When will performances from the 2016 DCI World Championships be released on CD, DVD and Blu-ray? 

The 2016 DCI World Championship Blu-ray, DVD and CD sets are now available for purchase with an expected release date at the end of November, 2016.

Why does it take so long after the summer 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 is 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 in recent years and the explanation is due to copyright compliance. Why is this an issue?

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 two years, 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.

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 finalists 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.

However, NEW FOR 2016, Drum Corps International has been working to secure licensing to include the performances of all 22 World Class corps on the DCI On-Demand streaming video subscription service via DCI.org.  

To date, the performances of 17 World Class corps can be streamed online. The Madison Scouts, Jersey Surf, Pacific Crest, Oregon Crusaders and Spirit of Atlanta have various licensed titles still outstanding, and they are expected to be added when final approvals are received.

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 DVD and Blu-ray discs?

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 2016 performances also be offered as Audio and Video Performance Downloads (APD/VPD)?

Yes, audio files of the top-25 2016 World Championship performances will be available for purchase via MarchingMusicDownloads.com. Video files of World Class corps (those with approved music licensing) will also be available. Downloads are expected to be released toward the end of November, 2016.

Will archival Audio Performance Downloads (APD) and Video Performance Downloads (VPD) ever 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 of past years may not be practical to offer in the near future.

Will I be able to watch live streaming performances of drum corps during the 2017 DCI Summer Tour?

Yes, DCI will once again offer its popular DCI Live! streaming video platform this coming summer. A number of events from June through the DCI World Championship Finals in August are expected to be on the schedule with bundled subscriptions that include access to both live streaming and on-demand events available to fans.