is out-of-control on BD. Whereas HD DVDs have one piece of security tape, most BD have three. The residue you speak of is a problem I've had twice on Blu-ray, I think both times they were Lions Gate releases, and I never had that issue with a HD DVD.

On top of that the secuirty tags on HD DVDs are generally the tab kind. With Blu-ray, I've gotten the dread and impossible-to-remove security sticker, you know the black sticker that has the metal security 'circuitry' underneath. The stuff is impossible to take off with damaging the Blu-ray case in some shape or fashion.

I just hate it when they put it on the cardboard! They do this to so many box sets and digis. I ripped the back of my Bonnie and Clyde back insert (the one that is glued to the hardcover and lists disc contents) trying to get the security strip off.

if employees weren't sleeping in the back room all day there would be no need for security tape.

Another ignorant consumer...Unless this is sarcasm. When I worked in retail we did everything we could to cut down on shoplifters. It got to a point where people would come in the store and I would just ask them to leave, because I knew they were there to steal DVD's. But when it gets busy, there's only so much that can be done.

M

just let 'em steal them IMO

I have had really good luck with WD-40 on the residue. As fragile as those cases are, they really should have a market for blank cases with the Blu-ray logo where you can get them for a FAIR price.

Yeah I just got the Rambo box set and it is ridiculous. There is so much residue on the cases that you can't get just the one you want out of the box. Just an unnecessary pain in the butt. Stupid Lionsgate.

Yep, my Total Recall case is a disaster - Goo Gone did a woefully inadequate job. Turpentine works, but that is nasty stuff. Just watched all three Rambo's, every time, it's two minutes to get the effing disc open, it's almost as bad as clamshell packaging.

There is a seat in hell on Diablo's thorny member for whoever came up with three stickers, crappy plastic wrap, and a Mission Impossible tracking device in the case.

MEC2

Ronsonol? It works on DVD cases... I'll probably try it on an insert also, which has some sticker residue on it. Hopefully it won't ruin the insert. I have used it on record covers before.

I think I'm the only that enjoys peeling the stickers off. It's like opening a present. Now when the sticker ends up ripping off the silver Blu-Ray emblem, that's pretty annoying.

I think I'm the only that enjoys peeling the stickers off. It's like opening a present. Now when the sticker ends up ripping off the silver Blu-Ray emblem, that's pretty annoying.


It's even worse when the sticker has that removed center part where the emblem is, but it's applied backwards and the open spot ends up on the backside, where there's no printing.

Goo Gone is a good product for removing the residue but it does require some additional clean-up when you're done. I have a method that works well and is very simple: a piece of good-old duct tape. It pulls the sticky stuff right off.:D

Not only do I hate the stickers, but I really think the damn plastic on the outside of the BD case is too loose. Twice now, I have opened the wrapper from the top, stuck in my and pulled to rip it off, then realizing I had both the wrapper, and the case plastic. I've torn the damn thing off twice! One was BV and one was Sony, and both have sent me replacements, but still....what a pain!

I had this happen with 'The Queen', which is Miramax. I went to removed the second peice of tape and was left with a mess. I returned the disc for a new one, thinking it would be different and of course it was the same, but this time when I removed the tape, a bit more came off and at that point I just used my finger to rub off the goo.

Also, as far as the security goes, I'll take those tags over the stickers, any day of the week...

Another ignorant consumer...Unless this is sarcasm. When I worked in retail we did everything we could to cut down on shoplifters. It got to a point where people would come in the store and I would just ask them to leave, because I knew they were there to steal DVD's. But when it gets busy, there's only so much that can be done.

M
sorry this is from a person who worked retail for 20 years and seen customer service go out the window, good people being replaced by snot nosed kids with no clue, try to find anybody at bestbuy over 25

My foolprood method for removing security tape.

I have found that the sticker on top will peel off fine on its own. I love the Blu's that only have this. Some do have the dreaded three sided security tape.

Remove the top on with your hands it should peel off smoothly and leave no residue. The trick for the side and the bottom (if it is three sided) is to take one of those retractable blade cutters (mine is Sears Craftsman and works good) you slice each sticker right down the middle, then open the case up. That way you are only dealing with halves. Pull the tape off the case so that it is only sticking on the clear plastic insert portion. Pull the tape of quickly, repeat for the other three halves. Most of the time it works like a champ. Every now and then you get one that maybe has been out in the heat or whatever. I recommend getting some extra Blu-Ray cases and then you can just switch out.

