Are you still buying expensive FTD boxsets?

[The Baystar dude]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

[Elfan]

I used to buy them but sadly I've stopped doing so now because of the cost.

[Bilbobaggins]

I'm mostly interested in the books. I like the research work of, mainly, David and Pål. Just as I loved the books by Trevor Simpson.

[NinaFromCanadaEh]

are there now more FTDs than RCA LPs?

[Snoopy]

I like them and I do have a few.I've never regretted buying one but I do regret passing on the VLV set so I will consider buying them depending on what it is about.Currently considering the GI Blues set.Lot of money.Any regret there if I do ? If I don't ?

[John]

I do buy some of them, but only for the music, so hugely resent having to pay a lot of money for books that I don't want.

[On Tape 1972]

I like them and I do have a few.I've never regretted buying one but I do regret passing on the VLV set so I will consider buying them depending on what it is about.Currently considering the GI Blues set.Lot of money.Any regret there if I do ? If I don't ?

If you suffer from constant FOMO, it might be a good idea to get your order in. If you're only interested in the audio portion of the box set, you may want to wait until the first impressions are posted online, for the amount of unreleased material on G.I. Blues will be minimal at best and we currently have no idea what was done in this regard, sequencing aside.

The books themselves certainly contain information and (beautiful, high quality) images that aren't readily available elsewhere. Unfortunately the text in these books is usually prone to punctuation issues and the occassional typo, but nothing too bad I hope.

[Alexander72]

Stopped years ago, buying book projects. Fashion For A King is the last book set I bought. Far too expensive, in the sense that the considerable purchase price would cannibalize my budget for Elvis vinyl. Since then I have been collecting more and more according to my adage: "buying new is consumerism, finding old is collecting." I am not making any value judgment on collectors who build their collections from everything that is released now, it is just that I get little pleasure from it. Like is the case with those box sets. I noticed I rarely, if ever, find a book like that to read for a few hours. I'd browse through them and put them on the shelf. Too little pleasure to justify the investment.

[JoeyCoco]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

[GRL]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

I bought the TTWII and EoT set and since they totally screwed up that last one using AI sharpening I certainly wouldn't call that a premium archival book. That was painfull. It was hard to believe that that was done by the same team as the other FTD books. Furthermore, even though life is more expensive in general, those prices are rediculous. If they won't go back to the times where they released reasonably priced quality books I won't buy an FTD book again.

[JoeyCoco]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

I bought the TTWII and EoT set and since they totally screwed up that last one using AI sharpening I certainly wouldn't call that a premium archival book. That was painfull. It was hard to believe that that was done by the same team as the other FTD books. Furthermore, even though life is more expensive in general, those prices are rediculous. If they won't go back to the times where they released reasonably priced quality books I won't buy an FTD book again.

A book used AI sharpening and suddenly civilization collapses.
You survived global inflation, rising energy costs, and eggs that now cost more than gold, but this is the line. An FTD book dared to evolve… and now it’s personal.

And of course, the price increases, shocking. It’s almost like printing, shipping, licensing, materials, and labor didn’t magically freeze at 2012 levels just because someone wishes they would. How rude of reality.

But sure, let’s pretend the world economy hasn’t changed and demand that FTD go back to “reasonably priced quality books,” as if every other industry hasn’t adapted, upgraded, or—brace yourself—raised prices to survive.

And about AI? Sorry, but that ship has sailed, docked, unpacked, and is now building condos by the harbor. It’s going to pop up everywhere, in music restoration, book production, video enhancement, and probably in your toaster eventually. Time to make peace with the robot future.

So yes: you’re free not to buy another book. But expecting the world (and FTD) to run on 2005 budgets while demanding higher quality is… let’s call it optimistic. Very optimistic.

[FrankieRider2]

Haven’t bought any of the expensive things in a long time. I’m getting to the point in my life where I’m trying to trim things down, not add things to my list of purchases.

Plus I don’t want my family to be having to deal with stuff if something happens to me. My memories aren’t theirs, and I try to keep that in mind when considering a purchase. If it is something that directly relates to a personal Elvis memory, I’m much more likely to consider a purchase cost not withstanding.

[GRL]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

I bought the TTWII and EoT set and since they totally screwed up that last one using AI sharpening I certainly wouldn't call that a premium archival book. That was painfull. It was hard to believe that that was done by the same team as the other FTD books. Furthermore, even though life is more expensive in general, those prices are rediculous. If they won't go back to the times where they released reasonably priced quality books I won't buy an FTD book again.

A book used AI sharpening and suddenly civilization collapses.
You survived global inflation, rising energy costs, and eggs that now cost more than gold, but this is the line. An FTD book dared to evolve… and now it’s personal.

