DVDs Rotting? Preserve Your Collection Now!

If you're like many of us with a collection of DVDs adorning your shelves, recent reports on DVD rot might have you concerned about the integrity of your cherished collection. DVD rot, a term familiar to many physical media enthusiasts, is part of a broader issue known as disc rot. This problem has plagued various formats over the years, including LaserDiscs, CDs, and video game discs, due to chemical deterioration that can lead to severe playability issues, up to and including complete failure to read or play.

While encountering disc rot can often feel like a stroke of bad luck, there have been instances where the issue is linked to specific manufacturing processes. A notable case involves Warner Bros. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009, which have been reported to suffer from this problem. This issue gained significant attention following an article by JoBlo's Chris Bumbray, who experienced it firsthand with Warner Bros. Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn box sets. However, within the community of collectors, this has been a recognized problem for years, extensively 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

Investigations led by Draper and others pinpointed the source of the issue to a specific manufacturing plant, the now-closed Cinram facility in Pennsylvania. This discovery was made possible by examining the tiny manufacturing codes on the inner ring of the discs. Spencer Draper, a massive collector of film and TV across all formats, estimates owning between 5,000-6,000 titles. A significant portion of his collection, produced by Warner Bros., prompted him to meticulously check each disc. He found that DVD rot doesn't always manifest uniformly, requiring thorough checks of both the main feature and supplementary content.

Draper's efforts to reach out to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment were challenging, but eventually, the studio responded by sending replacements for the affected titles, provided they were still in production. In response to inquiries from IGN, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment issued a statement acknowledging the issue and their ongoing efforts to assist affected consumers:

"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."

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 DVD case. If it falls between 2006 and 2009, further inspection is warranted. Draper advises examining the manufacturing codes on the inner ring of the disc, particularly looking for the letters 'IFPI,' which indicate the problematic batch. These codes are tiny and may require magnification to read.

A reassuring sign is the presence of a small blue stamp on the back cover stating "Disc Made in Mexico," indicating production at a different facility unaffected by the rot issue. For a thorough check, Draper suggests playing the entire disc, including all extras, in fast-forward to ensure it's free from rot.

Draper has compiled a helpful list of affected titles, serving as a useful resource for those looking to safeguard their collections or avoid purchasing problematic discs. For instance, fans of HBO's Tales From the Crypt should be aware that multiple seasons in the Warner Bros. DVD sets are affected, and with the series facing complex rights issues, these discs represent the only physical media release available.

The erratic nature of the WB DVD rot issue means a disc may function perfectly one day but fail the next. This unpredictability is particularly frustrating for rare titles like Volume Two of the RKO Tarzan films, which are high-priced on the resale market yet susceptible to rot.

What's a Typical DVD's 'Life Expectancy'?

Despite the specific issue with Warner Bros. DVDs, widespread DVD rot remains relatively rare. Sony's official statement suggests a DVD's life expectancy can range from 30 to 100 years if properly stored and handled. As DVDs approach their fourth decade, early issues with poorly produced discs have largely been the exception rather than the rule.

Blu-rays have not shown similar widespread issues, though there have been some concerns reported, particularly in France linked to a specific manufacturer. Notably, Warner Bros.-produced HD DVDs have all ceased to function, a reminder of the format's short-lived battle with Blu-ray.

Criterion faced a similar issue with some Blu-rays manufactured at a specific plant, but they addressed it promptly by confirming affected titles and initiating an exchange program. Warner Bros. has been less forthcoming about their DVD rot issue, with responses to consumers varying widely in terms of speed and satisfaction. While they offer replacements or alternate titles, the lack of an official list of affected titles and transparency about the manufacturing source remains a point of contention.

For collectors, the loss of exclusive bonus features on replaced discs, as experienced by Draper with films like Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, adds another layer of frustration. In the streaming era, physical media remains a reliable way to enjoy content, but the Warner Bros. DVD rot issue underscores a significant vulnerability that continues to impact enthusiasts long after the Cinram plant's closure.