I have tried using Goo gone and it does not seem to work.

That is what I do and it works. I have hundreds of times of practice so I have it down pat.

I used to work loss prevention at Best Buy.

Security tape doesnt really stop/hinder theft at all.

I used to work loss prevention at Best Buy.

Security tape doesnt really stop/hinder theft at all.

That's because you have to have staff that give a #$@! when the alarm at the door goes off rather than just assume a cashier forgot to desensitize the strip.

Then again there are the thieves who carry foil-lined bags of various types…

1. The top sticker is never a problem unless it covers the BD-logo and rips half of it of when you pull it off. Some distributors have an open space in the middle which protects the logo but not all of them.

2. Slicing the Security stickers along the middle and then ripping them of the "wrong" way will keep any glue from sticking. If you pull it quickly the "right" way i.e. along the ede of the sticker the glue will stick.

3. Nr 2 doesn't work on any of the Lionsgate titles I have. There's 2 stickers that leaves pretty much all of the glue on the case, warning that there's a security device enclosed. On a few of my Lionsgate there wasn't a security device enclosed. How about that for annoying?

I think that Lionsgate might finally be listening! I recently picked up season three of Weeds and the first season of Mad Men, both of which are Lionsgate releases. The security stickers came off very easily and left absolutely no residue behind.

I'm curious to see if this will be the case for The Bank Job next week as well.

I realize that this is an old thread but I thought that the @#!@! security tape issue, to quote the OP, was behind us. I guess not! I just picked up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Kick Ass and they both had the damn stickers. Is this coming back or have I not purchased anything from Lionsgate or Music Box lately?

Lionsgate is about the worst for overuse of security stickers. But, at least they appear to have trimmed down from taping three sides to just two. And the stickers on the last LG BD I got didn't leave residue that had to be cleaned off the case. I've actually been surprised to see that some studios have even discontinued using top stickers lately. It's still funny how europe BD packaging is designed for ease of opening, without stickers and including pull-strips like a pack of bubblegum, where US packaging appears to be sealed for posterity.

Regarding bad packaging, the Sanctuary BD cases are terrible. Out of both sets that I bought, all eight discs arrived loose in the case - good thing for BDs scratch resistance. The cases have that annoying layered design where you have to remove a disc to get to the one behind. But what's worse: the new mechanism that holds the discs in place doesn't actually work, at least not for transport. It looks like it would break easily, if the discs were removed a lot too.

It's still funny how europe BD packaging is designed for ease of opening, without stickers and including pull-strips like a pack of bubblegum, where US packaging appears to be sealed for posterity.

As I understand it, that's because the Euro stores put them in external security cases, like Wal-Mart in the US.

As I understand it, that's because the Euro stores put them in external security cases, like Wal-Mart in the US.
Except the sticker has nothing to do with security - one lists the title and the others merely warn you that there is a security device inside.

They serve no purpose at all, other than for stores that put them in bins where only the top edge is visible.

In other words, the US versions are package in anticipation of them ending up the discount bin, rather than displayed cover out on a shelf. That's some positive thinking, there.

They could put those stickers on the outer wrapper and have the same effect.

Personally, I'm one of those people that really doesn't care about damaged cases, tape, or whether the cover art sucks. As long as the disc is undamaged and the A/V isn't marred in some way, they could come in brown paper bags with titles inked with a Sharpie and I wouldn't care.

Once Sony revamped their "policy" on security stickers, around the time we started to get real disc art, it became much easier to open these w/o having to worry about residue. Lionsgate is still occasionally a problem, but any of the other big guys (WB, Fox, Paramount) have never been an issue, outside of broken disc hubs (That's you, WB!).

Since this thread's title is about fragile cases in general, I'd like to add that I'm disgusted by how cheap they've gotten with the main body of the case. Heck, it's already made from a soft, flimsy plastic, and now a lot of titles come in cases with big holes in the middle where the disc sits. If you grip the case too tightly, the cover art gets dented as it pushes through the holes in the case.

This isn't "environmentally friendly" (just in case that's the excuse) because I'll have to replace the case and/or reprint the slip cover, wasting more paper.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD cases are both fragile. I've received brand new movies in the mail with cracked corners. I have bought Blu-ray movies in stores that had cracked corners (of-coarse, I couldn't see this until I opened up the case to have a piece of plastic fly off).

I've had HD-DVDs in which I opened up, took out the disk, to find that some of the spindle plastic also decided to come off with the disk as well.

