V-ism

There's been a lot of defective DVD's out there in the past, and I thought it would be helpful to many users to keep track of them all in one thread. Defects include audio, video, subtitles, general playability, and misprinted material.

The defects posted are only wide occurrences, there are many times where only a few copies of a certain title may be defective, but not enough to make it a known issue to everyone, and therefore will not be posted. If you cannot get your replacement from where you purchased it, you may try contacting the DVD distribution company. Some contact information provided at bottom.

There have been many reports of subtitles and captions appearing and won't go away for some titles. These are usually glitches with the DVD player itself, and is not because of the disc.

The following list is what I can think of that has/had problems with them, with possible solutions to fix or get a replacement, and links to threads discussing the matter. Thanks to Todd B. for the 007 information which I took from his collective post. Thanks to other DVDtalkers that I looked up the information from. Feel free to post any important information and updates.

NOTE: There was the first series of James Bond sets that were released that had some problems. They were released in 1999 and 2000 and were in an orange box. There is a newer series of box sets that are in a blue/silver type box. The newer set should have most of the problems fixed, please confirm if anyone has it.

Also, certain players seem to be problematic playing discs. DVDfile has a nice list of these players here: http://www.dvdfile.com/software/glit...y/hardware.htm


1000 Eyes of Dr. Mabuse
[All Day Entertainment]
Problem: There are three pressings of this title, the 2nd one is the defective one. It has a couple of spots where 15 seconds of a soccer game will pop up in the middle of the movie. The 2nd pressing has a top spine (the sticker that clamps the box shut after you peel off the shrinkwrap), and once opened the disc face has the black ink all the way up to the spindle hole. The 1st pressing has no top spine sticker and the disc face has a silvery "eye" around the spindle hole and a logo for "NIMBUS" (Good copy), and the 3rd pressing has the top spine sticker identifying it as being corrected, the disc face is identical to the bad copy.
Solution: The bad pressing has been recalled, you may exchange through All Day.

12 Monkeys - DTS
[Universal]
Problem: The packaging says it contains French subtitles, but the disc does not.
Solution: It appears that newer prints have removed the mention of the subtitles.

2010: The Year We Make Contact
[MGM]
Problem: Packaging claims transfer is anamorphic, but it is not.
Solution: none

7 Faces of Dr. Lao
[Warner]
Problem: First generation Pioneer combination players have problems playing this.
Solution: Firmware upgrade.

ALIEN
[Fox]
Problem: Disc will not play on Toshiba 3108, 2108, and Mitsubishi DD3000. Locks up on layer change on early Sony S7700. This is on the first ALIEN disc only.
Solution: Firmware upgrade

Annie Hall
[MGM]
Problem: First pressing omitted momentary subtitles in a scene. Subsequent pressings generate subtitles for that scene, but includes the preface "THINKING" and they are all in bold.
Solution: For first pressing, get the newer pressing. For the current one, none.

Antz
[Dreamworks]
Problem: Aspect ratio mislabeled 2.35:1. Actual ratio is 1.85:1.
Solution: None

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
[New Line]
Problem: Packaging states film is 2:1, transfer is 1.85:1.
Solution: None.

Austin Powers in Goldmember
[New Line]
Problem: Some players, mostly Pioneer, have problems playing the disc or accessing the Infinifilm feature. Another problem reported is that the player cannot fast forward, rewind, pause, or skip scenes. There have been some rare cases that after playing the disc the player would cease functioning all together even with other discs. It is uncertain if this is a problem on all discs on certain players or just a batch of bad pressings.
Solution: None.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=255115

Back to the Future Trilogy
[Universal]
Problem: The widescreen framing is wrong in parts 2 and 3. It is very noticeable and is a problem. Key parts of the movies are cut out due to the incorrect film framing.
Solution: Universal will replace your copies. Please call (888) 703-0010 and talk to a customer service rep. They will ask you some questions- including your address and phone, your reason for disc return and where you bought your set. They will send you a prepaid mailer to return the discs. NOTE: This call center might not be in the US, so the people you talk to might not speak English all too well. Be patient, and make sure they spell back your info to be sure you get a mailer.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=256765
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=140414


Better Tomorrow, A
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: Original pressing had a 5.1 Cantonese audio track. This
track had the original score mixed with parts from Speed and Forrest Gump. The fixed pressing is a mono Cantonese track.
Solution: You can contact Anchor Bay directly to exchange it.

Black Hole, The
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: The very first pressing had no audio coming out of the right channel. They were quickly fixed and they placed a red sticker on the back of it for awhile. They have long since stopped putting the sticker on it.
Solution: Chances are slim that you can still get a defective copy now, but in such a case that you do or if you had your copy for a long time, you can probably exchange it by contacting Anchor Bay.

Blue Velvet - Special Edition
[MGM]
Problem: A number of players can't access or play the special features correctly. Philips players have been reported with this problem.
Solution: ?
http://dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread....hreadid=212760

Cast Away
[Fox]
Problem: Aspect ratio on packaging claims it is 2.35:1, but it is indeed 1.85:1.
Solution: none

Cleopatra - Five Star Edition
[Fox]
Problem: At the end of the movie on disc-2 after the credits rolled, there was supposed to be exit music just like in the theatrical release, but there wasn't.
Solution: You can call Fox and they will send you a fixed one hassle-free at 1-888-223-2369.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=116990

Conspiracy Theory
[Warner]
Problem: A misprint on the packaging says it contains trailers that are not on the disc.
Solution: None, I'm not sure if they have corrected this now.

Convent, The
[Remstar]
Problem: "Lords of Hell" commentary track listed on the back of the packaging isn't available on the disc. The Production Commentary is out of sync with the movie, about 15 seconds faster than the picture frames they are talking about. The English audio track is focused on the right channel throughout most of the movie, does not have the correct balance.
Solution: The problem disc is the Canadian version, you can get the U.S. release by Trimark that doesn't have these problems.

Crimson Rivers
[Columbia]
Problem: There is a commentary on this disc that is in French, there should be English subtitles to accompany it, but isn't there.
Solution: none
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=167385

Crow, The
[Disney]
Problem: Early pressings of the original release had a problem with the first few minutes of the movie being really bright. Subsequent pressings have been corrected.
Solution: Try contacting Buena Vista for a replacement or upgrade to the Collector's Series.

Crumb
[Columbia]
Problem: Aspect ratio mislabeled 1.66:1. Actual ratio is actually 1.33:1.
Solution: None.

Days of Heaven
[Paramount]
Problem: Movie freezes for a moment then jumps forward and skipping. Also audio drop outs and problems occur with the DD track. These problems have been reported using Pioneer players.
Solution: not known

Dead Ringers - Criterion Collection
[Criterion]
Problem: There seems to be an audio sync and/or commentary problem with the first pressing. I don't have clear information regarding it. The new pressings will say "new pressing" on the back of the case.
Solution: Exchange for the "new pressing" through retailer or Criterion.

Devil's Advocate, The
[Warner]
Problem: The first printing (recalled Ex Nihilio version) has a verified picture jumping problem on the Pioneer 525 and Elite Changer DV-F07 throughout the entire feature.
Solution: Subsequent printings (the ones without the digitally edited copyrighted sculpture) are fine.

Dinosaur - Collector's Edition
[Disney]
Problem: There are various problems people have reported about playing the movie on certain players. Problems reported include: chapter search not working (sometimes takes you to the chapter selection menu instead), scan forward/back and pause buttons don't work, subtitles pop on and off occasionally, slow menu transitions, or it won't play at all.
Solution: There is an updated disc you can get from Disney.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...threadid=78917
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...threadid=78296

Dinotopia
[Artisan]
Problem: The first pressing of the 2nd disc has an audio dropout on Chapter 46 (Free-Fall chapter) disk 2 at 1 hour and 5 minutes for 5 or 6 seconds.
Solution: You can contact Artisan Home Entertainment for a replacement at 800.677.0789 or return the DVD to Artisan Entertainment (2700 Colorado, Santa Monica, CA 90404, attn: Nikkie Randle) to get a replacement.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/...threadid=263617
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/...threadid=226113

Disney's the Kid
[Disney]
Problem: The disc tended to freeze up on the FBI warning screen on many players. There have been no recalls or plans to replace the disc.
Solution: Pressing 'stop' just when the disc loads up and then pressing 'play' should allow you to play the movie and get past the freeze.

Earth Girls Are Easy
[Artisan]
Problem: The movie has a 2.35:1 aspect ratio as opposed to the 1.85:1 ratio advertised on the packaging.
Solution: None, I'm not sure if anything has been corrected in recent ones.

Enigma (2001)
[Columbia]
Problem: Has been reported not to play at all on many Toshiba players.
Solution: None.

Escaflowne the Movie
[Bandai]
Problem: About a minute into Chapter 12, the movie will have extreme video distortion and pixellation. It lasts about 15 minutes. On some players it will just freeze when this event occurs. It seems it only occurs from a bad batch of discs that were produced. To determine if you have a defective disc, look at the bottom of the disc on the inside ring. There should be a code that looks like C03 M01 S02 L1. If yours begins with C03, it came from the bad production batch. This defect is applicable to both the regular and Ultimate Editions.
Solution: Contact [email protected] for a replacement.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=223889

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Ultimate Gift Set
[Universal]
Problem: This so-called 'Ultimate' set does not contain a DTS track on the 1982 version of the film, whereas the 2-Disc set does.
Solution: Even though DTS on the 1982 version was not advertised for the Giftset, Universal will provide the DTS 1982 version from the 2 Disc set at no charge. Send an email to universalstudios&[email protected] and express your dissatisfaction that the Gift set does not contain the DTS track on the 1982 version. They will reply and instruct you to fax your personal information (name/address) along with a copy of your receipt, and they will promptly mail you the DVD.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showth...threadid=273516
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showth...threadid=299523

Exorcist, The: The Version You've Never Seen
[Warner]
Problem: The Spanish and Portugese subtitles listed on the packaging are not on the actual disc.
Solution: Not known.

Gallipoli
[Paramount]
Problem: Closed-captioning feature may pop on and off on some players.
Solution: If the closed-captioning disappears, stop the movie, then play it again. Firmware upgrade may also remedy this.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone/Complex vol. 1 SE
[Manga]
Problem: The DTS Japanese track has a problem where the sound from the rear left speaker is very faint.

