The Nerdiest of Nerdness
Seeing as I have not written in this delightful little thingy for a while, I decided to come back with a post of uber nerdiness. I love movies. We all know this. I also love DVDs. And buying them. I have a lot of DVDs in fact, and they are all close to my heart. If there was a fire, I'd save my DVDs and my computer before anything else. Roommates included. Sorry guys, but those DVDs were fucking expensive. So anyways, being the huge nerd that I am, I am going to make yet another list of the Top 15 Coolest DVD Cases. We are talking purely of the cases here, the artwork and pamphlets that come with it, not the quality of the films inside or the special features on the bonus disc(s). Some of the links will take you to amazon.com where the picture will be and on some if you look under the picture of the DVD case there are other pics of the inside badassness of the case. Here we go, mi amigos:
15 COOLEST DVD CASES
1) Memento Limited Edition
This delightfully backwards film blew my mind the first time I saw it and I immediately went out and bought it the next day to watch it again. Imagine my anger when I was browsing through Best Buy (a normal occurence in high school seeing as I blew about half of every paycheck on DVDs, probably explaining my 200+ collection now) and stumbled upon this amazing limited edition on the shelf. Now, a normal person who just say "Well hot damn" and walk away. Not this guy. I grabbed it and bought it, selling the other lame edition I had to Disc Replay for a limited sum. But in the end this was a purchase that was worth it. It is fashioned to look like a doctor's notebook with post it notes and everything stuck upon it. It has a diagnosis sheet with scratched out sections (if you see the movie all the way through this should make sense with Leonard Shelby's condition and the conclusion of the film), along with the DVDs working like a flipped up binder. It is really cool. Danny likey.
Memento Awesome Case (look under the pic for the inside scoop)
2) Total Recall Special Limited Edition
This DVD screams, "Get your ass to Mars." It actually is a metal circular shape that resembled the red planet. When opening it, the DVD sits on some safety foam to ensure years of viewing. Until HD DVD or Blue Ray become the norm and ruin my life and my collection. But it fits the movie well and a cool DVD is a cool DVD. And Arnold is my hero, between me and two of my roommates I believe we own about ten Arnold movies. Go Governator!
3) Reservoir Dogs 15th Anniversary Gas Can Edition
Much like the Total Recall DVD, this one comes in a Mr. Blonde-riffic metal gas can case. Inside is the film (but of course) that are in a large match case that opens up to reveal a two disc set. Neato. I actually don't own this one because I got the 10th Anniversary Mr. Pink Edition five years ago. But, ya know, ya live and learn, my friends. Live and learn.
4) Almost Famous Bootleg Edition
The film that was originally entitled "Untitled" until the producers had a say is put inside a beautiful case that slightly resembles something you would find at a flea market. Inside it has stills all over the case from the film and a mini-booklet that is also adorned with pictures and the chapter listings. Another cool aspect of this DVD is that it comes with a CD of the fictional band Stillwater. I say thank you Cameron Crowe, for this one movie you have created that I throughly enjoy and do not really care for any of your others.
Almost Famous Bootlegged SWEETNESS (look under the pic for the inside scoop)
5) Batman Begins Two-Disc Deluxe Edition
Remember in the summer of 2005 when Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale redeemed everything about Batman that Joel Schumacher and company had completely destroyed? I do. And I remember that they went back to the comics for real ideas. Thank you guys. And I also remember when the DVD came out and I say, "Hells yeah!" Besides the cool as hell hologram on the front of the case, inside features a normal two-disc DVD case AND a DC comic book featuring not one, not two, but THREE different versions of the Batman story, all written in different eras. It is really fucking cool.
Batman Begins Deluxe Edition (look under the pic for the hologram)
6) Fight Club Two-Disc Collector's Edition
The outside looks exactly like the wrapping that Tyler Durden put on the soap, with a twine string drawn on to give it an extra layer of realism. Opening up the DVD reveals the plethora of artwork inside the case so intense and numerous that my words cannot explain how cool it looks and you should just buy it and look for yourself. There is also a booklet entitled "How to Start a Fight" with a picture of Brad Pitt waving on a fight. Within the booklet is many critical reviews and (gasp!) more artwork. Good News Bears.