This is why people should shut up about Digibooks. Digibooks don't suffer from this kinda cheap crap and they don't seem to fall apart for no apparent reason.

The UK BD cases are balls though. Very thick and wide (will take up more space), but they are nearly indestructible.

This is why people should shut up about Digibooks. Digibooks don't suffer from this kinda cheap crap and they don't seem to fall apart for no apparent reason.

That's right... they fall apart for the readily apparent reasons. :)

Sorry, can't stand 'em!

This is why people should shut up about Digibooks. Digibooks don't suffer from this kinda cheap crap and they don't seem to fall apart for no apparent reason.

I've been a fan of digibooks from day one, but my only complaint is that the disc hubs tend to get weak from multiple viewings. It's much easier to order a replacement blue Amaray case, but replacing the clear "storage" area of the digibook would basically require buying the film again.

Except the sticker has nothing to do with security - one lists the title and the others merely warn you that there is a security device inside.

They serve no purpose at all, other than for stores that put them in bins where only the top edge is visible.

In other words, the US versions are package in anticipation of them ending up the discount bin, rather than displayed cover out on a shelf. That's some positive thinking, there.

They could put those stickers on the outer wrapper and have the same effect.

The idea is to slow down thieves who rip open the plastic wrap and try to take the disc out of the store without the case, or I guess who might try to remove the metallic strips. Whether they actually work is another story, but that's why they aren't on the outer wrapper.

Also, may I ask what stores put them in discount bins with only the top edge visible? I know that Wal-Mart purposely mixes up the bins with discs strewn every which way rather than sitting straight up and orderly.

I bought a few Blu-ray movies from Best Buy recently on sale and many of them don't have any security sticker, not even the top sticker with the movie title.

With older Blu-ray movies dropped sub $10, maybe the movie studios don't care about spending the extra putting on the security stickers anymore.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD cases are both fragile. I've received brand new movies in the mail with cracked corners. I have bought Blu-ray movies in stores that had cracked corners (of-coarse, I couldn't see this until I opened up the case to have a piece of plastic fly off).


This is why people should shut up about Digibooks. Digibooks don't suffer from this kinda cheap crap and they don't seem to fall apart for no apparent reason.

The UK BD cases are balls though. Very thick and wide (will take up more space), but they are nearly indestructible.

Yeah, the Elite cases that Warner and Fox mostly use are bad about the spine-side corners breaking off during shipping. The closure locking tabs also sometimes snap off from the factory. Both are clearly a weakness in the cases design. The cases Sony and Disney uses hold up much better. Out of hundreds of BDs using that style case that I've bought, I don't think a single one has ever been damaged.

I don't see why UK cases would seem any tougher though. The case is thicker, but the case wall doesn't appear to be, unless comparing with the new "eco-friendly" models. And they appear to be made of the same grade of plastic as thinner US BD cases, which I find is more pliable than the harder plastic used in dvd cases and thus not only holds the discs better when dropped, but is also less susceptible to fractures and wear. I've received well over 1000 dvds and over 500 BDs by mail and the bd cases definately win in terms of endurance from my experience.

The thing I don't like about digibooks, other than their price, is that the hard, jewel-case-like plastic used to hold the discs, is more brittle by nature, and the adhesive used to hold the plastic disc holder to the paper binder tends to break down over the years. I've had a lot of similar style cases with dvd that after years of being left alone, just sitting on the shelf, I opened them up to have them fall apart in my hand.

Since this thread's title is about fragile cases in general, I'd like to add that I'm disgusted by how cheap they've gotten with the main body of the case. Heck, it's already made from a soft, flimsy plastic, and now a lot of titles come in cases with big holes in the middle where the disc sits. If you grip the case too tightly, the cover art gets dented as it pushes through the holes in the case.

This isn't "environmentally friendly" (just in case that's the excuse) because I'll have to replace the case and/or reprint the slip cover, wasting more paper.

I think the softer, more pliable plastic actually makes the cases better for securing the disc, maybe even a little less abrasive should the disc come loose - more of a problem with the elite-style cases that Fox and Warner uses than the cases used by Sony and Disney - I don't think I've ever had a loose disc from either of the later studios.

