In a much, much better move than those stupid, annoying "eco-friendly" cases with the recycling logo punched through the front and a pinwheel punched in under the disc, has decided to save on plastic and paper by shrinking their entire TV library. As we all know, shelf space is desirable, and I was at a Wal-Mart and I saw the new packaging for the first time. They had "Arrested Development" Seasons 1 and 2 bundled together for $20 (a steal) and "Futurama" Volume 1 for $15, so I grabbed them and figured I'd take a bunch of pictures of them.
I prefer the slimmed-down "AD" over slimmed down "Futurama", although I'm likely to get all four seasons anyway. The main reason I dislike the Volume 1 "Futurama" packaging is because the DVD "back covers" were always a sheet attached with rubber cement, and the artwork on those was often kinda boring. What they should have done is print up a booklet with the episode summaries, and then they could have printed more of the art on the inside instead of printing disc contents.
Overall, besides the episode summaries and the individual slimpak artwork, you don't lose much, though, and prices are low. Based on what you see here, you can probably guess what things like "The X-Files" and "King of the Hill" and "Buffy" look like, which are among the other ones I saw today.
canaryfarmer
05-23-09, 11:04 PM
I'm surprised it took studios so long to figure out that if they make the packaging smaller, they could fit more on the shelves. durrr
hasslein
05-24-09, 03:27 AM
The only problem I have is they released Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Season 4 Volume 1 in the thinner packaging, but it doesn't match the other seasons.
TheKing
05-24-09, 03:58 AM
I really dislike that FOX is doing this with Season 7 of 24. 6 discs in one keep case? It's bad enough with 3 or 4, but 6?
dino88
05-24-09, 04:28 AM
I really dislike that FOX is doing this with Season 7 of 24. 6 discs in one keep case? It's bad enough with 3 or 4, but 6?
I'm really curious about that one. If anyone has any pics I'd be interested to see how they fit all the discs.
milo bloom
05-24-09, 12:18 PM
Look in the Angel DVD case thread two down from this one.
jjcool
05-24-09, 12:36 PM
Yeah, this is not really new. There are many shows doing this now. Angel, Buffy, Mash to name just a few.
droidguy1119
05-24-09, 05:51 PM
Yeah, this is not really new. There are many shows doing this now. Angel, Buffy, Mash to name just a few.All Fox shows.
mmyersisgod
05-24-09, 07:01 PM
I am definitely behind this.
Bluelitespecial
05-24-09, 11:05 PM
I just bought all four seasons of Felicity(disney) and they have been repackaged in the slimmer cases. The original packaged sets have been discontinued. I don't mind these slimmer sets, I just hate packaging changes when they are different from previous seasons.
rednowgreen
05-24-09, 11:46 PM
I just bought all four seasons of Felicity(disney) and they have been repackaged them in the slimmer cases. The original packaged sets have been discontinued. I don't mind these slimmer sets, I just hate packaging changes when they are different from previous seasons.
Disney has also repackaged Alias and Scrubs.
flansered
05-25-09, 04:59 PM
Disney has also repackaged Alias and Scrubs.
It's funny that at my local Best Buys they have the original versions of Alias for $27.99, and the newer, slim cases for $19.99. I would have thought that they would have repriced them or something.
InstantKarma
05-25-09, 06:13 PM
I went to Wal-Mart last night and was very suprised to see the slim down Futurama but I am not sure if I want to get the Futurama regular version or slim down version, any advice?
xfilekr
05-25-09, 06:59 PM
These are great- any suggestions on getting these cases and scans to convert my old bulky ones? Greatly appreciated!
milo bloom
05-26-09, 05:15 PM
I went to Wal-Mart last night and was very suprised to see the slim down Futurama but I am not sure if I want to get the Futurama regular version or slim down version, any advice?
