If you’re like me and have a collection of DVDs, you might be concerned after recent reports about the potential for some of your discs to deteriorate.
Durability issues, commonly referred to as DVD rot, aren’t a new phenomenon; they’ve impacted various disc formats over the years, including LaserDiscs, CDs, and video games. This deterioration can arise from chemical interactions and can lead to serious playback problems, even rendering a disc unplayable.
Although discovering DVD rot in your collection can be somewhat random and unfortunate, it’s noteworthy that certain discs have been consistently problematic. Specifically, Warner Bros. DVDs manufactured between 2006 and 2009 have been under scrutiny for significant issues.
This issue gained traction following reports from JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray, who experienced problems with Warner Bros. releases of Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn box sets. Additionally, YouTuber Spencer Draper (Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader) has extensively covered this problem, highlighting that certain discs were flawed well before it became a widespread issue.
A Problem Uncovered, and Studio Actions
As Draper and others investigated, they pinpointed that the fault lay not with all WB DVDs but specifically with those produced at the now-defunct Cinram plant in Pennsylvania. This could be confirmed through small manufacturing codes located on the inner ring of the discs.
Identifying DVD Rot
If you suspect your DVD is affected, first check the copyright year on the case. Discs made between 2006 and 2009 are at higher risk. If your disc falls within those years, look for ‘IFPI’ markings on the inner ring, indicating it’s one of the problematic batches.
A quick way to determine if your disc is safe is to check for a small blue stamp that reads “Disc Made in Mexico,” which confirms it was produced at a different facility. Draper recommends testing affected DVDs by scanning through the entire disc to check for issues, stating that even attempting a digital backup won’t always assure you that the disc is free from rot.
Warner Bros. Response
In response to consumer inquiries, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment acknowledged the issue and stated they have been working with affected customers for nearly a decade. They offer replacements when possible but caution that some titles may be out of print or unavailable for replacement due to licensing issues.