But I agree about the "eco-friendly" models. They're not very protective of the discs and I don't see them making much of a dent in terms of being enviromentally conscious either. There's a variant out now that doesn't leave the disc completely unprotected in spots, but it also makes the case walls a little more flimsy, and for what little plastic they're saving, I don't see it being worthwhile. Packaged media is supposed to be for collectors, so they shouldn't come in cases designed as if they're disposable. If they want to help the environment, rental outlets shouldn't receive any type of case at all and the cases should be made of recycled milk-juggs, recycled paper or something.

But I agree about the "eco-friendly" models. They're not very protective of the discs and I don't see them making much of a dent in terms of being enviromentally conscious either.

Agreed. There are 2 variants right now of these --

"Eco Lite" -- which have the holes in the center of the box on both sides and often cause cover art to be indented.

"Eco Lite Vortex" -- these at least aren't as bad as the above, and use a thinner layer of plastic in the center of the disc on both sides. Still causes the cover art to be "pressed in" but it's definitely the lesser of two evils.

More and more studios are using these, regrettably :(

Why does Lionsgate have the most difficult to open blu packaging? I think they laser weld the wrapper down the spline so it tears off in little pieces. Plus I think they are still the only company using multiple tape on sides. Expendables.... no one gonna steal this one

Why does Lionsgate have the most difficult to open blu packaging? I think they laser weld the wrapper down the spline so it tears off in little pieces.

I've been ticked off at this for a very long time too. Plea to Lionsgate: Change to a replicator that doesn't hot fuse the plastic wrap to the spine of the case.

I use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_oil

It cleans up the goo very fast and leaves no residue
It smells nice too

takes the goo off fast and easy

I was told about it years ago and use it regularly--just take the cover out of the case when doing it on the cases--even done it on the covers too
I also picked up some amaray bluray cases from blockbuster 6 for $2 and I am very fussy and liking things like new--blockbuster had many like new and went there as my normal supplier had run out--I replace cases if they are slightly damaged

For such an allegedly high quality, must-have 21st century product, the design for Blu-ray cases and Blu-ray menus simply sucks.

First off: the blue. I get it. It's a Blu-ray disc. Yet every movie package ends up looking disconcertingly the same in that weirdly scrunched, cheap plastic-looking case that's far too easy to break, with that blue border on the top that throws off the composition of the cover art.

Secondly: the menus. Wow... really? Again, the same. Whereas DVDs had vastly different, very unique menus that could take fantastic advantage of various artistic layouts, Blu-ray gives us a garish looking curve that reaches from the top of the screen to the bottom on the lefthand side, which contains all the options. As if it weren't bad enough, scrolling through each option on the menu creates an annoying faux-zapping/beeping sound that is extremely annoying.

So... Blu-ray is better? Not so sure. Maybe it will be when they fix it up.

Also my Sony player is very loud spinning the disc. Technology today...

Uh.. you do realize that the menu you mention is only on Universal discs, right? And not even all of them. How many BDs do you own, and are they all from Universal?

As for the cases, I haven't had any issues. It's just a variation on standard DVD cases. And besides.. it's the movie I'm after, not the case. And I want my cases to line up nice and neat.. the one-off fancy-pants cases screw up my shelf.

Blu-ray cases are light years better than garbage DVD boxes.

Some menus are bad, and some are good. The thing that bugs me is that more and more commercials get added as blu-ray becomes more popular and it takes forever to skip to the movie. Very annoying.

Ah, I only just got started with Blu-ray so I didn't realize not all the menus were like that. That's good to hear.

The complaints about the cases still stand however. First two Blu-ray cases I got broke immediately and are now unable to snap shut.

Stop tossing them around like frisbees? :p :D

I've yet to have a single one of my 150+ be damaged.

The only cases I don't like are the new ones with the recyclable symbols cut-out... they tend to cause bends and creases in the cover art and just make the cases very flimsy and malleable.

I have no complaints about the menus but most are a bit plain compared to some of the equally popular titles on DVD. I agree on the cases though. I love all my older titles that did not come in these craptastic swiss cheese enviro-cases. To make it even more puzzling they put every one in a slip cover so they go green on plastic materials but double up on the paper to make up for it.

I haven't broken any cases myself, have gotten several broken ones in the mail though.

I do, however, replace all eco-cases I get with regular cases.

I like the solid cases - but I do agree that the ones with the holes randomly in them are pretty stupid. The "Elite" cases I think are the solid ones.

The slightly larger (width, not height) solid ones are nice too. Examples include Pinocchio, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and Mad Men Season 1.

Ah, I only just got started with Blu-ray so I didn't realize not all the menus were like that. That's good to hear.

