Widespread reports of damaged Blu-ray boxes and missing discs; Rhino's Hughes responds

7/8/2016

Over the course of the last two days, fans have started to receive their Monkees Blu-ray sets after being shipped by Rhino Records earlier this week. Initial reviews of the content, including the results of the extensive restoration efforts undertaken on The Monkees television series, Head, and more, have been overwhelmingly positive. The 10 disc collection also boasts a detailed booklet and an incredible amount of unique bonus material, including previously unseen outtakes from Head, the TV show, the "Listen to the Band" jam from 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee, the September 1966 KHJ train ride, and more.

However, customers have taken to Facebook and other platforms in large numbers to discuss frustrations concerning imperfections with the packaging, including ripped placeholders, missing discs (particularly Season One, Disc Two), and even reports of the lenticular cover becoming unglued. In response, John Hughes of Rhino Records, who co-produced the Monkees Blu-ray collection, posted the following on Facebook earlier today:

What we know:

Looks like the boxes may be damaged during shipping. The weight of the 10 discs may be causing the sides of the box to rip when jostled from side to side during transport.

We hear you and we are working on a plan to make any damages right. Please be patient with us for the next couple of weeks while we work this out. We could stop shipments until we have a solution, but we feel getting the actual discs (yay!) into fans' hands is more important (after all the excruciating delays).

As always, I will keep you all up to date, but I do ask for your patience. In the meantime, grab the 33 1/3 disc and watch the "Edited Version" listed on the menu for a special treat...

Many fans have relayed that they have contacted Rhino to express their dissatisfaction while also sending pictures of the damaged packaging and inquiring about replacements. Be assured that Rhino Records is aware of all of these issues and are currently working on a solution to everyone's concerns, which are understandably frustrating.

Stay tuned to the Live Almanac for further updates, and in the meantime, enjoy all of the great content inside the box!

32 Comments

Kathy

7/8/2016 23:24:05

They say "damage in shipping" but I don't see how the corners of the inside holder can be ripped outward at the corners when the discs are held down by the booklet and 45 with the lid closed.

As a long time fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (a TV series they used to release on disc), I have a lot of experience with Rhino and their over complicated packaging and bad discs. Most of the time, they've made things right. Cross your fingers.

Hozer75

7/8/2016 23:59:27

Shrink wrap the booklets and discs together so they don't move around as much

Ryan link

7/9/2016 01:34:06

WARNING: HERE BE SPOILERS!

I feel rather lucky. I got all my discs but my box has a torn inside, and a slight dent in the upper left side of the box (barely noticeable)... my package came in a box labelled "Fragile". However, the box was clearly not big enough to host the box set. The box itself was warped by its contents barely fitting. I would say that, more than anything, caused a problem.

Most importantly, however, is the jaw dropping quality of the content of the discs. The images are insanely awesome, and some of the outtakes are amazing, especially from the film HEAD. Wish I could see how the film premiered at its original length. We see parts of the cut sequences from the film, most notable the inside of the black box and Mike's confident escape strategy.

Disappointed they didn't include the sketch they performed for Glen Campbell or The Monkees performing with Johnny Cash. Otherwise, a fairly complete compendium with some enlightening sequences. Great work, and worthy of a true collection of Monkee business.

Regina renaud

7/9/2016 09:54:25

I agree with you about the packaging not being big enough to contain the contents. Mine arrived that way, too. Bent corners on the cover. The 3-D image on the cover has a slash in it. Very saddened to see that.
I hope Rhino will make good on their word and their product.

Scratch

7/9/2016 02:43:51

Hi.

Is more of the Salt Lake City concert (the one with Circle Sky) included in the outtakes? I was hoping that since they put the live audio for the other songs on the Head Deluxe CD that maybe the video of those performances would be included.

7/9/2016 06:21:41

No, there's nothing from Salt Lake there. Several songs get a new 'video' worth of otherwise mute outtakes, and then there's a long segment mostly from within the box, but also including some cut material.

I was really surprised the desert Kool Aid commercial and the Nerf bumps didn't end up on the set. They've circulated for decades, and there is some other material on the set of iffy quality, so why exclude those?

