Early Blu-rays that may have playback issues (Criterion, Well Go USA, etc.)

[Brian81]

Since it's been mentioned that there's a Tati box coming out, I'd guess they'd probably offer to replace any discs of the old "Playtime" that have gone bad with the disc that is part of the new set...at least, that'd make sense. Different edition, but same film.

[Aragorn the Elfstone]

Just found out about this. I only own one Criterion disc from the period - Days of Heaven. I haven't played it yet, but I don't see any signs of discoloration on the disc. I didn't buy it when it initially came out (not sure if maybe that has something to do with it).

[Red Dragon]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

I think Bruce Wayne would just buy the entire Criterion company.

...I could just do it the easy way, but where's the fun in that??? (besides this way I could use the super cool, albeit somewhat difficult to understand, Crazy Man Voice) ... "Swear to Me!!!!!!!!!"

[BobbyMcGee]

Originally Posted by Sinthetic

Just had a mail from Jon.

Awesome news!

To be honest, I would prefer to mail in all of the titles I own from the affected date range and have them replaced just to be on the safe side even though I have only identified one title (for now, still need to do a more thorough check) that is currently affected from my collection.

Not sure what the best course of action would be for OOP titles but at minimum I think a one for one exchange would be acceptable.

[Thebunk]

See, this is all many of us have asked for; open and honest communication. They don't have all of the answers right now and are not sure how widespread it is but they there is a problem and not just with Summer Hours or Walkabout.

[Thebunk]

Also I have to say that after Pro-B's super defensive response to this and the Eraserhead issue only to be proven wrong by Criterion themselves ( after many constructive, methodical posts here) makes his reviews even less credible.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by Thebunk

Also I have to say that after Pro-B's super defensive response to this and the Eraserhead issue only to be proven wrong by Criterion themselves ( after many constructive, methodical posts here) makes his reviews even less credible.

Like trying to turn this thread into a witch hunt is "constructive" and "methodical." He was rightfully skeptical, which was a nice counterbalance to the open hysteria from a lot of other people (ex the guy who didn't even have any defective discs posting things like "WE NEED TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM BECAUSE THAT PHONE NUMBER DOESN'T WORK").

My copies of Christmas Tale (can't even read the code, too small, seems like all reprints are much larger and more legible so it must be first pressing), Paris Texas (L021), Wings of Desire (L021), Last Year at Marienbad (L021) and Walkabout (LB42) are all first pressings based on those microscopic codes that you can only see from certain angles while shining a bright light at the disc from 4 inches away. I'm going to need to buy a magnifying glass to even read them on some of these discs, I wish there was some other way to identify the pressing. All my others on the list are the higher numbers (ex L322). I ran all five of the first pressings through nero disc check and they came back 100% good, but now I must say I'm paranoid that they're going to suddenly turn brown and die someday, especially Last Year at Marienbad. Walkabout LOOKS like it has brown outside edges, but it's probably just my imagination since it had 100% success on the disc read, also I just watched it with no incident about a month ago. I'm definitely expecting it to get browner and start having issues now, though, even though that might be completely irrational.

Darn this topic! If they start offering a disc replacement program for 5-10 bucks or whatever I'm probably going to get the 4 in-print ones replaced just for peace of mind. The weird thing is I just bought walkabout from a barnes and noble sale 2 months ago, and I managed to get one of these first pressings. I got M, Seventh Seal, Kagemusha, and a few others mentioned in this topic from a B&N sale back in 2011, and got the second pressing on all of those. Bad luck with Walkabout!

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

I think as long as everyone knows that 2009-2010 is the date range, we'll know where to focus our research. I will add titles to the OP if at least one person has as problem playing a specific BD.

Originally Posted by BobbyMcGee

Awesome news! To be honest, I would prefer to mail in all of the titles I own from the affected date range and have them replaced just to be on the safe side even though I have only identified one title (for now, still need to do a more thorough check) that is currently affected from my collection.

This is pretty much why Criterion has been (and has to be) very careful of the way they handle this issue. Over-reaction and hysteria could result in exaggerated and inflated claims with damaging consequences to the company.

