FOX: Appear to be a real quality problem with Simpsons set (1 Viewer)

[GlennH]

It seems that many are having problems with pixelization, freezes, and lockups with discs in the new Simpsons Season 1 set.
After reading about the problems here:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/...ML/030997.html
I began watching my set and have seen major problems in one of the episodes on Disc 1. I haven't yet tried the other two discs.
Some people are reporting strange "bubbles" in Disc 3 (see above thread). I don't have that, but I do see strange looking "swirl" patterns that go all the way around Disc 1 and 2 about a quarter inch from the edge. Disc 3 has multiple "swirl" rings.
My problems were seen on a new Panasonic RP91 player, but it also locked up on my PC DVD-ROM drive.
The bottom line appears to be that there are some problems with this pressing that go beyond random bad discs. I don't really want to send it right back to Amazon for fear I'll get another bad one.
I think a lot of us would really appreciate it if FOX could promptly look into this issue and give some direction.
This is the first time I've had these kind of problems on a FOX disc.

 

[GlennH]

Note, many others are reporting similar problems on other forums and USENET.
For example
FOX, your reputation is aces right now, and deservedly so for the fine DVD work you've been doing. Please take care of this problem in a proper fashion and you'll stay on that pedestal.

 

[Jeff Krispow]

I'm also have a similar experience with "The Simpsons" Season One set. On my Pioneer 606-D player, Disc 1 freezes during the "Homer's Odyssey" segment at 22:06 (during Yearley Smith's onscreen credit). I have yet to watch Disc 2, so I obviously cannot know if the disc is problem-free.
My copies of Disc 1 and 2 feature the two-tone color "swirls" underneath the disc surface that was mentioned before by Glenn. Additionally, my copy of Disc 3 exhibits the "raindrop effect" (other people call them "bubbles" or "craters") on the disc surface. Disc 3 thus far plays fine, but I cannot give a final accurate report on this since I'm still going through the disc.
I would appreciate it if FOX could look into this situation. There are numerous internet reports of people reporting the same exact same problems -- there are report here on the HTF, on numerous other internet forum, and on Usenet as well. Obviously this is a widespread problem, and all the evidence points towards pressing and/or authoring problems.
The numerous "bubbles" or "raindrops" on the disc surface are definitely caused during the pressing phase, and these have been causing playback problems. Discs having this type of surface defect are supposed to be automatically rejected during a quality check phase after being pressed, and the consumer should never see these discs. There's obviously some sort of problem if tens of thousands of these discs made it through that checking process as "perfect." This exact same problem occurred with AnimEigo's release of the first "Urusei Yatsura" box set -- a few discs in each box set exhibited these "bubbles" and the company took immediate action to replace those defective discs.
I'm less sure of how the quality check process checks for discs with the "swirling" patterns underneath the surface. However, as many people are complaining of playback problems and/or pixelation with discs exhibiting the "swirls," there's obviously something wrong there as well. Just as an FYI, these swirls are also formed during the pressing phase.
The freezing problem on Disc 1 during the "Homer's Odyssey" episode looks like it is caused by an authoring error, especially since it always occurs at the exact same spot for everyone. The problem seems to mostly affect people with Pioneer, Toshiba and PS2 players. My assumption is that the error correction in these players cannot handle the authoring error, thus the sudden freeze.
In any event, I think it's safe to say that I would like to own a copy of "The Simpsons" that is defect-free. And I don't think that's too much to ask for, especially considering that all consumers expect a problem-free viewing experience when they purchase a DVD. It would be easy enough to return my DVD set to the store and have it replaced for another copy, but there is nothing to guarantee that I could find a properly-working set of discs, especially since everyone is reporting the same problems.
The world is not a perfect place, and problems occur. We all understand that. But we are hoping that FOX will acknowledge this widespread problem, take immediate action to correct it, and help consumers exchange defective discs for new working ones. FOX definitely is one of the top companies when it comes to producing an overall DVD product -- your transfers, content, packaging and pressings have always been first rate, and you have the reputation of being a company that delivers the highest quality product possible. But that reputation is one that has started to become seriously tarnished -- "The Simpsons" is such a high-profile title that the further these problems are left to escalate, the further FOX's star will fade. This is not the sort of situation you want to leave unattended.
So in that regard, I ask that FOX please resolve this problem in a timely fashion. Please show us that we can still trust FOX to deliver the high-quality product you promise. This is the first time I've ever had a problem with any FOX DVD product, and I sincerely hope it's the last.
Thank you.
Jeff Krispow
------------------
Jeff Krispow
Retired Reviewer
http://www.laserrot.com
[email protected]

 

[Dave Anderson]

My disc 1 had a big scratch on it. I was the first to open it, and saw it immediately. Turned on the disc wouldn't play at all.
Got Walmart to swap it for me. Now all 3 are fine.
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David W. Anderson - [email protected]
Webmaster - www.horrordvds.com

 

[Garry I]

There seems to be an authoring problem with some Fox dvds. I haven't got the simpsons yet. Quills and Me, myself and Irene, Men of Honor/ MJ to the max(all fox dvds) also lockup/freeze/pixellate at the dual layer mark (if its a DL dvd) and throughout the movie also. Most of my problem dvds are from FOX and some OLDER WARNER titles and some MGM. This is what seems to be the problem. I think my Pioneer player is very sensitive to badly authored discs even though DVD-ROM would play them fine. You could say its the players fault, but why then do most other discs play? It must be a fox QC issue
They may be damaged by glue, repressing techniques etc
Some players can play them, some can't. Just depends on how sensitive the player is to badly encoded/authored discs.
Fox, you need to look into this

 

[dan.kissel]

I agree there is a problem with Homer's Odessey at 22:06 on Disc 1. Fortunately, my players only appear to drop the sound for a split second and continue on. The drop is much to quick for a layer change.
I tested on both a Panasonic C-220 5 disc changer and a Panasonic A-120. Both had the results above.
As for Disc 3, I have not fully explored it, but so far no problems. The disc does have very noticable "swirls" that almost look like circular scrathes within the disc towards the center. I'm surprised I haven't seen any problems (yet).
I order two sets (one for me and one for my brother) and both are in similar condition with similar results. Ordered from Playcentric.com.
Although I have not had any problems YET, I would like to see some action taken by FOX on this one. The playback sides of the discs even LOOK like something is wrong with them (the swirl/scratches on disc 3, and I don't know how to describe the "blob" look to discs 1 and 2). I'm affraid that over time the discs may deteriorate / rot like a few of the early RSDL discs.
If / when FOX does do something about these discs, PLEASE MAKE IT EASY!!! I'd like to have a choice of returning them to the store where purchased OR send the discs directly to FOX for replacement (especially since I purchased mine from a webstore).