7) Se7en New Line Platinum Edition Series Edition
New Line releases some of the coolest DVDs out there, and Se7en is no exception. The simple cover reads only the name in white over a black background. But opening up the box reveals a case that fits only this movie. What resembles an old school black and white notebook (the same kind used by the John Doe killer in the film) is in fact the holding case for and insane amount of detail and dedication. DVDs like this make me want to just design DVDs for a living.
I'm.
not.
kidding.
Besides giving the inside scoop on the special features of the set, other artwork comes straight out of the props and characters in the film. It's cool as hell.
8) Rushmore Criterion Collection DVD
Oh, Criterion Collection, how great are you? If only I had $30 to drop on every DVD I purchased, then I would own a lot more of your collection. Besides being a great film, this Criterion DVD has an awesome cover drawn by the brother of the director and artwork inside that maps out the grounds of Rushmore Academy, characters and props associated with the characters. There is so much detail that it's SICK. There is also a booklet with chapter breakdowns, a review, credits and DVD Production Credits. If you don't own this DVD, you are a piece of shit.
COOL BEANS!
9) The Royal Tenenbaums Criterion Collection DVD
Wes Anderson and Criterion struck gold again with the DVD of Royal Tenenbaums (and would again with The Life Aquatic DVD). The outside sleeve resembles the normal movie poster, but upon sliding the case out, you see yet again more artwork by Wes' brother that makes these cases greatly unique. Inside the thick two-disc set lies a booklet that details every room of the Tenenbaum house (and let me tell YOU, there is a lot of shit in that house) and yet another booklet that has more insane artwork, reviews, DVD Production Credits and film credits. It's out of this world. Fo shizzle.
Royal Tenenbaums DVD (be sure to look at the details under the pic)
10) Who Framed Roger Rabbit Vista Series DVD
This DVD looks like a normal boring DVD from the outside, but as soon as you slide up the cover case a latch notebook (much like one a detective would use (!)) opens to show cool stills and artwork from the picture. The DVDs themselves are made to look like film reels, all in an effort to stay true to the story. Another booklet (also made to look like a flip up notebook) gives info on the DVD features and a scene selection guide. There are also two Maroon Studios headshots of Roger and Jessica Rabbit signed. God, I love movies.
Who DID Frame Roger?
11) The Good The Bad and the Ugly Special Edition
This case is just cool. It open like a present box, the whole top sliding off featuring a picture of The Good (Clint) on the front and underneath, slightly hidden is disc 1. Neat. Then there is an eight page booklet with a review from Roger Ebert, credits, disc breakdowns and scene selections. Then there are five postcard sized posters from the film in five different languages and styles. And on the back of the case is the second disc with The Bad (Lee Von Cleef) and The Ugly (Eli Wallach) on the other side. Double neat.
The Movie That Made Me Appreciate Westerns
12) Six Feet Under Series Box Set
It's a cool box. The box itself looks like the earth and dirt and all that and across the top is fake grass as if the box was buried. Cool Beans. And all five seasons are there, some with new cover cases themselves and then the last little box is a booklet that gives details to all of the characters and their lives and also features both CDs the show released while on the air. It's a pretty great case to a pretty great show.
Six Feet Under Series Box Set
13) Pearl Harbor Four-Disc Director's Cut
I know, I know. You are probably shaking your head at me at this moment because you believe Pearl Harbor is one of the worst movies ever made, and even though I honestly like the films The Rock and Armageddon, I agree with you. Pearl Harbor is a piece of shit. BUT, and hear me out on this, the DVD case is rockin'! A confusing slip cover on the front slips off to reveal a case that is EXACTLY like the slip cover (a DVD constant that I never quite understood the purpose of, but cannot bring myself to throw away). Now, when you open up the Vista Series case (which looks like a soldier's leather journal... Vista Series is the SHIT daddy-o) there is a mock-telegram stamped on December 9, 1941 with FDR's Address to Congress on it. Along the unused side of the case there are stills from the picture (including a two flap sized picture of the bombing, which is pretty awesome). Inside there is a little sack that looks like a soldier's knapsack that carries the four discs inside. Next is a large booklet that has:
-A note from Michael Bay
- Scene selections
-The history of Pearl Harbor (with pictures!)
