Using a website for free-sound clips I devised a corporate ident to identify the distributor for the final DVD author which will be distributed to the client. I felt this was a crucial thing missing to the DVD which adds a professional touch, plus draws more press for SpringboardTV as a brand.
The initial major feature of the authoring of this DVD release of the Matrix is how advanced at the time of release the authoring is. Using elaborate transitions and moving text features
Fundamentally the original release of the feature was only available in Widescreen only, due to the request of the directors The Matrix was released on March 31, 1999. After its DVD release, it was the first DVD to sell more than one million copies in the US,and went on to be the first to sell more than three million copies in the US.[5] By November 10, 2003
The disc has some notable extras, including: · A Behind-The-Scenes Documentary · Feature-Length Audio Commentary · Hidden Special Effects Documentaries · Multiple Angles · Music Only Track With Composer Commentary
The DVD also sports an all new (again for the time) interactive features which have since been further explored and highly advanced in Blu-Ray Dvd's and thats
DVD-ROM EXTRA Features which include: · Story Boards · Web Access · The entire Website ·cast and crew biographies
Special Edition Video
The DVD also has some notable extras, including: · A Behind-The-Scenes Documentary · Hidden Special Effects Documentaries
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All are found at the end of the movie
- See more at: http://www.matrixfans.net/movies/the-matrix/dvd-video/#sthash.6JBChBPt.dpuf
The first thing that you notice about the Shrek DVD menu is that so much is happening, hardly anything is static, it makes the DVD menu seem like it is alive. As soon as the menu appears things are moving, in the background all of the individual characters are moving, some of them are only moving their heads or limbs but others such as donkey are jumping up and down and speaking which is pretty impressive compared to other DVD menus at the time (2001).
When you click on one of the buttons, the transitions between different menu screens are a scene in which a certain character or characters will step forward say something and then appear to walk or run off the screen to the menu that you have chosen, for example when you click on subtitles the wolf will step forward say “What?” and then walk out of shot and will appear again sitting in an armchair with the subtitle options behind him another example of this is when you click on play the three little pigs jump forward say “play the movie” and then run off screen and then into Shrek’s outside toilet. The reason why the creators of this menu have made it so interactive and alive is so that that it will appeal to is younger audience (5 – 10), it makes the menu so much more interesting having everybody moving instead of it simply static, the DVD menu actually feels like it is alive.
The amount of stuff that they have managed to pack into this DVD is great, there is so much to check out; the creators obviously spent a lot of time creating it. Also considering that this is an early DVD there is more features on this than there is in a lot of new DVD’s, some of the stuff on the special features is the kind of things that you are getting on Bluray now. There is Xbox playing hints, DVD – ROM that once downloaded on your computer you can open a “Re – Voice” studio and storyboards.
Another thing about the Shrek DVD menu is that on the scene selection page, all of the individual chapters are moving; this is another part that is quite advanced for its time. Its as if the creators of this DVD when all out and tried to create the best and most exciting DVD menu they could, it obviously paid off because it eventually became the biggest selling DVD of all time with over 5.5 million sales. The Shrek Video was also very successful which was released at the same time of the DVD, it went on to earn around $100 million. I personally like the Shrek DVD Menu design, I enjoyed the film and I feel like the menus capture some of the fun and excitement of the film.
Where the Buffalo Roam was released in cinemas in 1980 ; it was released on VHS in 1993 and DVD in 2005. The first obvious thing that stands out about this specific DVD is that the movie plays automatically on your DVD player without actually seeing the DVD menu, initially until the end of the film or if you press menu on your remote control, this is quite a common trait in presses of old features. This is usually because the time it takes and the budget to author. As the most important aspect of the DVD is getting the feature distributed. Whereas newer releases like to show off with interactive DVD menus because of the work that has gone into creating it and the special features.
The menu designs are extremely basic. All of the Menus have almost exactly the same design with the exception of the picture of the protagonist is different on the main DVD menu background. All of the menus are a basic white background with black text and a red strap of colour flushed horizontally through the screen. Overall it is quite drab and boring also not very interesting to look at. Everything is static, nothing moves in any of the menus, except the cursor marked by a cross, when you move it to select a button, on most of the menus the font or the whole button turns to from black to red and that’s how you know you have selected something.