Ghostbusters
[Columbia]
Problem: Difficulty playing disc on Panasonic A110.
Solution: Unknown

Godfather, The Trilogy
[Paramount]
Problem: Unable to play Bonus Materials correctly on Toshiba 2109 & 3109, Pioneer Elite DV-37, and some other players.
Solution: Firmware upgrade
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...ather+problems

Goodfellas
[Warner]
Problem: The back of the packaging says the picture is enchanced for 16x9 televisions, but the picture is in fact, not anamorphic.
Solution: None, but there's plans to release a new "special edition".

Governess, The
[Columbia]
Problem: Widescreen version mislabeled as 2.35:1, is really 1.78:1.
Solution: None.

Great Race, The
[Warner]
Problem: The Great Race had an audio mix up in the beginning of the movie during the opening credits.
Solution: None.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=74463
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=73675

Groundhog Day - Special Edition
[Columbia]
Problem: It was originally announced that this title will have a DTS audio track. It is even printed on the back of the case. But it is not present on the disc.
Solution: There are no future plans to include a DTS track, it was taken off the disc at the last minute.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=175113

Halloween H20
[Disney]
Problem: The DTS audio track and commentary track listed on the packaging was not included on this disc.
Solution: None.

Heathers
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: The first pressings of this title had freezing problems or difficulty playing. There has been a new pressing with it being fixed. These can be identified by looking for the "V.2" on the back of the case.
Solution: You should be able to get a replacement from Anchor Bay.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=169066
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=145428

High and Low
[Criterion]
Problem: Disc sometimes will not play or locks up with 8 minutes left of the film on a few Pioneer players.
Solution: Appears to be present in certain copies and should be replaced.

History Channel's Great Blunders of WW II, The
[A&E]
Problem: No English subtitles as advertised on packaging.
Solution: none

Imma Youjo Box Set
[Nutech]
Problem: Disc one contained no subtitles.
Solution: Exchange from retailer or try contacting Nutech at NuTech Digital 5210 Keswick Street Van Nuys, CA 91405 Phone: 818-994-3831 Fax: 818-994-1575

Irresponsible Captain Tylor Box Set
[The Right Stuff International]
Problem: When the DLT master was prepared prior to pressing, a chapter (about 5 min from Episode 23) was left off of the final discs. The new discs will have a different silk screen on them: Azalyn on the left side of the Tylor logo and a new picture of Tylor on the right.
Solution: If you bought from them, do nothing. It will be sent automatically. Otherwise, send original receipt + $3.50 'handling' to The Right Stuf Inc., Tylor Disc 4 Replacement Offer, PO Box 71309, Des Moines, IA 50325 to get a replacement.

Jackie Brown - Collector's Edition
[Buena Vista]
Problem: On a large number of pressings, the text commentary goes out of sync with the movie about half way through the movie.
Solution: None yet.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=231020

Jurassic Park - DTS
[Universal]
Problem: Original pressing of this disc contained a "defective" audio track. The low frequencies of the DTS track were supposed to be much deeper than what it was. The defective disc has D2R1 on the inside ring of the disc, whereas the newer fixed track has D2R2 on the inside ring.
Solution: You can get a replacement from Universal, send in the disc only (without packaging), along with name, address and telephone number, to: Universal Studios Home Video, PO Box 224468, Dallas TX 75260 or Universal Studios Home Video, 8801 Autobahn Drive, Dallas, TX 75237.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=134231
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=132025
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=124109
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=124375

Kiss Me Kate
[Warner]
Problem: Kiss Me Kate had some serious misframing problems which are discussed in the following threads.
Solution: The DVD was supposed to be corrected late last year with a new release which never materialized. You will have to wait until more information becomes available for a corrected version.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=320625
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=136864


L.A. Story - Special Edition
[Artisan]
Problem: Director's commentary is advertised on the back of the packaging, but is not on the disc. Please leave a post if anyone can verify this.
Solution: None.

Ladyhawke
[Warner]
Problem: On Sony 3000 and 7000, the menu will not work in 16x9 mode.
Solution: Only to switch it back to 4x3.

Last Temptation of Christ, The
[Criterion]
Problem: Due to a manufacturing flaw on the first printing of The Last Temptation of Christ", subtitles do not appear on 16x9 televisions.
Solution: Corrected on susequent pressings.

Problem: The first printing of Criterion’s The Last Temptation of Christ was inadvertently authored with a preset feature that causes some out-of-the-box DVD players to zoom in and resize the 1.85:1 image to fill a standard 4:3 television set, creating an automatic pan-scan version of the film. This problem does not occur if users have set the playback mode in the DVD player menu to match the monitor being used. Unfortunately, many DVD users have never visited their player setup menus, and some common players are shipped with 4:3 pan-scan mode set as a default.
Solution: If you own a copy of the first printing of The Last Temptation of Christ and are experiencing said difficulties, please perform the following to view The Last Temptation of Christ in its proper aspect ratio: 1. Access the DVD player’s setup menu 2. Set the playback mode preference to 4x3 letterbox mode (instead of 4x3 pan & scan) if you are using a standard television monitor, or 16x9 mode if you are using a widescreen set. This should create the proper 1.85:1 image on your television. New printings are now available for exchange.

