Storing movie extras in a separate location

Plex Media Server Metadata & Adding Files
7

Local Extras do work with Versions - providing you do a few things and do them in the right order:

ExtrasWVersions1
ExtrasWVersions1891×561 132 KB

  1. None of this messin’ around with poor file names - if you want this to work you better be using file names that get an instant, natural, first time match.

  2. if you’re using MP4/M4V files you’d better have Local Media Assets at the BOTTOM of all the agents in Movies (at least), 'cause as soon as your embedded title field borks the match, this is over.

  3. The First Version Placed In the Library MUST be the version in the folder with the extras - folder and file with the exact same name

  4. Subsequent Versions are placed in the library AFTER the initial version with the extras - in folders with ‘Similar, but Correct’ file names. <— the important bit is ‘Versions’ are placed AFTER the initial Version with the Extras. <— AFTER all matching, indexing, thumb generating, etc., has completed. (Note: on sluggish systems ‘the next day - after a maintenance cycle’ would probably be best. The idea is the initial bundle with the movie and the extras must be complete before you add anything else)

ExtrasWVersions2
ExtrasWVersions2811×276 62.5 KB

(Note: highlighted ‘Version with Extras’ was placed first (after a Plex Dance, for ALL Versions so everything gets a fresh start)

I know this works because it’s been working for years until recently when I combined all my libraries into one and broke all of them due to them being added randomly. I Plex Danced all my movies with Versions and Extras in the order described above (well, as I find them) and now they’re all working fine again.

Is it a PITA?
You Betcha.
Is it worth it?
It is if you want Versions with Extras that work.

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