TheHutt, chief editor at Henneth-Annun.ru provides us a hands-on look at the digipak for the Special Extended Edition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. We have to say, with a couple of quibbles that will make hardcore collectors twitch in frustration, it looks pretty awesome.
In fact, as a visual presentation, it’s nearly perfect.
A review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Special Extended Edition DVD Digipak
by Ringer TheHutt
The UK DVD design of the Hobbit Extended Editions is somehow unique. In case one wonders, who would have a use for DVD in the age of Full HD, 3D and iTunes downloads, here’s the answer: collectors.
That’s because the UK DVD foldout digipak actually fits in style with the Lord of the Rings Special Extended Edition DVDs which are probably unsurpassed in stylishness and consistency.
Note: the US DVD has a different design for the outer slipcase, and in case of The Desolation of Smaug, is exclusively sold at WalMart.
The inner digipak is the same though. So let’s unpack of the UK DVD and check out what it has to offer. No fear: the inscription “Extended Edition” and “9 hours of bonus materials” is not printed on the box; neither are the BBFC logos. They are on a separate sheet bent around the back of the box, which can easily be removed.
The back of this removable sheet contains the technical information and a brief list of the bonus materials.
The UK DVD contains English, German, French and Italian languages. Note that it’s Region 2, so it cannot be played on unmodified US DVD players.
When the tech sheet is removed, the box gains in stylishness immediately. The color hue is the green stone of Erebor, and the film title is gold-plated and embossed.
The symbol under the logo is the Arkenstone which we have seen in the film. This is really a nice minimalistic design.