I suspect the Cash/Campell/Laugh In missing bits were down to licensing difficulties. Ditto the NBC news footage of the 1967 press conference that was originally on the DVD set of S2.

Joey link

7/9/2016 16:37:19

I guess I got lucky; my set arrived intact (one 45 RPM single, one book, ten Blu-Ray discs, one fancy holographic case), in a properly-sized shipping box with bubble padding.
Other than a few guest appearances here & there, the only significant omission is the 1997 ABC special.

Monkees Live Almanac

7/9/2016 19:24:25

Hi Joey,

Check out this link and scroll down to "In the Works." There are early talks about a Blu-ray set that would cover The Monkees in the '80s and '90s:

http://www.monkeeslivealmanac.com/blog/sandoval-and-hughes-analyze-upcoming-monkees-blu-ray-set

7/10/2016 22:46:30

Great, thanks! (I hope it's not another $200, though.)

Scott Miller

7/29/2016 18:47:04

That would be awesome! Unfortunately that news is from 2015, talking about what's planned for the 50th anniversary. Well, the anniversary is more than half over, and there has been no further word of this project. I hope it happens, but it seems like a long shot.

Glenn

7/9/2016 22:30:44

My boxed set arrived with the lenticular photo not attached. The glue failed to hold it in place. There is a slash on the surface of the lenticular photo and a rip inside the package where the discs are stored. No missing discs.

Wayne Greenberg

7/10/2016 11:40:26

mine also the halagram was ungluged from the cover and i tired reg gluecant hold it. got to be very careful closing the cover as the edge also rubs the gram. pull the lid up and then over. dontlet the edge hit the gram or it wil pull on it..

Harry Guerro

7/10/2016 08:23:24

The Monkees set I received has a large scratch across the lenticular cover, and all four sides of the cheap paperboard disc holder crushed, ripped and dented in. Who thought this would be acceptable packaging that would hold the weight of ten discs for any period of time, let alone all the blouncing around the set would go sustain in shipping? After all the delays, you'd think this very obvious problem would have been identified. A simple plastic tray insert would have sufficed. One even has to nearly damage the paperboard tabs to pull the discs out!

David White

7/10/2016 10:23:44

First of all, let me just say I LOVE the set. I also have the problem of the torn place holder. I have to say, it doesn't look like something that would happen in transit to me. It looks like something that would happen if someone tried to slide all ten discs in at once rather than one or two at s time. In other words, I wonder if this happened during the assembly.

Thomas Meadows

7/10/2016 10:25:13

Yes, my cover on the boxset arrived unglued and the cardboard holder for the DVDs is damaged. I don't think was in shipping either, I think was in the packing process. It would be nice to get a new box/case for the complete set!! Thanks

MICHAEL RIDDLE

7/10/2016 11:30:57

Big question is I have yet to find the number for the package. these were supposed to be individually numbered . I have yet to find the number,so if anyone can advise me of where It is, let me know. that is why I preordered early on, in hopes of a low number.I also have the same problem with the gold insert that contains the dvds . it is torn in two places. this was either a problem at the point of assembly or shipping .. shipping box was to small ,the package was pushed out from the over packing.

Scott Nelson

7/10/2016 11:50:35

I believe the number for the "numbered set" is printed on the back of the booklet.

7/10/2016 17:54:03

If so, then didn't do much good for me to order back on April 6th the number on the back of my booklet is 05804. that was some serious ordering on everyones part.

7/10/2016 22:32:27

Mine is in the 8000s, & I placed my preorder last fall. I don't think they're in order.

Becky

7/11/2016 01:01:08

My set is also damaged, all 4 corners of the gold insert are torn, but I don't think this damage happened in transit. It looks to me like the discs, or the weight of the discs, tore the corners as they were initially being slid into the storage hole of the gold insert. Another thing (something I, haven't seen anyone mention yet) the "outer casings" that hold each DVD have pretty severe marks on them, perhaps roller marks. Were it not for all the different types of damage, this would be a beautiful set. Actually, I do love the set & am grateful to have one, I just wish Rhino had designed better & packaged more gently.

