Warning about storing Blu-rays in anything other than cases

[DavePS3]

Originally Posted by shinobipopcorn

Storage units are terrible for anything, but they kill VHS tapes especially (mold growth!) and depending on how you store discs, the changing temperatures will cause moisture to condense into paper cases/inserts and warp them. If you must use a storage unit, go for climate controlled indoor ones.

The main thing that killed VHS or Beta tape is that it was a magnetic format and as such, lost those magnetic qualities over time no matter how they were stored. When that process started, the tapes did not track properly... the picture would jump vertically. If you were able to manually adjust the tracking for that issue, the audio was garbled in spots and it just got progessively worse.

[lcgrzy]

You're a real hero. Very interesting post with helpful information. I wonder if the same goes for 4k Blu-Rays, although I'm not going to test it.

[Rik1138]

Originally Posted by lcgrzy

You're a real hero. Very interesting post with helpful information. I wonder if the same goes for 4k Blu-Rays, although I'm not going to test it.

Yeah, they are made the same way... It's the scratch resistant coating that does it...

[Beautiful HD]

I would definitely recommend a Disc Organizer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3W_xn_wdIU

Bought two of these sets last year and it hasn't scratched any of my blu-rays.

https://www.amazon.com/Blu-Ray-Disc-...s=disc+manager

[tjritter79]

First, I'm new to this conversation so a lot of what I'm going to say may or has already been implemented, and I certainly am NO expert in the manufacturing or storing of blu rays. But what I've done works great for me, so I'm passing that information on hopefully help ANYBODY...and if it indeed helps one single person...then this is NOT a waste of time in my book. I've been collecting blu-rays since the...well I guess when the PS3 came out what 8-10 yrs or so....I don't have the details in front of me sorry! Since then, I've established quite a collection <<<<<<<. Maybe its because I treat my discs with the most immaculate of care (cloth gloves, etc) but I've been fortunate to ONLY have a single disc replaced due to scratches....and while a scatch on a DVD only caused a skip or two, the same size scratch is FATAL to a blu-ray disc. I found this out quite early, and with the cost/quality if the BD discs I have since taken extraordinary tasks to keep them clean and free of scratches. Back in "the day" the blu cases the discs came in were extraordinarily efficient and were the best storage medium for these discs, the gap between the bottom of the disc and back of the case it sat in was enough where if you were able to just snugly line up the cases frt-to-back, there was literally NO CHANCE to scratch the disc by stacking them in shelves. Certainly the process in mfg these discs insures they will be durable throughout time....but how long? Ahh, therein lies the issue. I too found that as time wore on, paper sleeves, digipaks, the 5-6mm cases even. Were ALL inadequate to store these discs properly, long term. I even discovered that the blu cases for some imports I bought (Yes, I have a modded Oppo 203 for RF viewing, and I had previous players modded as well) the cases for a single disc are thicker, and therefore in my estimation more reliable for storage. Over time, and with being a regular customer at Casetopia, I obtained the proper amount and sizes of cases I needed for storage. The multi-discs (the ones that can hold 6-7-8 or more discs)are fine as long as you PAY for the "better quality, higher priced" cases. While early on, I did find some discs marked and small slight scratches that didn't bear into the surface, I found my old PC discwasher was able to remove these. These marks are caused by 1)length of time in the same position (not regularly watched) and variances in the room where they are stored due to humidity 2) Careless removal/replacing keep in mind all discs should ONLY be handled from the outside edge and center hole. If you allow yourself to touch the top (the printed side) you'll find in time the habit strays you to begin to touch the bottom (read) side of the disc. 3) Contact and friction caused by constant inserting/removing these discs from paper sleeves, digipaks, etc.
Now, I know the first reaction is "Wow, what a clean freak!" or something related. Well maybe that's partly true, however the way I see it, looking at the amount of my collection and the investment involved...these are minor steps. And that disc I had to replace, the PS3 thing should have given that away (Spiderman 3).
So, what and how do I store my collection now (maybe some of you have this to look forward too?). Individual movies/titles are stored in "hard cases" the ones as I mentioned previously as thick as the "British" titles and/or multi-packs I got from Casetopia. The marginally thin ones have been all replaced as have all digipaks. My collection is too large to keep entirely in "shelves" So, approx 1000 of my titles are stored in a 6-drawer dresser. Each drawer lined in felt and with steel railings on each side to enable each drawer to be pulled out to its full length. I NEVER have more than one drawer open at a time lest the damn thing tip over. Recently to insure that, I have a small refrigerator and microwave on top. Each case is stored lengthwise with the spine facing up, leaving at least a 2-case space in a stack for "flipping" through titles. This space also insures the cases are not "crushed" so the pressure is not pressing the case against the disc inside. Now comes the part where I "really" go off the deep end! The reason the spine is facing up, at the bottom of each spine I have an Avery label #6737 which is used to index my collection. My system is similar to the dewey decimal system...or maybe not? Anyhow, the cases in drawer# 1 begin 1.XX to 1.XX, drawer #2 begins 2.XX, and so on. This numbering system is cross-referenced on my Collectorz.com database, so I can look up what movie I want and know exactly which drawer and what number that title happens to be. You don't expect me to memorize where each and every title is when I (now) have over 1500 titles categorized?
Now, I will admit, the hardest task of this entire adventure was finding the RIGHT dresser to hold all those titles. Bob's Discount furniture had one where each drawer was the perfect internal size to be able to suit my needs. All in all I couldn't be happier. Now, I know SOMEBODY is going to say "Pictures, or it never happened?"...and I'm one of those guys who usually asks that too. But, also sadly, I'm not technically oriented enough to be able to transfer a picture from my phone to my PC...so sorry folks, you're going to have to take me at my word on this. My son-in-law is coming up for Christmas so I'll ask for his help, if enough ask I'll try to post some then. Like I said I hope this helps someone with their storage!

