So, I just bought another DVD and it had tape-like strip across the top of it, preventing it from opening. It had a small barcode on it, but it was the exact same barcode as on the back. Although it had a point saying “PULL”, pulling it did not take it all of. Manipulation, fingernails, and finally scissors were required before removal was complete.
This tape strip has been on CDs for as long as I can remember, and is now showing up on keep cases for DVDs.
Why? What is its purpose? Extra-security? Since they’re shrink-wrapped, I don’t see how it help. Ease in scanning for sale? The same barcode that exists on the tape strip exists on the back as well. To madden and frustrate the consumer who just cut his/her fingernails? Possibly… but not exactly logical.
The obvious WAG is anti-theft–anything that makes it take you longer to open the package gives them that much longer pick out the thief.
As for how to get them off, I always pull them off very slowly in one piece so I don’t leave that nasty sticky residue. When removing, try pulling gently out from the sticker rather than across it so you unstick one entire side before attempting to remove it.
My personal impression is that the shrinkwrap that surrounds the whole CD package is what is made to prevent theft. Though some DVD’s I’ve purchased aren’t shrinkwrapped “in toto”.
According to this site, the edge label serves this purpose:
When I worked security for a department store, I loved the sticky tape on the edges of CD’s and DVD’s. I would stand at the end of an aisle, and would hear the little pick pick sound that kids made as they tried to open the tape. That’s how I’d know when to look for the cd to go into their pants/pocket/etc.
It also helped show intent. Shrink wrap could be “accidentally” taken off, or they would say that they were removing it to see what was underneath the price sticker. But there is no explanation for ripping the tape on the edge of the jewel case.
If you look closely you’ll notice that the tape seal also has a hologram on it. It’s to prevent stores that buy used CDs from shrinkwrapping them and selling them as new.
Just gently pop the bottom hinge out of socket, then pull the front and back apart. It comes off in about 1/2 second, in one piece, leaving no residue.
I’ve seen some music stores sell a little knife type thing that you can cut that with. You just slide it over the top of the case and it is supposed to cut it. Never used it but it was only $0.59.