When will performances from the 2015 DCI World Championships be released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray? 

The 2015 DCI World Championship Blu-ray, DVD and CD sets are now available for purchase and shipping.

Why has it taken so long to release this year’s audio/video compilations?

In order to protect the original copyright and composers who allow Drum Corps International’s performing ensembles to license their music, every effort has been made to secure the appropriate licenses in order to offer the most complete performances as they appeared on the field this past August.

There seems to have been a disruption in the production of audio and video products and the explanation is due to copyright compliance. Why is this an issue now?

The drum corps activity is driven by creative musicians, performers, composers and music education professionals; thus we have always taken very seriously our obligation of copyright compliance. For years, we have intensely and deliberately pursued full compliance with the law.  In the past 18 months, DCI has learned that even more diligence may be required to keep pace with licensing obligations, particularly in light of the continuously changing and ever-expanding Internet.

With that information, DCI launched an internal audit of all copyright compliance procedures. We have engaged outside legal counsel and copyright experts to assess the rules that apply to every aspect of what we have offered in the past and hope to offer in the future.

One thing we know for sure: the process is multi-faceted and quite complex, with the imperative for it to be done correctly. We have made some sweeping changes to our protocols, all of which are now well underway. This includes the process by which licenses are requested and granted, involving literally hundreds of song titles each year. The delays in getting audio/visual products produced are due to the time it takes to process licensing, given revised requirements and procedures.

DCI remains committed to protecting the rights of content creators and its obligation to drum corps fans. We will adapt and we will adjust so that we continue to present drum corps to the world using the best media available. The DCI Live! streaming platform is a perfect example. In 2015, we delivered more live coverage than ever before.

The delays this year are procedural; our obligations haven’t changed. These are issues we can readily address for next year, but know that we’re doing everything possible right now to expedite the process and make media products available as soon as possible.

Which corps will be featured on those products? 

This year Drum Corps International will feature performances of the top-25 corps from the DCI World Championship in Indianapolis on a four-disc CD set and the top-12 World Championship Finalists on a two-disc Blu-ray or two-disc DVD set.

Can I get any corps other than the top-12 finalist corps on video?

Due to the volume of song titles involved and the cost of securing the appropriate licenses, only the top-12 DCI World Championship finalist corps will be offered on Blu-ray/DVD.

Some drum corps not on the finalist Blu-ray/DVD sets may decide to produce their own videos independently. Check with the specific corps if you are interested in a particular performance.

Have edits been made to the performances?

Yes, there are a few sections of corps performances that have been edited to remove material that we are unable to secure a license for audio/video release. Specific edits will be noted on the product descriptions in DCI’s online store.

Why are they so expensive?

Unlike a Hollywood blockbuster movie release, Drum Corps International’s World Championship CDs and videos are produced on a much smaller scale. Costs are set to cover a number of factors including production, duplication and music licensing fees.

What are the technical specs of the videos?

Blu-ray discs feature high definition video with DTS HD Master Audio Lossless 5.1. DVD discs feature standard definition video with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.

Will 2015 performances also be offered as Audio and Video Performance Downloads (APD/VPD)?

Drum Corps International has every intention of being able to offer audio and video downloads of corps performances from the 2015 season, however, an expected release date is currently unavailable. When available, it is expected that only the top-25 performances will be available for audio download and only the top-12 finalist corps available for audio/video download.

Will archival Audio Performance Downloads (APD) and Video Performance Downloads (VPD) be offered again?

DCI is auditing all of its licensing from the past. This may take an extended period of time and APDs and VPDs may not be practical to offer in the near future.

Can I watch other performances from previous years on-demand?

DCI is exploring options for on-demand offerings (interactive streaming). A combination of factors—including ensuring complete and appropriate copyright compliance as well as the desire for vastly upgraded technological capabilities—has necessitated a complete evaluation of this service.

Will I be able to watch live streaming performances of drum corps during the 2016 DCI Summer Tour?

Yes, DCI will once again offer its popular DCI Live! streaming video platform this summer. A number of events from June through the DCI World Championship Finals in August are on the schedule. Learn more, and subscibe today.