What is a Commemorative DVD?

A commemorative DVD is a multimedia slideshow. It is also referred to as a photo montage DVD, a video scrapbook DVD, and many other names. It differs artistically from a powerpoint presentation or built-in slideshow program that comes with some of the newer computer models. It is far more sophisticated. With a commemorative DVD, each image is animated using custom motion effect such as panning and zooming. Often multiple photographs and video are layered with special effects applied to create a rich, artistic unfolding of imagery. Music sets the mood for the production, and we carefully custom edit all sound tracks for maximum emotional appeal. The result is that your photographs come to life and tell a story more dramatically than a traditional slideshow could ever do.

Why should I consider a professional slideshow production?

Photographs are fragile, as are old home movies. They deteriorate over time. In a crisis, people reach for their treasured photographs before anything else. It makes sense to preserve your photos and the stories that go with them. This is where a professional Commemorative DVD multimedia slideshow comes in. We will help you preserve your photographs along with your memories and your stories with emotionally stirring music and Hollywood-style motion picture effects so that you have a truly delightful way to enjoy and share them with those you love.

What is the length of a typical commemorative DVD?

Our movies are typically between five and 30 minutes long.

How long does it take to create a commemorative DVD?

This varies depending upon the length of the film and the complexity of the customization. For shows 5-20 minutes, please allow 4 weeks for production. For shows over 20 minutes in length, allow 8 weeks. Rush service is available for an additional fee. Contact us as to feasiblity.

How do I plan my project?

See our planning guide.

How do I select music for my movie?

Choose songs that are meaningful to the individual(s) featured in the production and that are also appropriate to the mood of the photos. If you're creating a life tribute of an individual who has lived many decades, it's fun to incorporate music from the various eras to add authenticity to the production. For a list of popular song suggestions, click here. You can either send us the original CDs or burn a CD with your song selections. You can also request that we create a soundtrack for you. We enjoy drawing from many different musical genres from Classical to World Beat.

How do I send my photos to you?

You can scan them yourself and send us a CD, or you can carefully pack your photos and send them to us to scan. There is no difference in the pricing. We assure you that we will take excellent care of them and promptly return them when we ship your DVD. View our Planning Guide for scanning tips.

Can I include video clips along with my photos?
Yes! Each video clip costs $20 additional and should be no longer than one minute in length. Clips must be submitted on a mini DV tape, as an avi file on a disc or flash drive. If multiple clips are included on a mini DV tape, please indicate the "in" and "out" points starting from the beginning of the tape.

What type of DVD do you use?

The DVDs that we create are burned on DVD+R media. DVD players manufactured after 2000 are calibrated to play +R DVDs.

What type of payment do you accept?
We accept checks and PayPal.  Download our slideshow order form. Payment in full is required for all projects when you place your order. Payment of additional charges incurred at your request are due prior to delivering your DVD and materials. 

Why should I choose Commemorative DVDs?
Commemorative DVDs prides itself on creating works of art! We don't simply plop in your photos, add a bunch of transitions, throw down a piece of music and burn a DVD in 60 minutes like many companies. We delight in collaborating with our clients to produce a professional level DVD that you will treasure for years to come.

We take the time to carefully color correct each image and embed motion picture effects and transitions at no additional charge, unlike many competitors. We also offer customized photographic collages which allow parts of your story to come to life for which you have no photos or video clips.

Regarding music and sound effects, we meticulously edit your soundtrack so that songs fade in and out and build the correct mood and momentum for each scene.

We're pros at what we do. We take our time and do it right. So if you are looking for a cut-rate bargain, we're not the studio for you. But if you want a show that is artfully customized and beautiful — that will thrill you to your core — then let's talk!

Do you work with customers outside the US?

Yes, we can format our DVDs in either Pal or NTSC format. Payment, however, is in US currency.

I am interested in ordering a commemorative DVD! What do I do?
Use our Planning Guide to walk you through the steps to prepare materials for your commemorative DVD. Our convenient a la carte menu will help you budget your show and control the costs. Once you are clear on the content of your show, fill out DVD Slideshow Order Form and submit it with all your materials and payment in full. Once we have received your payment and all materials, we will begin work on your production. If during the production, you decide that you would like to add additional services, such as a narration or sound effects, you will be invoiced for those costs before your final DVD is sent out. We will work closely with you to ensure that your DVD is everything you imagined it could be...and then some!