You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition AND the
entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a gaggle of
assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be defective, the
only thing I'd get for my loss would be vouchers for whatever
they've got left on their shelves that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is still
in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers probably be toast
anyway?) is slim to none. Especially the Looney Toons stuff that
was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers crossed
that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's nothing really
to be done to get back what's been lost
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition AND the
entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a gaggle of
assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be defective, the
only thing I'd get for my loss would be vouchers for whatever
they've got left on their shelves that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is still
in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers probably be toast
anyway?) is slim to none. Especially the Looney Toons stuff that
was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers crossed
that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's nothing really
to be done to get back what's been lost
Nyssa <[email protected]> wrote:
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition
AND the entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a
gaggle of assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be
defective, the only thing I'd get for my loss would be
vouchers for whatever they've got left on their shelves
that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is
still in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers
probably be toast anyway?) is slim to none. Especially
the Looney Toons stuff that was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers
crossed that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's
nothing really to be done to get back what's been lost
No, but you could rip them all now to prevent against
future rot.
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and
possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
On 2025-03-20 02:19:06 +0000, Your Name said:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and
possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
I surely have some Warner Bros. DVDs manufactured between 2006 and 2008
(58 discs from all studios of movies that came out in 2005 alone) but I haven't noticed the kind of obvious physical "laser rot" like that
displayed in the original article. (https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/)
It mentions Shawshank Redemption as one of those affected, I have a
2-disc "10th Anniversary" edition of Shawshank Redemption but I have no
idea what year it was manufactured (no date on it but its 1994 original release year). It looks and plays fine.
I've encountered plenty of DVDs that skip badly but I don't think it's necessarily because of this kind of "laser rot." I don't own any that
show the kind of problem of the picture in the article.
In fact the only rot problem I've ever had is with one of my 700 CDs,
an early pressing of The Who's "Who's Next" made in West Germany on the Polydor label. You can hold it up to the light and see several tiny "pinpricks" shining through it. I replaced it with a Canadian version
that was supposed to be a superior mastering job anyway.
anim8rfsk wrote:
Nyssa <[email protected]> wrote:
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition
AND the entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a
gaggle of assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be
defective, the only thing I'd get for my loss would be
vouchers for whatever they've got left on their shelves
that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is
still in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers
probably be toast anyway?) is slim to none. Especially
the Looney Toons stuff that was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers
crossed that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's
nothing really to be done to get back what's been lost
No, but you could rip them all now to prevent against
future rot.
Argh! That would take a LOT of DVD blanks, plus the time
to check the original DVDs for already-present bit-rot and
then take the time to rip and copy the originals that still
have their data intact.
Sigh.
Nyssa, who hopes at least the Looney Toons she likes the
bestest are okay, like the Bugs and Elmer versions of
operas and the gremlin one from WWII
anim8rfsk wrote:
Nyssa <[email protected]> wrote:Argh! That would take a LOT of DVD blanks, plus the time
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo:
<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition
AND the entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a
gaggle of assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be
defective, the only thing I'd get for my loss would be
vouchers for whatever they've got left on their shelves
that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is
still in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers
probably be toast anyway?) is slim to none. Especially
the Looney Toons stuff that was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers
crossed that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's
nothing really to be done to get back what's been lost
No, but you could rip them all now to prevent against
future rot.
to check the original DVDs for already-present bit-rot and
then take the time to rip and copy the originals that still
have their data intact.
Sigh.
Nyssa, who hopes at least the Looney Toons she likes the
bestest are okay, like the Bugs and Elmer versions of
operas and the gremlin one from WWII
On 2025-03-20 02:19:06 +0000, Your Name said:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away -------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
I surely have some Warner Bros. DVDs manufactured between 2006 and 2008
(58 discs from all studios of movies that came out in 2005 alone) but I haven't noticed the kind of obvious physical "laser rot" like that
displayed in the original article. (https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/)
It mentions Shawshank Redemption as one of those affected, I have a
2-disc "10th Anniversary" edition of Shawshank Redemption but I have no
idea what year it was manufactured (no date on it but its 1994 original release year). It looks and plays fine.
I've encountered plenty of DVDs that skip badly but I don't think it's necessarily because of this kind of "laser rot."
I don't own any that
show the kind of problem of the picture in the article.
In fact the only rot problem I've ever had is with one of my 700 CDs,
an early pressing of The Who's "Who's Next" made in West Germany on the Polydor label. You can hold it up to the light and see several tiny "pinpricks" shining through it. I replaced it with a Canadian version
that was supposed to be a superior mastering job anyway.
