Are Your DVDs Deteriorating?

If you're like me and have a collection of DVDs gathering dust on your shelf, recent reports might have you fretting about whether any of your precious discs have fallen victim to the dreaded DVD rot. This issue isn't new to the physical media community, though you might not have heard the term before. Disc rot has been a persistent problem across various formats for decades, from LaserDiscs to CDs and video games, as all discs are prone to chemical deterioration for a multitude of reasons. This can lead to serious playability issues, potentially rendering your disc unreadable or unplayable.

Discovering disc rot in your collection is often a matter of bad luck, but occasionally, it's linked to manufacturing defects. A notable example is the recurrent issue with Warner Bros. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009. This problem gained recent attention through an article by JoBlo's Chris Bumbray, who encountered it with WB-released Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn box sets from that period. However, this issue has been a known concern among collectors for years, with detailed coverage by physical media expert Spencer Draper, known on YouTube as Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader, in a video posted in late 2021.

A Problem Discovered, and a Studio’s Response

Draper and other enthusiasts traced the issue back to a specific manufacturing plant – the now-closed Cinram facility in Pennsylvania. The affected discs can be identified by a tiny manufacturing label on the inner ring of the disc's backside, where the data is stored. Draper, a massive collector with an estimated 5,000-6,000 films spanning various formats, found himself in a race against time to check his Warner Bros. DVDs. He learned that merely scanning or backing up the disc doesn't always guarantee it's rot-free; the only sure way is to play through the entire disc, including all features, supplements, and menus.

Draper reached out to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, which was challenging at first, but eventually, WB sent him replacement discs for the affected titles still in production. When IGN contacted Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, they 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 response echoes the one given to JoBlo, though it extends the affected period 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 case. If it falls between 2006 and 2009, you might have an affected disc. Next, inspect the manufacturing codes on the inner ring of the disc. Look for the letters 'IFPI' – if you see them, it's likely one of the problematic discs. These codes are small and may require magnification to read.

A quick reassurance: if your DVD case has a small blue stamp stating "Disc Made in Mexico," you're likely safe, as those were produced at a different facility. If you want to be thorough, Draper suggests playing the entire disc on ultra-fast forward to ensure everything works.

She's wearing a DVD dress, which is one thing you can do with your rotted discs. (Image credit: Matthew Fearn/PA Images via Getty Images)

Draper has compiled a helpful list of affected titles, which is a great resource for anyone worried about their collection or planning to purchase older titles. For instance, the DVD sets of HBO's Tales From the Crypt have been affected, and due to rights issues, they are not available for legal streaming or digital purchase. These sets were the only physical media release for the series, making them particularly valuable yet risky for collectors.

The Warner Bros. DVD rot issue is more unpredictable than that of LaserDiscs. A disc might play fine one day but fail the next. For example, Volume Two of the classic RKO Tarzan films, which had its sole physical release by WB, is among the affected titles and can be costly on the resale market. Even if the discs initially seem fine, they can randomly stop working.

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

The good news is that widespread DVD rot remains an exception rather than the norm, even as DVDs approach their fourth decade. Early DVDs did suffer from rot, but these were usually isolated incidents. According to Sony, a typical DVD has an estimated life expectancy of 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled. Draper notes that he still has early Warner DVDs from 1997 in perfect condition, suggesting that most DVDs should last well beyond their current age.

The random cruelty of DVD rot: Your Hot Dog: The Movie disc may be just fine, but what about your copy of Aliens in the Attic...? (Image credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Blu-rays, so far, haven't shown widespread rot issues, though there have been some concerns in specific regions like France. However, nearly all WB-produced HD DVDs have become unplayable, a reminder of the format war with Blu-ray.

Criterion faced a similar issue with some Blu-rays, but they managed it well by confirming affected titles and starting an exchange program. Warner Bros. has been aware of their DVD issue for years, and you can start the replacement process by emailing [email protected]. However, responses vary, and you might need to provide receipts, which can be challenging after so long. Some titles are out of print or have rights issues, leading WB to offer alternate titles, which isn't ideal if you're after a specific film or series.

Draper wishes Warner Bros. had been more transparent about the issue, similar to Criterion, by providing an official list of affected titles and acknowledging the specific manufacturing plant. His own list remains a valuable resource for consumers.

A poignant example of the loss due to rot is the 2006 Warner Bros. two-disc DVD of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, which included hours of exclusive extras not found in the newer Criterion Collection 4K UHD release. Draper's copy of the original DVD has succumbed to rot, highlighting the importance of these extras.

In the streaming era, physical media remains a crucial way to ensure access to your favorite films and series. However, the Warner Bros. DVD rot issue underscores a significant vulnerability that can leave collectors lamenting the legacy of the Pennsylvania Cinram plant long after its closure.