Digipak

The Digipak, today know as a CD... it consists of a gatefold (book) paperboard or card stock outer binding with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD attached  to the inside. Digipaks were among the first alternatives to jewel cases to be used by major record companies. Digipaks are normally special edition copies of the Album. That are either available for a short period of time (Limited). They are tougher and less fragile not to mention they give more protection to the case. 

On a digipak you normally find an image of the group of artist or maybe just artwork on the front. Along with the name of the band/artist and the album name. The back of the album has the track list, a related image, barcode, record labels involved, charities and information about the album. On the inside of the album depending on whether it is a 6 panel or a 3 panel, you have album artwork on the middle panel, on the far right you have a bonus CD or some form of freebie, the far right you have the main CD and sometimes a design on the CD to make it "Limited". Just like the CD on the left. 

Inside a 6 panel digipak you have some special edition features like a bonus disk, interviews and behind the scenes. Posters normally come inside, along with album artwork and lyrics. If you are lucky enough you get exclusive online content that nobody else can see unless you buy that specific album. 

There are 3 types of Digipaks a standard 1CD pack with the track list on the back and maybe some album artwork inside. Digipack two, a more expensive 2CD album with exclusive content inside. Album artwork inside with lyrics inside. Extra songs on the disk, maybe hidden tracks... A poster or postcard normally comes with this pack. The CDs normally have artwork on them to make them limited edition or just different from the standard album and the 2nd CD has interviews on it with video footage and live tours and performances. Digipak three, a special or limited edition pack of all the greatest hits and tracks, bonus tracks, album artwork, posters. 3 CDs one having all the outside footage of the band/artist. This album is the most expensive of all 3 but you get lots for your money, these packs appeal to the big fans of the artist or bands. 

Artists sometimes re-release special edition albums to either make a come back or earn some more money. This is normally the 'Queen' of all Digipaks. 3 or more CDs inside with more album artwork than you know what to do with! The artwork relates to their life, from begin to present time, there isn't much special about these albums other than some of the songs maybe Digitally remastered for that CD.