Remember DVDs? If you don’t, you’re making me feel ancient! Jokes aside, DVDs (Digital Video Discs) were once the go-to format for storing movies, music, and software, long before streaming services and cloud storage took over.
However, some DVDs produced by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) between 2006 and 2008 are deteriorating prematurely, rendering them unplayable.
This issue was brought to light when an editor at JoBlo noticed that several of his WBHE DVDs had suddenly stopped working. After further investigation, it became clear that this wasn’t an isolated case.
What is laser rot?
Laser rot is a type of disc degradation that affects optical media like DVDs and CDs. It occurs when the reflective layer or bonding materials break down, leading to data loss and playback problems.
While poor storage conditions can contribute to laser rot, in this case, it appears to be a manufacturing defect.
Laser rot was a well-known problem with laserdiscs in the 1980s and 1990s, but DVDs were designed to be far more durable, expected to last 30 to even 100 years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, some of these WBHE DVDs aren’t even making it to their 20th anniversary before showing signs of rot.
Warner Bros promises to replace certain rotting DVDs
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has officially acknowledged the laser rot issue affecting select DVDs from 2006 to 2008, with reports suggesting that some 2009 discs might also be impacted.
The company is working with customers to replace defective discs. Whenever possible, affected consumers will receive the same title. However, if the title is out of print or if Warner Bros. no longer holds distribution rights, a replacement of similar value will be offered instead.
Check if your DVD is affected
A YouTuber named Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader has compiled a Google Docs list of known defective WBHE DVDs. You can check if your discs are among the affected ones here.
According to Crusader, the affected DVDs were likely manufactured at Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s Cinram plant in Pennsylvania, USA, between 2006 and 2009.
How to tell if your DVD is “rotting”
The easiest way to determine if your DVD is affected is to test its playback. Signs of laser rot include:
- Failure to load
- Freezing mid-playback
- Certain special features not working
If your DVD is showing any of these issues, it may be part of the defective batch.
Are any of your DVDs affected by laser rot? Do you think Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s replacement policy is fair? Do share your thoughts with us.
