One of the festivals that selected our micro-horror short, Grease Ghoul, required physical BluRay or DVD media with an actual “play” menu. I was a bit surprised and befuddled as I have never setup a play menu, but it was quite easy with a suitable burner and the right software.
If you don’t already have an internal or external DVD/BluRay burner, I can recommend the following drive:
Pioneer BDR-XD05B, which costs $99 (retail) and supports multiple formats: BluRay, DVD, CD.
Unfortunately, the burner’s included software does not burn DVD with a configurable play-style menu. In order to meet this requirement, we had to purchase a lifetime license for Wondershare DVD Creator ($55.95). This software allowed us to not only create a suitable DVD menu but also tailor the look through available themes.
I also recommend enclosing the DVD in a plastic, DVD or BluRay hard case and topping with either a printed poster (along with any other promotional items) prior to shipping.
Note: This is a short post as I am wrapping up a film assignment for Lights Film School. Additionally, we have no affiliation with either Pioneer nor Wondershare.