-14 pages with details on the special features (also with many pictures!)
-and a couple pages of still galleries
There is also a couple of postcards with the big actors dressed up in their character uniforms displaying propaganda for the war that could actually be sent out that are held down by a soldier-like strap. So, in the end it's a really cool DVD. So stop hating.
14) Evil Dead Book of Dead Edition
The DVD case IS the book of the dead from the film. It looks so cool. Inside is a note from Tom Sullivan who did the Art Design for the movie with sixteen pages of his artwork. On top of that is a large booklet that features a long essay entitled "Bringing the Dead Home for Dinner: A History of The Evil Dead In Your Home." That also has artwork and designs throughout. There are also weblinks and Chaper Selections and finally in the back of the book is the disc. Worth every penny.
15) Oldboy Three-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition
The mecca of all my DVDs. Inside the tin case (if you have ever seen the Band of Brothers DVD, it is the same idea) is a disc breakdown and a 200+ page anime comic book of Oldboy. The three discs are held in their own thin cases featuring the three main characters. But the coolest feature of this DVD is the three frames of the 35mm print inside a protective case. It has the sprocket holes, digital sound waves and everything on it. I got this case and was like 'Whoa buddy!' This is the one that is worth owning, plus the movie is sweet as hell. And the fact that it is out of print makes it that much more of a collector's item. Yay life.
OLDBOY!
So there is my nerdy ass list of DVDs that rock the house. Other DVDs that are worth mentioning for being awesome are:
The Life Aquatic Criterion Collection
The Godfather Trilogy
Fear and Loathing in Lost Vegas Criterion Collection
The Northern Exposure DVDs
Terminator 2: Judment Day
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Two-Disc Special Edition
Tombstone Vista Series Edition
The Sixth Sense Vista Series Edition
Unbreakable Vista Series Edition
Band of Brothers Series
And Lord of the Rings Four-Disc Extended Editions
Amelie
and
Curb Your Enthusiasm DVDs (even though I have heard many a story of drunken baffoons breaking the slip-slide case, it is still an awesome case)
I am sure I have forgotten some very awesome DVD cases, some of which I'm sure I've never heard of. So if you know of any I forgot, let me know and I'll check them out. Have a lovely day and enjoy life always.
15 COOLEST DVD CASES
1) Memento Limited Edition
This delightfully backwards film blew my mind the first time I saw it and I immediately went out and bought it the next day to watch it again. Imagine my anger when I was browsing through Best Buy (a normal occurence in high school seeing as I blew about half of every paycheck on DVDs, probably explaining my 200+ collection now) and stumbled upon this amazing limited edition on the shelf. Now, a normal person who just say "Well hot damn" and walk away. Not this guy. I grabbed it and bought it, selling the other lame edition I had to Disc Replay for a limited sum. But in the end this was a purchase that was worth it. It is fashioned to look like a doctor's notebook with post it notes and everything stuck upon it. It has a diagnosis sheet with scratched out sections (if you see the movie all the way through this should make sense with Leonard Shelby's condition and the conclusion of the film), along with the DVDs working like a flipped up binder. It is really cool. Danny likey.
Memento Awesome Case (look under the pic for the inside scoop)
2) Total Recall Special Limited Edition
This DVD screams, "Get your ass to Mars." It actually is a metal circular shape that resembled the red planet. When opening it, the DVD sits on some safety foam to ensure years of viewing. Until HD DVD or Blue Ray become the norm and ruin my life and my collection. But it fits the movie well and a cool DVD is a cool DVD. And Arnold is my hero, between me and two of my roommates I believe we own about ten Arnold movies. Go Governator!
3) Reservoir Dogs 15th Anniversary Gas Can Edition
Much like the Total Recall DVD, this one comes in a Mr. Blonde-riffic metal gas can case. Inside is the film (but of course) that are in a large match case that opens up to reveal a two disc set. Neato. I actually don't own this one because I got the 10th Anniversary Mr. Pink Edition five years ago. But, ya know, ya live and learn, my friends. Live and learn.