FJC

7/11/2016 12:02:45

Which episode has "new" Micky Dolenz commentery? The commentary on "Frodis Caper" feels like the old one.

Michael Gallegos

7/11/2016 18:40:05

Boxed set number 07768 arrived just now. Beautiful package! The weight of this boxed set hits you right away. I must be a lucky one as the only damage found is the flimsy disk set holder (gold heavy paper) is torn on each corner, bent and ripped where it binds to the back of the box...obviously the set of discs were shoved in and in no way is this transport damage. Not an issue to me, but not the quality i'd expect for such a great rare classy item, let alone the price paid, the delays; this is just sloppy. That said I'm sure those affected as reported, will be handled and resolved. These things do happen and in the grand pic of life these days, not the end of the world.

Good luck to all - Monkees 'Frodis' Marathon weekend coming soon!!

Frodis Forever
...

7/11/2016 18:46:45

Enjoy, Michael!

Paul

7/28/2016 18:43:45

At least you guys recived yours. It's bee 4 weeks now and mine has still not arrived. Starting to give up hope now.

7/28/2016 19:24:30

Hi Paul,

Have you contacted Rhino letting them know about this? Remember that shipments were halted after problems with the packaging were reported.

Here's where to get in touch with them. They are usually very quick to respond:

http://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/contacts

7/28/2016 22:20:16

Thanks. I did recieve a shipping confirmation from Warner on 2nd July to say it had been sent. They say to allow 4 to 6 weeks. That seems excessive.

Thomas

8/17/2016 00:43:34

Yeah, ditto for me with the cardboard inter-tray, ripped on all four corners. I really don't think this was all shipping. I hope to get a replacement soon.

8/19/2016 21:04:34

My new blu Ray box just came today!!! Yahoo!! Now I need the check all the blu Ray disc to make sure they are in working order. Thanks Rhino for the fast service!

James link

9/1/2016 04:28:01

Here's my MY story with this fiasco...

Ordered my copy on December 15, 2015

On June 3, 2016 I receive an e-mail stating my credit card has expired
and my order has been cancelled. All due to the release date being pushed
back three times.

Re-ordered it June 6, 2016

Consumers were shipped damaged box sets due to poor
construction of the sets themselves and unsatisfactory
shipping methods.

All further shipping was put on hold until they resolve the issue.

No further updates were given on the website.
On August 12, 2016, I sent an e-mail to "the monkeesstore"
asking when the shipping will resume and was told by "Jeff"
the shipping will resume in 2-3 weeks.

STILL waiting...

James

9/28/2016 22:22:12

UPDATE to my previous post:

9/23/16 Sent a letter to Rhino....got ignored.
I'm mad that I have not received my order, but I'm MORE mad that Rhino
AND the "monkees store" website feel their customers are not important
enough to give them updates on what is going on. You have our money.
We shouldn't even have to ASK for updates.

This whole situation is unacceptable.

My patience has reached the end.

Sent the above to monkeesstore.com 9/27/16

9/28/16 - Monkeesstore response:
Dear James,
Thank you for your email and I apologize for the tardiness of this response.
Due to an issue with our system, your order was cancelled.
I am sorry that you were not notified. You were not charged for this order.
You can place a new order at the following link:
http://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/music/the-monkees-complete-tv-series-blu-ray.html
I apologize for the inconvenience and offer the following coupon code:
**************

This code will take 10% off of your purchase.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mac
Monkees Store Customer Service

Re-Re-Ordered (for the last #%*$+ ing time) 9/28/2016

UNBELIEVABLE....

9/29/2016 20:36:13

Hi James,

Sorry to hear about your ordering experience with Rhino. You are right - there has been a lot of confusion for many customers regarding the Blu-ray orders and it has led to frustration. I hope this most recent order works for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

10/24/2016 00:10:04

To those interested in my saga....
It finally arrived on October 4th. There's a scratch on the 3D cover and a small tear in the gold cardboard that holds the discs.
I will live with that...I don't want to wait almost another year for a replacement. The video restoration is top-notch but I think the packaging could've been a whole lot better.

Widespread reports of damaged Blu-ray boxes and missing discs; Rhino's Hughes responds

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