Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a supporter of technology and how each generation brings us new ways to enjoy our content, but there’s something truly special about holding a meticulously designed limited edition release in your hands. In a world where digital content often overshadows the tactile experience [yes, you just heard the movie trailer guy], limited edition 4K Blu-rays have become a cherished part of my collector’s life. Coupled with my passion for product photography, this has allowed me to capture the essence of these stunning pieces, turning them into visual stories that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
One of the highlights of my photography journey and return to physical media collecting has been capturing absolutely stunning new art for cult classics. A very recent acquisition is from the boutique label Vice Press. Having missed out on the initial wave of their bigger box sets, Vice Press saw the demand and re-released their exclusive editions as Steelbooks.
For those who aren’t familiar with Steelbooks, they hold a special place in the physical media collector community. These special edition cases are made of metal and typically showcase amazing art, giving them an edge over the basic plastic cases that major studios often dish out. The metallic sheen and jaw-dropping crafted art deserve to be showcased in their full glory.
Through my lens, I attempt to capture every nuance, from the reflective surfaces that make the colors pop to the unique translucent slipcover. It’s about creating images that not only reflect the product’s design but also evoke the emotion and excitement that come with owning such a collector’s item.
Another recent pickup is the Evil Dead 2013 edition from Shout (Scream) Factory. This release, with its striking new art for the Steelbook limited edition, definitely had me on day one when preorders went live. The 2013 remake, directed by Fede Álvarez, is a reimagining of the 1981 cult classic that brings a fresh and visceral intensity to the franchise. Álvarez’s version is known for its unrelenting gore, atmospheric tension, and modern twists on the original’s iconic scenes. It’s a film that pushes boundaries, and this special edition Steelbook captures that same raw energy and eerie atmosphere in its design.
The challenge in photographing this release really lies in conveying the haunting essence of the movie while highlighting the physical features of the media itself. The Steelbook’s artwork, with its dark, ominous red tones and on-point typography for its title, echoes the film’s relentless horror and disturbing imagery. I truly love experimenting with lighting and composition to bring out the best in these editions, ensuring that the final image is as hauntingly beautiful as Álvarez’s film represents.
From the reflective surfaces that make the blood-red accents pop to the unique textures that evoke the film’s gritty feel, every element of this Steelbook deserves to be showcased in its full, terrifying glory. For me, capturing this Evil Dead release is about more than just documenting a collector’s item—it’s about translating the film’s intense emotions and atmosphere into a visual story that resonates with both horror fans and collectors alike.
Physical media product photography is about more than just snapping a picture to show off a recent pickup; it’s about showcasing everything that the artist, design, and product teams produced for a film they want to get onto every movie collector’s shelf. My goal is to convey that story through my images, allowing others to experience the same joy that I feel when seeing it in person.
Whether it’s the immaculate designs from Vice Press or another 4K release from Shout! Factory’s Scream Factory horror line, every photo I take is driven by a deep admiration for the artistry behind these physical media releases. The creativity and care that go into crafting these editions never fail to inspire me. I’m passionate about capturing that inspiration through my photography and sharing it with others who appreciate the tangible beauty of physical media.
Through my work, I aim to highlight the enduring significance of physical media. Despite the rise of streaming (especially here in the US), there remains a vibrant global market for these solid releases. Boutique labels like Arrow Video, Vice Press and Shout! Factory are proof that physical media is far from dead; they continue to honor films with the attention to detail and quality that movie collectors want on their shelves. My hope is that my photography not only celebrates this artistry but also brings greater awareness to the thriving community of collectors and the importance of preserving these physical editions.
