Are Your DVDs Deteriorating?

If you're like me and have a collection of DVDs gathering dust on your shelf, recent reports about DVD rot might have you concerned about the integrity of your beloved films. DVD rot, or disc rot, is a well-known issue among physical media enthusiasts, affecting various formats from LaserDiscs to CDs and video games. This degradation can render your discs unreadable or unplayable due to chemical deterioration caused by multiple factors.

Encountering disc rot is often a matter of bad luck, but sometimes, it stems from manufacturing flaws. Notably, Warner Bros. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009 have a recurrent issue that has been a topic of discussion for years. This problem 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. Physical media expert and YouTuber Spencer Draper, known as Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader, has extensively covered this issue in a video posted in late 2021, highlighting that it was a known problem among collectors even before his coverage.

A Problem Discovered, and a Studio's Response

Draper's investigation revealed that the issue was specific to discs manufactured at the now-closed Cinram plant in Pennsylvania. These discs can be identified by a tiny manufacturing label on the inner ring of the disc's backside, where the data is stored. As a massive collector with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 films across various formats, Draper found a significant portion of his collection was affected. He had to painstakingly check each disc, including all features, supplements, and menus, as even a digital backup wouldn't guarantee the disc was rot-free.

Draper's efforts to reach out to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment were initially challenging, but as detailed in a follow-up video, WB eventually sent him replacements for the affected titles they were still producing. When contacted by IGN, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided 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 echoes the one given to JoBlo, with the addition that the affected years now extend to 2009, aligning 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 DVD case. If it falls between 2006 and 2009, you should look at the disc's inner ring for manufacturing codes. Draper advises that if you see the letters 'IFPI' anywhere in those codes, you may have one of the affected discs. These codes are small and may require a magnifying glass or camera to read clearly.

A quick way to check if your disc is likely safe, even if it's from the affected years, is to look for a tiny blue stamp on the back cover of the DVD case that says "Disc Made in Mexico," indicating it was produced at a different plant. If you want to be thorough, Draper suggests playing the disc and fast-forwarding through all content, including extras, to ensure it's rot-free.

Draper has compiled a list of the titles he's aware were affected, which is a valuable resource for collectors. This list can also help if you're considering purchasing older titles, although it can be frustrating if other versions are unavailable.

For horror fans, the DVD sets of HBO's Tales From the Crypt are particularly concerning, as multiple seasons have been affected. Due to complicated rights issues, the series isn't available for legal streaming, rental, or digital purchase, making the WB-produced DVD sets the only physical release. This means fans looking to own the series face a high risk of receiving discs that won't play properly.

The unpredictability of WB DVD rot is more erratic than with LaserDiscs. A disc might work fine one day but fail the next. Draper mentions Volume Two of the classic RKO Tarzan films as another affected title, which is rare and often expensive on the resale market, with no guarantee it will work even if it appears fine upon receipt.

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

Despite the issues with this particular run of Warner Bros. DVDs, widespread DVD rot is not a common occurrence. Early poorly produced DVDs did suffer from rot, but these were exceptions. Sony's official statement estimates that a typical DVD has a life expectancy of 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled. As we approach the 30th anniversary of DVDs in 1996, Draper notes that early Warner DVDs from 1997 remain in good condition.

There are no widespread issues with Blu-rays yet, though some concerns have been raised, particularly with discs manufactured in France. However, Criterion faced a similar issue with some Blu-rays and handled it effectively by confirming affected titles and offering exchanges.

Warner Bros. is aware of the DVD rot issue and encourages affected consumers to contact [email protected] for replacements or alternate titles. However, responses can vary, and some affected titles are out of print or no longer licensed for DVD release. Draper wishes WB had been more transparent about the issue, similar to Criterion's approach, including providing an official list of affected titles and acknowledging the specific manufacturing plant involved.

Even if you receive a replacement disc, it might lack the bonus features that were exclusive to the original version, as Draper experienced with the 2006 Warner Bros. two-disc DVD of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, which has since rotted.

In the streaming era, physical media remains a reliable way to ensure access to your favorite films and series. However, the WB DVD rot issue highlights a significant challenge that can leave you lamenting the now-closed Cinram plant in Pennsylvania.