Just looking at the image above in the thread, it looks like there's still special features are still on the slim version.
danwiz
05-26-09, 07:53 PM
xfilekr: if you do a search for "Thinpak" you'll find several discussions about these Thinpak cases, where to buy them, where to download scans, etc., etc. In fact, you don't even to do a search - there are several threads talking about Thinpak conversions not far below this thread. I have converted 403 of the 529 DVD sets I own to Thinpak and now have 2 more shelves free!!! I have also converted 25 THICK 2 & 4 disc sets to normal size packaging. It's really nice to gain so much space on my overcrowded shelves!!
Corey31
05-26-09, 08:20 PM
I'm really curious about that one. If anyone has any pics I'd be interested to see how they fit all the discs.
I imagine it's similar to Early Edition - Season 1. Also a 6-disk set in a standard sized keepcase.
I'll take pictures after my camera is charged if no one has taken one. One disk on each side of the case and then 2 trays each holding 2 disks. It's a full case and crushing the case would probably lead to a cracked disk but the case seems strong or something, to counteract this.
xfilekr
05-26-09, 09:34 PM
Thanks danwiz, looks awesome! Looking specifically for the new arrested development, futurama, and roswell scans but can't seem to find them?
danwiz
05-27-09, 01:02 AM
xfilekr: Sorry, I misunderstood your comment above. Well, r1db.com doesn't have the Thinpak Cover Art (yet), but they have some awesome customs which are designed for an 8 Disc Case - so, you could stick the complete series (8 Discs) in one case and save a bunch of room!
droidguy1119
05-27-09, 02:50 AM
These are not "thinpaks". Thinpaks are what were used for the initial Arrested Development and Futurama releases. These are standard Amaray cases. And the disc content on these versions is identical, although the Futurama disc covers have slightly altered artwork (they just say Episodes 1-5 or something similar on each disc).
Doctor Zoidberg
05-27-09, 04:53 AM
Are they selling the slimmed down version of Arrested Development season 3 separately? Yesterday I got the slimmed down AD 2 and X-Files 2 packs. I'd like to pick up the remaining seasons for each show in these kind of cases.
Snowmaker
05-27-09, 07:57 AM
I'd love to get replacement cases for my bulky seasons of Dark Angel, Futurama, AD, and whatever else I have. I just recently sold all my X-Files seasons, so I don't have to worry about those. FOX should offer just the packaging for purchase.
The earlier seasons of 24 are 7 disks, so I guess there is no chance of those being repackaged unless they drop the bonus features disk.
Kory
05-27-09, 02:17 PM
Are they selling the slimmed down version of Arrested Development season 3 separately? Yesterday I got the slimmed down AD 2 and X-Files 2 packs. I'd like to pick up the remaining seasons for each show in these kind of cases.
AD season 3 is already in a standard amaray case, although it's black and not clear like this one. It's only two discs.
DJariya
05-27-09, 02:45 PM
What sucks about the 24 season 7 release is they neglected to put an insert with a synopsis of each episode and who is on the audio commentaries and what discs carry which bonus features as they did in previous seasons.
mcfly
05-27-09, 03:12 PM
Anyone know where I can get blank cases identical to those that Fox is using now? Those are pretty heavy duty and I prefer the clear to the black.
alongoria
05-28-09, 02:29 PM
The same can also be said for the "Scrubs" dvd cases. They are now in normal cases rather the digi ones.
I have a picture, but they wont let me upload it due to me not making 30 posts.
droidguy1119
05-30-09, 08:01 AM
AD season 3 is already in a standard amaray case, although it's black and not clear like this one. It's only two discs.Yes, but if you go to the Fox store, it still lists a "repackaged" AD S3, so, regardless, you can indeed get a redone version of S3 as well.
Also worth noting that when I went to the Fox store, it said these weren't supposed to be out yet. I don't remember the dates, but I am pretty sure it hadn't arrived yet.
ZT_Styles
05-31-09, 01:55 PM
I really wish they would start packing Family Guy DVDs like this.
Each disc in a set getting a thinpak case is a waste of space when you could fit all 3 in a single case.
