Rush v. Dirk, Pratt, & Lerxst

[Kram]

It figures.  If they really truly were doing this "for the fans" there would be a version with everything but the vinyl, because they know damned well that that would be the most popular version.  Instead, the only way to get the Blu-ray is to spend $300 for the super-deluxe version, so it's clearly "for the money".  The very definition of a cash grab.  Fuck that.  I've got my 5.1 Blu-ray from a few years back, and I'll have to live without the concert vid.

Let's inventory the options:

1. A version that's just vinyl (nothing extra) and which is already sold out.  Who cares?

2. A version that is just vinyl with a gatefold jacket and "1 of 6 Neil Peart hand drawn lyric sheets (randomly inserted, so customer will not know which one [he or she] will receive)" for $40.

3. A 3-CD version with the original album and the complete live show and a big booklet for $28.

4. A 5-LP version with the original album and the complete live show with presumably the same booklet as the 3-CD version but larger for...$98?!  For vinyl?  Bwahaha!!

5. The "super deluxe version," which combines the 3-CD and 5-LP versions (because folks need both?) and includes:
    - A hardcover book version of the booklet.
    - A toy car.
    - A couple of drumsticks.
    - A couple of guitar picks.
    - A replica program.
    - A pin.
    - "30 lenticular 'Moving Pictures' motion litho" (I have no idea what that means).
    - A concert poster.
    - A replica ticket.
    - Another poster.
    - A YYZ luggage tag.
    - A replica backstage pass (I think?).
    - All six replica lyrics sheets.
    - A snazzy box.
    - A blue ray with the three existing videos from MP plus a new one for YYZ and whatever a "Dolby Atmos & new 5.1 surround album mix" is.
    - A $290 price tag.

The replica lyric sheets would be cool (and they can be purchased separately for $50!) and maybe a couple of the trinkets would be nice, but there's really nothing there that interests me beyond the 3-CD set.  I've been saying it as long as these have been getting released, but I can't comprehend why they don't make a "super deluxe version" that doesn't include vinyl.  I MIGHT pull the trigger on something like that (depending on the price), and I think a lot of others would spend more than the $28 for the CD-only version, but the market for that $290 version is going to be INCREDIBLY limited.  If they really want to do a cash grab, their strategy of not including a product with a mid-tier price point is hard to understand.

As far as video, I'm still hoping there will be a 40th-anniversary set for ESL that includes video.  Of course, I'm sure they'll make me buy vinyl to get it, but I might do it for that.

Thanks for breaking this out like this.  Option 3 for me, as I really just want the audio of the unreleased live show.

[Architeuthis]

It would be a cool box set fo have, but I have allready spent a ton of money on Rush over the years.  🤑🤑🤑

[TAC]

Let's inventory the options:

1. A version that's just vinyl (nothing extra) and which is already sold out.  Who cares?

2. A version that is just vinyl with a gatefold jacket and "1 of 6 Neil Peart hand drawn lyric sheets (randomly inserted, so customer will not know which one [he or she] will receive)" for $40.

3. A 3-CD version with the original album and the complete live show and a big booklet for $28.

4. A 5-LP version with the original album and the complete live show with presumably the same booklet as the 3-CD version but larger for...$98?!  For vinyl?  Bwahaha!!

5. The "super deluxe version," which combines the 3-CD and 5-LP versions (because folks need both?) and includes:
    - A hardcover book version of the booklet.
    - A toy car.
    - A couple of drumsticks.
    - A couple of guitar picks.
    - A replica program.
    - A pin.
    - "30 lenticular 'Moving Pictures' motion litho" (I have no idea what that means).
    - A concert poster.
    - A replica ticket.
    - Another poster.
    - A YYZ luggage tag.
    - A replica backstage pass (I think?).
    - All six replica lyrics sheets.
    - A snazzy box.
    - A blue ray with the three existing videos from MP plus a new one for YYZ and whatever a "Dolby Atmos & new 5.1 surround album mix" is.
    - A $290 price tag.

Holy Shit! A fucking TOY CAR???

Whoot.. honey, get me the check book!

[Orbert]

True.  They're marketing it to middle-aged boys/men with way too much disposable income.

And way too little space to display trinkets.

I feel attacked, but you know what, I'm fine with that. The other box set I own (AFTK) I received as a Christmas gift, so I'm just sort of spoiling myself on this one anyway. If I can, I'll probably try and get some frames/shadowboxes to display some of the included things.

I'm also just a sucker for really well put-together deluxe box sets, but only whe I can afford them, and yeah, I've already filed my taxes and am getting a sizable refund this month, so I'm splurging on this. Rush has been my favorite band for nearly two decades now, so why not go all in on something like this, especially for an album like Moving Pictures. I feel no shame, but you're both definitely right about the target audience for the super deluxe box set, and all similar box sets from any band/artist.

