Some reference stills from the movie:

For those of you who don’t know, Fritz Lang is a well-known film maker who began in the German Expressionist era. Expressionist films have proven to be extremely influential to later film making, including Alfred Hitchcock films and Tim Burton films. It is important to understand what expressionism is in order to understand my sketches. German Expressionism was part of the Modern art movement from about 1910 – 1940, and is characterized by intense, dark emotion, distorted reality, and individual perceptions.

Fritz Lang has created many films, however I have chosen to package his well-known silent films. These are: Metropolis, Die Nibelungen, Spies, and Woman in the Moon.

My intent is to create packaging that reflects the dark, sharp emotion of Expressionism. In addition to the films, I’d also like to include a set of postcards with famous scenes from the films and a short booklet on the history of the films (given how influential they were/are).

That is why I would pick these films. The reason I am hesitant to is because I am not quite sure what I could design that would be interesting enough/fitting enough for Spider-Man. We all know the story of Spider-Man–how science whiz Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, which gave him superpowers, thus creating ‘Spider-Man’ who fights criminals and enemies in NYC. So, my initial thought was to create an elegant, dark package wrapped in the spider webs he shoots out of his wrists. I like the idea of using something from the film as a way to contain the DVDs.

2. Spider-Man (The Animated Series)
My second choice for DVD packaging is the animated Spider-Man television series. I really enjoy looking at the illustrative/comic book side of Spider-Man, and I feel like this would almost be a better fit for me. However, aside from using illustrations of the comic, I don’t really have any interesting ideas yet.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Prince Caspian – Voyage of the Dawn Treader)
The Chronicles of Narnia film series (which has only produced 2 films, with one being set for release this December) is based on the popular book series by C.S. Lewis. It follows the adventures of children who play central roles in the development and history of Narnia, a magical place where animals talk, and good battles evil.

As for a design to contain these 3 films and potentially a bonus disc, I thought a wardrobe structure would be protective and appropriate. In the films, the wardrobe is the gateway between Narnia and the real world, and so conceptually it would be very fitting, as when you open the doors, Narnia is contained within. A wardrobe structure would also protect the DVDs.

4. Fritz Lang Collection
Fritz Lang was a German-American film maker and screen writer. Nicknamed the “Master of Darkness,” he is best known for his films produced during the German Expressionist era. If I picked this, I would create a special edition set of his most popular films (he made a ton during his lifetime). These films would potentially include Metropolis, M, Die Nibelungen, Spies, and Woman in the Moon.

My main motivation for creating this set would be because there currently isn’t one that is deserving of these incredibly well-done and influential films. The Expressionists existed just prior to WWI and were essentially a group of people that challenged academic art forms. They were characterized by intense emotion and are often associated with darkness. If I made a set for these films, I would probably stick to something sleek and elegant in order to highlight the dark and intense nature of them.

1.  Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series
I’ve never watched this TV show, however this is probably my favorite packaging of DVD’s that I found. The packaging seems to reflect the technical aspects of the the robot (like a transformer).

2. Charmed: The Complete Series

This boxed set features the Book of Shadows, which is a main prop in the show, as the packaging for the DVD’s and information.

3. 300: Limited Collector’s Edition

This collector’s edition of the movie “300″ is not necessarily clever or innovative, however I think the imagery is fitting and well-designed. 300 was a very complex film, so it almost seems appropriate to create a simple, elegant packaging in order to maximize the film’s complexity without making the whole thing looked messy and cluttered.

4. Full House: The Complete Series

We have all seen Full House, so we all can easily understand the concept for this packaging. It’s not really cutting-edge, but neither was the show. The packaging is fun and kid-friendly, which fits what the show was all about.

5. Hellraiser: Boxed Set of 20th Anniversary Edition of Hellraiser 1 and 2, plus Blu Ray

This boxed set features packaging that is a prop from the Hellraiser films, called the Lament Configuration, which is basically a puzzle box. The interior of the set leaves a little to be desired, but using a prop from the films to contain the DVD’s is smart and intriguing here.

6. That 70′s Show: The Complete Series

The packaging for this box set is made to look like a 45 RPM Singles Box which were popular during the era that the show took place in. Inside the boxes it contains, each disc is even contained in a slip cover that would have housed a 45 RPM Single. I think this is a clever, compact, and appropriate design for this show.

7. Masters of Horror: Season 1

Masters of Horror is a Showtime program featuring one-hour films directed by influential directors in the horror film genre. This box set is made to look like a tomb.

8. Masters of Horror: Season 2

What is most interesting to me about this set is the fact that it can be used as decoration (should skulls tickle your fancy). I don’t feel any particular way about the interior, but then again….what else could you have done with the interior of a skull to house DVD’s in?

9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (Blu Ray)

This is a box set of the TMNT films. My favorite thing about this set was the discs that look like pizzas. So simple, clever, and astoundingly appropriate.

10. The Stone Roses: 20th Anniversay Limited Collector’s Edition Box Set (CD)

This is the only special edition CD packaging I found that peaked my interest. I actually have never even heard of this band, however I like the contrast of the chaotic and sketchy artwork to the clean and simple discs.

Here is the full article:

How can Your Packaging Become Disruptive?
by Ted Mininni

Rapid commoditization of consumer products. Jaded consumers. A tough economy that has changed customers’ spending habits. Perhaps permanently. How can a consumer product company grow, or even survive in this new paradigm? I’ve been mulling this over for awhile and it seems to me that it’s time to become “disruptive”.

Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen coined the phrase “disruptive technology” in his 1997 best-seller: “The Innovator’s Dilemma”. The concept has been widely discussed ever since. Christensen’s argument states there are two kinds of companies: those that use sustaining technologies and those that employ disruptive ones.

Larger companies tend to work with sustaining technology. They utilize it to make incremental improvements to their products over time. Given their corporate framework and strategy, larger businesses often eschew new opportunities that come along if they arise from disruptive technologies. Reasons: they may offer lower, less attractive margins, or they don’t fit in with locked-in company strategies or company goals.

As a result, smaller companies are often able to see value in disruptive technologies and bring products to market that have the potential—with some tweaks and a certain maturation period—to become hits. Disruptive products have the potential to gain a large audience, significant marketshare and eventual market dominance, usually blindsiding category leaders in the process. Disrupters even give birth to entirely new categories in the marketplace. Think Apple’s iPod.

Disrupters come along and think of a better way. They offer simpler or better performing, problem-solving products for consumers and create excitement in the process. New vision and approaches applied to age-old problems can yield huge dividends.

Disruptive examples dot the marketscape. Digital cameras vs photographic film cameras. USB memory sticks vs discs for data storage. iPods vs radios and boom boxes. While great technology product innovations are numerous, many other consumer products result from disruptive thinking, as well. Think single serve beverages in aseptic packs. Broths and stocks in resealable cartons. Reusable cleaning products that require refills like Swiffer. Seasonal packaging: Kleenex “Perfect Slice of Summer” tissue in mouthwatering melon configurations.

Disruptive products require disruptive packaging, right? But what about further leveraging the potential of packaging to disrupt even in commodity categories where it’s unexpected? In fact, wouldn’t doing that deliver more punch to the most mundane products?

So what about disruptive packaging?

Here’s the thing: companies that have a culture and strategy that employ disruptive thinking to position unique, game-changing products and services have an edge. For those that don’t, this might just be the optimal time to step back and reassess. If sales are ailing, mightn’t the company benefit from a fresh new point of view? Tweaking products, packaging and the marketing approach might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Products in every category are becoming commoditized at a faster rate than ever before. That brings us all back to the true role of marketing: that of providing clear differentiation and memorable experiences for the customer as job #1.

Packaging continues to grow in importance in the marketing mix. It brings branded products to consumers in a tangible manner, so it’s time to take a fresh, new and yes—disruptive—approach to it. Consider this: in a commodity category like snacks, Pringle’s dared put potato chips in a canister instead of a bag. POM Wonderful dared put its flagship pomegranate juice in a double-curved bottle rather than a typical juice bottle.

Method broke every mold and packaged its cleaning products in unconventional, sleek see-through bottles. Environmentally friendly cleaning products presented in highly visible, transparent packaging makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? When we look at all of these products, we see how commodity items can be packaged to elevate product and brand in a unique manner.

Package communications are extremely important. But in essence, the first line of communication entails engaging the consumer with visually exciting packaging. After all, why would consumers approach and read packaging that has no visual appeal? Disruptive packaging is highly differentiated. It attracts the eye when virtually every other category product seems to sit on the retail shelf in roughly the same size and shape of package.

Major disrupters.

Owners of pet dogs like to purchase special treats. But, what’s more blasé than dog treats? The products and packaging are pretty basic and unexciting. Enter Bit-O-Luv. This small company has taken a decidedly different point of view to an age-old product. A web site features three animated pooches that sell the product concept in a unique manner. The message is simple: good enough for humans, but “specially formulated for dogs”. . .exceeding USDA standards. www.bitoluv.com.

The packaging is especially engaging. The same dogs that appear on the web site grace the packages; their mouths open and treats visible inside thanks to a clever window. Three flavor choices are available in bright lime, turquoise and orange packages. The funky Bit-O-Luv brand identity is prominently featured above the artwork. This is disruptive packaging at its best.

