Box Openings - why do we have them?

For me, it tends to foster a feeling of community among the doll owners, in the way that sharing pictures of an important event would. And when you wait several months for a doll to arrive, or when you have invested large amount of time or money in it, that is a major event! I have made a box opening photo shoot, but I probably wouldn't make a video, simply because then I would have to focus on staying on topic, and narrating, and whatnot. I think a short photostory is nice, though. Like others have said, I enjoy seeing the packing of other companies, and its often one of the only times that you get to see some sculpts blank faced, which helps me with feature comparison. Also, yes, it does draw out the enjoyment of their arrivals, so that it's not over so quickly.

 

I have taken pictures for my box opening. I think it's just the excitement of it all and sharing it with others. I know I get excited when I look at other peoples' box openings; I enjoy them, really. They're just fun!

When you haven't gotten your first doll yet, it gives you an idea of what to expect. Or even if you HAVE gotten your first doll, maybe you were interested in the doll that someone else is posting in the box opening. It's kind of a good resource for expectations.

 

I took video of my box opening. The moment was so magical, and I had never had a doll before! I don't know who started it, but watching other videos before my doll arrived got me super pumped. I posted my video to inspire the love of dolls in other people.

 

I am definitely going to film my box opening, just because my doll was a big purchase and I feel like it's a part of the doll culture that is really unique. It makes it exciting because when he comes I have no idea what special items he is going to come with, such as color of the eyes (definitely the most exciting to see what is his natural color). I also ordered when LUTS had the special order going on so I have the "random wig" and "random shoes" that will be a secret too. I am VERY excited and I think the box opening is essential to having that whole introduction to your child, so to speak, moment. Most of all I am looking forward to meeting him face to face for the first time. The little face I have been researching for a long time will finally be material.

 

Definitely a way to share an experience and feel connected in a way. Especially one that is so anticipated by us all... all those processing days and shipping time (referring to new BJDs and not one purchased used or via marketplace).

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
Yes, for my last two dolls I created a box opening to post on DoA, but for the other 15+ dolls I either didn't take box opening pics or just put them on my flickr. I didn't post box openings at first because I was embarrassed by my lack of photography skills. I decided to start posting them when I got a fairly rare doll because I thought some people might want to see pics of it.

I would never do a video though, unless I bought a face mask and didn't talk during it, which would be a bit creepy for anyone to watch. Plus I feel like video box openings aren't as useful for people trying to decide if they want the doll, since it's hard to see the details of the face-up in video box openings. I do sometimes watch box opening videos, but I usually skip to the part where the doll is out of the box.

2) Why do you think we do it?
I think it's a polite thing to do so that other people can see what they'll be getting if they're considering ordering the same doll, since promo pics sometimes look so different. Also, some probably just want to share the excitement, particularly if they don't know anyone in real life who cares about their dolls. Another reason I can think of is that people may want to draw attention to whatever is listed in their signature, such as their sales posts/blog/flickr, etc. After all, box openings typically get a decent number of views compared to Gallery posts.

 

I have and I haven't. My dolls are common, it seems. Or else by the time I get mine, everyone else and their brother already has it, and no one wants to see another. My first few had pictures taken, the rest just get opened.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
never did) I didn't thought why but all my 3 dolls wich I received from companies(I mean not from previous owners) have no opening. and rest of my dolls too, any of them. it's such an important moment for me to care about anything else) plus I never know when should they be here, so my cam might be off.
and what about videos, I think they are boring) not many people have a good camera to consider the doll's face or any details. not much informative, usually long and.. boring. =>useless

2) Why do you think we do it?
I've heard it's necessary to detect the damages if they are and to prove to the company they were made during delivery, not by yourself, to get the another part wich been damaged from the company. well, I thought so)
maybe sometime many people had opening photoes, so they decided to share it.
though I don't know if now anyone does it for this reason.. maybe people are just interested in pictures of that process.

 

I tend to agree with Foxxian - about it being a way of extending the time it takes to get to the doll. There is something irresistible about extending that moment of anticipation as you remove the wrapper and carefully open the box, delving into it to catch the first glimpse of the doll beneath the tissue. One of my favourite parts of this hobby is the anticipation of waiting for a new doll to arrive

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
never did)
I did one for my second dollie that came in haha. It is fun to share your excitement even if no one cares :P

2) Why do you think we do it?
Hmm for me I think the major reason is sharing the excitement. There are many people out there is also waiting for a doll. Considering most dolls take days if not month to reach, I think box opening is a way to really share your most excited moment in the hobby: Opening a brand new dollie, take pics, and share it (even though it isnt the most glamorous moment of your new kid lol) Though I think some people want to share their experience and thats really good to say lol. Dont we all need some info before we buy?

BTW I do own a good camera but during opening I cant really be bothered doing some scientific/engineering analysis of the doll really haha.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
Yep, just the once, for a Soom MD.

