What is a Steelbook?

What is a Steelbook, and How Does It Work?

You can define a steelbook as collector metal packaging for media. It's available in various sizes, from DVD and Blu-Ray to Nintendo DS and Switch. Scanavo exclusively produces steelbooks. The company's steelbooks are popular with customers globally, offering a unique way to house movies and video games. People often praise steelbooks for their classic design, exceptional finish, and unique artwork.

Steelbook Artwork and Designs

While steelbooks may display the artwork you have seen before, what makes them exciting is when they have commissioned graphics. For example, Mondo is a company that has designed several highly-coveted steelbooks for films like Nightcrawler and Drive. The excitement for steelbook designs does not stop with the artwork. Because steelbooks are metal, designers can add final details to their work in the form of finishes.

Embossed Steelbooks vs. Debossed Steelbooks, What's the Difference?

Some steelbooks feature embossed or debossed detailing. If you're curious about the difference, we have the answer. In both techniques, metal plates press or imprint a design onto the steelbook. Debossing produces a design that is stamped down or recessed into the surrounding material, while embossing produces a pattern that is elevated above the surrounding material.

Matte Steelbooks vs. Gloss Steelbooks

The final step in finishing steelbooks is to use a varnish. This step is where you get glossy and matte steelbooks. The choice of varnish typically significantly impacts a steelbook's artwork to the next level. While glossy surfaces showcase rich colors and deep blacks, a matte finish offers muted tones. Some designers mix the elements because of the standout differences between matte and gloss steelbooks. For example, you may have a matte steelbook with spot gloss elements, meaning that a particular aspect, such as an item or figure, may be emphasized in gloss.