Le Trou
[Criterion]
Problem: No audio on Toshiba SD-5109 and some SD-6109
Solution: If you are experiencing such a problem, please do the following: When the on-screen display indicates "Audio Not Present", press the Up-Arrow button and the available soundtrack should become active. If this does not correct the problem, please contact Criterion Tech Support.

Leon the Professional - Uncut International Version
[Columbia]
Problem: This title originally came out with a defective 5.1 audio track. The rear surround effects were very low and almost non existent. This has been fixed and the newer version says "Newly created English 5.1".
Solution: People were usually able to get the corrected version through the retailer. I don't know if you can get a replacement through Columbia.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=108585
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...threadid=76557

Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
[Columbia]
Problem: Some have experienced the disc locking up in certain chapters.
Solution: Maybe firmware upgrade, otherwise skip the chapter.

License to Kill (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: In Chapter 44, at approximately 98:00. When the guy explodes in the chamber, there is apparently a popping sound and the blood actually splattering against the window which is missing. There may also be additional gore and violence in other parts of the movie missing (unconfirmed).
Solution:

Living Daylights, The (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: In Chapter 7, at approximately 19:30. After the plant worker pushes her supervisor off of her bosom, there are missing English subtitles which translate her words (something like "What kind of a woman do you take me for!) Supposedly, the fixed copies have *** around the title on the white sealing sticker on the top.
Solution: You can call MGM Customer Service to get your copy exchanged. The newer series should have this fixed.

Lover, The (L'Amant)
[MGM]
Problem: There is a scene where Tony Leung goes to his father and they speak in Cantonese. Subtitles should appear even if the option is turned off so you can understand the scene. I haven't had anyone confirm this, but this is present in my copy.
Solution: none yet

Magic Flute - Criterion Collection
[Criterion]
Problem: Early copies had reversed sound, it was quickly corrected after a few copies were sold.
Solution: If you have one with this problem, you can contact Criterion for a replacement.

Magic Knights Rayearth
[Media Blasters]
Problem: The Omake endings and some of the extra features are unaccessible. The DVD time stamp/counter is not in use. Menu is slow on some players.
Solution: None

Man Who Knew Too Little
[Warner]
Problem: The music only track listed on the packaging is missing from the disc.
Solution: Not known.

Man Who Would Be King, The
[Warner]
Problem: Will not play on Toshiba 2006, 2107 and 3107.
Solution: Firmware upgrade.

Man With the Golden Gun, The (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: Chapter 21 at the beginning of the car chase (81:30), the picture will pixelate and freeze up many DVD players. This was a mastering error and has been fixed. Supposedly, the fixed copies have *** around the title on the white sealing sticker on the top.
Solution: You can call MGM Customer Service to get your copy exchanged.

Matrix, The
[Warner]
Problem: A number of older dvd players have problems playing this.
Solution: Firmware upgrade.

Monsters, Inc.
[Disney]
Problem: On some players the disc will freeze at the layer change. May be only present on widescreen versions.
Solution: none yet.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=237520

Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Special Edition
[Columbia]
Problem: On many (most) players, subtitles randomly pop up during the film. Most are from the Subtitles for People Who Don't Like the Movie feature. Also, the fake Swedish subtitles are missing from the opening credits.
Solution: Columbia is apparently offering replacement discs. Newer pressings should have all the problems fixed, except one Swedish subtitle is missing from the opening title.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=164439
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=152368

Morton Subotnick's Touch
[The Mode]
Problem: The 5.1 side of this disc has sound drop outs every other second about 7 minutes into each track.
Solution: None.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: DVD Collection 1
[ADV Films]
Problem: There are various animation glitches and Japanese audio problems.
Solution: There is a box set out with a remastered DVD Collection #1.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum vol. 1
[ADV]
Problem: On episode 3 at 13:25, there is dialogue missing on the English dub track.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
[Manga]
Problem: Disc will not play or will have various playing problems on a large number of DVD players.
Solution: Manga has recognized the problem and will work on correcting soon.
http://forums.animeondvd.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/581.htm

Never Say Never Again (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: In Chapter 19, at approximately 65:50. There are about 4 minutes of footage missing from this point, the beginning of the second layer of the disc. The missing footage starts right after Bond gives a cigarette case to a security guard in a closet and tells him it's a bomb. Scenes from this missing footage include Bond saying his line, "My name is Bond, James Bond." to Domino as she stands in front of an arcade game machine and Bond having a conversation with Largo as Largo stands behind a bar. Largo challenges Bond to play the game in this scene. Supposedly, the fixed copies have *** around the title on the white sealing sticker on the top.
Solution: You can call MGM Customer Service to get your copy exchanged.

No Escape
[HBO]
Problem: The original disc had a defective audio track and has been recalled. There is now a newer version called the Remastered Version.
Solution: It is most likely you won't get the original release but if you do try contacting HBO Home Video.

October Sky
[Universal]
Problem: Audio commentary by director Joe Johnston listed on the packaging is not on the disc.
Solution: Not Known.

