Buena Vista Home Entertainment has begun test marketing self-destructing DVDs in four U.S. cities: Austin, Kansas City, Charleston, and Peoria. Initially, only about eight titles are expected to be available, including "The Recruit," "Signs," "The Hot Chick," "Frida," and "25th Hour."
The DVD format is being called ez-D, and the idea is this: As soon as the packaging is opened and the disc is exposed to air, a process begins that will make the disc unplayable after 48 hours (or perhaps a bit longer, depending on DVD player and environmental conditions). Discs are supposed to be guaranteed to be good for a year from the manufacture date if the original packaging is left intact.
The discs are being sold at convenience stores, drugstores, and other retail outlets. The stores set the prices, but the range I’ve heard is $5 to $8. The idea is that you pay more than you would at a video rental store, but you aren’t required to return the disc and you’ll never pay a late fee.
There is some concern about the environmental impact of people simply tossing the used up discs in the trash, and Buena Vista wants buyers to mail them to a place where they will supposedly be recycled. But will convenience-oriented customers be willing to do this?
Other Features of Interest on Self-Destructing DVDs:
From About.com Home Theater Guide Robert Silva: Throwaway DVDs