There are much "nicer" sets out there, but I value functionality and space-saving over all, so my favorite, by far are the R2 Buffy and Angel sets. They're not too elaborate, but they're very classy and most importantly, quick and easy to get at, and take up very little shelf space - at about one-inch thick, they take up the same space as a double-disc alpha case - which is astounding considering these are 6-disc sets, with attached booklets all in a nice sturdy case. A hardcover "book" slides out of this case, and has some pages with details of the show, and are followed by pages that contain the discs, from which the discs effortlessly slide out of the top. These are built to last, too.

Here's an example:

Not the greatest show in the world,but the best/coolest packaging i have seen yet.

I like the Tru Calling Packaging

I'm pretty partial to the standard amaray cases.

I really, really like the way the three-disc 'Panic Room' is set up and have been waiting ever since for another three-disc set to emulate it.

I always thought those 3-disc cases that are twice as thick as a standard amaray (a la suspiria 3-disc) were awesome. Showgirls VIP edition is pretty unique too

How about this custom cover for all Star Trek DVDs I saw over at http://www.rixgrafix.com/index_001.htm

Feaks and Geeks-The Yearbook Edition

The R2 Alien head is my favorite DVD packaging If I could only find one for cheap....

Although just a 5-disc gatefold digipak, the Shogun package design was pretty cool.

Evil Dead, book of the dead

I like the Hellraiser Puzzle Box (R2):




And the After School Specials packaging:

Se7en.

My favorite box set packaging are the ones that are simple and use the slim cases like Homicide.

Umm....hmm....probably DigiPacks, but if I had to chose one that makes me want to watch the movie twice as much just because the packaging is so damn sweet then...Ghost in the Shell: Special Edition

NOTE: In the past week, me and this lil SE have had the kind of relationship where you fuck like four times a day. Only this a DVD and I still haven't actually been with any chicks.....life is sad sometimes =( ....

i have no response to this.

i quoted it with the intention of saying something clever, but i'm too weirded out to even blink right now.

my answer to the original post:

the first DVD that came to mind was Se7en, but I think Tombstone is probably good in the same way, and the LOTR:EEs deserve a mention as well.

for season sets, WB did a good job with the smallville sets IMO. They pull out of the sleeve and open like a book. WB also did a good job with the new Matrix set, though many seem to hate it.

worst packaging by far goes to Alien Quadrilogy.

One of my faves is the German import of Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace. Not only is it the best edition anywhere of this film....it comes encased in black velvet with red print. Very nice. Limited to 1000.

My picks for best of 2004:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/features/003582.html

i really like the memento limited edition(although this isn't the best pic of it)

I really like the packaging from the last two Simpsons season sets. I like the artwork on the inside of the packaging and how the artwork on the discs is incorporated into the image on the digipack. Season five is probably my favorite of the two.

the movie was pretty cool, i wouldn't get it, but damn if it ain't the coolest looking thing for DVD's like...ever!

I'll second that!

I wish I lived in Japan, they get the best DVD packaging.

Yeah, but think of all the whacked out shelfing systems they must have to have to display them all...but then again, not everybody would consider that a problem.