Octopussy (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: Chapter 12 (37:00), Bond flips a guy onto a bed of nails, then someone says something that should have an English subtitle translation, which is missing. Supposedly, the fixed copies have *** around the title on the white sealing sticker on the top.
Solution: You can call MGM Customer Service to get your copy exchanged. The newer series should have this fixed.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (007) (1999/2000 series)
[MGM]
Problem: In Chapter 18, at approximately 75:05. Weird "humming" audio over a scene of a rock climber actually belongs to 3 seconds of missing video which occurs right before this scene. Also, some missing lines (quoted from someone else's report): On the DVD, right after Telly Savalas delivers the line, "Tracy, don't be so proud. Your father's own business is not entirely within the law", it cuts to Bond and Draco in the helicopter, completely cutting the line "His
brotherhood also have exotic ways of keeping it a closed shop" which is on the laserdisc and VHS tape. The stock car race scene has completely different editing and appears to be about 20 seconds shorter than the versions on my laserdisc and tape (I didn't time it so I can't be exact). Finally, after the stock car race, when Tracy says "We didn't even stop for the prize", Bond's line "I told you that crowd would discourage them" has also been cut.
Solution: Newer series should have most if not all of these problems fixed, if anyone can confirm.

Opera
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: Early pressings would not play. They have been recalled and fixed pressing has a red "O" or "V.2" on the back.
Solution: You were able to get your replacement from http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com/opera. Last I checked their site didn't work. You may try calling instead.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=155538
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=143497
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=140555
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=154498
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=151611

Phenomena
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: Some pressings of this disc have problems playing on many players, or locking up at the layer change.
Solution: Some people have been able to exchange their copy at the retailer for a working one. It is not known how to tell the difference between them.

Playtime
[Criterion]
Problem: The intro by Terry Gilliam defaults to 16x9, thus watching it on a 4x3 television, will make it look distorted.
Solution: Criterion has fixed this problem in subsequent pressings.

Poison - Greatest Video Hits
[EMD/Capitol]
Problem: Early pressings had 2 songs where the audio and video were out of sync.
Solution: Immediately after release, the webmaster of the band;s official site collected names of fans with defective copies and we were sent new ones. Since this was last summer, all copies now in stores should be OK.

Powerpuff Girls, The - Meet the Beat-Alls
[Warner]
Problem: The DVD had contained a virus called "Fun Love". This would not affect standalone DVD players at all, but if it was accessed on a computer the virus would spread. It has been recalled.
Solution: If you believe you have a copy with the virus, contacting Warner Bros. should get you a replacement as this was a pretty big thing in the news.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=155199

Prisoner, The - Set 2
[A&E]
Problem: There were sound problems with this release, throughout the episode "The General".
Solution: It has been recalled and you can get a replacement by contacting A&E: (888) 423-1212 or mailing your disc only to A&E Returns, 327 Holly CT, Williston, VT 05495.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=113435

Radar Men From the Moon
[Roan Group]
Problem: The first pressings of this 2-sided disc had chapters 1-6 on both sides instead of 1-6 on side 1 and 7-12 on side 2. The printing on the disc itself is correct but the content is identical on both sides. The corrected version has a different spine number (unknown).
Solution: Unknown

Rahxephon: Movie
[ADV]
Problem: The Japanese audio has a problem where all the dialogue comes out from the front right channel instead of center from the beginning of the movie until chapter 5.

Rififfi - Criterion Collection
[Criterion]
Problem: The first pressing contained audio sync problems.
Solution: You can get it exchanged for a corrected one by contacting Criterion.

Rocky - Special Edition
[MGM]
Problem: Some earlier pressings of this would freeze or start skipping between chapters 3 and 4.
Solution: As stated, this was only present in early pressings, exchange it for another one through the retailer if you can.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=107301
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=113125

Rocky IV
[MGM]
Problem: When Rocky is fighting the Russian boxer, there are a few times where Russians are speaking to each other. There are supposed to be subtitles appearing even with subtitles off, so you can understand them. No subtitles appear at all. Solution: New pressing has the subtitles, as well as a new ANAMORPHIC transfer (original was non-anamorphic). New version found individually packaged (look for 16x9 enhanced notation on packaging). Also found in box set, however, there is no difference in box set packaging which indicated the new pressing is inside. Once the box set is open, if Rocky IV is the new pressing, the enhanced for 16x9 info will appear on the rear of the Rocky IV DVD case (which is not visible when the box set is sealed).
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=112541

Saint Seiya vol. 8
[ADV]
Problem: There is a slight soundtrack flux on episode 39. Episode 40 has all the sound effects missing. This pertains to the English dub track only.

She's All That
[Disney]
Problem: 5.1 soundtrack is missing.
Solution: Disc will be repressed.

Silverado
[Columbia]
Problem: Although the printing on the packaging says the disc contains the film's orginal aspect of 2.35:1, it instead contains a picture letterboxed at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.
Solution: Current copies have the corrected aspect ratio. Try contacting Columbia Tri Star for a replacement.

Slayers, The - DVD Collection
[CPM/Software Sculptors]
Problem: Due to some technical issues, the Japanese audio track will either sound a bit hollow/tinny or have a slight echo or you won't have any sound at all. Issue discussed at company's page http://www.software-sculptors.com/sl...oundinfo.html.
Solution: You can now exchange your set for the new remastered one, but for $9.99 s/h . You can get the form here: http://www.rightstuf.com/news/images/slayers.pdf. Don't delay as this is only available until the end of the year.

