Is there a resource for good looking DVD Menu ideas

[PlayWithFire]

I am getting close to authoring a DVD, and from all the tools i've seen so far, the tempates that come with them are pretty crappy looking.

Is there a good resource with some DVD menus? I am not looking to donwload templates, just want to see some good menus for inspiration.

[videopoo]

Try your local Blockbuster

[Nelson37]

Go to the Forum Search tool and type in Menu Samples.

You have to press Enter, then select a thread and view.

[AlanHK]

A "template" will be specific to a particular authoring program.

I generally use a text menu on a static image. You should make some tests to see what looks best on your player/TV; it's not the same as on a PC screen. For instance, I find Verdana 20 points a nice legible font when I have five or six titles. If I need to show more text, Trebuchet 18 points is more compact and still clear. Occasionally I use a more decorative font for atmosphere. For backgrounds, for most subjects you can find many desktop wallpaper files on fan or promotional sites, which perhaps require only a little trimming to be suitable.

I don't bother with previews or moving backgrounds, seems pointless and irritating after the first time. But some enjoy making these.

[PlayWithFire]

Go to the Forum Search tool and type in Menu Samples.
You have to press Enter, then select a thread and view.

i deserve that. I've looked thought this forum, and found some good samples.
Still anyone of a website?

AlanHK, i know templates are program specific. Since i am working on a family video, that will probably be viewed by quite a few of my family members, i will spend time on previews and such, but not too much.

[guns1inger]

If you search for DVD menu templates, you will find a number of outfits who sell pre-built templates - usually photoshop type layered stills or short video clips. However for the most part they are as cheesy as anything pre-packaged with your authoring tool. A quick google found these

http://www.digitalvideoteam.co.uk/
http://www.dvd-makers.com/products/department24.cfm
http://www.dvd-replica.com/photoshop/flowertheme1-1.php

None of these would I ever consider paying for or even using.

I prefer to create original menus based on the needs of the client or type of content. I find stock photo sites a great source of base materials. There is a good starter list here https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=310099

[jsmithepa]

To me, the best menus are the ones with intuitive and quick navigation. No matter how fancy it looks, if it's hard to navigate then I will hate it.

[PlayWithFire]

guns1inger, thanks, i see what you mean about those sites. Nothing exactly inspirational.

jsmithepa, i know exactly what you mean, and i totally agree.

[algogo-com]

you'd better use the search to find what interests you.
SPAM


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/ Moderator mats.hogberg

[vegetano1]

Just buy Sony Dvd Architect 4!

[LSchafroth]

Just buy Sony Dvd Architect 4!

I've been using DVD Lab Pro 2. I just got DVD Architect 4 and it seems pretty limited and not very friendly.

Anyone know any good articles on using this? I haven't done much with it yet since the interface seems to be clunky.

LS

[barthie]

I generally use a text menu on a static image. You should make some tests to see what looks best on your player/TV; it's not the same as on a PC screen. For instance, I find Verdana 20 points a nice legible font when I have five or six titles. If I need to show more text, Trebuchet 18 points is more compact and still clear. Occasionally I use a more decorative font for atmosphere. For backgrounds, for most subjects you can find many desktop wallpaper files on fan or promotional sites, which perhaps require only a little trimming to be suitable.

what should i avoid when selecting/formatting fonts? for example, i selected a font for text and when i viewed it on my tv, portions of some of the letters were missing. in another instance, i used a color on a black background that made it look like the letters were vibrating.

any tips would help.

thanks!

[lordsmurf]

It needs to be fairly plain, as it loses some detail and can be hard to read on screen. Make them at least 12-14 point minimum, and try to stick with bolder fonts that are sans-serif.

[borax]

...look like the letters were vibrating.
Can be avoided if the image is blurred before the authoring (encoding) step. Depends on your authoring program if this can be done automatically.

[lordsmurf]

...look like the letters were vibrating.
Can be avoided if the image is blurred before the authoring (encoding) step. Depends on your authoring program if this can be done automatically.

Commercial releases do not blur their menus. They go the route I've suggested, using safe colors combination and legible fonts. Blurring is not suggested (often called anti-aliasing in authoring software).

[theewizard]

I use VLC player to take a few snapshot scenes

I then use one of those as a static menu backgound and author with GFD , i use a plain text like PLAY or maybe the movie name

I choose a font to match the theme of the movie