Box Openings - why do we have them?

That's a very simple answer. We're excited about getting the new doll and want to share our excitement with someone else. ^^

I'll admit, they're also a good resource for someone when they're researching. A database thread may only show a complete, face-up'd and wig'd doll, but an opening thread often shows a blank, naked doll. ^^

And besides. Box openings are just plain fun. I love love reading through the ones other people post, even though I don't take the time to do them for every doll I buy. ^^

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
Yes, for both Rei and Kia. I've also done it for my military uniform collection, so the comment on not photographing other things is null XD
--If yes, why did you do it?
It seemed the thing to do, and besides, I was excited. Of course, I only posted pics from my first doll, had the ones from my second just to reference for friends, and only intend on posting a box opening for one other girl...that will actually be a photostory and take place AFTER I finish modding her body XD
2) Why do you think we do it?
Excitement, sharing our joy with others, and showing others what to expect from the company I suppose.

 

I've made two of them, for my first doll, and for Asar'el. The others, I was much too lazy to do, lol.

The first one was obvious, it was my first doll, so I was excited. For Asar'el, it was also a thread for my split members, to allow them the chance to see their parts had arrived and that nothing had broken or was missing.

Not only are they good for showing off your new doll, but they also allow people who may be interested in getting one what they look like without retouching in natural light, or how they're packaged. It's sort of like a mini review, with pictures.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box? No, because I don't have a camera. I really should get one but I keep spending money on dolly stuff.

--If yes, why did you do it?

--If not, why not? No camera.

2) Why do you think we do it? I think buying a doll is like a celebration tied to ritual. First you decide on a doll, then click buy, then wait and wait and wait, then shipping. The box opening is the point where ownership of the doll becomes reality.

 

i did a box opening for my first doll, a DoC Zen, and that was it. i was really excited about it, as well, he was my first and it was like first steps into the BJD world.

when i got my second, a delf shine, i didn't really make such a big fuss as my Zen. all i did was a height comparison, and a couple of shots of him in 2 different wigs.

the only other time i did a box opening shoot was when i got my HDelf Pitta, cause the box was just darn cute >.<. pastel colored gingerbread house. with such a cute design, how could i not take a shot of it? lol.

other than that, i haven't done box opening shoots for the rest of my crew. somehow the excitement of a new doll just dwindles down, and checking for damages takes over. but it is intresting to see box openings, as it does give us a chance to see how the company ships their dolls out, and to share the joy of owners; especially first timers.

 

Never have done one. I find the box opening the most annoying part of the process- the packing stuff gets on the floor and then I have to pick it up, the tape over the protective packing material over the doll is obnoxious to remove, etc... About the only opening experience I get any pleasure out of is with Junky Spot and Bobobie. Junky Spot because they always throw in surprise extra stuff in their boxes, and Bobobie because I like their silky yellow fabric bags they put their dolls in, plus they don't have tons of annoying, messy packing materials in their boxes.

 

1) Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
I've never done video but I take pictures every time.

--If yes, why did you do it?
For my first dolls (two of them came at the same time), opening the box and seeing my new dolls in person was just so exciting and magical that I wanted to share it with my roommate/best friend who was out of town that day. After that, I just started doing it every time because I liked reviewing the pictures. Especially since I'll be sending most of my dolls off for faceups, sanding, and blushing eventually. Methinks it'll be nice to have pictures of my specific dolls that I took myself. ^^

2) Why do you think we do it?
Well, I answered part of this above but from the other end I also like to see other peoples' box openings. It's nice to be able to see pictures of dolls I am familiar with taken by someone other than the company. It may end up changing my opinion of that particular doll. If it's a doll or company I'm not familiar with I might just inadvertently discover a sculpt or company that I like. ^^

 

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

I would have if I didn't get Noire before art class and was too excited to open her! XD; I'll definitely be doing it with any other dolls I get though.

2) Why do you think we do it?

It's fun!~ When you get something new and exciting in the mail the act of opening the item is almost as fun as having it. Besides, it's the first look you get to see of your doll or another's doll, and it's a bit like delivering a baby (if I can use that analogy). Many people want a memory of that forever, and so they do box shots.