Slums of Beverly Hills
[Fox]
Problem: Packaging indicates it has 5.1 sound, but it doesn't.
Solution: None.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Platinum Edition
[Disney]
Problem: There were various problems with some copies that were played on a PC running Windows 2000 or XP. It basically played corrupted video and audio and gave errors from the software DVD player. This was caused by Universal Disk Format driver unable to read the data on the DVD.
Solution: Microsoft has posted a patch to repair this here. I believe you can also update it by getting the latest Application Compatibility Update from Windows Update.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=150280

Space Camp
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: Bad pressing. The player would display No Disc error message.
Solution: You may call Anchor Bay for a replacement or use this form - http://www.theregangroup.com/pages/dvdhelp.php

Speed
[Fox]
Problem: Aspect ratio listed as 1.85:1. Actual ratio is 2.35:1.
Solution: None.

Spellbound
[Criterion]
Problem: First pressings had problems loading the disc on various players.
Solution: There is a newer pressing that has fixed this. Contact Criterion for a replacement.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=241015

Spy Game
[Universal]
Problem: Some copies have had problems with the subtitles "For the hearing impaired" popping up on mostly Toshiba DVD players.
Solution: Mail your DVD without the case with your mailing address to :
Spy Game DVD Return
PO BOX 224468
Dallas TX 75260
http://www.dvdtalk.com/archives/000130.html
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=197402

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
[Fox]
Problem: On a few JVC and Toshiba players, the forced alien subtitles do not appear.
Solution: JVC offers a firmware upgrade to remedy this problem. Perhaps a firmware upgrade for Toshiba will work too.

Stealing Beauty
[Fox]
Problem: French subtitles advertised on the packaging are not on the actual disc. Also the foreign language scenes should have forced translation subtitles, but they are not there.
Solution: If you have a disc without the subtitles call the customer service number and they will send you a replacement disc. The number to call is 888 223 2369. You will need your package with you when you call.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...threadid=37443

Strangeland
[Artisan]
Problem: The trailer advertised on the back of the case is not present on the disc.
Solution: None.

Stranger: Cause for Alarm
[Roan Group]
Problem: Two minutes of footage is missing from Cause For Alarm. This version has been recalled, and a corrected repressing will be available from The Roan Group soon. The repressing will have a new Catalog ID#, AED2011RMDVD, but will keep the same UPC#.
Solution: Unknown.

Taxing Woman, The
[Fox Lorber]
Problem: Packaging says Letterbox, but the picture is fullscreen.
Solution: None.

This is Spinal Tap - Special Edition
[MGM]
Problem: There were subtitles that belonged in the picture (descriptive, indentification) that weren't there. Newer copies should have this fixed.
Solution: You should be able to get a replacement by contacting MGM.

Transformers - Heroes: Rebirth
[Rhino]
Problem: Early pressings had material from the Villains: Ultimate Doom disc even though the disc label was correctly Heroes: Rebirth.
Solution: You can get your disc exchanged for the correct one by sending the defective disc only to Rhino Customer Service, 10635 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Additional info can be found at http://www.rhino.com/help/

Vampire in Brooklyn
[Paramount]
Problem: On the 5.1 audio track, the right front and left rear channels are switched, making the whole thing sound seriously distorted.
Solution: None yet.

Vampires (John Carpenter's)
[Columbia]
Problem: The packaging says it contains a photo gallery, but none is available on the actual disc.
Solution: None

Very Bad Things
[USA Entertainment]
Problem: Disc freezes after FBI warning on 2nd generation Toshiba players and some Panasonic players.
Solution: Firmware upgrade.

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Problem: Disc is not 16x9 enchanced as listed on packaging.
Solution: ?

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (not Vista)
[Disney]
Problem: The packaging says it contains the theatrical trailer, but it does not.
Solution: None

Wicker Man, The: Limited Edition Wooden Box
[Anchor Bay]
Problem: Disc 1 has problems playing on some players.
Solution: You can exchange for a working copy from Anchor Bay.

William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996 non-SE)
[Fox]
Problem: Screenshots of the back of the packaging indicate Cast & Crew Biographies, which do not actually appear on the disc.
Solution: none.

Working Girl
[Fox]
Problem: Between the 44-45 minute point in the movie, there is audio missing from the Dolby Digital track. There is an alarm clock and door slam that should have sound as they are present in the other audio tracks.
Solution: Fox states that the audio drop out was due to layer change, which can't be true because the audio is there on the other audio tracks.
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=107287


----Major DVD Distribution Contact Numbers----
Anchor Bay
1699 Stutz Dr.
Troy, MI 48084
248-362-9660
800-786-8777
Fax: 248-362-4454
http://www.theregangroup.com/pages/dvdhelp.php

Buena Vista Home Video aka Disney
(800) 723-4763

Columbia/Tristar Home Video
10202 West Washington Boulevard SPP-8606
Culver City, CA 90232
Telephone: 310-244-4000
Fax: 310-280-1789

The Criterion Collection
578 Broadway Suite 1106
New York, NY 10012
Telephone: 212-431-5199
Fax: 212-431-5799

Fox Consumer Hotline
(888) 223-2FOX

MGM Customer Service
(877) MGM-4YOU

New Line Home Video
116 North Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Telephone: 310-967-6670
Fax: 310-854-0602

Paramount Home Video DVD Consumer Hotline
323-956-8070

Universal Studios Home Video
70 Universal City Plaza Suite 435
Universal City, CA 91608
Telephone: 818-777-4315
Fax: 818-733-0226

Warner Home Video DVD Department
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522-1543
Telephone: 818-954-6000
Fax: 818-954-6480

Others can be found at http://www.thecinemalaser.com/address.htm. If you have more direct contact information for any of the above, feel free to post.

