Are Your DVDs Deteriorating?

If, like me, you have a collection of DVDs gathering dust on your shelf, recent reports might have you concerned about the integrity of your cherished movies. DVD rot, a term many physical media enthusiasts are familiar with, refers to the chemical deterioration that can plague any disc, from LaserDiscs and CDs to video games across various platforms. This deterioration can lead to severe playability issues, rendering your discs unreadable at worst.

Encountering disc rot in your collection can feel like a random stroke of bad luck, but sometimes, the issue stems from how the disc was manufactured. A notable case involves Warner Bros. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009, which have been plagued by this problem. The issue gained renewed attention thanks to an article by JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray, who experienced it firsthand with WB-released Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn box sets. Yet, for years, this has been a known issue among collectors, thoroughly discussed by physical media expert and YouTuber Spencer Draper, also known as Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader, in a video from late 2021.

A Problem Discovered, and a Studio’s Response

Draper and other collectors traced the issue to a specific manufacturing plant: the now-closed Cinram facility in Pennsylvania. They identified this by examining the tiny manufacturing labels on the inner ring of the disc's backside. Spencer Draper, a massive collector of films and TV across all formats, estimates owning between 5,000-6,000 titles on various media. A significant portion of his DVDs were produced by Warner Bros., prompting him to conduct a thorough check of his collection. He found that simply scanning or attempting a digital backup wasn't enough to guarantee the absence of rot; a complete playthrough of the disc, including all supplements and menus, was necessary to confirm its condition.

Draper reached out to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, which initially proved challenging. However, as detailed in his follow-up video, WB eventually sent him replacements for all affected titles they still produced. When IGN contacted Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, they received the following statement:

“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is aware of potential issues affecting select DVD titles manufactured between 2006 – 2009 and has been working directly with consumers on replacements or alternate solutions for nearly a decade. Any consumer who is experiencing an issue can contact [email protected]. This is not a new issue. A website recently experienced this issue themselves and decided to write a story about it (since updated) and that has caused the latest news. WBHE has been working with consumers for nearly a decade when it was first brought to our attention. We have offered replacements when possible, or an alternate title when needed. Some of the discs are now out of print or the titles no longer licensed for DVD release. In these cases, WBHE offered an alternate title as a replacement.”

This statement aligns closely with the one provided to JoBlo, though it extends the affected years to 2009, consistent with Draper's findings.

How Do You Know if Your DVDs Are Rotting?

If you're concerned about your DVDs, start by checking the copyright year on the back of the case. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009 are potentially at risk. For those within this timeframe, examine the manufacturing codes on the inner ring of the disc's backside. Look for the letters 'IFPI', which indicate discs from the problematic plant. These codes can be tiny and may require magnification to read.

A quick way to determine if your disc is likely safe is to check the back cover of the DVD case. If you see a small blue stamp saying 'Disc Made in Mexico', you're in the clear, as these were produced at a different plant. For thoroughness, Draper suggests playing through the entire disc, including all extras, at high speed to ensure no rot is present.

Draper has compiled a list of affected titles, serving as a helpful resource for collectors. This list also aids those looking to purchase older titles, warning them of potential issues, though this can be frustrating if no other versions are available.

As a horror fan, I noticed the HBO series 'Tales From the Crypt' on Draper's list, with multiple seasons affected. The show's complicated rights issues make it unavailable for streaming or digital purchase, and the WB-produced DVD sets were its only physical release. This means fans may have to accept the risk of receiving non-functional discs.

The WB DVD rot issue is more unpredictable than the problems with LaserDiscs. A disc could be fine one day and unplayable the next. This is particularly troubling for rare titles like Volume Two of the RKO Tarzan films, which are high-priced on the resale market and may unexpectedly fail.

What’s a Typical DVD’s ‘Life Expectancy’?

Despite the specific issue with WB DVDs, widespread DVD rot remains rare as we approach the format's fourth decade. Early DVDs did suffer from rot, but these were exceptions. Sony’s official statement estimates a DVD's life expectancy at 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled. As we near the 30th anniversary of DVDs, introduced in 1996, Draper remains optimistic, noting that his early Warner DVDs from 1997 are still in perfect condition.

Blu-rays have not shown widespread rot issues, though recent reports mention concerns in France, likely due to a specific manufacturer. In contrast, nearly all WB-produced HD DVDs no longer play. Criterion faced a similar issue with some Blu-rays but managed it well by confirming affected titles and offering an exchange program for later repressings.

Warner Bros. acknowledges the ongoing problem with their DVDs and advises affected consumers to email [email protected] for replacements. However, Draper notes varying response times and the challenge of providing receipts for old purchases. Some titles are out of print, and WB may offer an alternate title instead, which isn't ideal for collectors wanting specific films or series.

Draper wishes WB had been more transparent, similar to Criterion, by providing an official list of affected titles and acknowledging the issue's source. Even with replacements, newer releases may lack the bonus features of earlier versions, as seen with films like 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid', where the 2006 WB DVD's exclusive extras are not replicated in the Criterion 4K UHD.

In the streaming era, physical media remains a reliable way to enjoy your favorite films and series. However, the WB DVD rot issue highlights a significant vulnerability, underscoring the importance of checking your collection and understanding the potential pitfalls of owning physical media.