 

I've never done it, mostly because I'm usually excited to open it right away and the box opening didn't seem as important as getting the doll and putting everything together at the time. I can understand why others do. People are excited to share their joy with the community, especially those who are waiting together for a doll. I guess it's like having a baby shower? You get to enjoy it with friends. Actually...maybe I'll consider it in the future.

 

Have you created a box opening video or taken pictures as you opened the box?
Nope. But I plan to!

If not, why not?
I don't have a doll yet. 8)

Why do you think we do it?
I agree with others in thinking that it helps to share the excitement. I like to watch them so that I can see the different dolls with company face-ups and such coming right out of the box, just how they would look if they were coming to me! I think that doll openings are exciting and interesting! It could also document damage that occurred before the owner removes the doll from the box. O:

 

I'm fairly new to the doll scene. I wanted one for six years, then finally bought one. My excitement levels were through the roof, when Ivan finally arrived. I took dozens of pictures and marveled at all the neat little things that came with the package. To be fair, it wasn't a purely instinctual move, I did a lot of research on BJDs before I bought, so I sorta knew they lent themselves well to photography and photo stories. Maybe for me it was a way of being a part of the community. Do as the Romans do, and all that.

 

I haven't gotten my doll yet, and am not very deep into the hobby so far, but I've been into japanese statues/figures for years now and I'll enjoy the occasional box-opening thread on 4chan's /toy/, and have logged a few openings of my own. It's fun to share the excitement of receiving new cool stuff, especially if it's something you preordered months ago. And there are also a ton of neat ways to make it more enjoyable for viewers, like having other toys help you open the box or introduce new ones to the house.

 

I think everyone in the community just wants to share their excitement!It's fun to wait for something for a long time and then finally be able to get it, you know? We all just like to share the feelings of joy, excitement, and have others be excited with us too! ^.^

When I get my Ai I'll definitely be taking photos or video to share with everyone.

 

Actually that is not true. In many hobbies people post photos when they first receive their items and share it among other members in the same community. XD

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

--If yes, why did you do it?: Yes I did in the past for the 1st few dolls that I got. Then I stopped doing it and just take regular photos with them all dressed with proper face-up and wigs and eyes.

2) Why do you think we do it? To share our joy with others. Nothing wrong with that!

 

Good question, I never would of thought about it until someone asked the question. I plan on doing it. lol I'ts like my kid comming home, like an adoption. Wow, shakin my head.

 

I like watching box openings! I like watching box opening videos especially. It's grown ups with five year old Christmas all over again!

 

I've done two lots of box opening photos. But the other was my first one... So I didn't think of it, one came body and head separate, and one came really early in the morning, while I was sick. So I just opened him, and then went back to bed.

...I think that doll opening photos are fun though. I like seeing what the boxes look like, dolls without faceups, what the bodies look like outside of company photos... And it's always good to see owner's posibility photos.

 

It's an interesting thought- who did start them? I don't think it really matters in the long-run, though, because people just seem to enjoy them. I used to think it was strange, but then I watched more and more, and I find myself quite addicted to watching box-openings! ^_^ I think it's partly the excitement that's shared and partly a curiousity- personally I like to find out information about certain dolls. They don't always look exactly the same in person as they do on a website. Box-openings are informative; I can see what the doll looks like and the size of the doll. (That's a big one with me. I know that most websites give the size measurements and that I can grab a ruler and see, but really, it doesn't help to visualize what it will look like in my hands.) Box-openings do that!

I personally plan to film my first box opening when my little boy arrives~! I never thought I'd be doing something as 'crazy' as that, as I used to put it. But now I'm more submerged with the BJD world, it seems necessary. And I really want to!

 

I do enjoy looking at doll box opening but I never did one, I rip the box open either right in the postoffice or wait til I get in the car.....no patiences to wait! After doing this for like 47 times I don't think I'll change my ways but will keep looking at others.

 

There is that special tingling sensation involved with deboxing that makes it all so special. I do take deboxing pics for two reasons: firstly, to document the product in case of shipping damage, secondly and more importantly, to welcome the newcomer home!