Music DVD digipakresearch notes

Codes and conventions of a DVD digipak

A package containing a DVD or CD, sometimes both. Digipacks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer

binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside, but they can vary for example some fold out into large A3 posters.

DVD digipacks were one of the first alternatives to standard jewel cases and quickly became used by the major record companies, now they are usually made of thick card which allow for a great graphic display.

Digipacks are a great way of promoting an artist/band’s single/ Album it is also a great way of promoting concerts and tours the artist/band.

There are numerous variations of sizes and designs, the most popular design is the regular 140mm x 120mm, 4-page version.

‘Digipak’ is the registered trademark for AGI media

‘Digipack’ is the generic term and doesn’t have all the exact key elements of a ‘Digipak’

Key elements codes and conventions of digipak Artwork/photography

- images of band/artist- band/artists logo- record company logo- music industry logo (PRS)- DVD/CD logo- BBCF classification- barcode- explicit warning logo

Text- Band/artist name- DVD title- Track listing on reverse- reviews- credits- band/artist web address

Bonus DVD – which may contain bonus features such as; behind the scene footage, tour diary, video interviews, documentaries, out-takes, music video, photos

Bonus CD – which may contain exclusive content

Design-Genre related-Record label needs-Booklet-Gatefold

Pros and Cons of Digipaks

Pros Digipaks can be great visual products

for the artist/bands i.e. providing fans with exclusive footage and live tour footage.

The trays in Digipaks often break much more often than in jewel cases because the paper doesn’t provide as much protection for the disc.

Which means when the trays do break in digipaks, the disc falls out of the bottom, because unlike jewel cases, there is nothing to hold it in

Digipaks can be more environmentally friendly than the jewel plastic cases because they can be made from recycled material

Cons The cardboard packaging is less

resistant to abrasion than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly

The digipak sleeves with 3 sleeves for more design options, however these are more expensive than traditional jewel cases – so if bands are just starting out, looking for ways to cut manufacturing costs is important

Although digipaks can be environmentally friendly, they aren’t always made from recycled materials