Verbatim DigitalMovie DVD-R Recordable Media 4.7GB 4X with Tall Jewel Cases (Model 94728, 3-Pack) – Customer Reviews

Overview
The Verbatim DigitalMovieDVD-R is a 1x to 4x speed DVD Recordable media with the unique look of a movie reel.Verbatim DigitalMovie discs are available in 3-packs with a choice of 4.7GB DVD-Ror DVD+R media packaged in clear DVD Super Jewel Box cases. The discs can be usedfor backing up DVD video titles and transferring video tapes to optical media thatwon't degrade over time. The discs can also be used with compatible personal videorecorders (PVRs) to standardize the look of their recorded videos in clear, DVD video-sizedjewel boxes. With a capacity of 4.7GB, users can store 2 hours of high-quality videoon a single disc, and at 4x speed, an entire 4.7GB DVD+R or -R disc can be recordedin about 15 minutes.

Price
Backed by a lifetime warranty, Verbatim DigitalMovie DVD-R media has a street priceof about $11.99 per 3-pack.

Setup
The only difficultyI found in using the DVD-R's was getting the DVD-R out of the jewel case. If youtry to pull it open from the top, and the plastic just bends (and you can see thatit is clasped in the middle). When I tried placing my thumb on the middle of theright edge and pulling outward, my thumb would just slip off. The best way I foundto open the case (after much experimentation) was to place the palm of my hand onthe front of the cover, and while applying light pressure with my palm, using myfingers to left the right middle edge open. I've never seen another case open likethis before, so without knowing this trick up front (no instructions on the box),some less patient consumers may find more drastic ways of freeing the DVD from the case. Once you know the trick, it's pretty easy.

Case aside, the DVD-R itself is just like any other DVD-R. Load it into your Mac'sDVD burning drive (whether the Superdrive or a 3rd party drive), and run your DVD-burningsoftware. Piece of cake.

In Use
Sporting the moviereel look, the main selling point of this DVD-R is definitely the presentation. However, it's important to note whether you are sacrificing quality for a nice look.In this case, not at all. The DVD-R records from 1x to 4x speeds, and in all myuses, it recorded flawlessly. The DVD-R discs are based on Mitsubishi Kagaku Media'sMetal Azo recording dye technology, which, in simple words, means that the discsproduce recordings with greater power margin and better sensitivity than earliergeneration discs. The DigitalMovie DVD media also utilizes Ultra-Precise Moldingtechnology, which means that you get very flat discs with stable high-speed rotationduring reading and writing. Add to these facts that it comes with a lifetime warranty,and you have a solid and reliable DVD-R product.

Of course, the reason you'll want to buy these DVD-R's is because instead of a plainnon-descript print on the top of the DVD-R, there is a movie reel image printed righton the disc, providing a very nostalgic and movie-like feel to the media. It's perfectfor putting your home movies on, especially as gifts for family and friends. I usediMovie to put together a couple of movies of my nephew's first year, and burned themonto the DigitalMovie DVD-R using iDVD. They made great gifts! There was not awhole lot of room to write on the disk, so I had to abbreviate the title of the movie.If I wanted to make a list of all the contents in the movie, I could have createda printed slip, and placed it in the jewel case. Although the case may not be theeasiest case to open, it is a very nice looking case, and the DVD carrier comes outso that you can insert a printed description of the contents behind it. You couldalso slide in a cover on the front as well (similar to a CD case, except insteadof sliding left to right, the cover slides from top to bottom). The case is alsosized similar to cases that commercial DVD's come in, so it will fit nicely intoyour DVD library.

Summary
Verbatim's DigitalMovieDVD-R discs are stylish DVD-R's that are imprinted with a cool movie reel look, sportstate of the art technology in terms of product design and reliability, include atall clear DVD case, and come with a lifetime warranty. These DVD-R's work greatwith iDVD, are perfect for your home movies, and make really nice gifts. The jewelcase is difficult to open unless you know the trick of opening it. These DVD-R'swould be great for mailing as well, so it would be nice to have the option to purchasethem on a spool without the cases. For anyone burning home movies, you're goingto love these DVD-R's!

Pros
- State of the art DVD-Rtechnology
- Cool movie reel design
- Tall jewel case fitsyour DVD library
- Lifetime warranty

Cons
- Case can be difficultto open
- Limited writing spaceon label
- No option to purchaseon a spool

Overall Rating
4 1/2 out of 5 Mice

5/4/2004 12:00 AM | Rating: