DVD rot or disc delamination -big problem?

[craptest]

I kept seeing the term 'dvd rot' (aka laser rot) being thrown around the forums, and up till half an hour ago I had no idea what it was. Since then I've read up a bit ( http://www.mindspring.com/~yerington/ ) and now I've gone to the opposite end of the spectrum. From blissfull ignorance to an absolute fear that my lovely DVD collection is dying ARhhhhh!!!

Who out there has had first hand experience with DVD rot?

What were the symptoms? I've noticed a 'shadow like' appearence on a number of my discs. Is this necessarily dvd rot?

Were your 'rotten' discs replaced without fuss?

Are retailers aware of the problem or will they treat you like an arsehole when you take a perfect looking disc straight back to the shop?

If its an imported R1/R2 disc can you still complain and get it exchanged?

Finally, do you personally consider DVD rot to be a major problem? Is it something the manufacturers can easily fix? Is it a small issue we'll just have to live with? Or a major life threatening, industry destroying, collectors worst nightmare?

***Post any useful links RE this topic **



The only DVD I've ever had problems with was the first release of Shrek. Just after the 'Merry Men' fight sequence the film would sprout large green pixels. struggling onwards for a minute like this then returning to normal. At the time I swapped the disc at Big W and still experienced the same problem. I assumed it was the player.

Recently I played the disc again and the player had no problems at all (weird). Has my life been touched by dvd rot or is this something else?

[Tsargrad]

I had it happen once. Independence Day R4 - 2 disc edition. Eventually FOX sent a replacement disc. 6 weeks after I sent them a letter. I had phoned originally but they basically snubbed me off.

But as I thought FOX had ignored my letter I ended up being able to exchange it at K-Mart. I had no receipt or no knowledge where I had bought it from, but they happily obliged with my small white lie.

SO I ended up with 2 working copies.


I havent had any other disc rot problems, but I believe the original release of the Sixth Sense is plagued with it.

[craptest]

I've been Checking my DVD's for the 'coffee stain' effect.

I've noticed uneven colouring on the surface of a good number of my discs. Is this dvd rot?

I hope not. If it is I'm in a lot of trouble. I think what I'm seeing is not the 'coffee stain effect' being described. If I am then its only a matter of time till half my collection stops working. A few expensive Criterion discs too :mad:

Yeah. The old 'I bought it here honest..' will always work at Kmart/ Big W etc. I don't enjoy doing it though.

Mmmm. Its a worry. Personally the big attraction of DVD for me was being able to collect my fav. films and have them for life in perfect condition. Don't much like the idea of a few discs dying before me :p Maybe I stop collecting and wait for the BLU-Ray Disc technology to kick-in . 4 -5 years?

Mmmmm.... Wonder how long it willl take for all my favourite shit to turn up on the next format.:D

I think I'm getting carried away.

[HoundsOfLove]

I've had a few discs now with dvdrot. The coffee stain was really noticable on my Never Been Kissed dvd and just 3 days ago my Wizard of Oz wouldn't play anymore and sure enough there is the tell tail stain spreading from the center out.

But not always does it have to show that stain, one dvd that a lot of people had problem with was The Abyss, I hadn't even played it once and the picture completely pixlated and broke up.

In all I think Ive had about 5 discs with rot so I keep all my reciepts now to make it easier to swap for a new one.

Sometime you will see the pic pixlate a bit and it can be because the disc is dirty as well so check before you start panicking.:)

[MrMacabre]

Originally posted by craptest
I've been Checking my DVD's for the 'coffee stain' effect.


A lot of people mistake Coffee Stains for Disc Rot.

In many cases, it's just that different coloured lacquering has been used for layers (or whatever), or there has just been some discolouration. IT does not mean the disc has Rot

Also, just wanted to add that the lead R1 culprit studio for coffee stained discs are Anchor Bay! :eek:

[craptest]

Originally posted by MrMacabre
A lot of people mistake Coffee Stains for Disc Rot.

In many cases, it's just that different coloured lacquering has been used for layers (or whatever), or there has just been some discolouration. IT does not mean the disc has

Exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm pretty sure what I'm seeing is just discolouration. If it was 'disc rot' then it would be about 50% of my collection:D





Also, just wanted to add that the lead R1 culprit studio for coffee stained discs are Anchor Bay! :eek:

Well, maybe I shouldn't buy that Archor Bay DVD of Notorious.

Is Anchor Bay that bad though? I always saw them as cheap but sturdy. Never bought a disc off them but most review sites seem to rate their efforts quite highly.

From internet reports, even the almighty 'Criterion' has had batches of disc rot in the past. At least Anchor Bay stuff doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[linton]

Originally posted by MrMacabre
A lot of people mistake Coffee Stains for Disc Rot.


I almost did on one of my PS2 demo discs, but then I realized it was a coffee stain. I really gotta get some better coasters.

I heard the the original release of 13th Warrior had some kind of disc rot problem, but I never had a problem with mine, I might of been lucky I guess

[MrMacabre]

Originally posted by craptest
Is Anchor Bay that bad though? I always saw them as cheap but sturdy. Never bought a disc off them but most review sites seem to rate their efforts quite highly.

That's why I only called them culprits of the coffee-stain; not of Disc Rot ;)

As long as the disc plays fine, who cares what it looks like! LOL

[MrMacabre]

Originally posted by linton
I almost did on one of my PS2 demo discs, but then I realized it was a coffee stain.

Hahaha! That's arguably Worse than Disc Rot. :p

[Tsargrad]

Yeah dont avoid Anchor Bay.. Half the quality titles in the US are through them

[Edeyes]

I've just got my first dvd rot. Plays the 1st half of the disc ok, but 2nd half just stutters, skips and pauses through the rest. Even now, some parts refuse to play and it goes back to the dvd player main menu. Tried 3 differnt players all with the same result. Also I don't see any coffee stains on the disc itself. Looks perfect underneath.

Gonna start keepin reciepts for the future purchases now. Paying $30 for a movie watched 5 times sux.