And of course, the price increases, shocking. It’s almost like printing, shipping, licensing, materials, and labor didn’t magically freeze at 2012 levels just because someone wishes they would. How rude of reality.

But sure, let’s pretend the world economy hasn’t changed and demand that FTD go back to “reasonably priced quality books,” as if every other industry hasn’t adapted, upgraded, or—brace yourself—raised prices to survive.

And about AI? Sorry, but that ship has sailed, docked, unpacked, and is now building condos by the harbor. It’s going to pop up everywhere, in music restoration, book production, video enhancement, and probably in your toaster eventually. Time to make peace with the robot future.

So yes: you’re free not to buy another book. But expecting the world (and FTD) to run on 2005 budgets while demanding higher quality is… let’s call it optimistic. Very optimistic.

Let's be clear on this, when I use the term 'reasonably priced' that's exactly what I mean: taken into account that prices indeed have gone up, that includes of course all the costs as life is indeed more expensive in general. So I'm not saying that FTD should handle the old prices. I'm just saying I hope FTD hasn't given up on releasing books that aren't these mega book projects. They can ask more than they use to, no problem.

As far as the of AI is concerned: I know that is a reality that's here to stay too and I have no problem with that whatsoever. Evenmore so, I'm all for it! But there's a right way to use it and there are the wrong ways. Using the AI sharpening as they did in the On Tour book distorted many of the pictures in a very -very- visible way. So not only details (and mind you: those are important too!). Btw, stupidity is also an omnipresent and growing reality in this world. Should we get used to that to? Just so we can be realistic ...

Also, I'm not 'demanding higher quality' for the same price. The FTD team used to deliver quality picture books without all that AI nonsense. I just wished they could go back to those days. They can ask more then they used to, no problem.

And I am indeed 'free not to buy another FTD book' (what a rude thing to say btw), I'm just saying it's sad that I can't anymore. They can ask more than they used to, no problem.

As long as it's reasonable!

And be careful and rational when insinuating that someone is not in touch with reality, because that might reveal just that about you. And don’t put words into someone’s mouth that they haven’t used.

Bottom line is: Yes they can release reasonibly priced books. That's not thinking 'world economy hasn’t changed'! Be real please.

[JoeyCoco]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

I bought the TTWII and EoT set and since they totally screwed up that last one using AI sharpening I certainly wouldn't call that a premium archival book. That was painfull. It was hard to believe that that was done by the same team as the other FTD books. Furthermore, even though life is more expensive in general, those prices are rediculous. If they won't go back to the times where they released reasonably priced quality books I won't buy an FTD book again.

A book used AI sharpening and suddenly civilization collapses.
You survived global inflation, rising energy costs, and eggs that now cost more than gold, but this is the line. An FTD book dared to evolve… and now it’s personal.

And of course, the price increases, shocking. It’s almost like printing, shipping, licensing, materials, and labor didn’t magically freeze at 2012 levels just because someone wishes they would. How rude of reality.

But sure, let’s pretend the world economy hasn’t changed and demand that FTD go back to “reasonably priced quality books,” as if every other industry hasn’t adapted, upgraded, or—brace yourself—raised prices to survive.

And about AI? Sorry, but that ship has sailed, docked, unpacked, and is now building condos by the harbor. It’s going to pop up everywhere, in music restoration, book production, video enhancement, and probably in your toaster eventually. Time to make peace with the robot future.

So yes: you’re free not to buy another book. But expecting the world (and FTD) to run on 2005 budgets while demanding higher quality is… let’s call it optimistic. Very optimistic.

Let's be clear on this, when I use the term 'reasonably priced' that's exactly what I mean: taken into account that prices indeed have gone up, that includes of course all the costs as life is indeed more expensive in general. So I'm not saying that FTD should handle the old prices. I'm just saying I hope FTD hasn't given up on releasing books that aren't these mega book projects. They can ask more than they use to, no problem.

As far as the of AI is concerned: I know that is a reality that's here to stay too and I have no problem with that whatsoever. Evenmore so, I'm all for it! But there's a right way to use it and there are the wrong ways. Using the AI sharpening as they did in the On Tour book distorted many of the pictures in a very -very- visible way. So not only details (and mind you: those are important too!). Btw, stupidity is also an omnipresent and growing reality in this world. Should we get used to that to? Just so we can be realistic ...

Also, I'm not 'demanding higher quality' for the same price. The FTD team used to deliver quality picture books without all that AI nonsense. I just wished they could go back to those days. They can ask more then they used to, no problem.