DerangedHermit
06-03-09, 03:34 AM
I really wish they would start packing Family Guy DVDs like this.
Each disc in a set getting a thinpak case is a waste of space when you could fit all 3 in a single case.
Judging by the artwork, that's probably happening for the next release.
hasslein
06-03-09, 04:41 PM
I really wish they would start packing Family Guy DVDs like this.
Each disc in a set getting a thinpak case is a waste of space when you could fit all 3 in a single case.
In the Amazon "Stewie Head" World Domination set, I believe they are, from photos I've seen...
droidguy1119
06-08-09, 12:45 AM
Has anyone seen any WB shows doing this? I would bite on ER and Gilmore Girls if they got shrunk.
kstublen
06-12-09, 01:54 PM
I don't mind when they do this for TV Shows that already have all the seasons released, but it pisses me off to no end when they do it with ongoing shows. For example, the first three seasons of How I Met Your Mother come in two thinpacks and a side-entry slipcover. Now, Season 4 looks like it's going to be released in this new packaging. I imagine they'll do the same thing with Season 4 of My Name Is Earl and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. I'd gladly pay more to keep the packaging the same so they're uniform on my shelf.
rednowgreen
06-14-09, 07:47 PM
Has anyone seen any WB shows doing this? I would bite on ER and Gilmore Girls if they got shrunk.
dvdempire.com has re-packaged listings for Gilmore Girls(1-5), One Tree Hill(1-5), & Babylon 5(1-5) for 6-16-2009 and the Out-Of-Print Titles (recently discovered) [2nd thread] (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/529443-out-print-titles-recently-discovered-2nd-thread-11.html) now has the old versions listed as oop.
droidguy1119
06-16-09, 12:23 AM
dvdempire.com has re-packaged listings for Gilmore Girls(1-5), One Tree Hill(1-5), & Babylon 5(1-5) for 6-16-2009 and the Out-Of-Print Titles (recently discovered) [2nd thread] (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/529443-out-print-titles-recently-discovered-2nd-thread-11.html) now has the old versions listed as oop.:up:
ENDContra
06-16-09, 05:52 AM
Anyone know where I can get blank cases identical to those that Fox is using now? Those are pretty heavy duty and I prefer the clear to the black.
Id like to know as well, but Id be happy with black also...been looking at the usual sites, but all I see are cases where the discs overlap.
ZT_Styles
06-16-09, 10:42 PM
I just wanted to pop in and note that I picked up Family Guy volume 7 and Burn Notice season 2 today and both were in these new style clear cases.
And I'm with the last two posters as well, I want to know where I can get these cases!
aviv
06-17-09, 12:36 AM
I've also been looking everywhere for these cases, but no luck so far. The only place I've found that has anything like them is an Australian site, which probably has crazy shipping costs to me here in Canada.
So, yeah, if anyone finds a North American vendor, please, please, please post! :-)
rednowgreen
08-20-09, 09:10 PM
foxstore.com (http://www.foxstore.com/listing.php?format_restriction=0&query=&search_keys=Repackaged&Image1.x=26&Image1.y=17) has listed the following as being repackaged on Oct. 6th
My Name Is Earl Seasons 1 - 3
Remington Steele Seasons 1 - 4/5
The Unit Seasons 1 - 3
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Seasons 1/2 - 3
How I Met Your Mother Seasons 1 - 3
That 70's Show Seasons 1 - 8
American Dad: Volumes 1 - 3
kstublen
08-20-09, 09:48 PM
foxstore.com (http://www.foxstore.com/listing.php?format_restriction=0&query=&search_keys=Repackaged&Image1.x=26&Image1.y=17) has listed the following as being repackaged on Oct. 6th
My Name Is Earl Seasons 1 - 3
Remington Steele Seasons 1 - 4/5
The Unit Seasons 1 - 3
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Seasons 1/2 - 3
How I Met Your Mother Seasons 1 - 3
That 70's Show Seasons 1 - 8
American Dad: Volumes 1 - 3
Good to know. Thanks for the information.
xfilekr
08-21-09, 07:49 AM
Anyone know of a site that has these scans on them to convert?
jjcool
08-21-09, 05:06 PM
I know that scans of The Unit, My Name is Earl and How I met your Mother are out there, as I have used them. I imagine that there will not be a redesign of the cover art, other than it being printed on a single sheet rather than the outer cardboard box.
