DVD cracked | TexAgs

91Challenger

Joined: Dec 5, 2012

Posts: 368

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

12:08p, 7/8/25

AG

The only copy of my wedding dance video is on a DVD that has zero scratches but is totally split from one edge to the center.

I've searched but cannot find any place online to fix this.

Do you know of anyone who can recover the data?

"A is A”

jr15aggie

Joined: Jul 22, 2002

Posts: 24,885

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

1:31p, 7/8/25

AG

My serious answer: I'm really sorry that your wedding DVD cracked. I'm 99% certain there is no way to fix this. Sorry, I know that can be sad.

My non-serious answer: You can't fix the DVD, but there is a guy running around here that might be able to convert this to LaserDisc for you!

14

akaggie05

Joined: Oct 5, 2006

Posts: 5,603

User Profile

Private Message

Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

1:33p, 7/8/25

AG

Is it physically in two pieces or still held together by a layer of plastic?

91Challenger

Joined: Dec 5, 2012

Posts: 368

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

5:47p, 7/8/25

AG

Still held together.

I did find some people in Las Angeles that are data recovery experts. But they say it's going to cost $200 to even try, and chances are slim.

"A is A”

akaggie05

Joined: Oct 5, 2006

Posts: 5,603

User Profile

Private Message

Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

6:01p, 7/8/25

AG

Here's what I would do (medium risk). Get one of those round paper CD/DVD labels and apply it carefully to the top of the disc to provide a little more structural rigidity. Put it carefully into a computer DVD drive (with a tray, not a self loading mechanism) and use a capture program to read in and save the raw ISO file.

With the disc still in one piece, the optical tracks themselves are likely still aligned between the two fractured pieces. The error correction built in to the encoded data on the disc (used to overcome normal scratches, etc.) could very well be good enough to overcome the damaged sections.

10

jr15aggie

Joined: Jul 22, 2002

Posts: 24,885

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

9:30a, 7/9/25

AG

The LA people sound like they are being honest in 2 ways:

1. They want your money
2. They are happy to TRY because *see reason #1*

I personally wouldn't go that route. I think the try it your self advice from akaggie is solid.

4

bigtruckguy3500

Joined: Nov 11, 2007

Posts: 10,903

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

4:30a, 7/10/25

I think Akaggies approach is your best bet as well. Anything you can do to add rigidity to it without throwing of the balance (as it spins kinda fast. I'm also curious if using the super clear packing tape along the underside of the crack might be worth a try.

But it's risky, as it might peel off the protective coating if you need to remove it.

danieljustin06

Joined: Aug 31, 2011

Posts: 1,252

User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring

How long do you want to ignore this user?

24 hours One week Permanently Cancel

In reply to akaggie05 • 7:34a, 7/15/25

AG

akaggie05 said:
Here's what I would do (medium risk). Get one of those round paper CD/DVD labels and apply it carefully to the top of the disc to provide a little more structural rigidity. Put it carefully into a computer DVD drive (with a tray, not a self loading mechanism) and use a capture program to read in and save the raw ISO file.

With the disc still in one piece, the optical tracks themselves are likely still aligned between the two fractured pieces. The error correction built in to the encoded data on the disc (used to overcome normal scratches, etc.) could very well be good enough to overcome the damaged sections.

If you go this route, make sure you can control the speed. I am doubtful that the label will still hold at 10,000 rpm.