So, remember when we all thought physical media was forever? That as long as you took care of your DVDs, they'd last for decades? Turns out, not so much. At least if you own Warner Bros. DVDs from 2006–2008.
Reports are surfacing that certain WB discs are literally rotting away in their cases. Movie collector Chris Bumbray recently found out the hard way when several of his classic film DVDs just… stopped working. Even after swapping out his DVD player, the discs were toast. And because some of these titles aren't available digitally, they're essentially lost forever.
WB has now officially acknowledged the issue, confirming that certain DVDs from 2006-2008 are defective. They're offering replacements where possible, but if a title is out of print? Tough luck—just pick something of "like value." (Which is a fancy way of saying you won't be getting that rare classic back, but hey, maybe they'll throw in 'Space Jam' as a consolation prize.)
Collectors have been complaining about this for years, blaming a WB manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania for cutting corners. And the worst part? The discs don't always look damaged. Some have visible bronzing, but others seem fine - until they freeze, refuse to load, or only play the special features while the main movie is kaput.
So, if you've got a WB DVD collection gathering dust, now might be the time to test them out and see if your Casablanca hasn't accidently Gone With the Wind.