Originally Posted by Thebunk

Also I have to say that after Pro-B's super defensive response to this and the Eraserhead issue only to be proven wrong by Criterion themselves ( after many constructive, methodical posts here) makes his reviews even less credible.

[Brian81]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

Like trying to turn this thread into a witch hunt is "constructive" and "methodical." He was rightfully skeptical, which was a nice counterbalance to the open hysteria from a lot of other people (ex the guy who didn't even have any defective discs posting things like "WE NEED TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM BECAUSE THAT PHONE NUMBER DOESN'T WORK").

My copies of Christmas Tale (can't even read the code, too small, seems like all reprints are much larger and more legible so it must be first pressing), Paris Texas (L021), Wings of Desire (L021), Last Year at Marienbad (L021) and Walkabout (LB42) are all first pressings based on those microscopic codes that you can only see from certain angles while shining a bright light at the disc from 4 inches away. I'm going to need to buy a magnifying glass to even read them on some of these discs, I wish there was some other way to identify the pressing. All my others on the list are the higher numbers (ex L322). I ran all five of the first pressings through nero disc check and they came back 100% good, but now I must say I'm paranoid that they're going to suddenly turn brown and die someday, especially Last Year at Marienbad. Walkabout LOOKS like it has brown outside edges, but it's probably just my imagination since it had 100% success on the disc read, also I just watched it with no incident about a month ago. I'm definitely expecting it to get browner and start having issues now, though, even though that might be completely irrational.

Darn this topic! If they start offering a disc replacement program for 5-10 bucks or whatever I'm probably going to get the 4 in-print ones replaced just for peace of mind. The weird thing is I just bought walkabout from a barnes and noble sale 2 months ago, and I managed to get one of these first pressings. I got M, Seventh Seal, Kagemusha, and a few others mentioned in this topic from a B&N sale back in 2011, and got the second pressing on all of those. Bad luck with Walkabout!

Hi, just read the raised IFPI numbers in the spindle on the plastic itself. The discs (LB42, L021) all have a code 10K* with the * being a number. All the rest (unaffected) have a code QW**.


Also, if we know they stopped using the affected plant at X point in time, we know that titles which were released AFTER that point will not be affected. However, any releases prior MIGHT, if they got repressed during that period and at that plant.

[Joe Dalek]

While this sucks in a big way, I'm actually kind of pleased that I have an explanation for my Paris, Texas disc suddenly failing despite not having any visible scratches or marks. I checked it tonight and it definitely has a dark ring around the edge. I was really bummed and a bit confused as to why it kept freezing up, as I had watched it numerous times without incident.

My replacement copy does not have discoloration (not yet, anyway). I looked at a few other discs that were mentioned here and they seem to be OK. Walkabout appears to have a slight tinge around the edge but it hasn't given me any problems yet. Hopefully this only effected certain batches and not the entire print runs.

[Thebunk]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

Like trying to turn this thread into a witch hunt is "constructive" and "methodical." He was rightfully skeptical, which was a nice counterbalance to the open hysteria from a lot of other people (ex the guy who didn't even have any defective discs posting things like "WE NEED TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM BECAUSE THAT PHONE NUMBER DOESN'T WORK").

My copies of Christmas Tale (can't even read the code, too small, seems like all reprints are much larger and more legible so it must be first pressing), Paris Texas (L021), Wings of Desire (L021), Last Year at Marienbad (L021) and Walkabout (LB42) are all first pressings based on those microscopic codes that you can only see from certain angles while shining a bright light at the disc from 4 inches away. I'm going to need to buy a magnifying glass to even read them on some of these discs, I wish there was some other way to identify the pressing. All my others on the list are the higher numbers (ex L322). I ran all five of the first pressings through nero disc check and they came back 100% good, but now I must say I'm paranoid that they're going to suddenly turn brown and die someday, especially Last Year at Marienbad. Walkabout LOOKS like it has brown outside edges, but it's probably just my imagination since it had 100% success on the disc read, also I just watched it with no incident about a month ago. I'm definitely expecting it to get browner and start having issues now, though, even though that might be completely irrational.

