DVD Movies on Mini

If you are somewhat familiar with the different DVD formats, you should have heard about mini DVDs. So why are we taking about it as the new standard? It is because you will (or already have) see them more than ever from now on.

Coming Soon: Movies on mini DVD
As most of you are aware, mini DVDs are often used for promotional materials such as movie trailers, short presentation, personal or company portfolios, marketing packages etc.

Gone are the days when movies are only on 5" regular size DVDs. Several major studios, including Warner Brothers, are releasing feature length videos on mini DVDs. The front runner in this new trend, Warner Brothers has 30 titles since its launch in December 2004, and is expected to have 100 titles on mini DVD by spring 2005.

The Scoop
The question you might have by now is how you would fit a movie on a mini DVD. Well, it will not fit on 1 mini DVD. It will most likely be 2 dual layer mini-DVDs. A mini DVD will fit up to half an hour of DVD quality video, while a dual layer will fit up to 60 mins of video. This is an average figure and the actual amount of content fit depends on the sound, video quality, complexity of menus, subtitles and languages.

Hardware
As far as the DVD players, a smaller version of portable DVD player is available for mini DVDs. Of course, they can also be played on regular set top players and computers. There are a few mini DVD players out in the market now - Samsung and Cyberhome to name a few. More is sure to come.

Videos on the go
Mini DVD is 3 inches in diameter. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, a shirt pocket or purse. The launch of movies on mini DVD will encourage consumers to take their videos on the go. DVDs are no longer only for home or office viewing, they can be taken on the road – a great companion to other portable devices.

As a DVD professional or producer, when it comes to producing new materials on DVD, consider the versatility of mini DVDs. Its lightweight and creative packaging options might give you an edge over your competitors.


Did you know?
The company LidRock, uses a mini CD/DVD with promotional videos to fit under a soda lid. It brings the latest music, movie and games to stadiums, movie theaters, restaurants etc.