Rant! - Missing inserts in DVD sets

[2099net]

I'm becoming increasingly disappointed with DVD set that I buy these days. There's various reasons for this - from the cynical marketing ploy of cut-down versions for initial release (so studios can "double-dip" later) to the general lack of quality supplements, even in some cases on "double dips" or in some cases "triple-dips" (Yes, Universal's Sommurs Mummy film re-releases I'm looking at you! We expect more than a clip of the new film and a pair of new 4 minute featurettes spread over both releases).

But recently I've become annoyed at the lack of simple physical presentation of the DVD sets I buy. Specifically, the lack of inserts listing the contents of the discs.

It's something which has been festering at the back of my mind for a long, long time. I can't recall which release it was that first set my alarm bells ringing, but there's several sets which have driven me to distraction. Typically these are sets that are loaded with supplements, but no indication is given on the packaging exactly what supplements are included (beyond a few short bullet points and the dreaded "And Much More") and no indication is given inside which disc contains which supplement.

And its not always down to not wanting to physically pay for and print an loose insert. Sometimes digipaks, with their colourful, printed fold out "pages" don't show this information either!

But the straw which broke the camel's back was when I recieved my copy of Most Haunted Series 9 on DVD the other week. Being as Most Haunted is a small, independent production, its DVD releases over the years have passed through a number of distributors - all of which had different packaging styles. But all of them were consistant in listing which episodes and their locations were on which disc. Contender's releases especially were excellently put together - great covers, solid cardboard digipaks and cases, and clear, easy to read infomation on what exactly was on what disc.

Now Universal Playback have taken over the distribution, that's all gone. Instead we get a single SCANAVO case holding 5 discs, and the only markings on the discs themselves are the disc numbers. No indication of how many episodes are on the discs, which episode numbers they are, and nowhere in the package is there a list of episodes and locations. What's even more annoying is the discs are held in place so well, that it's a time consuming trial to extract them without bending them or (horror of horrors) cracking or breaking them. Its so annoying to spend 3-4 minutes easing a disc out, and then finding the episode you want is on the next disc!

And then the Studios constantly complain about DVD sales declining. Perhaps if they offered a little more quality - made something people would take enjoyment and pride over owning, sales wouldn't be down so much...

[Jules]

Almost all my Disney DVD collection is comprised of UK DVDs. They never have inserts, as you said so yourself. It seems if the DVD has been on the streets for more than 6 months, the studios get all green and environmentally friendly.

Regarding the hard-to-extract discs. I have the exact same problem with my 'Back to the Future Trilogy Ultimate Edition 4 Disc set'. It drives me nuts.

[PeterPanfan]

I hate that, too! And if an insert does list features there is always that inevitable, "and more!"

[littlefuzzy]

Now Universal Playback have taken over the distribution, that's all gone. Instead we get a single SCANAVO case holding 5 discs, and the only markings on the discs themselves are the disc numbers. No indication of how many episodes are on the discs, which episode numbers they are, and nowhere in the package is there a list of episodes and locations. What's even more annoying is the discs are held in place so well, that it's a time consuming trial to extract them without bending them or (horror of horrors) cracking or breaking them. Its so annoying to spend 3-4 minutes easing a disc out, and then finding the episode you want is on the next disc!

YIKES! It's an annoyance when a movie doesn't include that information... However, when a TV show doesn't show ANYTHING about which episodes are on what disc, or special features, etc., that is unforgivable!

[PixarFan2006]

I am also annoyed at how studios are cheaping out on their dvds. I miss having chapter inserts in my dvds instead of having to look at a blank, empty space.

[memnv]

The no inserts in dvds is not a new thing, been going on for years like that, but I do have to agree with the no inerts on tv shows, that is unforgivable, but I have had them also with no inserts but they did list the episodes on the packaging

[ZOOMBOOM0688]

What Makes me laugh is that they will spend money on SLIP-COVERS that are no different than the cover art but are too cheap to put in an insert. I get really mad when it is a re-release or a "Deluxe edition". missing an insert

I remember a few years ago, the first time I got a dvd with no insert, I freaked out and called the studio and they said "All the info you need is in the disc so we don't feel the need to put it on a paper"
Well all the info is on the cover art so we don't need slip-covers!!


Don't get me wrong I like slip-covers but I like inserts more and prefer them...

[SwordInTheStone777]

I think Companies now a days skimp out on intserts or booklets is so that they can spend "more time on the special features".

[dvdjunkie]

I think that there is a distinct lack of interest on the manufacturers part, that no inserts, unless they are advertising for the latest brand of 'tidy-diapers' or something like that, in the newer discs.

Like Memnv said, the movies don't irritate me as much as the TV on DVD box sets do. They use to come with complete listings of episodes, and synopsis of storyline, and running time, etc., now we are lucky if they get the episodes listed in the proper order and on which disc they appear.

If you complain to the companies, as I did, you generally get the form letter that states: "In order to keep the cost down to the consumer we have added the materials to the menu list on the disc itself for your viewing."

The really sucks!!!!