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away -------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo: <https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition AND the
entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a gaggle of
assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be defective, the
only thing I'd get for my loss would be vouchers for whatever
they've got left on their shelves that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is still
in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers probably be toast
anyway?) is slim to none. Especially the Looney Toons stuff that
was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers crossed
that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's nothing really
to be done to get back what's been lost
On 2025-03-23 00:31:48 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-03-20 02:19:06 +0000, Your Name said:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and
possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
I surely have some Warner Bros. DVDs manufactured between 2006 and 2008
(58 discs from all studios of movies that came out in 2005 alone) but I
haven't noticed the kind of obvious physical "laser rot" like that
displayed in the original article.
(https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/)
It mentions Shawshank Redemption as one of those affected, I have a
2-disc "10th Anniversary" edition of Shawshank Redemption but I have no
idea what year it was manufactured (no date on it but its 1994 original
release year). It looks and plays fine.
I've encountered plenty of DVDs that skip badly but I don't think it's
necessarily because of this kind of "laser rot." I don't own any that
show the kind of problem of the picture in the article.
In fact the only rot problem I've ever had is with one of my 700 CDs,
an early pressing of The Who's "Who's Next" made in West Germany on the
Polydor label. You can hold it up to the light and see several tiny
"pinpricks" shining through it. I replaced it with a Canadian version
that was supposed to be a superior mastering job anyway.
Discs getting rot and the rate they deteriorate will depend on a lot of factors, including how they are stored, temperature, quality of the
original manufacturing and materials, etc. You might well not see any problems for years or even never, while your neighbours collection is
already only useful as beer mats.
The problem is that there's no real way of knowing without constantly checking them.
Same of course goes for pretty much every other format of anything: VHS tapes, cassette tapes, floppy disks, etc. Even paper copies of things
can deteriorate. Carving into solid rock isn't guaranteed to last
forever either.
Despite many manufacturers claims. There is no storage format that will
last hundreds, let alone thousands, of years.
On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 17:31:48 -0700, super70s wrote:
On 2025-03-20 02:19:06 +0000, Your Name said:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and
possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away
-------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
I surely have some Warner Bros. DVDs manufactured between 2006 and 2008
(58 discs from all studios of movies that came out in 2005 alone) but I
haven't noticed the kind of obvious physical "laser rot" like that
displayed in the original article.
(https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/)
It mentions Shawshank Redemption as one of those affected, I have a
2-disc "10th Anniversary" edition of Shawshank Redemption but I have no
idea what year it was manufactured (no date on it but its 1994 original
release year). It looks and plays fine.
I've encountered plenty of DVDs that skip badly but I don't think it's
necessarily because of this kind of "laser rot."
Do get another blu/dvd player and that might solve the
skipping problem.
I don't own any that
show the kind of problem of the picture in the article.
That might have been a misleading picture. The rare
cases of disc rot I've found in my own collection
and in library discs, two in total, had no visible
marks at all to indicate the rot.
In fact the only rot problem I've ever had is with one of my 700 CDs,
an early pressing of The Who's "Who's Next" made in West Germany on the Polydor label. You can hold it up to the light and see several tiny "pinpricks" shining through it. I replaced it with a Canadian version
that was supposed to be a superior mastering job anyway.
Pinpricks in old CDs aren't supposed to be a problem, doesn't
that old Who's Next CD with the pinpricks play?
If the Canadian CD is as old, it may be as good. Starting in
the Mid-90's the Who catalog has been mastered by monkey
engineers who muffle the quiet notes with "noise reduction"
and muffle the loud notes with Dynamic Compression.
On Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:22:13 -0700, Nyssa wrote:
Your Name wrote:
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still
exists (and possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away -------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund,
depending on whether your malfunctioning DVD is still
in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD
collection, you could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006
and 2008 have been hit by an issue known as "laser
rot," where DVDs simply stop working due to a rotting
of the layers, an investigation by movie review site
JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio,
including its Looney Tunes Collections or its
portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s Hollywood classics,
which were never transferred to newer formats like
Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of
disappearing without a trace. JoBlo: <https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent
years, Warner Bros. recently acknowledged the issue
following JoBlo's report and has offered to replace
the impacted DVDs - but only under certain conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been
replaced with the same title," read the official
statement. "However, as some of the affected titles
are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to
contact its customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd
prefer to avoid the potential trauma of malfunctioning
DVDs altogether, check out PCMag's guide to converting
your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an
end anyway. Many of the largest home entertainment
chains in the US have already decided to cut or
severely limit the number of DVDs they stock. Best Buy
made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023
after almost 30 years.
