What is a Commemorative DVD?
A commemorative DVD is a multimedia slide show. It is also referred to as a photo montage DVD. It differs artistically from a powerpoint presentation because each image is animated using panning and zooming effects. Often multiple photographs and video are layered with special effects applied to create a rich, artistic unfolding of imagery. The result is that your photographs come to life and tell a story more dramatically than a traditional slide show could ever do.
Commemorative DVDs typically combine photographs set to a background soundtrack of your favorite music. They can also include short video clips, sound effects and narration. These Hollywood-style productions will dazzle your friends and family and are perfect to show at weddings, anniversaries, memorials, rites of passage celebrations, birthdays, graduations, family reunions, and other special occasions. They make wonderful gifts! To view samples of our commemorative dvds, click here.
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. Generally, a 5 minute film can be created in a few days. A 10-15 minute film can usually be completed within two weeks. A 30 minute film will require 4-6 weeks. Rush service is available for an additional fee.
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. You can either provide your songs to us on a CD or have us create a soundtrack for you. We can also license music for you. The fee for licensing is generally $30 per 4 mins. song.
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 for us to scan. We assure you that they will be returned when we ship your DVD. To view our planning guide for scanning tips, Click here.
Can I include video clips along with my photos?
Yes! Each video clip costs $5 additional and should be one minute in length. Clips must be submitted on a mini DV tape. 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 MasterCard, Visa and checks using PayPal. You will be sent an e-mail invoice after your order has been placed with instructions for payment. Payment in full is required for Bronze and Silver projects. Gold and Platinum projects require a 50% deposit and the balance due prior to shipping you your DVD and materials.
Why should I choose HC Media Design?
HC Media Design
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. Check out the red wagon segment in the Pet Tribute, for instance. There was a charming line in the narration that referenced this image, and so we utilized stock photographs with two of the client's photos and voila - rich imagery was given life.
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?
Decide what DVD Package you are interested in and look through our Planning Guide to walk you through the steps to prepare for your commemorative DVD. Next, fill out a Request Form and submit it. We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your project. We will work closely with you to ensure that your DVD is everything you imagined it could be...and then some! |
Frequently Asked Questions (Tribute DVD) 
