[quote name='Darquesyde']Hate store pickup...stood in line longer than it would have taken me to grab it off the shelf and check out. But at least I know I was getting one.
Of note for anyone on the fence for the R1 version, the DVDs are double sided and are in a thin cardboard holder as a "case". The Blu Ray case is the same one from the original release, but this time the outer case cover is a little bigger as it also houses the thin DVD case, so the old Stark/Targaryen slip covers will not fit over it.[/QUOTE]
This man speaks the truth. But the double sided DVD is HBO standard practice, presumptively to drive down resale value. This new Blu/DVD/Digital Copy initiative is a new thing they started with Boardwalk Empire, and are rolling out for new and rereleased old sets. Pretty great value, overall, in my opinion, now that the price has come down to what it is today.
The paperweight is nice, but the standard discounted HBO non-Collector's price is 35, so 40 is a perfect price for a very nice set with a bonus piece and exclusive box, while 70-80 was crazy talk.
Since the outer cover incorporates the two exclusive covers, I think I will part with my Stark copy to cover this price.
edit: And thanks, OP.