DIGIPAK
Digipaks are an alternative to optical disc packaging (jewel cases). Since the release of compact disc (CD) in 1982, the plastic three-sided case became a standard for artist releases. Bind by a hinge between the two outside sheets of plastic and the inner piece acting as a grip for the CD, this was the sleekest way to sell them at the time.
With the advancement in technology and the strive for more adventurous and luxurious products, in recent years, digipaks have become increasingly popular, providing more exciting merchandise and used as a another major marketing tool. Digipaks consist of four sides, often bind by card stock or paperboard.
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There is also the option to include more than one plastic trays into the inside that are capable of holding CDs or DVDs – which has also become another marketing technique as they sell ‘deluxe’ edition albums with extra footage from tours and behind the scenes of their favourite artists, increasing sales. Aside from the standard size of the jewel cases, DVDigipaks are also available, these often being the premium packages of albums and for DVD sets, making them appear more exciting as they break the conventions of the ‘traditional’ compact disc case.
DVDigipaks are popular in the Korean music industry, with the release of fun, extravagant albums with packages that offer posters and postcards along with the album.