DVD Menu Homework

Here is a list of DVD's that have what I find to be the most interesting DVD menus I've experienced. While they aren't all what you'd call intuitive, they take unique approaches to something that is normally an afterthought.

1. Memento: Limited addition

While various reviewing outlets have either loved or hated the menu, I personally thought it was a very unique way to experience the DVD. Before you can get to the main menu, you must pass a series of memory tests. The movie is about a man who has a short term memory that lasts only thirty seconds, and therefore would have extreme difficulty passing any of the tests the DVD presents. It's meant to get you in the right mindset to experience the movie, and while I wouldn't want to have to take a quiz every time I watched a movie, its good in moderation.

As far as what I'd like to make better, there should probably be some way to skip the quiz. As far as I know, there is no way to get past it other than to take and pass it. I personally don't mind, but I know there were a good deal of people who did.

2. V for Vendetta

While the menu is relatively by the book, what draws me to this DVD is the graphic design. The color palette, textures, and use of imagery from the movie looks like something out of 1940's propaganda. It really fits the tone of the movie and is very aesthetically pleasing. Most DVD menus simply use video or images straight from the movie, but this DVD goes above and beyond by actually creating interesting graphics for each section of the menu.

If I could add anything, it would probably be more animation between menus. Just to add some pizazz.

3. Lost Season 2

The menus themselves are pretty straight forward. However, the text is composited to actual scenes from the show, so that the text looks like it is actually a part of the scene. Also, when entering different menus, the scene begins defocused, and focuses over time. Another interesting thing that most people who leave DVDs on when they go to bed will enjoy is the fact that there is no music to the menus. They only play ambient sound that would actually be in the environment.

If I were the add anything, I'd have more characters interacting within the scenes. Sometimes there will be an isolated character that has very little movement. I think to add to the visual interest, there should be more movement within the scenes.