Today we're unboxing a World of Warcraft: The War Within Collector's Edition, a couple days ahead of the release! Arriving on August 1, the Collector's Edition for WoW's next expansion, which releases later in August, contains the game, a 20 years of Warcraft celebratory statue, a pin, and plenty of digital goodies. Check out our video and breakdown within.

Collector's Editions are a passionate subject for me with World of Warcraft. When I made my return to WoW after taking a trial during the original run of the game, I started back up with a Burning Crusade Collector's Edition; The Netherwhelp non-combat pet was such a cutie. Since then, I've made sure to secure each edition because I love being able to look at the art books and the behind-the-scenes features were always interesting to see.

Though, Blizzard no longer does DVDs nor do we see trading cards, a physical soundtrack, guest pass keys, or product catalogs, I still find them to be worth good value with all the cool digital goodies. Notably absent this time around, for the first time yet, was a mousepad. I shouldn't have been confused by that because a smart person should have read the description for what they were buying, but it's a bit disappointing that Blizzard has taken the Collector's Edition down yet another notch.

Only an art book and a pin make it a tough sell.

This year of course celebrates 20 years of World of Warcraft though and that's why you receive two boxes with the purchase. One with your "Collector's Edition" and another with a Gryphon Rider statue!

The statue is very cool. The base reminds me of the 10 year anniversary statue Blizzard did for folks who were subscribed to WoW since the beginning while the Gyphon Rider in its much more intense gold is more like the Ragnaros statue that came from the 15 year collector's box - though even the Firelord has some dark bits.

The included Pin features Anduin, Thrall, and Alleria, though there is so much detail it can be a bit tough to make parts of it out without being very close. It's heavy though and supported by two Blizzard pin backs so its ready to go on adventures with you across IRL Azeroth should you decide to walk into the sun.

The art book, a cornerstone of Collector's Editions for World of Warcraft, did not disappoint. It's hard cover, looks badass, and has plenty of concept art for the game.

I love it. Absolutely cannot wait to take some time before the expansion releases to get deep into the concepts of The War Within. With the few physical items, you also get the digital Epic Edition which comes with a bunch of contents.

Epic Edition Game Content includes: Enhanced Level 70 Character Boost; 3 Days of Early Access, and 30-Days of Game Time; Algarian Stormrider Mount; Stormrider's Attire Transmog Set; Deepdweller's Earthen Hearthstone Effect, Squally, the Storm Hatchling Pet, and the Sandbox Storm Gryphon Toy; and 1000 Trader's Tender.

If you're interested in scooping up a War Within Collector's Edition, Blizzard still has them in-stock in the Gear Store in North America and Europe. Shipping to Canada was $100 CAD though so if you're up here where I'm at, I'm sorry to disappoint you. Blizzard moving to "only available from Blizzard" distribution for the Collector's Editions now has really messed with Canadians. They really should bring back the Best Buy and Game Stop digital partnerships to allow them to ship them locally without requiring the insane shipping FedEx costs.

See you all in Azeroth!