The font used by the looks of it is a hand scribed font probably designed in photoshop using handwritten text of long time contributor with Hunter S. Thompson projects: artist Ralph Steadman (different variations of it have been used for separate parts of text e.g. the heading subheading and main body of text) its not the kind of font that you would expect to see on a recent DVD menu, but once again its in keeping with the tone of the content of the movie and mirrors that of the main feature titles. However they could have maybe chose a font that stood out more and wasn't as plain.
There are not any transitions or sound effects when you click on any of the buttons; in fact there is no sound at all not even music. The buttons themselves are very minimal, they haven’t had that much attention paid to them and they have kept the design very simple.
considering this is a newer DVD of an old feature it still doesn't have any features of the older types of press such as Cast & Crew pages that includes mini biographies on the main characters in the film. These are all things that seemed to have died out in newer DVD’s. But the distributors haven't even chosen to add any other feature except the option of scene selection or Language selection. Also the DVD is double sided, side A and side B, half way through the film it stops and you have to turn it over, this is because there isn't enough memory on one side for the whole film so they spilt it in half. You don’t really see these any more either, they've died out, but that’s mainly because they've just made DVD memory sizes bigger.
Today I had the pleasure of attending the Royal opening of Thornham Village Hall. I attended and captured the arrival and departure of The Queen assisted by my lecturer James Fox , SpringboardTV.com colleagues ; Luke Leeks , Ilze Vermane Kieran Hudson. The shoot was a great success & a great experience. I also had the opportunity to work in conjunction with ITV sharing footage (I had shot ) with ITV to use in there afternoon and evening broadcasts. SpringboardTV were also featured in the Piece.
We now plan to create a special feature on the day in which we shall include in the second version of the DVD which will be produced by David Rawlinson for the client and for sale to the general public via http://www.springboardtv.com/
When working with a client, you need to make sure that they are prepared to receive the files you’re delivering. Just as with still photography, it’s important to choose the right way to format the deliverable. A layered Photoshop file may be difficult or impossible for some clients to open. And a savvy client who needs to make edits may be just as dissatisfied with the compressed JPEG you send via email. You might also hesitate in handing over all of your images from the shoot if you didn’t pre-negotiate the terms.
The same situation exists with video files. You need to clarify what class of file the client is prepared to receive. Ideally this discussion would have happened up front (as it will often affect the cost of the project). Here are several classes of deliverable to discuss with your client.
Digital Master – As the name implies, a master file generally refers to a single, self-contained digital file that matches or exceeds the codec quality of the original camera acquisition. In most scenarios, the final video gets compressed or converted for multiple uses. Because of all this reformatting, it’s really important that you start out with the best quality image that you can. This file should be created with a very high quality codec, rendered at very high quality settings. Common choices include ProRes, Avid, and Cineform.
Mezzanine Files – A Mezzanine file is a lightly compressed master file that will stand up to making additional compressed versions.The use of mezzanine files is popular as they simplify the process for most users. In this case, a high-quality file is created using minimal compression. A popular choice is to use the H.264 codec, but with a data rate that is much higher than a DSLR camera. The file is smaller and easier to backup or transport, as ome compression is applied, meaning that the file can be more easily shared or transferred using the Internet. However, the data rate is high enough that the file can be easily re-compressed for smaller sizes.
Compressed Deliverables – This category of files typically refers to a wide range of files designed for playback on the web as well as consumer electronic devices and portable media players. It is quite possible that this list can grow into dozens of files quickly if you optimize for individual devices. If you are creating these files for your client, be sure to budget output and testing of each deliverable on a version of the intended playback device.
Project/source files – This is a large area of conflict between client and vendor. The client may expect that video projects are works made for hire and expect that all footage you shot, as well as the project files for video editing and graphics, are bundled up and turned over to them. This opens up a myriad of potential issues and clearly shows where the video and photography industries differ on standard business practices. If you do deliver project and source files, most nonlinear editing tools have a media or project manager that can simplify the process.
Testing compatibility
Before you send your video out the door to a client (or even your audience) be sure to thoroughly test it. Always test each web video preset you intend to use by taking it and running it on a clip. Then take the resulting file and transfer it to an intended player. If the preset says its for an iPod, put the file on an iPod and an iPhone. If you are required to deliver on DVD, burn a disc and play it on a television. You need to test your settings because something can go wrong with the file.
