Can anyone explain to me why DVD's are in different shaped cases to CD's?

It's not as though that extra couple of inches of length is used for anything.
So why aren't DVD's in square plastic cases too?

Think of the amazing savings on green issues.

And why are computer games in a big box?

I think it was purely to show that they were a different format, but I can`t have been the only one that assumed they were a different shape when they came out.
Gone are the days when a booklet was included, so it does seem rather pointless to continue with the big, and not particularly aesthetically pleasing box.

I think Mart's right about it showing that they are different formats. It's also psychology. We are used to music coming in a square package, and videos being in an oblong case. Diiferent size cases make it easier for the customer and the shop assistant to find the right sections. I'm not sure that there are green issues as the standard of plastic is different in each case and maybe involves the same level of whatever it is that's deemed harmful to the planet.

The last few computer games I have bought have come in DVD cases. Haven't seen any in large boxes for years.

On the subject of DVDs (but dodging slightly off topic) I just got a copy of 'The Devil's Backbone' - an extremely well made, and quite eerie Spanish movie. Highly recommended.

Unlike the Audio industry, the video people spoke to retailers.

The DVD packaging would fit on retailer's existing fixtures. Also the artwork designed for VHS box fronts would work in DVD boxes.

+1

It's "added value" and to differentiate from CDs.

I quite like them and hadn't actually noticed.

Ah, since returning from the shop a breakthrough has indeed happened in the packaging of DVDs.

Some genius has put them in a completely recylable item, apparently called a newspaper.

Genius.

It's so that you can display your dvd library in the same cabinet that used to house your vhs library with the added bonus of being able to cram more in.

Answer: pricing. Notably trying to justify a heftier price. There is a danger that people confuse the various bits of plastic. Otherwise, why would they pay premium prices for something that is the same shape and size as a covermount? It avoids having to explain the relevant prices of production, promotion and distribution here. Check also the embossed covers on Pirates of the Caribbean and others.

Part of the ongoing struggle to be worthy of extra cash. It will be interesting to see how this develops as downloads become more prevalent. shall the packaging become even more extravagant?

Mart wrote:
Ah, since returning from the shop a breakthrough has indeed happened in the packaging of DVDs.

Some genius has put them in a completely recylable item, apparently called a newspaper.

Genius.When I were a lad it used to be chips, then music CD's now video DVD's. If the next media format is a microchip then we may soon be back to chips in newspaper... and with a fresh slice of fish if the paper happens to be a red top.

Similar looking to video, added value, differentiates from CD etc etc