Much like mainstream Hollywood collector’s edition DVDs or greatest-hits music CDs, the updated versions include loads of new footage not found on the original releases.
For example, the collector’s edition of “Lex Steele XXX 1” contains four completely new full-length scenes, plus two “hidden” scenes. The DVD clocks in at over three hours, with 12 scenes in all.
Steele told XBiz the goal is to win loyal, lifelong customers by delivering what’s promised on the box cover, and then some.
“I always want to make sure the consumer feels he got his money’s worth,” Steele said. “I look at it this way: A guy could buy one DVD from [Mercenary Pictures] or he could buy 30. I’d rather have him buy 30.”
So far, the company has released collector’s editions of “Black Reign,” “Top Guns” and, most recently, “Lex Steele XXX 1,” which stars Black Diamond, Carmen, Olivia del Rio, Devin Deray, Vanessa, Nyla Thai, Melodee Bliss, Finesse Nivarro, Olivia Winters, Pink, Rio and Sophie Evans.
"The collector's edition of ‘Lex Steele XXX 1’ has more behind-the-scenes footage, all the scenes are re-mastered and re-edited to reflect my original vision, and there are four new scenes — actually six new scenes, because there are two blowjob scenes that we didn’t even mention on the box cover," Steele told XBiz.
Steele said Mercenary is currently working on a special edition of “Lex on Blondes.” Eventually, he plans to package all of the collectors editions together and sell them as a six-DVD set.
"These Collector's Editions are available exclusively on DVD, because I want to maintain a standard of excellence that's only possible through the format," Steele said. "DVD also allows the seamless addition of the new scenes and enhanced behind-the-scenes footage.”
The superior quality and additional content, he added, allow Mercenary to set a higher price point for the collector’s edition, meaning more money for distributors and retailers as well as his own company.