This document analyzes different types of CD and DVD packaging, specifically focusing on digipaks. It discusses the aesthetics, functions, materials, and environmental impacts of digipaks. Digipaks are made of card, can hold multiple discs, and provide more space for artwork compared to jewel cases, but are less durable and may have storage issues. Overall, digipaks allow artists more opportunity for branding while being more eco-friendly than plastic jewel cases.

1. DIGIPAK
ANALYSIS
‘a Digipak is a patented style of
compact disc or DVD packaging’
Jessica Hyde

2. NINE INCH NAILS (CD)
Aesthetically, the • The genre of Nine Inch
choice of colours Nails is considered ‘Heavy
purple, white, red, Metal’. The cover of this
yellow and orange digipak appeals to the
target audience by
can be considered supporting a discrete and
‘Autumn shades’. simplistic design. Half of
This is further the logo is visible, possibly
supported with in an attempt to remain an
flowers on the ‘underground’ band,
back of the pack. presumably the audience
The colour theme would recognise the logo
remains instantly
throughout the
whole digipak to
keep continuity.
• Ergonomics- Able to open up the
whole case to see both CDs and the list
of songs

3. The function of this digipak is to contain 2 CDs and a lyric
booklet, while the design is ‘2 fold’. The overall size is
actually larger than the average CD, which in turn may
cause storage issues like it being unable to fit into the
slot of a CD rack for example.
Environmentally, a digipak is more eco-friendly due to it
being made from card, a 100% recyclable material.
However, being made from
card also has it’s
disadvantages. There are signs
of wear and tear such as the
folded creases, rips at the
corners, worn spine and
decolouration of the images
and design. Plastic is used to
hold the CDs in place and is
also a recyclable material.

4. THE OFFICE (DVD)
One of the most • For the DVD digipak, there
noticeable is an outer cover which
aesthetic advertises the product.
features of this This is done with pictures,
design is the very a write up/ summary plus
simplistic, layout. the usual DVD conventions
This could almost which are present, like the
act to represent age restriction and
the formal ‘office duration. There is also a
feel’. Colours cut away for ease of
related with separating the digipak
office and desk from it’s card case. Inside
work such as there are 3 DVD holders
grey –pencil lead made from plastic, with
and white used- ‘cut aways’ in the four
paper, forms etc. corners and a ‘push’
are used, button in the centre of
combined with a each for ease of DVD
simple typeface removal.
to tie the look
together.

5. Similarly to the CD Digipak, this is
made of card and plastic, both of
which can be recycled. Despite it
being slightly larger than the
normal DVD (plastic case) size, it
carries 3 DVDs which makes it
overall very convenient for the
buyer, and also seller who can cut
down manufacturing and
material costs. Furthermore, the
space that is available is utilised,
with the episode names placed
on the back of the card under the
transparent plastic DVD holder.
The thick, smooth white card
gives a feeling of quality to the
product. In general there are a The packaging appeals to the target audience by showing the popular
few creases but no major characters of the show. Actor Ricky Gervais features on all three DVD
damage. designs as well as the back and middle panels adding humour, which
the audience of this programme will appreciate.

6. NIRVANA (CD)
Unlike the first two Digipak The iconic baby image combined
examples, this product with the well known Nirvana
packaging comes in the logo make a strong cover. There
form of a Jewel Case. The is little else on the cover to
main differences between detract attention of the viewer.
these are a) material and
b) durability. The plastic The back cover shows the track
cover gives this CD a list and usual conventions of a
‘glossy’ finish, aesthetically CD such as the barcode and
appealing to buyers. music label.
Plastic is also more ‘hard
wearing’ i.e. after many
years it will not be
damaged in a way which
effects it’s use (although it As an average sized CD, there are few
could have scratches etc.) problems with storage. This Jewel case
holds 1 CD and a lyric booklet which
contains pictures, lyrics, and a note
from the band. (see the next slide for
analysis of this)

7. The water theme is kept on the cover, CD
design and lyric booklet throughout, possibly
for continuity. Inside the booklet are lyrics
and pictures of the band, which could give
the target audience an insight into the band,
thus making them feel ‘closer’ and more
attached to their music.
Ergonomically the CD holder is similar to the
card digipak as both are made from plastic,
contain ‘cut aways’, and a section in the
middle to push which will release the CD.
Plastic as a material is less environmentally
friendly than card but is considered to be
more durable.
The font and alignment of the text in the booklet, as
seen here, further follows the water theme with the
imagery of waves, suggesting again that continuity is
key

8. DISADVANTAGES OF A DIGIPAK
• Not as durable as a Jewel case, prone to ‘wear and tear’, like rips folds,
creases and image discolouring.
• Can be difficult to store as the size generally tends to be larger than the
average CD, thus unable to fit into CD racks, for example
• Can be found too ‘fiddly’ i.e. difficult to access the CDs or booklet
• Can inflate the price of the CD for the buyers as the Digipak is generally
more expensive to make

9. ADVANTAGES OF A DIGIPAK
• The digipak is generally made from thick, good quality card which gives a
professional finish and the impression of high quality goods.
• The fold design is more efficient in storing numerous CD’s, compared to a
Jewel case which can hold 2 CDs maximum.
• More environmentally-friendly materials are used, the card can also be
made from previously recycled material.
• There is more space and opportunity for the artist to represent
themselves and their brand. It is also more continuous to have the design
which can be spread across the folds, unlike the disjointed Jewel case
layout.