The complaints about the cases still stand however. First two Blu-ray cases I got broke immediately and are now unable to snap shut.

Blu-ray cases are easier to crack as it uses thinner plastic. The most common places the case can break is the middle/side bottom and the tabs that locks the case when it's closed and the circle ring that holds the disc. I bought several Blu-ray movies new with broken cases because they got dropped in the store or shipment. It also depends the brand of the Blu-ray case as different manufacturers designed the more breakable areas differently.

So... Blu-ray is better? Not so sure. Maybe it will be when they fix it up.
Where's :facepalm: when you need it :rolleyes:

The movie studios logic of using eco-cases are to save the plastic materials and lower weight for shipping. While they try to save the plastic usage, they wasted more paper by having a slip on cover over the movie case.

Simple reason. While the movie case is in the stores, it's far more important to make it more attractive on the display. But they don't care on preserving the movie case quality since you don't see it while on display.

I think most buyers will rather have a solid movie case than a paper slip on cover that is useless.

With Digital Copy, I have seen another usage of the paper slip on cover. On the slip on cover, it contains the Digital Copy info and expiration date. The art insert inside the movie case doesn't contain the Digital Copy info. The idea is once the Digital Copy has expired, the stores simply throw away the slip on cover and not advertise the movie comes with a Digital Copy.

Technology today...
OCD today...

Casewise, my only real complaint is with some of the multi-disk cases like the ones the Lost and Star Trek seasons come in. The plastic inserts are forever coming out.

The enviro cases suck big time to me. I import Blu Rays from time to time and greatly prefer the thicker UK cases.

For such an allegedly high quality, must-have 21st century product, the design for Blu-ray cases and Blu-ray menus simply sucks.

First off: the blue. I get it. It's a Blu-ray disc. Yet every movie package ends up looking disconcertingly the same in that weirdly scrunched, cheap plastic-looking case that's far too easy to break, with that blue border on the top that throws off the composition of the cover art.

Secondly: the menus. Wow... really? Again, the same. Whereas DVDs had vastly different, very unique menus that could take fantastic advantage of various artistic layouts, Blu-ray gives us a garish looking curve that reaches from the top of the screen to the bottom on the lefthand side, which contains all the options. As if it weren't bad enough, scrolling through each option on the menu creates an annoying faux-zapping/beeping sound that is extremely annoying.

So... Blu-ray is better? Not so sure. Maybe it will be when they fix it up.

Also my Sony player is very loud spinning the disc. Technology today...

I believe the point of the blue case was to make them less mistakable for dvd or even hd dvd on the shelf. That said, I also would love to see studios experiment more with different color cases, like Universal did by using a green case for The Grinch and The Incredible Hulk. I think WB used thin black cases for The Lord of the Rings (extended eds), but I've only seen promo artwork, as I'm waiting for a better price before picking up the set. Sony also uses clear cases, but only for their 3D editions.

By the sound of it, you've got a Universal Studios BD; fortunately most studios aren't as cheap or lazy with their menus as Universal. BD menus are typically even more elaborate than DVD and once you get used to navigating "on-the-fly" with pop-up menus - not having to lose your place in the movie or even stop playback at all, when you want to return to the main menu for whatever reason - you might hate that dvds don't work that way.

Get a PS3: just about every BD is tested on it, it's quiet, and one of the fastest loading, best updated players available.

The movie studios logic of using eco-cases are to save the plastic materials and lower weight for shipping. While they try to save the plastic usage, they wasted more paper by having a slip on cover over the movie case.

Simple reason. While the movie case is in the stores, it's far more important to make it more attractive on the display. But they don't care on preserving the movie case quality since you don't see it while on display.

I think most buyers will rather have a solid movie case than a paper slip on cover that is useless.

With Digital Copy, I have seen another usage of the paper slip on cover. On the slip on cover, it contains the Digital Copy info and expiration date. The art insert inside the movie case doesn't contain the Digital Copy info. The idea is once the Digital Copy has expired, the stores simply throw away the slip on cover and not advertise the movie comes with a Digital Copy.

Good points.

Maybe I'm just too cynical of big corporations, but I tend to think of the push for eco-cases as being more about PR than anything, more about them trying to make a show as being environmentally conscious for their image, investors, talent, whatever. I can understand it for rental product; but for retail, a case that's not designed to adequately protect its contents is just insulting. Any money saved by using less materials or reduced shipping cost, certainly isn't being passed onto the consumer, either way.