What a dumbass last paragraph. I wish journalists would be more
honest and put their dumbest statements at the beginning
of their articles rather than at the end.
In what way are the possibility of rotted discs ending
because chain stores have stopped stocking DVDs? The
damage was done by in 2006-2008 due to the bad manufacturing
at Warners, and that doesn't change whether new DVDs are
being stocked or not.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
Oh, crap!
I've got the whole 6 volume Looney Toons Golden Edition AND the
WHICH Looney Tunes Golden collection, is it from 2006-2008?
The original issues, the reissues about 2008 or the more recent,
in print, Golden Collection issues, though I can't really tell
which is which.
Coincidentally I just bought the newer six volumes
individually, and I tested from each volume to determine the
bit-rate by checking the disc size, because my attempts to
buy as a set was a failure, with the "half bit-rate" frauds
being sold on Amazon thirdparties and at ebay.
entire set of Babylon 5 series and movies plus a gaggle of
assorted movies all from WB. :(
So even if I find one or more of these DVDs to be defective, the
only thing I'd get for my loss would be vouchers for whatever
they've got left on their shelves that won't sell?
The chances that any of what I've got in my collection is still
in their warehouse (and wouldn't any leftovers probably be toast
anyway?) is slim to none. Especially the Looney Toons stuff that
was "Limited Editions."
Bummer ^2!
Nyssa, who guesses she'll just have to keep her fingers crossed
that *most* of those DVDs are okay since there's nothing really
to be done to get back what's been lost
Wiseguy comments about dvd collectors not (re)watching
their own stuff and so not realizing the damage
is welcome.
You might be eligible for a replacement ... if one still exists (and
possibly US only).
Still Clinging to DVDs?
Some Warner Bros. Discs Have Started Rotting Away -------------------------------------------------
You might be eligible for a replacement or a refund, depending on
whether your malfunctioning DVD is still in print.
If you're still hanging on to your physical DVD collection, you
could be in for a nasty surprise.
Many DVDs manufactured by Warner Bros. between 2006 and 2008 have
been hit by an issue known as "laser rot," where DVDs simply stop
working due to a rotting of the layers, an investigation by movie
review site JoBlo reveals. So far, it doesn't seem like Blu-ray
discs or HD-DVD are affected.
JoBlo highlights some of Warner Bros.' portfolio, including its
Looney Tunes Collections or its portfolio of 30s, 40s, and 50s
Hollywood classics, which were never transferred to newer formats
like Blu-ray, meaning they could run the risk of disappearing
without a trace.
JoBlo:<https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/>
Though collectors have noted the problem in recent years, Warner
Bros. recently acknowledged the issue following JoBlo's report and
has offered to replace the impacted DVDs - but only under certain
conditions.
"Where possible, the defective discs have been replaced with the
same title," read the official statement. "However, as some of the
affected titles are no longer in print or the rights have expired,
consumers have been offered an exchange for a title of
like-value."
Warner Bros. encouraged consumers hit by the defect to contact its
customer support at: [email protected]. If you'd prefer to avoid the
potential trauma of malfunctioning DVDs altogether, check out
PCMag's guide to converting your old discs to digital formats.
The era of malfunctioning discs may well be nearing an end anyway.
Many of the largest home entertainment chains in the US have
already decided to cut or severely limit the number of DVDs they
stock. Best Buy made the leap to stop stocking DVDs altogether in
2024, while Netflix shuttered its DVD business in 2023 after almost
30 years.
<https://au.pcmag.com/home-entertainment/110030/still-clinging-to-dvds-some-warner-bros-discs-have-started-rotting-away>
On 2025-03-24 06:35:50 +0000, Pluted Pup said:
<snip>
Wiseguy comments about dvd collectors not (re)watching
their own stuff and so not realizing the damage
is welcome.
Unfortunately there simply isn't enough time in the day to keep
re-watching a large collection of just to see if the discs are going
bad. That list you posted alone would take months, if not years, to
watch it all, and then (like painting teh Golden Gate bridge) you'd
have to start over again in case the discs began going bad after you
watched it last time.
No doubt there will soon be law suits springing up as Americans pick up
their usual "sue 'em all" attitude and take Warner Bros. to court.
On Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:46:51 -0700, Your Name wrote:
On 2025-03-24 06:35:50 +0000, Pluted Pup said:
<snip>
Wiseguy comments about dvd collectors not (re)watching
their own stuff and so not realizing the damage
is welcome.
Unfortunately there simply isn't enough time in the day to keep
re-watching a large collection of just to see if the discs are going
bad. That list you posted alone would take months, if not years, to
watch it all, and then (like painting teh Golden Gate bridge) you'd
have to start over again in case the discs began going bad after you
watched it last time.