-Marc.

It wasn't meant as an attack.  I often forget to be considerate of those here on DTF who are in different positions from myself, financially, geographically, etc.  I wish I was in a financial position to buy some of these amazing boxes.  They're cool.  So I guess I respond by telling myself (and others) that these aren't for me, and protect myself by taking a jab at those who can actually afford them.  I mean, I could, but I could never justify it to myself.

But realistically, anyone can see that this is the very definition of a cash grab.  There is no reason not to make the Blu-ray available separately or in another package other than the very highest-priced one.  None.  So the bitterness and resent come out a bit sometimes.

[TAC]

But realistically, anyone can see that this is the very definition of a cash grab.

Well of course, but that's all these legacy bands have at this point to make money. I mean, it's product for sure. Hell, it's even nice product. I'll buy the whatever version has the live album, what is that...the three CD version.

But I have zero use for drumsticks, guitar picks, a pin, and a toy car..even if it's a brilliant red barchetta.

[Architeuthis]

But realistically, anyone can see that this is the very definition of a cash grab.

But I have zero use for drumsticks, guitar picks, a pin, and a toy car..even if it's a brilliant red barchetta.

Yeah but you gotta remember that it's from a better vanished time.. If they included the gleaming alloy aircar, I'd probably splurge..

[TAC]

But realistically, anyone can see that this is the very definition of a cash grab.

But I have zero use for drumsticks, guitar picks, a pin, and a toy car..even if it's a brilliant red barchetta.

Yeah but you gotta remember that it's from a better vanished time.. If they included the gleaming alloy aircar, I'd probably splurge..

Nice!

[Orbert]

But realistically, anyone can see that this is the very definition of a cash grab.

Well of course, but that's all these legacy bands have at this point to make money.

I don't have a problem with legacy bands making money by digging up older stuff, cleaning it up, and selling it.  I don't consider that a cash grab.  There is demand, and they're meeting it.

The problem is not making it available in anything other than the most extensive package.  That's the difference between selling stuff your fans want and fleecing them.  They could release the Blu-ray separately or in one of the other packages, and still make money.  But no, they specifically create packages to try to force upsales.  They could've had some of my money, and I suspect the money of a lot of other people, by putting all the discs (CD and Blu-ray) in one package, without anything else.  That's all most of us want.  But instead, they get no money from me.  I know, I know, they're not crying about that.  But it still seems ill-advised to not offer an option that clearly will sell units.

[TAC]

The problem is not making it available in anything other than the most extensive package.  That's the difference between selling stuff your fans want and fleecing them.  They could release the Blu-ray separately or in one of the other packages, and still make money.  But no, they specifically create packages to try to force upsales. 

Oh OK. Gotcha! I agree too.

[pg1067]

Let's inventory the options:

1. A version that's just vinyl (nothing extra) and which is already sold out.  Who cares?

2. A version that is just vinyl with a gatefold jacket and "1 of 6 Neil Peart hand drawn lyric sheets (randomly inserted, so customer will not know which one [he or she] will receive)" for $40.

3. A 3-CD version with the original album and the complete live show and a big booklet for $28.

4. A 5-LP version with the original album and the complete live show with presumably the same booklet as the 3-CD version but larger for...$98?!  For vinyl?  Bwahaha!!

5. The "super deluxe version," which combines the 3-CD and 5-LP versions (because folks need both?) and includes:
    - A hardcover book version of the booklet.
    - A toy car.
    - A couple of drumsticks.
    - A couple of guitar picks.
    - A replica program.
    - A pin.
    - "30 lenticular 'Moving Pictures' motion litho" (I have no idea what that means).
    - A concert poster.
    - A replica ticket.
    - Another poster.
    - A YYZ luggage tag.
    - A replica backstage pass (I think?).
    - All six replica lyrics sheets.
    - A snazzy box.
    - A blue ray with the three existing videos from MP plus a new one for YYZ and whatever a "Dolby Atmos & new 5.1 surround album mix" is.
    - A $290 price tag.

Holy Shit! A fucking TOY CAR???

Whoot.. honey, get me the check book!

 

Obviously, I was being facetious.  It's "a Red Barchetta model car" on a plastic base...so you can't really play with it....

But it still seems ill-advised to not offer an option that clearly will sell units.

