2008 Worst Packaging Awards

[Drewza89]

I typically hate it when I hear people complain about Blu-ray packaging, but some of them are so awful that I think they should be noted.

Here are my picks for the worst Blu-ray packaging of 2008.

1) The Omen Collection - Flimsiest packaging I have ever seen. Also, it's the size of a DVD case. All four discs were loose when I opened it.

2) Anything from Criterion - I just got in my copy of The Third Man in today and I'm very disappointed in their choice of packaging. The cheap cardboard is so banged up that it's barely recognizable. I hope they switch to the regular plastic cases.

3) Baraka's original packaging - I've never seen it in person, but I've heard about how bad it is. At least they corrected their mistake.

4) Warner Digibooks - I like the idea of the Digibook, but they are extremely flimsy and often arrive banged up. It's not nearly as bad as Criterion's packaging, but I wish I could open them without feeling as if it's going to break in half.

Feel free to add to the list and share your thoughts.

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by Drewza89

Warner Digibooks - I like the idea of the Digibook, but they are extremely flimsy and often arrive banged up.

I agree. I don't buy Digibook releases.

[Midnightsailor]

I think the OP's list pretty much sums up '08. As for WB's digibooks... I would actually like them if the easy-to-fall-off back paper was printed on instead. Why do they do that? They aren't even cut the right size anyway. Otherwise, I enjoy the booklets a lot.

[Russell_L]

Originally Posted by Midnightsailor

I think the OP's list pretty much sums up '08. As for WB's digibooks... I would actually like them if the easy-to-fall-off back paper was printed on instead. Why do they do that? They aren't even cut the right size anyway. Otherwise, I enjoy the booklets a lot.

That back paper is meant to be a throw-away. I just peel off the goo and the security sticker (hate those things!), fold the paper in half, and stick it inside the book.

[neo_reloaded]

So.... everything that isn't a standard single or multi-disc Blu-ray case is the worst packaging of '08?

Omen Collection and Baraka I totally agree with - flimsy crap that doesn't do the #1 job of protecting the discs. The Digibooks however are pretty nice. The Criterion releases are also pretty nice in my opinion, though I'd give them a slight redesign.

[metsfan1545d]

austin powers collection for the slim cases

normally id pounce on this but ill wait till there released seperatley in regular cases

[Tchotchke]

Originally Posted by neo_reloaded

So.... everything that isn't a standard single or multi-disc Blu-ray case is the worst packaging of '08?

I think you've summed up the attitude of many of the most vocal forum members as regards packaging!

Earlier in this thread somebody referred to Digibooks as "flimsy" - you may not like them, but come on! They are mini hardcovers, and are definitely not flimsy. They feel special, and I welcome them.

I applaud Criterion's attempt to not have packaging soaked in blue ink everywhere, but even someone like me who enjoyed alternative packaging is concerned about a product that I would call "flimsy." The card slipcover is simply not sturdy enough. I bought one in-store and it was perfect, but I have a couple in the mail and am pretty pessimistic on how these might travel.

[ethanwa]

Originally Posted by Russell_L

That back paper is meant to be a throw-away. I just peel off the goo and the security sticker (hate those things!), fold the paper in half, and stick it inside the book.

I do the EXACT same thing.

[Bruvydsb]

I have the Shawshank Digi book and don't understand all the hate. It lines up fine and looks damn cool. My 2 pennies.

[doctorsteve]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I agree. I don't buy Digibook releases.

I accidentally bought Poltergeist. It is the last one I'll buy.

[frozenhamster]

I really don't understand this hate for Digibooks. They may not line up with the rest of the plastic cased, but they are very classy looking and very sturdy. I've had about 5 plastic bluray cases come with clasps broken so that they don't close properly, but all of my digibooks are in top class condition.

[hamisht]

I liked the Planet of the Apes packaging when I first saw it and opended it up, but after a while, when its closed up, and you go to open it, sometimes the plastic goo that holds the discs in place, sticks to each other and the disc pops out.

Plus to get the disc in firmly, you have to turn the disc, which makes me worry the discs will scratch.

So yeah, the plastic goo is bad, but the general design to hold the book is good.

[PowellPressburger]

I think the worst is the Criterion blu ray cases. Here is why it is CRITERION not some public domain trash dump!

When you expect the highest standards those standards should never stop with the disc and film quality. For years Criterion has gotten raves for cover art etc.. someone decided to shaft the company by thinking these new cases compliment the films. They don't. Many will argue and say that they think the Criterion cases are great.

You will change your mind after you receive a blu ray thru amazon.com or another vendor or even go to a brick and mortar store and all they have is one copy that looks like it went thru a shipment gang bang.

I had to settle on a poor quality case of THIRD MAN today. I love the blu ray itself... but this case is a nightmare.

Criterion's minds were in the right place... let's not do that standard BLU ray case format.. fine but when the blu ray case for Third Man or Man Who Fell to Earth is cheaper then the standard DVD counterpart then it makes no sense.

Some will say oh but those Criterion blu ray cases are expensive jobs if that is that case so were the standard DVD counterparts.

I think for titles like CHUNGKING and BOTTLE ROCKET Criterion should have created a clear keepcase that was slightly smaller to the size they choose and that way you can tell it is different but the keep case quality is still there.

If they re-do a release such as MAN WHO FELL or THIRD MAN then there is nothing wrong with a more sturdy cardboard style case that is shorter but should represent a high quality standard.

[Stubblecat]

The Bond sets were pretty lousy, don't forget.

Not only were they ugly and awkward, but they also had those rubber nubs holding the discs in place.

My absolute vote, however, goes to any BD that comes with a superfluous outer slipcover which is a pointless reproduction of the front and back cover of the movie itself... But no booklet inside.

I have 7 titles with slipcovers, so that's not too much. But that's still 7 titles which could have come with a nice 8-page booklet.

[Nameless Evil]

I only buy digibooks because I have too, I hate them too.

But IMHO... the worst packaging award goes too:

• Planet of the Apes Boxed Set (Plastic nubs of idiocy)

Runner Up:

• Baraka (POS cardboard crap)

... honorable mention to Criterion for their craptastic cardboard slip cases (The Third Man & The Man Who Fell To Earth)

[pacificvibes]

Originally Posted by Nameless Evil

I only buy digibooks because I have too, I hate them too.

But IMHO... the worst packaging award goes too:

• Planet of the Apes Boxed Set (Plastic nubs of idiocy)

Runner Up:

• Baraka (POS cardboard crap)

... honorable mention to Criterion for their cardboard craptastic cases (The Third Man & The Man Who Fell To Earth)

So all it comes in is a disc size cardboard case??

[Nameless Evil]

Originally Posted by pacificvibes

So all it comes in is a disc size cardboard case??

Baraka comes in a flimsy cardboard case

Their attempt to be eco-friendly is an epic fail

[Zen_Amako]

One of next year's worst might be the cover for Groundhog Day. They're using the same art that was featured on the latest DVD release, and it's just awful.
Love the movie, though.

[sonnyworld85]

Yeah I'm also not a huge fan of Baraka's paper packaging. I will buy Baraka once I see it on sale with the regular blu-ray case.

[Red Hood]

I think baraka is going to take the cake.