Darn this topic! If they start offering a disc replacement program for 5-10 bucks or whatever I'm probably going to get the 4 in-print ones replaced just for peace of mind. The weird thing is I just bought walkabout from a barnes and noble sale 2 months ago, and I managed to get one of these first pressings. I got M, Seventh Seal, Kagemusha, and a few others mentioned in this topic from a B&N sale back in 2011, and got the second pressing on all of those. Bad luck with Walkabout!

So now you are generalizing.

I never posted about a class action lawsuit and I agree, it was over the top.

But why was he "rightfully" sceptical is what I want to know? There were pages of thoughtfully written posts, most of which were constructive and trying to lead to a thoughtful path of what was going on. I give many, many props to the OP as he/ she had level head throughout and I applaud them.

Re: Pro-B, I appreciate the early reviews and screenshots but the very defensive responses for this and the Eraserhead issues (all in less then a months time) just leaves me feeling very skeptical about his opinion about anything Criterion related going forward. Just my opinion.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by LPMA

I'm quite disappointed at the response they gave concerning the OOP titles. I understand that stance, and it would make sense if it was only affecting a person here and there. However, if it really is a widespread issue affecting many, I hope they reevaluate their options and consider negotiating a deal for replacement purposes. While I'm no legal expert, I would think that's feasible.

You'd think they'd be allowed to press more copies only for replacements to exchange one bad disc for one good disc. It's not like they'd be selling these for additional profit and as long as the bad disc is returned they can still guarantee the same number of copies. Even printing replacement discs may cost Criterion money but it would be less than having to relicense a title. I'd sure like to know which companies would be against Criterion doing this.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

You'd think they'd be allowed to press more copies only for replacements to exchange one bad disc for one good disc. It's not like they'd be selling these for additional profit and as long as the bad disc is returned they can still guarantee the same number of copies. Even printing replacement discs may cost Criterion money but it would be less than having to relicense a title. I'd sure like to know which companies would be against Criterion doing this.

They're legally barred from manufacturing any more copies, period. Profit has nothing to do with it, even if they can demonstrate that they're losing money.

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

They're legally barred from manufacturing any more copies, period. Profit has nothing to do with it, even if they can demonstrate that they're losing money.

Guess I'll be backing up Marienbad on hard drives just to be safe!

[Brian81]

Pro-B is my favorite reviewer on this site, probably due to the fact that his specialty lies in the types of films I am mostly interested in. Yes, he was defensive and skeptical about this issue, but really people, don't get so worked up about it. Not trusting his opinions and grading of releases because he was skeptical that the disc issues were disc and not player related, is almost as silly as being ready with pitchforks and bombarding Criterion with phonecalls and threats of legal action and boycotts because they didn't respond to your complaints until they had all their ducks in a row.

[Aragorn the Elfstone]

Originally Posted by Brian81

Hi, just read the raised IFPI numbers in the spindle on the plastic itself. The discs (LB42, L021) all have a code 10K* with the * being a number. All the rest (unaffected) have a code QW**.

Hmm, my Days of Heaven disc has the 10K* code on it, but no discoloration or problems. I bought it in October 2011, but I guess that wouldn't matter if it's got the 10K* code, right?

Not sure if I should be concerned if it's not exhibiting any issues or physical signs.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by Aragorn the Elfstone

Hmm, my Days of Heaven disc has the 10K* code on it, but no discoloration or problems. I bought it in October 2011, but I guess that wouldn't matter if it's got the 10K* code, right?

Not sure if I should be concerned if it's not exhibiting any issues or physical signs.

You won't know until you play it. The ones reporting problems with Gomorrah mostly don't see any bronzing at all.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by d514

QW** is not on the list. Maybe it's QM**?

I'm guessing it could be OW**. I had a few discs like that and it was hard to tell if it was an O or a Q.

[Aragorn the Elfstone]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

You won't know until you play it. The ones reporting problems with Gomorrah mostly don't see any bronzing at all.

As I said above, in addition to no brown discoloration, it's also not giving me any playback issues.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by Aragorn the Elfstone

As I said above, in addition to no brown discoloration, it's also not giving me any playback issues.

Ah, okay. I thought you were referring to physical defects (such as scratches or rough edges).