You probably don't want that kind of capability since it ends up being used for nefarious purposes by the rights holders and media companies.

For example the keys on your BluRay player can be revoked just by playing a BluRay disc, as the drive first reads the code on the disc and executes the appropriate code to "update" your player according to the wishes of the DRM overlords. It's a very anti-consumer feature. Sony was also distributing their music CDs with rootkits to try to prevent piracy.

I think VHS and Laserdisc were better since they had little DRM and you could freely rewind and view whatever parts you want at your own discretion. The advent of tech also meant the advent of anti-user DRM that dictate how the (paying!) user must enjoy the content.

Thanks for mentioning this. The LibreDrive firmware is specifically designed to address this and other issues.

The problem is a physical media format absolutely cannot afford to gain a reputation for not playing.

You see, if stores accept returns for opened DVDs? People can buy a DVD movie, watch it, then return it for a refund.

But if stores don't accept returns for opened DVDs? If I paid two hours' wages for that DVD, it doesn't play, and they won't give me a refund? I'm going to be mad about being ripped off, and I'm going to complain a lot.