Supplement of the occasion on 22. December 2014:
THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTION WAS AN APRIL FOOL!

Last week I had sold a Vectrex game, when I took it out of the basement and inspected before packaging, came the big shock: The color film was heavily damaged in several places. looked equal in the other games, Three other color films had similar damage and were also scrap. The remaining games were to my relief in order.

After research and discussion in Vectorgaming-Forum has emerged following: The Vectrex games were produced at two locations, in Hong Kong and Ireland. The films from Ireland was not the usual PET (polyethylene terephthalate), but the PET-A, a variant with a higher proportion of antimony(III)-oxide, used. The PET-A has over PET better break- and impact resistance, However, it is prone to infestation Spirillaceae bacteria upon exposure to moisture. Typical of the infestation is the notch-like pitting from the edge. This issue was well known already in the 80's, thus the color films from Ireland were provided with a papery Cases, which includes a so-called PET-A blockers against bacteria. On storage of the films in the protective sheath, diffuses the PET-A-blockers and there are even over decades no problems with the color films.

The problem affects all color films “Made in Ireland” and thus all retro collectors with Vectrex color films. Thus, the to-find only in the color films from Ireland cases represent an important antibacterial protection and are essential for safe keeping necessary. The cases are therefore in the meantime in individually ebay at high prices sold.

A simple and cheap alternative to the original cases with PET-A blocker is applying moisturizer with Vaseline (z.B. Melkfett) and is recommended by experienced Vectrex collectors: “The fat keeps the moisture from the plastic, thereby eliminating the bacterial attack. The fat may however be only very thinly with a wooden spatula, otherwise you no longer sees playing.”, so Vectrex-Guru VectrexMad!.

The origin of the film, which does not necessarily coincide with the place of manufacture of the games module and board, is based on the printed small on the right side and in white release date to determine. In those susceptible to bacterial contamination, European films from Milton Bradley “01.04.1982” imprinted (see image).

So quickly check most equal, whether you have one or the other color film from Ireland and store definitely this in the original protective bag, grease or the ink sheet. Only one is immune to the bacteria attack and also after many years joy in the iconic color films.