No doubt there will soon be law suits springing up as Americans pick up
their usual "sue 'em all" attitude and take Warner Bros. to court.
I have many on that list, much of what I haven't watched
yet. I'm going to use this list as a guide, so I'm
going to go on a heavy Warners diet for a while.
Consumer advocacy is weak, and it only seems like anyone can
be sued for anything; if there's a lawsuit, the wrong people
will sue the wrong people. But the blame is ultimately on Warners, particularly because Warner Home Video has not been upfront
on any of this. Warners Home Video is the one who should be
providing the lists, and not having us to rely on hearsay.
Later, Warners Home Video has been doing *bad* work on Blu-ray,
usually using half-bit rate discs and keeping a corporate
policy of never using more than 30 gigs on a 50 gig double
layer blu-ray, as well as using "noise reduction" to reduce
the amount of data to compress, furthering the muffling of the
picture. It's treatment of it's cartoons on Blu-ray like
The Flintstones (11 bps out of 40), Scooby-Do (11 bps out of 40
on 4 half-bitrate discs), Bugs Bunny 80th (12-19 bps), Rick
And Morty (9-11 bps) etc.,show cheating the customer to be a
a practice of Warners new management. The facts are that
mass duplication of Blu-Rays and DVDs is the cheapest part of
a video release, and there is no excuse forbit-starving.
They are wasting engineering costs on compression, and the heavy
processing of the video and audio that that entails in trying
to hide the effects of the low bit-rate.
On 2025-03-24 07:25:11 +0000, Pluted Pup said:
On Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:46:51 -0700, Your Name wrote:
On 2025-03-24 06:35:50 +0000, Pluted Pup said:
<snip>
Wiseguy comments about dvd collectors not (re)watching
their own stuff and so not realizing the damage
is welcome.
Unfortunately there simply isn't enough time in the day to keep
re-watching a large collection of just to see if the discs are going
bad. That list you posted alone would take months, if not years, to
watch it all, and then (like painting teh Golden Gate bridge) you'd
have to start over again in case the discs began going bad after you
watched it last time.
No doubt there will soon be law suits springing up as Americans pick up
their usual "sue 'em all" attitude and take Warner Bros. to court.
I have many on that list, much of what I haven't watched
yet. I'm going to use this list as a guide, so I'm
going to go on a heavy Warners diet for a while.
Consumer advocacy is weak, and it only seems like anyone can
be sued for anything; if there's a lawsuit, the wrong people
will sue the wrong people. But the blame is ultimately on Warners,
particularly because Warner Home Video has not been upfront
on any of this. Warners Home Video is the one who should be
providing the lists, and not having us to rely on hearsay.
Later, Warners Home Video has been doing *bad* work on Blu-ray,
usually using half-bit rate discs and keeping a corporate
policy of never using more than 30 gigs on a 50 gig double
layer blu-ray, as well as using "noise reduction" to reduce
the amount of data to compress, furthering the muffling of the
picture. It's treatment of it's cartoons on Blu-ray like
The Flintstones (11 bps out of 40), Scooby-Do (11 bps out of 40
on 4 half-bitrate discs), Bugs Bunny 80th (12-19 bps), Rick
And Morty (9-11 bps) etc.,show cheating the customer to be a
a practice of Warners new management. The facts are that
mass duplication of Blu-Rays and DVDs is the cheapest part of
a video release, and there is no excuse forbit-starving.
They are wasting engineering costs on compression, and the heavy
processing of the video and audio that that entails in trying
to hide the effects of the low bit-rate.
I was under the impression we were only talking about movies from WB
that were pressed and released from 2006-2008 *for the first time*, not movies with the same titles that were manufactured before or after
those years which apparently are OK.
I distinctly remember buying "Eyes Wide Shut - Stanley Kubrick
Directors Series" through the old Columbia House DVD Club when I first
began getting into DVDs back in 2003 so it couldn't have been made in 2006-2008.
After quick scan of the list the only one I can attest to having a
problem with is "Dog Day Afternoon - Special Edition." My copy of it
has a double-sided version of the movie instead of "Disc 1" of the
2-disc set. I apparently had a problem with the original Disc 1 and
replaced it with an older, double-sided (widescreen/standard) version I already had at the time.
There are no movies I own that I won't eventually rewatch because I
keep up with it all on a database and am always watching the movie I
haven't seen in the longest time (that is unless I hate it and throw it
in the "reject pile"). If a disc becomes "rotted" I'll eventually know
about it. I see no reason to devote space to a movie collection unless
you plan on rewatching them at some point -- and of course with each
rewatch your initial monetary investment gets more value.
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