I really don't like digipaks and digisleeves. For those who don't know, digipacks and digisleeves are a type of packaging for music CDs. The are made of cardboard and either have a plastic molding within the fold to snap the CD into place (digipaks) or just have a sleeve to put the disc in (digisleeves). I don't like this type of packaging for three distinct reasons.
1. Digipaks and Digisleeves lack a cool factor. They're not as sturdy and solid as a jewel case CD and it doesn't feel like you've bought something substantial.
2. Despite Digipaks and Digisleeves being less money to produce, that savings isn't passed on to the consumer. Digipaks and Digisleeves CDs cost just as much as a jewel case CD.
3. This is the big one. There's a lot more wear and tear on the case and disc. The case isn't behind a protective and replaceable plastic jewel case, so the artwork and case itself is going to get damaged. But more importantly, the disc will as well. Jewel cases snap close and that prevents a lot from getting onto the disc. Digipacks and Digisleeves don't and dirt, dust, and other shit can get on that disc. I will say that Digipacks at least have the plastic molding that holds the disc in place and that's good. But Digisleeves just slide it in between two pieces of cardboard with nothing holding it and no protective sleeve like vinyl. That disc is going to get all banged up as it's rattled in there and scratched up being pulled in and out. This is particularly bullshit.
This was inspired by me wanting to buy the new Green Day album Revolution Radio. I saw it at Walmart and I was shocked that it was a Digisleeve. It had such thin, cheap packaging, I actually decided not to get it based almost entirely on that. I'm probably either going to go vinyl or perhaps find the Lyric Book.