Robert Frank: Film Works Hardcover – October 25, 2016

dvd's will not play.

Robert Frank needs no introduction. We all know him from his groundbreaking photography, such as the classic The Americans.Many however do not realize that he spent much energy directing films.These films may not be blockbusters in the traditional sense, but provide a fascinating look into the creative mind of Robert Frank and the world of indie cinema. I will not enumerate all of the films included, but instead leave that to the item description and the critique offered by more schooled film critics than myself.I will offer that I have enjoyed watching some of them, and that they have challenged me to think about film in new ways, and how it relates to the art of photography (an area where I am far more informed).In addition to Frank’s films, the set includes several books that do a great job of supporting the film material, helping to understand the content and context. Well done.HOWEVER … AND THIS IS A BIG HOWEVER …THE DESIGN OF THE SET’S “PACKAGING” IS NOTHING SHORT OF INADEQUATE.I received my NEW Robert Frank Film Works set from an Amazon company, and it was well packed. It came in a large exterior box, and inside was a smaller Steidl cardboard box that contained the set. Between these two cardboard boxes was a generous amount of bubble wrap. Neither of these cardboard boxes showed any signs of significant damage.I opened the Steidl cardboard box and was presented with a lovely white painted wood box. I opened the hinged box and found on top a paper folder that was supposed to hold the 8 DVDs that came with the set. Underneath the DVDs, were several layers of books.SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?Well 4 of the 8 DVDs (2 of the PAL formatted discs, and 2 NTSC) had become dislodged and were coming out of the paper folder. All 4 of these discs were significantly scuffed. I was shocked! How was this possible? I removed the Other 4 DVD (2 PAL, 2 NTSC) and each of those were also damaged!!! ALL 8 DISCS HAD DAMAGE TO THEIR PLAYING SURFACES!!!I spot checked all 8 of the discs to see if they would play. The portions I tried did play, but clearly I have not checked every portion of every disc. Nor should I have to. These are NEW discs and should be damage free! I would never buy DVDs knowing they were marred like these.SO WHERE DOES THIS DAMAGE COME FROM?IN MY OPINION, it resulted from the friction between the DVD and the rough surface of the paper folder. Small vibrations from many miles of shipping / travel eventually scuffed the discs. Do I know this for sure - No, but it seems highly likely unless they were already scuffed when placed in the folder.As an additional data point, I coincidently bought another DVD a few months ago that also was stored in a similar paper folder. The folder and package were immaculate indicating that it had been well cared for. However, the disc showed the very same signs of scuffing. In my experience, there seems to be a pattern.MOREOVER …To add insult to injury, the paper folder holding the DVDs — and the books below — are held firmly in place by the top of the wood box. On the underside of the wood box’s lid is another wood block that holds the contents tight when the box is closed. This wood block pressed so hard against the DVD folder that it left a visible indentation in the surface of the folder. In other words, the block is meant to keep the contents from being damaged winds up damaging the contents because it was improperly engineered.SO WHAT DOES STEIDL HAVE TO SAY? — NOTHINGWith the above issues, I contacted Steidl almost a month ago. They did not respond to my email, and have not addressed my concern. This is extremely poor customer service, in my opinion. I have been a long time fan of Steidl’s products, but in this case I am left disappointed and disheartened. I honestly expected better from Steidl, but I guess I expected too much.SO WHAT’S THE TAKE AWAY?The material in the set is important but not essential. The books are informative and the films enlightening, if unpolished, non-linear and scrappy. I will also note that the DVD menu design seems amateurish.The package that holds the books and DVDs are poorly designed, and do more harm than good. The concept seems clever, but the execution is inadequate in my opinion; it should have been more thoroughly tested. The retailer I ordered the set from is clearly not at fault. The damage appears to originate at Steidl with their package design. Could I send it back to the retailer - yes, but I have no faith that a replacement would be any better.I have waited almost a month to hear a response from Steidl, yet they have been silent and not responded to me. They have not asked for clarification or detail into my issues. They have not offered me as a customer any resolution, or even acknowledgment.SUMMARY:Your experience may vary. You may not receive a damaged product. However, I did and in my opinion it is an unavoidable function of its poor packaging. This set can cost well over $100, and for that amount of money I expect that a New product be undamaged.It’s really a shame given that this is important material from Robert Frank, but honestly I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS SET.The possibility of damage to the DVDs is too great given its high price; I expect better from a new, mass produced $5 DVD. With the potential for DVD damage, I cannot be sure that a DVD or DVDs will be playable at some point in the future (near term or long term).AND THAT’S ULTIMATELY THE BOTTOMLINE — IF I CANNOT WITH REASONABLE CERTAINTY BE ASSURED THAT A DVD WILL PLAY, THEN I’M WASTING MY MONEY ——— AND THAT’S NOT OK.

As with another reviewer sadly this boxed set falls way short.I recieved item on time but after trying to play first disc's both on NTSC & PAL versions they both came to a halt in the middle of the third feature "Me & My Brother".Haven't tried other discs but noticed this disc doesn't have chapters on films & a lot crammed onto it.I cannot comment on other Steidel products but this is poor.Hopefully another company will release the work of this intriguing film maker but for now I would stay clear unless like me you're a big fan.