Playback of damaged video media using downloaded content

A method, system and computer program provide a mechanism for playing damaged digital video media and optionally notifying a service agency of the damage. When a defect is located on media, the DVD player reads the media to determine damaged portions of the video program. Once the damaged portion is identified, the DVD player downloads content from a remote content provider, such as the content producer, a rental agency, or a third party provider. The content may be downloaded during or prior to video playback. Rental agencies or other providers may be notified of damaged media by network message. When a defect is located during playback and content is downloaded, the DVD player transmits user and disc identification data encoded in the DVD player and on the media across the network to the agency. The agency may use the information to flag the media for removal from circulation upon return.