[logboy]

i wouldn't want to guide anyone in a particular direction on storing in cases, but i will add my recent experience.

my suspicion is that softer cases are a greater issue : they rely upon the contents to give rigidity, and can therefore easily be left leaning in positions which cause random abrasion to some discs as they tip and rest discs onto edges, press against one another. more of an issue (i estimate) with cases holding more than four (two each side) to a page. don't know if storing cases flat seems wise as that's vertical pressure and pages sliding against one another.

anything with two to a page (one each side) or four (two each side - stood on longest edge) would not be as weighty or floppy without being full. better still would be rigid cases that won't rely upon the contents for it's strength or would take burden off discs in that respect.

maybe something like this? >
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-CD...dp/B000AA4M4K/

i've noticed patches of dots matching the fabric of the pages on quite a few CDs - no different to DVDs, i think, essentially - and wouldn't imagine it's from removal as it's not on all discs, but would be wary of taking discs in and out without them being absolutely flat, which is tricky and might play it's part. unsure if cheaper materials affect them.

have removed all discs back to their original cases ... but, most CDs these days are issued in card sleeves, and removing from there will cause a different kind of scratching. no perfect answer, as i suspect jewel cases and just putting discs into a player will also cause scratches.

might just be that it's to be regarded as a very flawed delivery system - no more perfect than buying or subscribing to downloads in that discs can fail and become unusable in time.

[Xtempo]

I used this for over 2 years (some of it was in a storage unit) and nothing is wrong with my discs. I made sure to have it always upright and not leaning or flat.

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by shinobipopcorn

Storage units are terrible for anything, but they kill VHS tapes especially (mold growth!) and depending on how you store discs, the changing temperatures will cause moisture to condense into paper cases/inserts and warp them. If you must use a storage unit, go for climate controlled indoor ones.

I'll go several steps further:

Renting any storage space for anything other than a short-term period of time is an extreme waste of money. Even if you rent one for just a month for your excess belongings, you may be spending more money on the storage than the belongings are worth - and even if that's not true for the first month, it will definitely become true as time goes on. So, I don't see this as a viable - or cost-effective - option. In fact, I see long-term storage facilities as akin to flushing money down the toilet.

And:

1) How important are the items you're keeping in a storage unit when you don't even have access to them?!

2) In addition to the obvious monetary waste, I also agree that concerns about the long-term condition of the items in there are completely justified. I.e., if it's not climate controlled (or even if it is) certain items will degrade over time. And, it's obvious that climate controlled units cost more $.

[goodstuff]

Just checking in here to see if there are any other thoughts on issues with Discsox (or Tyvek paper sleeves) after long-term use? I've had my discs in flapped 100 micron plastic sleeves for maybe 8 years or so and have noticed a few of them stick to the playing side and leave residue/stain where it was contacting, with tiny micro bubbles and they can't be wiped off. It's hard to see but it's there. I've tested these discs and it doesn't seem to affect playback right now, but that can't be good in the long run. I'm hoping the fabric side (listed as being made of archival quality material) of DiscSox is more conducive to long term storage than the plastic sleeves. It will be quite an investment to upgrade to DiscSox, but sleeves are my only option for storage at this point.