4) Almost Famous Bootleg Edition
The film that was originally entitled "Untitled" until the producers had a say is put inside a beautiful case that slightly resembles something you would find at a flea market. Inside it has stills all over the case from the film and a mini-booklet that is also adorned with pictures and the chapter listings. Another cool aspect of this DVD is that it comes with a CD of the fictional band Stillwater. I say thank you Cameron Crowe, for this one movie you have created that I throughly enjoy and do not really care for any of your others.
Almost Famous Bootlegged SWEETNESS (look under the pic for the inside scoop)
5) Batman Begins Two-Disc Deluxe Edition
Remember in the summer of 2005 when Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale redeemed everything about Batman that Joel Schumacher and company had completely destroyed? I do. And I remember that they went back to the comics for real ideas. Thank you guys. And I also remember when the DVD came out and I say, "Hells yeah!" Besides the cool as hell hologram on the front of the case, inside features a normal two-disc DVD case AND a DC comic book featuring not one, not two, but THREE different versions of the Batman story, all written in different eras. It is really fucking cool.
Batman Begins Deluxe Edition (look under the pic for the hologram)
6) Fight Club Two-Disc Collector's Edition
The outside looks exactly like the wrapping that Tyler Durden put on the soap, with a twine string drawn on to give it an extra layer of realism. Opening up the DVD reveals the plethora of artwork inside the case so intense and numerous that my words cannot explain how cool it looks and you should just buy it and look for yourself. There is also a booklet entitled "How to Start a Fight" with a picture of Brad Pitt waving on a fight. Within the booklet is many critical reviews and (gasp!) more artwork. Good News Bears.
7) Se7en New Line Platinum Edition Series Edition
New Line releases some of the coolest DVDs out there, and Se7en is no exception. The simple cover reads only the name in white over a black background. But opening up the box reveals a case that fits only this movie. What resembles an old school black and white notebook (the same kind used by the John Doe killer in the film) is in fact the holding case for and insane amount of detail and dedication. DVDs like this make me want to just design DVDs for a living.
I'm.
not.
kidding.
Besides giving the inside scoop on the special features of the set, other artwork comes straight out of the props and characters in the film. It's cool as hell.
8) Rushmore Criterion Collection DVD
Oh, Criterion Collection, how great are you? If only I had $30 to drop on every DVD I purchased, then I would own a lot more of your collection. Besides being a great film, this Criterion DVD has an awesome cover drawn by the brother of the director and artwork inside that maps out the grounds of Rushmore Academy, characters and props associated with the characters. There is so much detail that it's SICK. There is also a booklet with chapter breakdowns, a review, credits and DVD Production Credits. If you don't own this DVD, you are a piece of shit.
COOL BEANS!
9) The Royal Tenenbaums Criterion Collection DVD
Wes Anderson and Criterion struck gold again with the DVD of Royal Tenenbaums (and would again with The Life Aquatic DVD). The outside sleeve resembles the normal movie poster, but upon sliding the case out, you see yet again more artwork by Wes' brother that makes these cases greatly unique. Inside the thick two-disc set lies a booklet that details every room of the Tenenbaum house (and let me tell YOU, there is a lot of shit in that house) and yet another booklet that has more insane artwork, reviews, DVD Production Credits and film credits. It's out of this world. Fo shizzle.
Royal Tenenbaums DVD (be sure to look at the details under the pic)
10) Who Framed Roger Rabbit Vista Series DVD
This DVD looks like a normal boring DVD from the outside, but as soon as you slide up the cover case a latch notebook (much like one a detective would use (!)) opens to show cool stills and artwork from the picture. The DVDs themselves are made to look like film reels, all in an effort to stay true to the story. Another booklet (also made to look like a flip up notebook) gives info on the DVD features and a scene selection guide. There are also two Maroon Studios headshots of Roger and Jessica Rabbit signed. God, I love movies.
Who DID Frame Roger?