If these studios are sincerely interested in bettering our world, they're doing a piss-poor job of it. But, it seems pretty obvious that it's all just for show, which has got to be pretty insulting, if not embarassing for the ones sitting in the classroom that they're trying to impress.

Casewise, my only real complaint is with some of the multi-disk cases like the ones the Lost and Star Trek seasons come in. The plastic inserts are forever coming out.

I haven't seen those, but multi-disc cases are a pet peeve of mine too, a plague of impractical, poorly thought out designs that afflict both BD and DVD. I especially hate the hard plastic cases that are more brittle and usually force you to remove one disc to get to another. Not to mention the paper covers tend to lose their shape over the years and the glues that adhere the hard-plastic disc holders to the outer paper cover will often, break down over the years.

And while the book-style cases, like those HBO has used with Rome and Deadwood, look gorgeous, anything that can potentially scratch a BD, with it's scratch resistent coating, needs to be better thought out.

I like the solid cases - but I do agree that the ones with the holes randomly in them are pretty stupid. The "Elite" cases I think are the solid ones.

The slightly larger (width, not height) solid ones are nice too. Examples include Pinocchio, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and Mad Men Season 1.

Viva "Elite" cases come in the eco variety too.

The Vortex cases, like Sony uses, has thinner plastic instead of going to the extreme of leaving large gaping holes in the case. But since the Vortex cases are more rubbery, while less brittle and prone to breaking when dropped or even frequently opened, they don't hold their shape as well as the Viva Elites despite the holes.

I just use my box cutter. I've stopped being so anal about the security tags inside though. It's just not worth the hassle. I used to be a real stickler for that stuff and after so many years my desire to keep the cases clean of security tags has waned. I do agree though that it's pretty silly, especially considering how cheaply the cases are made and frankly how cheap the movies are now. It's not like we're in 2007 when they were still fairly pricey all things considered.

Same here - I gave up on the security tags mostly because almost all of them leave goo when they come off.

I use a box cutter on the security tape and that gives me a "flap" to peel the tag off with in two halves - easier than picking at the edge, which even though I just use a fingernail, still often leaves a mark on the case.

I agree on the eco-cases though and have started swapping out cases for a "real" one whenever I get a new Blu-ray in an eco-case, not to mention needing cases for the stupid sets that come in wacky cases or worse yet, cardboard sleeves (like the forthcoming Star Wars sets.)

Still, the award for worst design continues to go to the Back to the Future set where it's almost impossible to get the discs out without destroying them. :(

I don't get it.

I own the Back to the Future set and never had problems taking the discs out.

I've stopped being so anal about the security tags inside though. It's just not worth the hassle.

When the magnetic security tag (EAS) is glued to the outside (as it was with my Walmart copy of It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World) it didn't come off without leaving a damaged spot on the clear plastic insert cover (thanks to the genius who figured out this placement). I would have left it on but it interfered with sliding the case into place on my BD rack. And yeah, I hate the eco-cases too.

I throw all my cases away. The discs come out and are stored in hanging filesleeves that are numbered. The movies/series/etc are the catalogued with their corresponding number on my iPhone, iPads, or computers. The program includes all kinds of info about the film as well as the case artwork. I look at the number and just pull the sleeve out.

My collection sit at around 1300 titles(not discs). Space was a major issue so the cases went. I now stick strongly to a pretty big no buy policy unless it's something huge. I'm much more interested in digital distribution at this point.

I use to stress about cases but 3 years ago I decided to just throw them all out. They never made it to the dump though. Some neighborhood kids thought they hit paydirt and walked away with about 12 trash bags of DVD/blu cases never checking to see if the movies were actually in there!

Yikes.

I, too, enjoy destroying all value that my possessions once held.

Yikes.

I, too, enjoy destroying all value that my possessions once held.

The value is on the discs for me. I'm personally not interested in any packaging. I understand why people are but I no longer am. Getting rid of the cases felt liberating. Plus the case artwork, specs and info is all stored on my iPads. Makes for a much slicker and sleeker selection process for guests.

I buy the movie for the movie not the marketing.

If you're just going to throw away everything the movie comes with I don't even know why you bother with buying physical copies instead of just pirating them.

Packaging is important.

I still find that Steelbooks are the best cases for durability. I haven't a Digibook that has failed me yet.

If you're just going to throw away everything the movie comes with I don't even know why you bother with buying physical copies instead of just pirating them.

:rolleyes: