how or where (if you can) can you format a dvd disk with no recorder?

[noclue]

Hi,

I have a dvd-rw mini disc that has some very special video footage of my mum before she passed away, the video recorder I used to film the dvd was stolen and I had not formatted the disc so I have never watched it. It has been a few years now and I have recently found the disc again - how can I watch what is recorded and is there ways i can format it without the video recorder I had??

[hech54]

What you are looking to do is "finalize" the disc....NOT format.
Start by loading it in your computer and try playing it.....just DO NOT FORMAT THAT DISC.

[neomaine]

noclue,

You might be able to use Isobuster to extract the mpeg2 (probably) file. Look for .mpg or .vro file. Been awhile so I'm not sure of the specific file extensions used.

[jman98]

Re-writable DVD discs were never intended for long term storage. Even under careful storage conditions they will eventually degrade. You say you've had it for years so if you really care about this footage you definitely need to get it copied to a DVD-R or DVD+R disc as soon as possible as there's already some chance that you may be too late. Please note that this issue is specific to re-writable discs. That which makes them re-writable also makes them degrade even if left alone.