JuryDuty

Great list. As far as the Disney's The Kid goes:

Problem: For some reason, this DVD won't play on some players--it just freezes up on the FBI warning screen.

Solution: What many users do to "work around" this problem is to insert the disc and AS SOON as it loads, but BEFORE it starts playing, hit "Stop." Then skip forward a chapter or two. Then hit "Play." At this point, you can go to the main menu, etc, without any problem.

bigE

The first pressing of Rififfi CC has a audio sync problem. Criterion will replace it but you have to send it first.

BTW Fox told me they would not replace Working Girl attributing the missing audio to a layer change (NOT!!!). They did however replace the second disc of Cleopatra with the exit music included. YMMV, BOL.

V-ism

Thanks guys, updated.

Gdrlv

Good list...

Two more I can think of:

Monty Python & the Holy Grail Special Edition: Perhaps the mother of all defective DVDs. On many (most) players, subtitles randomly pop up during the film. Most are from the Subtitles for People Who Don't Like the Movie feature. Also, the first Swedish subtitle is missing from the opening credits.
Columbia is apparently offering replacement discs, but not all problems are fixed...the first Swedish sub is apparently still missing.

Vampire in Brooklyn: Just released from Paramount. On the DD 5.1 soundtrack, the right front and left rear channels are switched, making the whole thing sound seriously distorted. No solution yet.

V-ism

Thanks, Gdrlv. Updated.

TheBang

V-ism, can you please integrate information from this older thread?

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...0&pagenumber=1

Also, I'm going to have this thread added to the Newcomer Information thread, so I expect you to keep it up to date.

V-ism

Ack, how come I couldn't find that.

DumDum

In reference to The Kid:
I had a similar problem on my Scary Movie disc. Works fine now!!

osokin

Great idea, this list. Don't forget the Godfather glitch thread:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...ather+problems

Even if the problem of not being able to play the bonus disc is a player/disc compatability issue, rather than a "glitch" proper, it'd still be good to include on this list.

The Valeyard

Wasn't there something wrong with Silverado? Something about the wrong aspect ratio? I have a vague recollection of something like that.



Andrew

V-ism

If you can find more information about Silverado let me know, as I don't know anything about it nor found any information about it.

And I'm still thinking about whether to include Disc/Player compatibility issues on the list as I know there are a ton more out there. Or maybe we can keep that separate.

Trencher

Despite the printing on the packaging, the disc does not contain the film's orginal 2.35:1 transfer but one erroneously letterboxed at a 1.85:1 aspect ratio

This info is from DVD Review which has a somewhat extensive list on their site already. I'm sure you can find the info elsewhere too.

TheBang

V-ism, it looks like you pulled your Bond information from an old version of my Bond defects post. Here's an updated version with more specific and correct information.

These are the confirmed defects with the Bond titles, for which corrected repressings have been made. To get your replacement discs, call MGM Customer Service at 1-877-MGM-4YOU, and follow the directions for defective DVDs. You will be sent a prepaid UPS shipping label via e-mail which you can print out and use to send back your DVD(s). They will then send back the corrected DVD(s) to you (brand-new, shrinkwrapped copy like you would buy in the store). Corrected copies supposedly have **** around the title on the white sticker on top of the sealed DVDs (such as, **** Octopussy ****), but I have not always found that to be the case. My corrected NSNA did not have the stars.

The Man with the Golden Gun - In Chapter 21, at approximately 81:30, at the beginning of the car chase, the disc will pixelate and lock up on many DVD players due to a mastering error.

Octopussy - In Chapter 12, at approximately 37:00, Bond flips a bad guy onto a bed of nails. The owner of the bed says something and the English subtitle translation is missing ("Get off my bed!")

Never Say Never Again - In Chapter 19, at approximately 65:50. There are about 4 minutes of footage missing from this point, the beginning of the second layer of the disc. The missing footage starts right after Bond gives a cigarette case to a security guard in a closet and tells him it's a bomb. Scenes from this missing footage include Bond saying his line, "My name is Bond, James Bond." to Domino as she stands in front of an arcade game machine and Bond having a conversation with Largo as Largo stands behind a bar. Largo challenges Bond to play the game in this scene.

The Living Daylights - In Chapter 7, at approximately 19:30. After the plant worker pushes her supervisor off of her bosom, there are missing English subtitles which translate her words ("What kind of girl do you think I am!)