[Rik1138]

Standard rule of thumb will ALWAYS remain thus:
If you care about your discs, and want them to last as long as possible, store them in something that makes NO contact at all with read surface of the disc. Anything that touches them can potentially cause damage over time (although some of the damage may be reversible). I think any material touching the surface of a blu-ray disc will leave an impression of the material in the soft surface of the disc, that will USUALLY go away if you leave the disc untouched for a period of time. But you never know what will happen after years of being stored that way, or if any chemical in the material that's touching the disc can react with the disc itself over time.

The label surface should be protected the same way as well, although the worst thing that can happen on that side is damaging the look of the label (unless it's an audio CD, then you risk destroying it as something sticking to the label side can pull the metal off the disc itself...)

If it's not easily replaceable, leave it in the packaging it came in (unless that's horrible, like cardboard sleeves or something).

There's at least some risk with any type of storage that touches the surface of the disc.

[goodstuff]

Yep, I wish I could leave them in the cases with the no touch storage, but it's not feasible space-wise. I do keep my TV sets and movie box sets shelved in their packaging, but I probably have around 7000 discs of the rest sleeved between DVD and Blu. I've only come across maybe 3-4 of the "stuck" ones so far and they still play, but I'd still consider changing to different materials like Tyvek or Discsox fabric.

[MovieM4ni4c]

I have this release which is almost 20 years old.
https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/A-Nightm...treet-DVD/989/
I watched it all the way through and no issues.
I'm shocked as my state has a relative humidity of 70%
I keep all my movies in their original case inside my bedroom and have only had issues with a 4k disk of get out (purchased used)
I need to start running a de-humidifier inside my bedroom. Ideal humidity would be around 40%

[meremortal]

Storage is a huge problem for me lately. Had to store the collection for several months in a public storage unit and it was kind of nerve-wracking. Have also had to store them in the garage, closets, etc. Unfortunately, also live in a very humid area and it appears some of my discs have obtained defects from even just a few months of storage in suboptimal conditions. Noticed a few that were very cloudy and some even developed cracks. As for cases, always prefer them since I had bad experiences with binders as a teen. Blus can definitely get scratched and I've had several that skipped a full chapter or more or did not play even from small scratches.

[DVD Phreak]

The only time I don't use the original case is when the original packaging sucks, as in the many multi-disc sets that try to cramp as many discs into the tightest space as possible with storage designs that are often questionable for disc safety. These sets are quadruple-whammy: expensive, fragile for storage, take up space, and storing these discs in other cases takes up even more space. Sets are often seen as prized collectibles but I often see them as headaches.

[theEXORCIST]

Ive kept a lot of DVDs in binders (some for as long as 15 years) and they all play. Some of my blus have been in binders for around 8 years and they all play with no pock marks

[goodstuff]

So I had bought 7500 Discsox data sleeves and finally got around to finishing re-sleeveing all my de-cased blu-rays (haven't done DVD's yet, not sure if I will). I came across 40 blus that were stuck to the previous plastic sleeves, 90% of them were early Lionsgate and Fox titles so maybe there was some sort different physical discs they were using back then that reacted with the plastic. I don't think the sticking caused playback issues because the ones I tested seem to play fine, but some of them are known rotters like (Basic Instinct, Speed, King of New York, etc.) that no longer play correctly.

[Fiffy]

I've been using aluminum cases with hanger sleeves for more than 10 years. No problem with any of my BDs. No "pits" or anything. I will not store 4K BDs in sleeves though, because they are not only Ultra-HD but also ultra-sensitive. Tiny scratches that you can only see by shining a flashlight on the disc can cause them to skip. OTOH, the original cases are not ideal either. I've had more than one 4K BD fail due to a hazy residue on the disc (which is probably caused by the plastic gassing out). But at least that can be washed off.

I don't like these fancy organizer type solutions, because it's a pain to add new discs (printing out new indexes etc.).

[PhysicalMediaNut]

Whatever you do, you can’t cheap out. Case Logic has some high quality options. I wouldn’t store dvds in anything but their original cases because they scratch too easy. Blu-rays have a decent scratch coating on them and seem to hold up better in binders etc.

[Panson]

Original cases for me. I like the art work, too. No direct sunlight, and keeping away from heat, moisture, high humidity.

Plastic sleeves seem like a bad idea to me. Paper sleeves seem friendlier, and I use when giving discs (without cases) to friends or relatives.