Try r1db, or customaniacs.
GizmoDVD
08-21-09, 06:26 PM
I saw all the One Tree Hills expect Season 3 (oddly enough) at various stores.
Has anyone seen a repackaged Supernatural Season 1 or 2?
Adboy151
09-15-09, 01:26 PM
foxstore.com (http://www.foxstore.com/listing.php?format_restriction=0&query=&search_keys=Repackaged&Image1.x=26&Image1.y=17) has listed the following as being repackaged on Oct. 6th
My Name Is Earl Seasons 1 - 3
Remington Steele Seasons 1 - 4/5
The Unit Seasons 1 - 3
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Seasons 1/2 - 3
How I Met Your Mother Seasons 1 - 3
That 70's Show Seasons 1 - 8
American Dad: Volumes 1 - 3
The HIMYM and It's Always Sunny... repacks have started showing up at Best Buy and Target.
jjcool
09-15-09, 05:12 PM
I saw all the One Tree Hills expect Season 3 (oddly enough) at various stores.
Has anyone seen a repackaged Supernatural Season 1 or 2?
Did they change the packaging on S4? I thought they were still doing the 2 discs to a page gatefold deal for those sets.
kstublen
09-16-09, 01:54 PM
My Best Buy had re-releases of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Season 3 and My Name Is Earl: Seasons 1-3.
Target had one copy of How I Met Your Mother: Season 3. I imagine that next week when How I Met Your Mother: Season 4 is released we will see some more of the How I Met Your Mother re-releases.
GizmoDVD
09-16-09, 04:20 PM
I saw repacks of Earl at Best Buy. Really wish I cold buy replacement cases for these sets to convert my bigger ones.
xfilekr
09-17-09, 09:07 AM
If folks buy the new ones, hook us up with scans! :)
rednowgreen
09-29-09, 02:44 PM
I saw Grey's Anatomy Season 3 repackaged today at Best Buy
liquidevil
09-29-09, 02:47 PM
I saw Grey's Anatomy Season 3 repackaged today at Best Buy
repackaged how?
rednowgreen
09-29-09, 03:18 PM
It was in 7-disc clear plastic case with a slipcover
rednowgreen
10-15-09, 08:30 PM
I found repackaged versions of Grey's Anatomy S2, Ugly Betty S1, & Scrubs S5 today at Best Buy.
HE Pennypacker
11-10-09, 10:21 PM
I really want to buy these cases. They're called "Slim-line" I believe. I'd love to convert my existing TV sets into these cases and save a bunch of space. 24 Season 7 is what has gotten me hooked on these cases. Amazing. Why they couldn't come up with this in the first place is beyond me.
droidguy1119
11-10-09, 11:14 PM
I really want to buy these cases. They're called "Slim-line" I believe. I'd love to convert my existing TV sets into these cases and save a bunch of space. 24 Season 7 is what has gotten me hooked on these cases. Amazing. Why they couldn't come up with this in the first place is beyond me."Slimline" is the kind of case they're phasing out, i.e. the half-centimeter-thick clear, standard sized DVD case that are usually slid into an outer sleeve.
HE Pennypacker
11-11-09, 12:19 PM
"Slimline" is the kind of case they're phasing out, i.e. the half-centimeter-thick clear, standard sized DVD case that are usually slid into an outer sleeve.
Whoops, you are correct. I guess they are called Thinpak. I wonder how affordable it'd be to convert all of my TV sets into this type of case.
Buy: