Textual analysis of dvd covers

After analysing the DVD covers of Insidious, Cabin in the Woods and Devil Inside, I discovered there was many similarities between them used to engage the reader to choose their DVD, this therefore will help me when creating my own DVD cover as I will be able to stick to the typical conventions used in existing products. 

Images used – All three DVD covers used one main image in the cover, 2 of them used the possessed main character and the other one used an abstract image of the cabin showing it wasn't what it seemed. I think this technique is very effective as it makes the reader focus solely on that image and feel drawn to it! All three main images give an insight into the films storyline and allow the reader to make predictions towards the film without even watching it. Cabin in the woods and Insidious use a background image behind their main image so show the films location, again I think this is effective as it gives more insight into the film showing where it’s set. Devil Inside however just uses a coloured background, I think this is to show more emphasis on the main image of the nun.On all three back covers of the DVD small stills of the film are used as images, I believe this is to give an idea to the consumer of what happens within the film but also creates mystery to link the disjointed linear storyline images together. 

Colour scheme – All three covers have a clear and simplistic colour scheme used throughout their products. They all use colours such as black, brown, reds and whites as these are the main colours associated with the horror genre, therefore when a consumer is browsing through DVDs and sees one of these covers they should instantly be aware of what genre the movie is and an idea of what it entails.

Tag line – All three covers use taglines either under or positioned on their main image, these are used to create mystery and entice the consumer to watch the film. The taglines usually create them to ask questions and become to intrigued that they feel compelled to watch the film as they are intrigued by the tag line. All are short sentences and are pretty vague so when constructing my own tag line i will stick to these rules. 

 

Blurb - A short blurb is used on all three of the DVD covers as it gives the consumer a brief description of the plot line and helps intrigue them to watch it. All use informal and mysterious language that don’t give too much away into the details of the film, the blurbs are 8-12 lines long. So therefore when constructing my own blurb I will stick to these rules.  

Film Ratings - On the covers they all have to display their age certificate given by the BBFC, on the DVD covers they display this rating 3 times throughout the cover! This therefore gives the impression that they use their age certificate as a selling point as it shows how 'scary' the film and shows its 'not suitable' for people below 18/15, this can be appealing to younger audiences as it will intrigue them to watch it more as they are 'too young'. 

C