Cute is one thing, of course, but does it have any distribution in this competitive marketplace? Wal-Mart, Albertson’s, Meijer, Food Lion, some Costco locations and Quality Food Centers stock the products. There’s no doubt that these dog treats stand out from every other player on the retail shelf.

When it comes to a packaging refresh, Mentos delivers with punch. While consumers are familiar with the mints in candy roll packaging reminiscent of Lifesavers, Mentos has parlayed its image created by disruptive advertising into equally disruptive packaging. Mentos sugar-free mints are packaged in an ingeniously designed cardboard box with a hinged lid that actually opens and closes with a click. The latch works so well that the contents remain inside the box even when shaking it upside down.

Simple, functional and unlike the packaging that’s prevalent in the rest of the category, Mentos mints stand out and stand alone with consumers. Mentos is a deliberately disruptive brand, and everything it does disrupts.

What about a staple like Kleenex facial tissues? Los Angeles designer Hiroko Sanders’ took the challenge to create artwork that would embody the spirit of summer, and still work with Kleenex’s carton design. What’s fresher than three stylized summer fruits? Unifying package design with brand and product in fresh, seasonal packaging is unexpected and totally delightful.

When packaging a new line or refreshing an existing one, think about what you can do to surprise, delight or deliver a commodity product in an unexpected manner. These are all emotive qualities that connect consumers to brands in a memorable way. Think: how can you disrupt your whole category, generate a lot of buzz, excitement and sales?

Ted Mininni is president of Design Force, Inc., the leading brand design consultancy to consumer product companies with Enjoyment Brands™. Design Force helps their clients market brands that deliver positive, gratifying experiences to consumers. Their expertise lies in emotionally connecting consumers to brands by creating compelling visual brand experiences, which motivate purchase decisions.

Reposted from http://www.thedieline.com/blog/articles/page/2/.

(All images are clickable for larger sizes).

Link To Source Site With More Photos!

1. ARCHER FARMS PRODUCTS

Archer Farms is a premium brand of food offered by Target. As you can tell by the array of pictures I have for their products, I really like their packaging. While it may not necessarily be supremely innovative, the design is astoundingly consistent throughout all of their products. The design of these products also does a great job of selling the company’s desire to be “premiuim” through the colors, textures, and negative space.










































































2. ACTIVATE DRINK

My favorite part of this bottle design is the cap. The pop-up user-friendly cap is common among water bottles, but not among the new wave of flavored healthy beverages. The design is also eye-catching due to the vibrant and clean colors.
















3. BENEFUL DOG FOOD

Located amongst the multitude of canned dog food is this beauty: Beneful in a re-sealable, re-usable tupperware container. Sometimes Scruffy just doesn’t eat the entire serving, so this package makes it easy to store pricey dog food until the next mealtime. Packaging design is also a plus because the flavors are wonderfully color-coded.
















4. OREO COOKIES

The Oreo Cookie package has remained pretty consistent over time, and thus is always easily recognizable and easy to find. For this reason alone, the packaging is successful. Somewhat recently, however (correct me if I’m wrong–despite the great package I do not buy Oreos often!), Oreo created a more innovative package design without changing it visually. Impossible, you say? Not so! This newer package features a tear-up sticky flap on top that will re-stick when you are done eating cookies for the night. And thus, the oreos will stay fresh for the next time the cookie craving comes around.











1. RALPH’S BRAND 2 LB. BAG OF CEREAL

Bad design need not even be mentioned here, because, hello…who is going to eat a TWO POUND bag of cereal fast enough before it goes stale? Clearly the importance here is not placed on function or design, but on value and price.

2. SALLY HANSEN HAIR REMOVAL PRODUCTS

Initially I was only going to pick one of these products, but I think the “badness” is more effectively displayed in this array of products. Not only is there is an overload of information on the front of the boxes (poor hierarchy), but these products all look like bad versions of the same thing.





3. GENERAL ELECTRIC LIGHT BULBS

To be honest, light bulb packaging has always baffled me. To quote Ellen Degeneres, “So, I bought a new CD and I was trying to get it open but couldn’t with all the layers…I mean plastic and then tape and the tape is like government tape. It says open here…is that sarcasm?, and buy batteries and they are in there with layers and layers of cardboard and then scissors…you need scissors to get into scissors, what if you were buying them for the first time? you wouldn’t be able to get them open. Then you try and buy a light bulb and it’s this thin thin cardboard …..what are they thinking? “Oh, they’ll be fine.”









4. PEE-PEE PET STAIN & ODOR REMOVER

Who is going to be caught dead walking around the GROCERY STORE with this bottle? Not I! Anyone with a pet could probably appreciate the product, but the shame of bringing up a large bottle of “Pee-Pee” to the register is potentially worse than the reason you are buying it for.