How to cite information written on a DVD cover using MLA referencing style

This is a query that pops up regularly and can be difficult to answer:

1. Cite the DVD

2. Add the details about the particular person writing the information on the cover (if given) to the citation

3. Describe the written information and its location in-text and add the citation details in brackets after it

Full details below:

Source is: MLA Style manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing. 3rd edition. New York. The Modern Language Association of America. 2008.

On p. 225 (Section 6.8.3) it states that to cite a film or video (dvd) performance, you begin with the title (italicized) and include the director, the distributor, the year of release, and the medium.
You may include other data that seems pertinent - such as the names of the screen-writer, performers, and producer - between the title and the distributor.

eg: It's a Wonderful Life. Dir. Frank Capra. Perf. James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and Thomas Mitchell. RKO, 1946. Film.

If you are citing the contribution of a particular individual, begin with that person's name:

Chaplin, Charles, dir. Modern Times. Perf. Chaplin and Paulette Goddard. United Artists, 1936. Film.

It then states specifically: 'Cite a DVD as you would a film' (ie as above). Include the original release date when it is relevant.

This gives us one means of citing the information on the cover. If it is identified as the contribution of a particular individual, it can be cited as above.

If it is not, this is not covered by the manual; but the concensus for in-text referencing (among IA staff) is to actually describe what it is eg: 'blah blah' as written/described on the back cover, and then give the DVD citation in brackets following this description. This would allow any check of the accuracy of the information to be done.

If this is a special edition in any way, please make sure to add that to the citation so that the right version can be identified.

It would also suggest sending an email to the relevant lecturer detailing the solution in case they have an alternative preference. Since the manual does not give a solution in this exact instance, this is a possibility.