Can't Open and Play a WMV UDF DVD-ROM

[audiohominis]

Hi, guys.
I bought the 2-disk DVD set of a movie called “Step into Liquid”. It’s kinda like “Terminator 2: Extreme Edition”, except it’s, well… “Step into Liquid”.
Disk 1 is in DVD standard compatible format. Disk 2 is a DVD-ROM in high-def Microsoft WMV format. As I tried inserting Disk 2 into either one of my Windows XP-based PC’s DVD drives, I found myself in what’s apparently a classic situation. The disk shows nothing but a ‘README.TXT’ file with the following message in it:

“This disc contains a "UDF" file system and requires an operating system that supports the ISO-13346 "UDF" file system specification.”

A quick online search turned out that other people get this exact same message when trying to install video games that ship on DVD-ROMs. One site said that the problem is caused by 3rd party disk burning apps and that the only solution is to uninstall them in order to be able to install, play, or view the content on such disks. Are they kidding me? Ain’t no freakin’ way I’m uninstalling my programs just so I can enjoy some pseudo-HD content on my PC. Are they insane? I’d rather send it back and tell them to stick it up Bill Gates’ @$$.:mad:
Anyway, sorry about that; I’m just frustrated you know. :(
Is there a way to view such disks WITHOUT uninstalling any apps? It’s okay if your method requires the disk to be extracted to hard drive first; I can live with that.
Thank you for your time and any help.

[setarip_old]

Hi!

Seems to be more than one problem:

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=6678640

"Step Into Liquid Reviews
Dont buy this if you live outside the US!
You cant watch the HD version of this if you live outside the USA. If this is the reason for buying this title DONT.
Submitted by ian.trumble (London,UK)"

[foxyshadis]

Do you have Windows 98/Me? 2000 and XP come with UDF drivers. If you don't have one you can get a generic UDF driver (http://www.softplatz.com/Soft/Utilities/Other/Adaptec-UDF-Reader-Driver.html), which is also installed with many DVD burning software. Of course, DVD uses UDF, so it must be a higher version if you can read them but not this disc.

And even with that fixed you might not be able to activate it, as setarip points out.

[audiohominis]

Thanks for the responses, guys.
I AM in the US. I tried this on a laptop running a relatively newer version of XP, which also happens to have the same burning app installed on it (Nero), but it had no problem seeing the disk. The main movie itself is a DRM protected WMV, so you need internet access to acquire the license and play it, which I find very annoying. The vertical resolution is 1024 instead of full 1920, so add that to the equation and you’ve got yourself a very disappointing purchase. I guess it was cool when it was new, ha?
I think I’ll wait ‘till Blu-ray and HD-DVD drives become more affordable and go with those.
Thank you again.
Cheerios!!!

PS. Funny. I subscribed to this thread but had never been notified.

[setarip_old]

The main movie itself is a DRM protected WMV, so you need internet access to acquire the license and play itJust so you know, the same thing was done regarding the otherwise wonderful Region 1 "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" 2 DVD set...

[audiohominis]

Oh, I know that one. This disk features HD movie trailers as well as a lengthy segment from that concert. Looks good.