DVD DigiPAK Key elements, research and examples

What is a DVD digipak? Digipak is a patented style of compact disc or DVD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI Media.

It consists of a ‘gatefold’ template and is usually made from paperboard or card stock

The style of packaging is often used for special editions or compilations as the material (paperboard/card) is not as hard wearing as the traditional jewel case.

- ‘Licensed digipak manufacturers such as domestic U.S. printer and disc replicator ‘Oasis Disc Manufacturing’ recommend coating the raw printed paper with a protective UV coating, thus ensuring greater longevity.’

What are the key elements that make a good DVD Digipak?

Pictures :- Photo of artistMusic industry logoRecord company logoDvd LogoCd logo

Text:- Track listTitleDirectorRecord company nameCreditsContentsBonus featuresMyspace address

Design:-Relative to genreBarcodeRecord LabelBookletBand logoGatefold

Linkin pArk Digipak As you can see in the picture below, this digipak uses a gatefold style, features plastic inlays for the discs and the outer is made from cardboard.

The style suits the band as it is simplistic yet grungy.

The idea of a digipak is to create a selling point of a well designed, ‘special’ product.

This digipak is very intricately designed and features two discs of otherwise unheard/unseen footage.

Therefore it is a very good example.

Muse – The resistance - Digipak

This digipak design is much less intricate. However, the photographs are exclusive to this special edition digipak, therefore they are a ‘bonus’.

The pictures are moody and reflective – suiting the genre of music.

Interestingly, the cover is plain black, with ‘Muse’ embossed in. They do not need anymore detail than this as they are such a well established band.

Ac dc – Live at donnington - digipak

this features stickers, keyring, 30 page booklet, picture disk, plectrum and the cover itself features a picture of angus young (guitarist).

Everything in the digipak is branded with the ac dc logo, it is well marketed.

The back cover shows in detail everything contained in the product.

conclusionA digipak can be cd sized or dvd sized. However, it must have an attribute which brands it as ‘exclusive’ or ‘special’.

The Digipak price is usually £15-18, whereas a normal cd is usually about £12. The extra features and design account for the extra money spent.

If it is for a well known band, there tends to be less detail on the front, with design focusing on photography rather than design (brushes, textures etc).

The design has to suit the genre and style of the band, it would be counter productive to have a very bright happy colour/design for, say, a thrash metal band… however, this could be a deliberate contrast.

Striking photography/images are important to the design aspect.