2) Why do you think we do it?
I personally did it because my Amphibel was one of the first to arrive as well as being a fullset, so I felt kind of a duty to show off every aspect. I remember when I was waiting for a limited once before it was really interesting to see the first few arrive, since mine took a bit longer - you could see the size of the box, how they were being shipped and what state of assemblage (or lack thereof, hello Epidos) they arrived in etc. Perhaps somewhat unfortunately it's also a way of learning from other people's mistakes when new dolls are first shipping, with Amphibel I glued a couple of pieces together wrong so I imagine that was helpful for others as something to watch out for, lol.

I don't think I'd do a box opening for a reasonably popular/older doll just for the sake of a box opening, when new dolls arrive I prefer to just get the party started haha, but I can see why people want to make a ceremony of it after all the anticipation, and looking at other people's box openings is fun.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?

I always do photos of box-opening process. But I never posted these pictures anywhere in the Net. This is too intimate to post as it seems to me.

2) Why do you think we do it?

Firstly, the reason to have evidences that all came in good condition and undamaged and to proof it for producer if not.

Secondly, I think for most of the owners and I am not the exception here their dolls are very personal. We wait them so long, dreaming about them, imaginating characters for them and when they arrive it looks like a miracle to meet your creation, your dream. Very emotional moment which many of us want to save for the future and have opportunity to experience once again and again looking at these photos or video. This is an attempt to save and store these pleasant feelings, memories which eventually are the part of our life.

 

Box openings are SERIOUSLY fun to see (IMHO)...! They are certainly not limited to BJD owners...all doll collectors do it...I think it's partly because of the wait, the anticipation and the fact that doll collectors (amongst other groups of people sharing common interests) fully appreciate and like to share the excitement of a 'new toy' some body has received..!
I think it's like wanting to enjoy seeing what your friend has received at a birthday party as a kid etc..!
You want to share their enjoyment and be happy for them...It's also free (which is a rare thing in the doll/BJD world)..!
I know as a doll collector that the arrival and opening of a doll box is one of the most enjoyable parts of buying them... (besides displaying, photographing and owning them)... ;-)

 

Well, I love to watch box openings - be it in pictures here on DoA, or in a video on YouTube. I love feeling with the people, how they fight with the boxes, and sharing their joy when the "bubble wrap mummy" is free and you can admire him or her at full size.

Right now I am waiting for my first doll, and for me it feels painful. I know that it takes some time to create dolls, but still - I look every day at the company sites (he is a hybrid). The box openings will be a relief, too, I am sure. And it will be even more fun sharing these moments with other hobbyists who truly understand.

So I am very happy that box openings exist.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
Well I haven't made a box opening video only because I have not had one yet, but I will soon and I think I plan on taking picture for the sake of just showing it off to some friends? Or just for the memory of first getting it. I wouldn't make a video because I don't really necessarily like to show my face on the internet. x_x;;

But I enjoy watching other people open their boxes like say on youtube? It's like.. I'm able to share the experience of excitement/having the doll when I watch. :] Cuz you know I don't have one and I'm anxious you know? It like at least satisfies my desires for a little bit.

I also have to say that box opening isn't limited to say Dolls. I know I used to watch box opening for like cellphones in order to see if it's good or not/hear the review of the person that's opening it. So I think it's perfectly normal to do box openings. In fact I'm pretty grateful to anyone who does it. : D

2) Why do you think we do it?
Mmm.. I wouldn't know the answer to this, (because I'm must more of a watcher than do-er) but I'd assume it's the same reason as to why I watch. To share the moment/excitement. :]

 

I think box openings are a wonderful way to document the arrival of a new family member, much as we take bucketloads of photos of our flesh and blood kids when they arrive. Well, that's how it is for me anyways

 

Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?

Yes I have both taken pictures and had part of it taped.

- Why?
Because I waited too long to not make a big production out of it.


Why do you think we do it?

To me bjds aren't just toys, their your creatons, your little resin children. That first time you see your new additon is special, so you want to commorate it. It's basically the same reason why people tape babies being born, except our babies are plastic, hollowing and held together with elastic.

 

I have never recorded a box opening and I only took pictures of my TMP scratch because it was the first time I had ever heard about box opening. I think we have them to remind us of the excitement each of us feel when opening and meeting our dolls for the first time and the look of excitement on the doll owners face. I don't think any two box opening are ever alike and every time I get a new doll or something for my dolls I feel like its christmas for me. I like to look at my box opening pictures to remind of when my dollies were brand new to me.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?

Yes, I took photos as I opened the box for memories.

2) Why do you think we do it?
Some people wants to share their excitement with others while some wants to keep it as a memory (Like me).

 

Have I Created a box opening...
Nope too busy busting open that box!!!!

Why do you think we do it?
The Box Opening Gallery is in my top 5 threads...it's one of the reassons that brought me back. Like many have said...it''s all about the excitment and anticipation of wating for them to come. I love the first doll ones the most. I remember my first (doll) ...pervs... and how thrilled I was!