Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has acknowledged a defect in some DVDs released between 2006 and 2008. These discs are degrading even when stored in their cases, manifesting as a sticky residue similar to curdled milk.
The cause is attributed to low-quality DVD blanks. Warner Bros. acknowledges its responsibility and states that these discs are not suitable for collecting. The company has offered owners of affected DVDs to replace them with new copies or other films of similar value. Affected titles include “2001: A Space Odyssey,” the Batman animated series, Superman movies, and more.
Reports of DVDs rotting under normal storage conditions began surfacing several years ago. By 2025, the problem became widespread, with DVD collectors regularly encountering defective discs. Initially, Warner Bros. did not comment on the situation.
The issue does not affect all DVDs from 2006-2008. It was discovered that the defective discs were likely produced at a Cinram plant in Pennsylvania, where cheaper materials might have been used. Warner Bros.’ contract with this plant was not renewed.
Experts state that properly manufactured DVDs can last up to 100 years. Collection owners are advised to inspect their discs for signs of degradation.