Page 1 of Gladiator problems on the Gundig player!

Recently I purchased the regional 2 dvd of Glaiator the moment it was available. This version a two disc set with all the features on the second disc. However, when i tried to play the feature disc I discovered that it would not load and play on my player. So I contacted the Gundig helpline for tech. support. Thier representive informed me that the Gladiator feature disc is a problem with the Gundig players and other makes. He went on the inform me that thier is a 5% problem with some discs not playing on all players. This was his answer and it was just hard luck in owning a Gundig GDV-210 player, or any other unfortunate manufacture that their is problems with.

What I cannot understand is why these manufacture cannot test new release before they are sold to the consumer. That way they could either offer a warning to the retailers or offer to recall the players that are not able to do what they are advertised to do. From my experience with Gundig I will never purchase another item that they have manufactured again. They sold me the machine with the strength that it would play all regional 2 discs and quite clearly it does not. It is about time these manufactures took an example from Sony and make their machines to play all dics.

If any one else has had simular problems i would like to hear about. Maybe if we demostrate the extent of the problem they might do something about it!

Derek Hall

Hi Derek,

I own a Grundig 210A and have had the same problem with disc 2 in the Gladiator pack. Having phoned Grundig & Mastercare (Dixons), I eventually phoned Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), who own Columbia Tristar, who issued the disc.

I was put through to the relevent department at SPE and they are aware of the incompatibility issue with disc 2. They assured me that they were looking into it and would have a resolution by early next week. They took my name and number and promised faithfully to get back to me with the resolution they propose.

It`s not just the Grundig 210A, the Proline, Matsui and Wharfdales all have the same problem, apparently, all these machines are built in the same factory and have the same inards.

You can call Sony Pictures Entertainment UK in London, on 0207 533 1000 ( I got the number from directory enquiries so it`s no secret, I hope!). Tell the receptionist you have a dvd related problem and you`ll be put through.

Sony did apologise for the problem and stated that they were happy for anyone experiencing the same fault to contact them so that they can monitor exactly how many machines are affected by this Gladiator Disc 2 issue.

I was told to keep hold of the disc until they come up with a solution. I can only wait and see if they are as good as their word, but felt confident the person I spoke to was genuine enough.

I know this doesn`t solve the problem, but let`s hope if everybody experiencing this problem complains to the disc manufacturers, a standard will eventually be met so that all players will do what they advertise. i.e. play all region 2 discs.

Hope this helps,

Gadjo

This item was edited on Tuesday, 28th November 2000, 01:14

Hi Derek

I bought Gladiator on region 1 to use on my Proline 1000. The film plays fine but 2 of the extras wont play. (The making of.... and the interview with Hans Zimmer). The only other problem that I have had is that my machine will not play Region 2 American Psycho.

Regards

Roger Marriott

There`s a moral to this - be careful where u purchase your player from! I bought a Proline from Woolworths and they happily refunded my money without a quibble because it doesn`t play the gladiator disk. I know others that have had problems with the Wharfedale 750 from Tesco`s and they`ve also got refunds.