'twas a quiet night. The wife 'n' kids had gone to bed, the dogs were sleeping, the cat was . . . wherever the cat was, sorted out a bowl of ice cream, poured myself a nice big drink and settled down to watch a film - "The Terminator".

Bought this version of the film some while back, but it seems to have self destructed. The surface on both discs has become opaque; it's as if a condensation layer has developed between the layers.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same problem.

Sounds like the infamous 'laser-rot'. I'd try contacting the manufacturer for a free replacement. After all, you weren't buying a DIVX disc, right?

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Those disks were obviously laminated on a Monday or a Friday. Send them back and ask for disks made on Tuesday through Thursday.

As you say, it's either disc rot or a lamination fault. It's just that in all the years I've been collecting dics (CD's and DVD's of just about every type) I've never actually seen it before.

As for getting a replacement . . . hmmm. Might be a bit problematic as I can't remember where I got it from.

Update: 14:30BST 21/05/04

Apparently it's a known issue, the two disc Special Edition "Silence Of The Lambs" is also affected . . . which I can also vouch for.

Anyway for those in the UK who have a problem ring 0800 3898384. It's a pre-recorded message that asks for faulty discs (only the discs) to be sent to:

FREEPOST
DVD RETURN

Allow 28 days for delivery. Should none arrive after this time ring 0800 0566550.

Don't forget to include your return address.

Update: 19:05BST 25/05/04

The replacement discs arrived today.

Wow, that's pretty quick.

So far, I don't think any of my several hundred discs have "rotted" yet. Or, at least I haven't come across one yet...

Turns out it wasn't a case of disc rot. According to the brief blurb sent with the discs it was a reaction to the inks used on the labels.

As for the speed of delivery I was pleasantly surprised too. FREEPOST is usually second class (expect it when you see it) so the turn around was extremely quick. Mind you, they only came from Cwmbran (pronounced Coom-bran - for those not au fait with Welsh), which is only just down the road from me.

BTW I mentioned this problem (and how to resovle it) on another forum. One contibutor, though, thought the address to be a little suspicious and suggested one ought to contact MGM Home Entertainment Customer Services, which apparently is what he did. So, should anyone have any reservations about sending their discs to the FREEPOST address, send your discs (with a cover letter) here instead . . .

Customer Services
MGM Home Entertainment
5 Kew Road
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 2PR

(Sorry, but I don't have a telephone number)

This message was edited by djy on 05/26/04 03:04.

Hi guys.
I just seem to have the same problem. I have the "Terminator" Region 2 DVD (2-disc Special Edition). I bought it in 2001 (september) and it was OK. Now, three years later I wanted to watch it again and .... not a chance .... it developed some sort of a fractal markings on the outer edges and it won't play after near the half of the movie (let alone the second layer). I think it could be the same reason (ink used on labels) but a bit diffrent type of reaction. I live in a remote country of Poland. Do you know where, prefferably in Europe I could get a replacement for this? Thanks. (Oh, did I mention about the other disc in the set? It has the same problem).

Elfman,

Other than mgm.com there a four other international sites; Australia, Germany, Netherlands and the UK. Obviously Australia is out of the question and neither the UK or Dutch sites have contact details. I would suggest then that you make enquires at the German site;

[Link: mgm.com]


David

Thanks for a quick response, djy!
I will certainly try this one. Today, I went to my local store where I bought the discs back in 2001 and for now I filed a complaint. Just as I thought, the manager was very reluctant to take it but I took him by surprise explaining all the details I had learnt from your previous posts. I'm just going to wait a week or so and then, if that fails, I'm going to try the MGM in Germany.
Thanks again for help.

Elfman,

Worst case scenario, you get no joy, you could always send them to me and I'll forward them for replacement - I've just checked, the UK freephone number is still active.


David

PS
The problem also affected the 2 disc special edition of "Silence Of The Lambs". If you've got it I suggest you check it also.

Any other rot-prone discs out there? I've got a pile from '98 onwards that I haven't looked at in years.

Thanks David!
It's good to know I can count on somebody if everything else fails. I will keep you informed about the situation.
Fortunately(!) I don't have the 2 disc special edition of "Silence Of The Lambs". But there was a time I was considering buying it. Thankfully I didn't.
Thanks again for the support.

Adam

David,

Hello again. Today they gave me a full refund for the faulty "Terminator Special Edition" DVD's. They would have replaced the discs but they're out of print. Pity. On the other hand, better that than nada. I guess I'm just going to look for this title on some online DVD stores. With any luck, maybe I can buy it cheaper...

Anyways, thanks for all your help and advice!