That's the thing.  I actually wouldn't mind having the swag from the Hemispheres "super deluxe edition."  But I have to buy a bunch of archaic media to get it.  And, as a result, I haven't yet bought ANY version of the Hemispheres 40th anniversary set.  If there were a "deluxe CD-only edition," I'd have bought that and they'd have my money.  With this release, if there were such an edition, I might drop the extra money.  They'll still get some of my money because I really want the live material, but they could have more.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

I don't think the price is all that bad, considering all the stuff you get, but that's just me. I'm probably gonna pre-order it.

[KevShmev]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

[King Postwhore]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

I'm rubbing my nipples with this joke.

[ProfessorPeart]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

The gauntlet has been dropped! Joke of the year, right there.

I have bought all of the super cash grab versions except for Permanent Waves. That's the first one where the price to product ratio did not make sense for me. I picked up the CD edition and I still plan on picking up the vinyl as well. Even then, that's like $100 less than the cost of the cash grab version. I did not see $100 worth of swag there.

Definitely not getting the cash grab version of MP either. Will do a CD/vinyl combo as well.

[Architeuthis]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

I have bought all of the super cash grab versions except for Permanent Waves.

Definitely not getting the cash grab version of MP either. Will do a CD/vinyl combo as well.

I'm sure they were thinking about the Big Money for this release. 🤑🤑

[romdrums]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

I have bought all of the super cash grab versions except for Permanent Waves.

Definitely not getting the cash grab version of MP either. Will do a CD/vinyl combo as well.

I'm sure they were thinking about the Big Money for this release. 🤑🤑

Gotta pay the Big Money for Grand Designs such as this.  It goes with the Territories.

[TAC]

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

I have bought all of the super cash grab versions except for Permanent Waves.

Definitely not getting the cash grab version of MP either. Will do a CD/vinyl combo as well.

I'm sure they were thinking about the Big Money for this release. 🤑🤑

Gotta pay the Big Money for Grand Designs such as this.  It goes with the Territories.

Hey, people have Freewill, and some make it their Mission in life to buy all things Rush. That's How It Is.

[wolfking]

Tim will be all over that toy car if it has power windows.

I never enter this thread.....but I came in just at the right time.

[TAC]

It's awful, isn't it?

[wolfking]

It's awful, isn't it?

Tim's emotion detector is going haywire!  He'll feel like he's ran a marathon if he keeps that up.

[King Postwhore]

Better people, better food and better Tim!

[KevShmev]

Why move around to other threads in this forum when Eden is so near.

[TAC]

Er..ok, for that one, I'm going to need a footnote.

[HOF]

Why move around to other threads in this forum when Eden is so near.

Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the General Music Chat.

[jammindude]

Why move around to other threads in this forum when Eden is so near.

Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the General Music Chat.

I liked this reference before it was cool. 

[TAC]

But General Music Chat has always been cool.

[RodrigoAltaf]

They need the extra cash from these reissues, or else the banks will freeze their bank accounts a little bit longer.

[HOF]

Why move around to other threads in this forum when Eden is so near.

Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the General Music Chat.

I liked this reference before it was cool. 

It’s a great line.

[jammindude]

Why move around to other threads in this forum when Eden is so near.

Better the pride that resides in a citizen of the General Music Chat.

I liked this reference before it was cool. 

It’s a great line.

His #1 all time finest IMHO. The entire song actually. EDIT - even the “better beer” line. The whole thing is absolutely brilliant. Possibly my favorite lyrics top to bottom in all rock history.

[KevShmev]

Yeah, it is hard to pick out a single Rush song as having my favorite lyrics, but Territories is in the conversation. Even though 2112 is my favorite song ever and I do like those lyrics a lot, I think Peart's lyrics in the 80s were a lot better than they were in the 70s.  He wrote some gems in the 70s, but some of those sci-fi and fantasy ones can be a bit hokey.

[RodrigoAltaf]

Yeah, it is hard to pick out a single Rush song as having my favorite lyrics, but Territories is in the conversation. Even though 2112 is my favorite song ever and I do like those lyrics a lot, I think Peart's lyrics in the 80s were a lot better than they were in the 70s.  He wrote some gems in the 70s, but some of those sci-fi and fantasy ones can be a bit hokey.

Emotion Detector for the win!!!!!

[Zydar]

Subdivisions is up there for me, great lyrics.

[HOF]

Yeah, it is hard to pick out a single Rush song as having my favorite lyrics, but Territories is in the conversation. Even though 2112 is my favorite song ever and I do like those lyrics a lot, I think Peart's lyrics in the 80s were a lot better than they were in the 70s.  He wrote some gems in the 70s, but some of those sci-fi and fantasy ones can be a bit hokey.

Emotion Detector for the win!!!!!

Very good call!

[Stadler]

The Analog Kid.  That's me!