Are Your DVDs Deteriorating?

If, like me, you have a collection of DVDs on your shelf, recent reports about DVD rot might have you concerned about the longevity of your cherished movies and TV shows. DVD rot, a term familiar to many physical media enthusiasts, is a broader issue known as disc rot. This problem has plagued various formats over the decades, from LaserDiscs to CDs and video games, due to the chemical deterioration that can affect any disc, leading to playability issues—even total unreadability in severe cases.

Encountering disc rot in your collection is often a matter of chance, but sometimes it stems from manufacturing flaws. A notable recurring problem has been identified with Warner Bros. DVDs produced between 2006 and 2009. This issue gained significant attention following an article by JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray, who experienced it firsthand with WB-released Humphrey Bogart and Errol Flynn box sets. However, this issue has been a known concern among collectors for years, extensively covered by physical media expert and YouTuber Spencer Draper, AKA 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 to DVDs 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 backside, where the data is stored. As an avid collector with an estimated 5,000-6,000 films across various formats, Draper found himself meticulously checking his Warner Bros. DVDs. He explained that even digital scans and backups don't guarantee the absence of rot, and the only way to be sure is to play through the entire disc, including all features, supplements, and menus.

Draper reached out to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment about the issue, which was challenging at first, but after persistence, WB sent him replacements for the affected titles, as detailed in his follow-up video. In response to inquiries from 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 closely mirrors the one given to JoBlo, with an extended timeframe from 2008 to 2009, aligning with Draper's findings.

How Do You Know if Your DVDs Are Rotting?

If you're worried about your DVDs, start by checking the copyright year on the back cover. If it falls between 2006 and 2009, proceed to examine the manufacturing codes on the inner ring of the disc. Look for the letters ‘IFPI’—if present, it's likely one of the affected discs. These codes can be tiny, so a magnifying glass or camera might be helpful.

A reassuring sign, even if your DVD is from the 2006-2009 period, is a blue stamp on the back cover saying ‘Disc Made in Mexico,’ indicating it was produced at a different facility and should be safe. Draper suggests a simple test: insert the disc and fast-forward through the main feature and extras. It may sound tedious, but it's an effective way to check for rot.

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 list of the titles he’s aware were affected, which is invaluable for collectors. For fans of HBO’s Tales From the Crypt, multiple seasons are impacted, and the show's complicated rights issues mean it's unavailable for streaming or digital purchase, leaving the affected DVD sets as the only option for physical media enthusiasts.

The unpredictability of DVD rot means a disc might work one day and fail the next, unlike the more predictable rot patterns seen with LaserDiscs. For instance, Volume Two of the RKO Tarzan films, exclusively released by WB on DVD, is both affected and rare, making it a risky purchase on the resale market.

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

Despite this issue, widespread DVD rot is not common, even as DVDs approach their fourth decade. Early poorly produced DVDs were exceptions, but generally, DVDs have held up well. Sony’s official statement suggests that a typical DVD's life expectancy can range from 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled. Draper reports that his early Warner DVDs from 1997 are still in perfect condition.

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)

So far, Blu-rays have not exhibited widespread rot issues, though there have been recent reports about Blu-ray concerns, mainly linked to specific French manufacturers. In contrast, nearly all WB-produced HD DVD titles are no longer playable.

Criterion faced a similar issue with some Blu-rays from a specific plant, but they managed it well by confirming the affected titles and initiating an exchange program. Warner Bros. has been less transparent about the DVD rot issue, and while they offer replacements or alternate titles, the process can be inconsistent, and some affected titles are out of print or not available due to rights issues. Draper notes that newer editions might lack the bonus features of older releases, as seen with the 2006 Warner Bros. two-disc DVD of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.

In the streaming era, physical media remains a reliable way to enjoy your favorite films and series. However, the Warner Bros. DVD rot problem highlights a significant flaw that can undermine this reliability, leaving many collectors frustrated with the legacy of the Pennsylvania Cinram plant.