11) The Good The Bad and the Ugly Special Edition
This case is just cool. It open like a present box, the whole top sliding off featuring a picture of The Good (Clint) on the front and underneath, slightly hidden is disc 1. Neat. Then there is an eight page booklet with a review from Roger Ebert, credits, disc breakdowns and scene selections. Then there are five postcard sized posters from the film in five different languages and styles. And on the back of the case is the second disc with The Bad (Lee Von Cleef) and The Ugly (Eli Wallach) on the other side. Double neat.
The Movie That Made Me Appreciate Westerns
12) Six Feet Under Series Box Set
It's a cool box. The box itself looks like the earth and dirt and all that and across the top is fake grass as if the box was buried. Cool Beans. And all five seasons are there, some with new cover cases themselves and then the last little box is a booklet that gives details to all of the characters and their lives and also features both CDs the show released while on the air. It's a pretty great case to a pretty great show.
Six Feet Under Series Box Set
13) Pearl Harbor Four-Disc Director's Cut
I know, I know. You are probably shaking your head at me at this moment because you believe Pearl Harbor is one of the worst movies ever made, and even though I honestly like the films The Rock and Armageddon, I agree with you. Pearl Harbor is a piece of shit. BUT, and hear me out on this, the DVD case is rockin'! A confusing slip cover on the front slips off to reveal a case that is EXACTLY like the slip cover (a DVD constant that I never quite understood the purpose of, but cannot bring myself to throw away). Now, when you open up the Vista Series case (which looks like a soldier's leather journal... Vista Series is the SHIT daddy-o) there is a mock-telegram stamped on December 9, 1941 with FDR's Address to Congress on it. Along the unused side of the case there are stills from the picture (including a two flap sized picture of the bombing, which is pretty awesome). Inside there is a little sack that looks like a soldier's knapsack that carries the four discs inside. Next is a large booklet that has:
-A note from Michael Bay
- Scene selections
-The history of Pearl Harbor (with pictures!)
-14 pages with details on the special features (also with many pictures!)
-and a couple pages of still galleries
There is also a couple of postcards with the big actors dressed up in their character uniforms displaying propaganda for the war that could actually be sent out that are held down by a soldier-like strap. So, in the end it's a really cool DVD. So stop hating.
14) Evil Dead Book of Dead Edition
The DVD case IS the book of the dead from the film. It looks so cool. Inside is a note from Tom Sullivan who did the Art Design for the movie with sixteen pages of his artwork. On top of that is a large booklet that features a long essay entitled "Bringing the Dead Home for Dinner: A History of The Evil Dead In Your Home." That also has artwork and designs throughout. There are also weblinks and Chaper Selections and finally in the back of the book is the disc. Worth every penny.
15) Oldboy Three-Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition
The mecca of all my DVDs. Inside the tin case (if you have ever seen the Band of Brothers DVD, it is the same idea) is a disc breakdown and a 200+ page anime comic book of Oldboy. The three discs are held in their own thin cases featuring the three main characters. But the coolest feature of this DVD is the three frames of the 35mm print inside a protective case. It has the sprocket holes, digital sound waves and everything on it. I got this case and was like 'Whoa buddy!' This is the one that is worth owning, plus the movie is sweet as hell. And the fact that it is out of print makes it that much more of a collector's item. Yay life.
OLDBOY!
So there is my nerdy ass list of DVDs that rock the house. Other DVDs that are worth mentioning for being awesome are:
The Life Aquatic Criterion Collection
The Godfather Trilogy
Fear and Loathing in Lost Vegas Criterion Collection
The Northern Exposure DVDs
Terminator 2: Judment Day
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Two-Disc Special Edition
Tombstone Vista Series Edition
The Sixth Sense Vista Series Edition
Unbreakable Vista Series Edition
Band of Brothers Series
And Lord of the Rings Four-Disc Extended Editions
Amelie
and
Curb Your Enthusiasm DVDs (even though I have heard many a story of drunken baffoons breaking the slip-slide case, it is still an awesome case)
I am sure I have forgotten some very awesome DVD cases, some of which I'm sure I've never heard of. So if you know of any I forgot, let me know and I'll check them out. Have a lovely day and enjoy life always.