And I am indeed 'free not to buy another FTD book' (what a rude thing to say btw), I'm just saying it's sad that I can't anymore. They can ask more than they used to, no problem.

As long as it's reasonable!

And be careful and rational when insinuating that someone is not in touch with reality, because that might reveal just that about you. And don’t put words into someone’s mouth that they haven’t used.

Bottom line is: Yes they can release reasonibly priced books. That's not thinking 'world economy hasn’t changed'! Be real please.

Well, thank you for the clarification—because nothing says measured debate like repeating “they can ask more than they used to, no problem” as if chanting it three times will magically summon a reasonably priced coffee-table book from 2008.

Let’s clear this up with a tiny dose of reality (don’t worry, it’s free of charge):

Saying “you’re free not to buy another FTD book” isn’t rude — it’s literally the definition of consumer choice.
If choosing not to spend money now counts as an insult, then supermarkets have been offending people for decades.

And about AI… look, you don’t have to like it, you don’t have to use it, you don’t have to marry it — but it’s here. It’s everywhere. It’s not going to politely step aside because a photo in one book didn’t meet your aesthetic standards. This isn’t a moral referendum, it’s technology. Welcome to the real world, population: all of us.

You’re absolutely allowed to prefer the old non-AI books. You’re allowed to say the new sharpening wasn’t great. Completely fair.
But expecting FTD — or anyone — to pretend the industry, production methods, tech, and costs haven’t moved on? That’s not “being reasonable.” That’s nostalgia wearing noise-cancelling headphones.

And no one is accusing you of demanding 2005 prices for 2025 output — simply pointing out that companies evolve, budgets evolve, production evolves… and yes, sometimes the only rational response is:
If you don’t like it, you don’t have to buy it.
That’s not rude. That’s literally how markets work.

But hey, if accepting that AI is now part of publishing, restoration, and basically life itself counts as “not being in touch with reality,” then congratulations — reality might have some news for you too.

FTD will keep using new tools. Prices will keep rising. AI will keep showing up in places you won’t expect. And everyone, including you, remains completely free to buy or not buy anything.

That’s not an insult.
That’s adulthood.

[GRL]

Personally, I still buy the expensive FTD box sets, but rather reluctantly. I'm interested in the audio, not those heavy books what boost those sets to ridiculous prices. I'm curious what you think.

The Baystar dude

Ridiculous prices? Not really, actually.

The pricing of FTD book-and-CD sets is generally reasonable when viewed for what they truly are: premium archival book releases that happen to include audio, not traditional music albums. The books are the primary product — often large, hardbound volumes filled with rare photographs, documentation, session details, and material curated specifically for collectors. Their production quality, limited print runs, and the specialist research required justify the cost far more than the CDs themselves.
The included discs should be seen as supplemental — a bonus rather than the central purpose of the release. They provide additional context and value, but they are not intended to function as standalone audio editions in the same way a standard FTD CD or mainstream release would. For collectors, the appeal lies in the historical presentation, the design, and the exclusivity of the publication. With that in mind, the price reflects not only the rarity and craftsmanship behind the books, but also the niche audience they are created for.

In short: these releases should be viewed as collector’s books enhanced with audio content, not as CD releases packaged with a book. With that perspective, the cost aligns well with their purpose, production level, and intended audience.

I bought the TTWII and EoT set and since they totally screwed up that last one using AI sharpening I certainly wouldn't call that a premium archival book. That was painfull. It was hard to believe that that was done by the same team as the other FTD books. Furthermore, even though life is more expensive in general, those prices are rediculous. If they won't go back to the times where they released reasonably priced quality books I won't buy an FTD book again.

A book used AI sharpening and suddenly civilization collapses.
You survived global inflation, rising energy costs, and eggs that now cost more than gold, but this is the line. An FTD book dared to evolve… and now it’s personal.

And of course, the price increases, shocking. It’s almost like printing, shipping, licensing, materials, and labor didn’t magically freeze at 2012 levels just because someone wishes they would. How rude of reality.

But sure, let’s pretend the world economy hasn’t changed and demand that FTD go back to “reasonably priced quality books,” as if every other industry hasn’t adapted, upgraded, or—brace yourself—raised prices to survive.

And about AI? Sorry, but that ship has sailed, docked, unpacked, and is now building condos by the harbor. It’s going to pop up everywhere, in music restoration, book production, video enhancement, and probably in your toaster eventually. Time to make peace with the robot future.

So yes: you’re free not to buy another book. But expecting the world (and FTD) to run on 2005 budgets while demanding higher quality is… let’s call it optimistic. Very optimistic.