<hr width="50%" align="center">

These following Bond titles also have errors. Corrected versions have not yet been made, but in a HTF Post by MGM officials on April 30, 2001, they had this to say: "License To Kill and On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Corrected versions of these titles will be made available when MGM re-releases these DVD's sometime in 2002. If you are unhappy with your current DVD, you will be able to exchange it with MGM customer service at that time." It is unknown which problems exactly they are correcting, and if they will correct all the ones listed below.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - In Chapter 18, at approximately 75:05. Weird "humming" audio over a scene of a rock climber actually belongs to 3 seconds of missing video which occurs right before this scene. Also, some missing lines (quoted from someone else's report): On the DVD, right after Telly Savalas delivers the line, "Tracy, don't be so proud. Your father's own business is not entirely within the law", it cuts to Bond and Draco in the helicopter, completely cutting the line "His brotherhood also have exotic ways of keeping it a closed shop" which is on the laserdisc and VHS tape. The stock car race scene has completely different editing and appears to be about 20 seconds shorter than the versions on my laserdisc and tape (I didn't time it so I can't be exact). Finally, after the stock car race, when Tracy says "We didn't even stop for the prize", Bond's line "I told you that crowd would discourage them" has also been cut.

Licence to Kill - In Chapter 44, at approximately 98:00. When the guy explodes in the chamber, there is apparently a popping sound and the blood actually splattering against the window which is missing. There may also be additional gore and violence in other parts of the movie missing (unconfirmed).

JesseCuster

Supposedly, the first printing of the Criterion version of Dead Ringers has some sort of audio sync problem. I have the second printing (it says it on the back) so I can't attest to what the problem is actually like but I have read about it. Has anyone else heard about this?

Quatermass

The first pressings of this 2-sided disc had chapters 1-6 on both sides instead of 1-6 on side 1 and 7-12 on side 2. The printing on the disc itself is correct but the content is identical on both sides. The corrected version has a different spine number. I used to know the numbers, but I can't find them now. I'll post them if I find them. If anyone else knows, please post them.

Great list by the way. I found 3 discs I own that have problems I was not aware of.

MDawg957

You can also add this title to the list

The Slayers DVD Collection: Due to some technical issues, the Japanese audio track will either sound a bit hollow/tinny or have a slight echo or you won't have any sound at all. Issue discussed at company's page http://www.software-sculptors.com/sl...soundinfo.html No replacement plan in place yet, but can be notified if one is released via http://www.software-sculptors.com/Sl...tificationList To make up for problem company is offering the entire japanese subtitled VHS set of The Slayers for only $20. For info on this go to http://www.software-sculptors.com/Sl...yersoffer.html

V-ism

updated.

MarcusAurelius

ADD:

Devil's Advocate.

The first printing (recalled Ex Nihilio version) has a verified picture jumping problem on the Pioneer 525 throughout the entire feature.

I hear subsequent printings (the ones without the digitally edited copyrighted sculpture) are fine.

Quatermass

Apparently has a couple of spots where 15 seconds of a soccer video pop up in the middle of the movie.

from their website:
The new pressing of this disc is defective and is being recalled. New corrected copies will be shipped out shortly. Please return defective copies to the place you bought them--if this is not possible for some reason, you may return them to All Day directly and we will replace them.

How to tell the good from the bad:

The original Y2K pressing (good) has no
"top spine" sticker on the shrinkwrap
packaging (that's that hateful sticker that
clamps the box shut even after you've peeled
off the shrinkwrap). Once open, look at the
disc face itself. If you see a silvery "eye"
around the spindle hole and a logo for
"NIMBUS" you've got a good copy and all
is well in your world.

The 2nd pressing (BAD BAD BAD) has a
top spine sticker on the package, and once
opened the disc face has the black ink all the
way up to the spindle hole. Avoid these, for
reasons explained below.

The 3rd pressing (good) is identified on the
top spine sticker as being corrected. The
disc face itself is identical to the bad pressing.

dave955

Didn't Criterion repress The Last Temptation of Christ because it was mastered to display in 4:3 on the fly, resulting in player-induced cropping?

Duckie

This is kind of an odd one and I didn't see it mentioned:

The Mode label's issue of Morton Subotnick's Touch on dvd for 5.1 and audio-dvd (it's a two-sider) has an error on the 5.1 side. The sound drops out every other second about 7 minutes into each track. I've had two copies with this error and have contacted the label through their website with no response. The retailer is giving me a full refund. I can't comment on the dvd-audio side. This was so unfortunate. For those not familiar with his work, Subotnick is a grandaddy of electronic music and this was to be the first ever true listen-at-home presentation of his quadrophonic work initially done for the first of Columbia records quad releases back in the 60's.

eau

Great list. A good candidate for a sticky thread

hermit

'the wicker man limited edition wooden box' have problem with the first disk. it just won't play on some (all?) player. you can have an exchange copy by contacting anchor bay.

i know there is a thread somewhere talking about it, but i have a slow connection, and i don't want to waste my time with that.



good job about this thread though

Startide

Originally posted by V-ism:
There's been a lot of defective DVD's out there in the past, and I thought it would be helpful to many users to keep track of them all in one thread. Defects include audio, video, subtitles, general playability, and misprinted material. I apologize if there is/was a thread for this already, I didn't find any through search, or in the one and only's or frequent topics thread.

Someone posted another thread on this back in Sept 2001 at:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=139453

In that thread are listed URL for various websites that already deal with various types of anime DVD defects...