Me too. I think I will watch the steelbook version rather than the Criterion or the Lenticular (I own all three versions and each one excels in some way - but at the same time each one has annoying flaws). It's certainly frustrating that no one can do a competent job remastering and transferring what should be regarded as a classic and one of the top ten films of the 1980s. Heck, Flash Gordon has a much better transfer than this - the picture looks perfect - why can't Robocop get a similar treatment?

Can someone help me out. I've only owned one copy of "Robocop". It's the "Criterion Collection" (with the silver cover, no artwork other than the movie title). Was there a release before that? I was waiting for the 20th anniversary version because I've never been happy with the quality of the Criterion Collection. The "widescreen" also seems very close to a full screen. I don't mind the colors as much as a proper widescreen transfer. How does it look on this new release? Thanks.

What is it that you weren't happy with?

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDCompare3/robocop.htm

Wow, quick response. Thanks! Well, I wasn't aware of this 20th anniversary edition and pulled the CC disc out sometime about 4-6 weeks ago and was suprised how bad I thought the quality was. And (again) didn't like the widescreen. Felt more full screen. I'll need to watch it again. Is the 20th anniversary the same? In terms of ratio. I just looked at the link. The colors appear slightly darker on the CC release than the 20th anniversary disc.

Why does it matter if it felt more "full screen"? That's actually Verhoeven's intended aspect ratio - 1.66:1, which is common in Europe. It was matted and exhibited in the U.S. at 1.85:1. But yes, the Criterion is non-anamorphic and terribly grainy. I'm still on the fence about the Steelbook - too bright and soft for me. But, it is anamorphic and 1.85:1 if you care about filling a 16:9.

I just received my copy of this from Deep Discount and it's a regular keepcase with a slipcover. I had ordered it the first day of the Deep Discount 20% sale (back on November 8?) and it finally arrived from being on backorder. I've put in a request to Deep Discount to check their inventory to see if they have any steelbooks, but I'm guessing initial pressings were done in steelbooks with the intent of them switching to plain ol' keepcases afterwards. Can anyone verify this?

Does it have the same UPC (027616079978) as the steelbook?

It does have the same UPC code but on a sticker. If you remove the sticker the UPC is 027616087256... bummer

BIG BUMMER - looks like I'm going to be in the same boat as well - when mine arrives. Not happy at that

Gee.... can FOX be that 'cheap' and not make some new steelbooks ??

Is the Boondock Saints theirs as well? Because that's exactly how it worked with that title. Simply a standard 2 disc amaray with slipcover now after the steelbook stock dried up.

Yes, it is. Sounds like a pattern. I wonder if this is why CH had to drop it from their stock. Maybe they will get the keepcase version sooner or later. Either way, since xmas is here, I'm just putting this on my wish list.

Received my copy from DDD today, and it's indeed the keepcase version. The steelbook would undoubtedly be cooler, but this is still a nice enough packaging job. Hardly anything to get bent out of shape about, especially for $11 shipped.

The steelbook packaging was the only reason why I bought the rerelease. Sad to see it go.

agree that the price is reasonably OK (although paid shipping to get it down under !!) however I tend to agree more with peep - the reason I double-dipped was the steelbook.

One cant have any issue with DDD - its more with FOX and their inability to keep making them in this format (gee... is FOX and News Ltd going 'broke' ?? can't they afford to make more of this editions ???)

Its like the DEFINITIVE editions that the UK gets - and what we poor cousins or convicts get in Australia. All we get here are the cardboard slipcovers for the so called 'definitive' editions (ie.... after the special... the ultimate... now the definitive... what's next ???)

Mmmmmm... considering the R4 was quite packed - and uncut - I'm wondering what to do with my copy now ......

i guess these truly are limited editions which is just plain stupid imo. "Robocop" among a few others (Transformers, Superman (any)) that scream to be in a steelbook forever and ever.

It is in next week's Best Buy ad for $8.99. It should not be very difficult to get the steelbook case at most Best Buys.

agreed, except that's one of the main reasons i bought it from DeepDiscount, instead of waiting for any upcoming sales on the plentiful at Best Buy, steelbook. i went ahead and bought my copy from Best Buy today, and i'll be returning my soon to arrive amaray cast to DD.

Well shoot, this wasn't on buy "immediate" to buy list but I do want that steelbook so I guess I'll just plunk down the $9 at Best Buy this week.

I'm still pissed that I missed the Boondock Saints steelbook. You snooze you lose, I guess.

Confirmed Robocop Steelbook for $8.99 at Bestbuy

Picked up the Steelbook at BB today.

I believe the keepcase version & the steelbook share the same upc number. If so, you can buy the steelbook at BB & then return the keepscase version. Maybe write down the upc number and compare it first before you take the plunge. Of course, this is assuming you haven't opened the keepcase one yet.

For those located around the area, the DVD Planet b&m store in Huntington Beach, CA has the steelbook edition available. Sorry, I didn't check the price.

Wow...Best Buy has quite the deal at $8.99 for the Steelbook. Alas, I already opened my slipcover version from DDD...but I might just pick up a copy at Best Buy and throw the slipcover version on eBay. I can probably get $9 or more for it.

They have the steelbook pictured but there were non in store (Orlando, YMMV) or up online. It seems to have been replaced by a regular case with slipcover version.

I got the steelbook for $8.99 at my Bestbuy.