Let's be clear on this, when I use the term 'reasonably priced' that's exactly what I mean: taken into account that prices indeed have gone up, that includes of course all the costs as life is indeed more expensive in general. So I'm not saying that FTD should handle the old prices. I'm just saying I hope FTD hasn't given up on releasing books that aren't these mega book projects. They can ask more than they use to, no problem.

As far as the of AI is concerned: I know that is a reality that's here to stay too and I have no problem with that whatsoever. Evenmore so, I'm all for it! But there's a right way to use it and there are the wrong ways. Using the AI sharpening as they did in the On Tour book distorted many of the pictures in a very -very- visible way. So not only details (and mind you: those are important too!). Btw, stupidity is also an omnipresent and growing reality in this world. Should we get used to that to? Just so we can be realistic ...

Also, I'm not 'demanding higher quality' for the same price. The FTD team used to deliver quality picture books without all that AI nonsense. I just wished they could go back to those days. They can ask more then they used to, no problem.

And I am indeed 'free not to buy another FTD book' (what a rude thing to say btw), I'm just saying it's sad that I can't anymore. They can ask more than they used to, no problem.

As long as it's reasonable!

And be careful and rational when insinuating that someone is not in touch with reality, because that might reveal just that about you. And don’t put words into someone’s mouth that they haven’t used.

Bottom line is: Yes they can release reasonibly priced books. That's not thinking 'world economy hasn’t changed'! Be real please.

Well, thank you for the clarification—because nothing says measured debate like repeating “they can ask more than they used to, no problem” as if chanting it three times will magically summon a reasonably priced coffee-table book from 2008.

Let’s clear this up with a tiny dose of reality (don’t worry, it’s free of charge):

Saying “you’re free not to buy another FTD book” isn’t rude — it’s literally the definition of consumer choice.
If choosing not to spend money now counts as an insult, then supermarkets have been offending people for decades.

And about AI… look, you don’t have to like it, you don’t have to use it, you don’t have to marry it — but it’s here. It’s everywhere. It’s not going to politely step aside because a photo in one book didn’t meet your aesthetic standards. This isn’t a moral referendum, it’s technology. Welcome to the real world, population: all of us.

You’re absolutely allowed to prefer the old non-AI books. You’re allowed to say the new sharpening wasn’t great. Completely fair.
But expecting FTD — or anyone — to pretend the industry, production methods, tech, and costs haven’t moved on? That’s not “being reasonable.” That’s nostalgia wearing noise-cancelling headphones.

And no one is accusing you of demanding 2005 prices for 2025 output — simply pointing out that companies evolve, budgets evolve, production evolves… and yes, sometimes the only rational response is:
If you don’t like it, you don’t have to buy it.
That’s not rude. That’s literally how markets work.

But hey, if accepting that AI is now part of publishing, restoration, and basically life itself counts as “not being in touch with reality,” then congratulations — reality might have some news for you too.

FTD will keep using new tools. Prices will keep rising. AI will keep showing up in places you won’t expect. And everyone, including you, remains completely free to buy or not buy anything.

That’s not an insult.
That’s adulthood.

Oh, it's you ... how did I not see that?! Oh well ...

[Iwillbetrue]

I buy everything available for the eras I am interested in.

Rest, I am selective.

It is high time FTD should go digital. Not streaming - but downloads. And the books also.

Books like a Boy from Tupelo of King Creole are historically significant. They should not be limited to just a few Elvis fans.

[JoeyCoco]

I buy everything available for the eras I am interested in.

Rest, I am selective.

It is high time FTD should go digital. Not streaming - but downloads. And the books also.

Books like a Boy from Tupelo of King Creole are historically significant. They should not be limited to just a few Elvis fans.

No.

FTD could theoretically offer its CDs and books online, but it’s very unlikely.
Doing so would undermine the core purpose of the label. FTD was created specifically to serve collectors with limited-edition, physical, premium releases, and putting everything online would remove that exclusivity.

There are also business and legal reasons: FTD operates under Sony/RCA, and digital distribution involves different rights and contracts than physical releases, especially for archival material. Changing to a digital model would complicate those agreements.

The target audience for FTD consists mainly of collectors who value physical products and limited editions; a digital version would not appeal to this core market. From a financial standpoint, streaming or digital downloads generate far less revenue than physical collector sets.

In short:
While it’s technically possible, offering FTD products online would go against the label’s identity, reduce their value, and disrupt their business model.

[NinaFromCanadaEh]

that is part of the problem of not expanding the Elvis fanbase

there should be a limited FTD physical release

with a cheaper digital downloadable one


much like the Graceland estate fails to do more zooms and digital tours for those who can not afford to travel

getting a webcam look upstairs too - to go around the stairs cannot withstand all the human traffic of in person tours