Keep cases are the standard rectangular cases in which most DVDs come packaged. They are comprised of plastic with a creased hinge that enables them to easily fold open. They contain some type of disc retention device, usually a circular plastic piece, in the center of the back side. This keeps the disc from sliding around in the case. Some keep cases also have clips in the inside front to hold booklets or papers. The outside of the keep case usually has a plastic sleeve to hold cover artwork. Keep cases are usually available in black, white, gray and clear models.
A variation of the keep case is the snapper case. It is the same size as the standard keep case, but consists of a plastic back half and a cardboard front half, which snaps shut to the plastic side. The cardboard contains the cover artwork and eliminates the need for extra paper packaging.
Jewel cases are the common type of case used for compact discs (CDs). They are typically clear plastic with a disc retention device in the center of the back side of the case. Jewel cases possess a hinged binding, which can be easily snapped together.
Cardboard cases are often used for multi-disc collections such as those for television series. They are comprised primarily of cardboard covered in artwork and information about the discs, with plastic backing and retention devices to hold the discs in place.
Sleeve cases are usually made of paper, with a transparent plastic window or clear thin vinyl material. The DVD slides into the case and usually a fold-over flap prevents it from falling out. Sleeve cases don’t offer the same type of protection as a hard plastic case, so they may not be the best option for long-term storage.
DVDs can be packaged in a variety of customized case types. Film production companies may choose to create custom DVD cases and packaging to market and promote some movie or television releases. They may come in a different shape or be covered in some type of fabric. For example, the complete series of HBO’s “Sex and the City” was released in a custom hot pink velvet binder.