Home > Consumer Reviews > AmazonBasics 4.7GB 16x DVD-R (100-Pack Spindle) [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

In the past, I've found DVDs from different companies may or may not be usable in all my equipment. Sony DVDs were compatible with all my equipment, but they can be pricey. I was happy to find that these Amazon DVD were compatible with a wide range of equipment. We've already burned DVDs on an Apple IMac G5, Dell Inspirion 15, Sony DRX-840U DVD burner and Toshiba DR410 DVD player/burner. No compatibility problems. And they are priced less than $19 for a 100 disc spindle! Excellent!

And although Amazon touts their new "Frustration Free - Ready to Ship" packaging, I received my package of DVDs in a small neat box marked "Ready for Shipping" INSIDE a huge box labeled C3 that was 19 X 13 X 8. I don't think the warehouses are clear on the concept yet. Although my account page allows Packaging Feedback on products I ordered, none of my Amazon Vine products, including this one, are on the feedback page. But this minor flub did not change my mind or rating for these DVDs, they are an excellent product.

To me, Finding the right DVDR is like finding the Deodorant - gotta find something that works.

Let's face it - Writable Media is expensive and Doesn't always work well, Depending on Brand. I use writable DVDs both on my Computer and my Philips DVDR3575H/37 DVD Recorder. And with That Philips DVD recorder, not all brands work properly or will Finalize for playback, Mainly any TDK DVD+R (Yes just the Plus). plus, often Burns on my PC fail.

AmazonBasics DVD-R, for those unaware, AmazonBascis, is amazon.com's own line of Products and These DVD-R discs are perfect. Not only do they work as good as Leading brands Sony,JVC, Memorex, ETC. You get more for your money and a lot more room on the Label side of the disc to write on. 100 DVD-r's for the Price of 50 Name Brands and work just as good as the name brand - WHAT More can you ask for?

I've now burned over 100 movie and slideshow DVDs with no problems and am having to order more of these same disks because these are the only ones my new Lacie burner will consistently burn. Go figure.

I have to commend Amazon with using the best packaging I've ever had with 100 pack DVDs. The ones I get from Sam's Club are thrown into an oversized box with some paper and the whole case is broken by the time I get it. These were boxed such that the case doesn't move and is securely protected.

Not thrilled with the bright silver background. Harder to read inked labels but it's not a deal-breaker.

In the past I have had some problems with burned TDK brand discs not wanting to play in our portable Coby DVD player. So I am aware that sometimes there seems to be a compatibility issue with certain brands of DVDs.
I used to think it was my software, but after burning 2 discs in a row once I realized that the brand of DVD was the factor in not letting them play.

These discs work fine in the portable player, in all three of our other DVD players (2 Panasonics and one Sony) and are recognized by our external hard drives (1 Samsung and one Sony) with data on them. I used three different burners to create the discs and Corel Video studio and Roxio to burn them.


The discs come in the familiar shrink wrapped cake box and are shiny surfaced on top (I know some people prefer a matte surface to write on) with the logo for Amazon basics printed on them. They came in a nice compact box, which was then packed into a HUGE Amazon box with piles of air cushioning. However, I am not going to deduct points for this, as it does not reflect on the actual product. The price is good, and they work.

I have a TiVo Humax box, which has a built-in DVD burner. They don't make these any longer, and there's a good reason why. . . because it's VERY difficult to find DVD's which the darn thing will take and burn! I've purchased expensive ones. . . and cheap ones. . . and in the end, some work a little better than others, but none of them work 100% of the time. Some does even work 10% of the time! Fortunately I have a 2nd DVD burner which I'm usually able to use for the "rejects". But with the Amazon "Basics" DVD's ALL of them work! I've gone through almost a complete 100-pack spindle, and haven't had a problem with any of them! (knock on wood) I'm SO glad to find DVD's that work, and are also at a good price! If you have a "finicky" DVD burner of any type (including a Humax) then I HIGHLY recommend that you try these.

As to the write speed. . . . A DVD can only burn as fast as your DVD burner will burn. If you have a DVD burner which will only burn at 4X or 8X speed, then that's all you're going to get out of these blank DVD's. Personally, I don't have any problems with the speed.

As someone else has mentioned about the packaging. . . The idea that Amazon.com writes that they use "Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging" is TOTALLY bogus. Amazon OVER packages this item. First, the DVD's are on a spindle, like with any other manufacturer. Then They are packed in a separate box, with more cardboard inside so the spindle doesn't "bounce" around. Then that box is placed in a MUCH larger box with lots of packing "pillows". When I've ordered DVD's or another brand from Amazon.com in the past (and I've ordered a lot) they are always just the plastic spindle in a medium box and that's it. I really think that Amazon.com could get away with shipping in the original box, but so far. . .they are not doing that. . . so much for "saving the planet"!