Before you compress a lot of video, create a small test file. Try compressing 30 seconds of video with different settings. This test file should ideally include a mixture of footage and graphics that will be in your final shows. The goal is to find compression settings that work well with your material and are also compatible with the technology your audience wants to use.
Best practices
Here are some suggestions on best practices for creating optical discs:
Use variable bit-rate encoding (VBR) – Variable bit-rate (VBR) encoding adjusts bit rate depending on the subject mater that is being encoded. If a shot is simpler with less movement, the total bit rate will be reduced. VBR encoding is more efficient and leads to smaller, better-looking files when compared to constant bit-rate (CBR) encoding.
Watch bit rates– Setting a bit rate (or quality level) too high will create excessively large files that may not play smoothly with older players or software. The files might also skip and stutter. Conversely a bit rate that is too low will reduce quality but give you smaller files. When encoding for DVD VBR bit rates that are between 4–8 Mbps work well and for Blu-ray we’ve found bit VBR rates between 12-25 Mbps are appropriate for most situations
Use progressive sources where possible – For both DVD and Blu-ray you’ll get better results from MPEG2 and H.264 encoding when your sources are progressive.
Duplication vs. replication
When creating DVDs or BDs, you have two choices in manufacturing the optical discs. If you’re dealing with small quantities, you can use the optical burner or disc drive with your computer. These discs are easy to make, but may not be as compatible in all players.
If you need to produce discs in larger quantities, the use of replication is preferred. In this case, a master disc image is created (often called the glass master). Discs can then be created using specialized hardware that creates the discs much faster and with greater accuracy to prevent errors. This process is typically used for orders above 500 discs.audience) be sure to thoroughly test it. Always test each web video preset you intend to use by taking it and running it on a clip. Then take the resulting file and transfer it to an intended player. If the preset says its for an iPod, put the file on an iPod and an iPhone. If you are required to deliver on DVD, burn a disc and play it on a television. You need to test your settings because something can go wrong with the file.
Before you compress a lot of video, create a small test file. Try compressing 30 seconds of video with different settings. This test file should ideally include a mixture of footage and graphics that will be in your final shows. The goal is to find compression settings that work well with your material and are also compatible with the technology your audience wants to use.
SO..... ?? You have waited while the player fires up and then starts reading the disk.
Then, just when you think you are going to get some entertainment, instead you have to sit through the copyright notices.
You try in vain to fast forward or skip them but you cannot.
So does it need to be there?
Having the copyright notice there increases the damages that can be awarded if you subsequently infringe copyright In the UK you can get what are called 'flagrancy damages' if you knowingly copy something you shouldn't.
In Feb. 2004 the FBI released its new official “anti-piracy” logo for use on videos, DVD’s, CD’s, etc.
I would show the logo here but since August 2006, the FBI has only authorized its use by members of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), subject to each member entering into a formal Uniform Authorization Agreement.
Unauthorised use of the FBI seal, name, and initials are subject to prosecution under Federal Criminal law, including Sections 701, 709, and 712 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.”
The purpose of the APW Seal is to remind media users of the serious consequences of pirating copyrighted works. Use of this seal does not indicate that the FBI has reviewed or validated copyright interests in the particular work and does not provide greater legal protection to the work. It simply serves as a widely recognizable reminder of the FBI’s authority and mission with respect to the protection of intellectual property rights.
Even some releases of American issue releases have the Federal piracy emblem on the DVD Disk itself..
Instructions on how to copyright your DVD in America.
1
Direct your browser to the official U.S. Copyright Office website (See resources). Not only can you register your work, but the site also provides vital information regarding your rights of ownership.
2
Fill out form "CO." This is the form needed to copyright your DVD. A separate form is needed for each DVD. Complete the form online or print the PDF version.
3
Submit your form. If you submit the form via the Internet, you'll have to mail in a physical copy along with your DVD. Submitting via the Internet will get the process started and will permit you to track your application. Your work is registered from the time you submit your registration. However, it will take up to six months to receive your official copyright certificate via mail.
4
Pay the fee. The fee is $35 or $50, depending on your registration method. You can copyright as much as you can fit on a DVD for one fee.
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