Flexplay

Flexplay is a trademark for a DVD-compatible optical video disk format with has a time-limited 48-hour playback time. They are often described as self-destructing although the disc merely turns black and does not physically disintegrate. The same technology is or was used by Disney s Buena Vista releasing company under the name ez-D.

Flexplay discs do not bear the DVD logo. When asked whether Flexplay discs do or do not comply with DVD forum standards, a company spokesperson replied that Flexplay DVDs are produced to be readable in DVD players adhering to DVD Forum specifications.

A Flexplay disc is shipped in an hermetically sealed package. The DVD plastic appears to have a red tint, resulting from a red-colored chemical layer which is sensitive to oxygen. When the seal is broken the layer changes from red to black in about 48 hours, rendering the disc unplayable. If unopened, the shelf life of the sealed package is said to be about a year. According to the vendor, Flexplay discs are fully recyclable and conform to all applicable EPA environmental standards. Some environmental groups have endorsed the product due to Flexplay s recycling plans and partnership with environmental industry leaders such as GreenDisk, while other sush as Grass Roots Recycling Network nevertheless have objected to the creation of a short-lived disposable version of a traditionally durable product.

The Disney organization announced in 2003 that it would issue some releases on Flexplay ez-D discs. Discs were test-marketed in Austin, Texas. One grocery chain dropped the disks in February, 2004, saying It didn t turn out to be an item that our customers were looking for. It is unclear whether Disney s plans are on indefinite hold.

As of 2004, Flexplay discs appear to be priced at around $4.99 U.S., a price comparable to that of a two-day DVD rental.

The first Flexplay disc to receive national consumer distribution in the U. S. was a 2004 holiday movie entitled Noel, which was released trimultaneously to theatres, to cable TV, and to Flexplay disc. Reportedly theatres were angered at the simultaneous release, and as a result the movie actually received screenings in only a few dozen theatres.

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*[http://www.flexplay.com Flexplay s corporate website] *[http://www.noelthemovie.com Official website for the movie NOEL], released exclusively on Flexplay *[http://www.nacsonline.com/NR/exeres/00005a1dyixoorrvfijzuihe/NewsPosting.aspNRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fNACS%2fNews%2fDaily_News_Archives%2fMay2003%2fnd0520039%2ehtm&NRNODEGUID=%7b85F2A741-DA71-4EE0-9A96-45FF305848BC%7d&NRQUERYTERMINATOR=1&cookie%5Ftest=1 Disney Debuts Time-Limit DVDs] NACS, May 20, 2003 It sounds like something out of Mission: Impossible--DVDs that self-destruct in 48 hours. *[http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,62083,00.html Stores nix disposable flicks] Wired, January 29, 2004 Austin grocery chain H-E-B drops ez-D products *[http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65707,00.html Hurry Up and Watch: DVDs Time Out] Wired news, November 13, 2004 The Christmas-themed movie Noel most likely won t be coming to a theater near you -- but if you miss it on cable, there s always the self-destructing DVD.