Dimensions of a Standard Dvd Case
The standard dimensions of a standard DVD case (commonly known as an Amaray keep case) measure 7.48 inches (190 mm) in height, 5.31 inches (135 mm) in width, and 0.55 inches (14 mm) in spine thickness. Introduced in the late 1990s alongside the DVD format, these standardized dimensions were specifically designed to match the shelf height of legacy VHS cassette boxes while occupying less than half their width, enabling retailers and home collectors to display physical media efficiently.
The Amaray Keep Case Standard: Anatomy and Proportions
The physical packaging standard for the DVD video industry was pioneered by Amaray and standardized globally across Hollywood studio releases. Injection-molded from durable, flexible polypropylene plastic, a standard single-disc DVD case weighs approximately 60 to 70 grams and features living hinges that withstand thousands of flex cycles without fracturing.
The case measures 190 mm tall by 135 mm wide by 14 mm deep (7.48 x 5.31 x 0.55 inches). Inside, a patented push-button center hub securely holds standard 120mm (4.72-inch) optical discs by their 15mm center hole, releasing the disc smoothly when the hub button is pressed to prevent disc flexing and radial cracking. Molded literature clips on the inside front cover hold multi-page chapter booklets.
Review the physical engineering dimensions and component metrics of a standard DVD keep case:
| Case Component / Dimension | Inches (Imperial) | Millimeters (Metric) | Packaging Engineering Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Case Height | 7.480 inches | 190.0 mm | Matches retail shelf grid standards |
| Exterior Case Width (Closed) | 5.315 inches | 135.0 mm | Protects 120mm optical disc edge |
| Spine Thickness (Standard) | 0.551 inches (14 mm) | 14.0 mm | Provides visible spine title surface |
| Paper Insert Width (Full Wrap) | 10.827 inches (10-13/16") | 275.0 mm | Front cover, spine, and back cover |
| Paper Insert Height | 7.187 inches (7-3/16") | 183.0 mm | Slides behind clear plastic film |
| Internal Booklet Max Size | 4.75 x 7.125 inches | 120.0 x 180.0 mm | Fits under interior plastic clips |
Printed Cover Insert Specifications and Spine Calculations
A defining feature of the Amaray DVD case is its exterior clear polypropylene entrapment sleeve. This transparent plastic overlay is welded along the top and bottom borders of the case, creating an open pocket that accommodates a full-color printed paper insert. Graphic designers and independent filmmakers rely on exact template dimensions to ensure spine text aligns centered on shelf displays.
The standard flat paper insert measures 10.83 inches (275 mm) wide by 7.19 inches (183 mm) tall. This overall width is mathematically divided into three panels: a 5.14-inch front cover panel, a 0.55-inch (14 mm) center spine panel, and a 5.14-inch back cover panel. Cover artwork must be printed on 80-lb to 100-lb gloss text paper at 300 DPI with a 0.125-inch bleed margin to ensure clean mechanical trimming.
Compare dimensions across DVD case profiles and alternative optical disc packaging formats:
| Optical Case Format | Height (Inches / mm) | Width (Inches / mm) | Spine Thickness | Typical Media Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DVD Amaray Case | 7.48 in (190 mm) | 5.31 in (135 mm) | 0.55 in (14 mm) | Retail DVD movies, video games |
| Slim DVD Keep Case | 7.48 in (190 mm) | 5.31 in (135 mm) | 0.28 in (7 mm) | Space-saving box sets, promo discs |
| Standard Blu-ray Case | 6.75 in (171 mm) | 5.31 in (135 mm) | 0.47 in (12 mm) | 1080p Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray |
| Standard CD Jewel Case | 4.92 in (125 mm) | 5.59 in (142 mm) | 0.41 in (10 mm) | Music CDs, legacy PC software |
| Multi-Disc 4-Disc DVD Case | 7.48 in (190 mm) | 5.31 in (135 mm) | 0.86 in (22 mm) | Television series seasons, documentaries |
Standard DVD Case vs Blu-ray Case: Key Distinctions
When Sony and the Blu-ray Disc Association launched the Blu-ray format in 2006, they deliberately created a distinct packaging profile to prevent consumer confusion on retail store shelves. A standard Blu-ray case measures 6.75 inches (171 mm) in height—nearly 3/4-inch shorter than a 7.48-inch DVD case—and features translucent blue-tinted plastic with rounded top corners and a debossed silver foil Blu-ray logo.
Blu-ray cases also feature a slightly thinner spine (12 mm vs 14 mm), reducing the full wrap insert dimensions to 10.5 x 5.875 inches. Despite their dimensional divergence, both formats share the exact same 135 mm width, allowing them to stack harmoniously on home entertainment media shelves.
Multi-disc DVD cases utilize the same 190x135 mm exterior dimensions, incorporating internal hinged plastic trays that hold up to six discs within a single 14mm or 22mm spine casing.
How to Measure and Print a DVD Case Cover in 5 Steps
Follow these five graphic design steps to format, print, and insert a custom DVD cover wrap.
Set Document Canvas to 10.83 x 7.19 Inches
Create a new canvas in Photoshop or InDesign at 10.83 inches wide by 7.19 inches tall at 300 DPI resolution.
Establish Center Spine Guide Lines at 14mm
Place vertical guide lines at 5.14 inches and 5.69 inches to demarcate the 0.55-inch (14mm) spine area.
Design Front, Spine, and Back Cover Panels
Lay out poster artwork on the right front panel, synopsis and bar code on the left back panel, and title text vertically on the spine.
Print on Legal Paper with 100% Scale Setting
Print onto an 8.5x14-inch legal paper sheet (or 11x17 tabloid) on 100-lb gloss paper, ensuring 'Fit to Page' is disabled.
Trim with Ruler and Slide Behind Plastic Sleeve
Cut along the crop marks with a metal ruler and rotary blade, sliding the insert into the clear plastic sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: What are the exact dimensions of a standard DVD case?
A standard DVD case measures 7.48 inches high by 5.31 inches wide by 0.55 inches deep (190 x 135 x 14 mm).
Q2: What size is the paper insert inside a DVD case?
The full wrap-around paper insert measures 10.83 inches wide by 7.19 inches high (275 x 183 mm), including the front, back, and 14mm spine.
Q3: Why are Blu-ray cases shorter than DVD cases?
Blu-ray cases are 6.75 inches tall (0.75 inches shorter than DVD cases) to provide a distinct visual identifier on retail shelves and save plastic.
Q4: What is the spine thickness of a slim DVD case?
A slim DVD case has a spine thickness of 0.28 inches (7 mm), which is exactly half the thickness of a standard 14mm case.
Q5: What kind of plastic is used for DVD cases?
Standard DVD cases are molded from flexible, shatterproof polypropylene (PP) plastic, featuring living hinges that resist cracking.
Q6: How wide is the spine on a standard DVD case?
The spine of a standard DVD case measures 0.55 inches (14 mm) wide, allowing legible title printing on bookshelf displays.
Q7: Can you fit a standard DVD cover onto letter-size paper?
No, because the 10.83-inch width requires margins, printing at 100% scale requires 8.5x14-inch legal or 11x17-inch tabloid paper.
Q8: How much does an empty standard DVD case weigh?
An empty standard single-disc DVD case weighs between 60 and 70 grams (roughly 2.1 to 2.5 ounces).
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding dimensions of a standard dvd case provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.