Dual-layer DVDs didn’t come out until later. Long movies on single-layer (or those whose producers were too lazy to optimize compression or use dual-layer) DVD had to be flipped mid-movie as well.

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epcoa 6 days ago | parent | next [-]

Mass produced dual layer DVDs came out early on around late 1997 (maybe confusing with DVD recordable?), it’s not like the spec changed. There were some low cost distributors that couldn’t afford the equipment but the majors were stamping early on.

Besides unlike the one hour max on an LD, a 120 minute movie will fit on a single side single layer, so most early movie releases would fit on a single side single layer (the quality did suffer).

More commonly in the early days the dual side was to provide a pan and scan and letterbox option or extras.

There are so called “flippers”, but they weren’t that common.

An LD is 1 hour max so you are almost always flipping for any feature length.

	▲	actionfromafar 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		It needs to be mentioned that several players moved the laser to the other side of the Laserdisc, so you didn't have to flip the disc yourself.

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dylan604 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

DVD-5 single layer, single side

DVD-10 single layer, double side

DVD-9 dual layer, single side

DVD-18 dual layer, double side

With the dual layer discs, the first layer had to be larger than the second layer. There was a slight pause when switching layers, and care was taken to place the layer break at a spot to hide that pause as much as possible. At least on the discs where the author took pride in work unlike the YT decisions on when/where to place ads. Although, I've seen some really poorly placed layer breaks too.

	▲	10729287 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Fun fact, I remember my french version of Reservoir Dogs switching from first layer to the other exactly during the torture scene, with the pause you are describing. Absolutely no care taken. Or maybe to put this at the worst moment possible. What a turn down !

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goosedragons 6 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I don't think they came out later. They existed in the spec from the beginning and some very early long movies were a single disc (e.g., Titanic). Some movies still needed flipping or two discs, like Gone with the Wind but it's just too long.

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Foobar8568 6 days ago | parent | prev [-]

I totally forgot flipping DVD for some movies or series, I can't recall now. Damn.