How can i recover video files from a sony mini dvd-r? When I tried to finalize, I received format error. Contacted Sony - they dx corrupt disc. Don't want to send the disc anywhere...is software available?

You can recover your files with some professional data recovery program, download this one called asoftech data recovery that helped me before
http://www.asoftech.com/adr/

Yes, it's quite possible that your Sony device (memory card or hard disk) became corrupted due to certain reason. Well, to increase chances of recovery, the first thing should do - stop taking more videos with the same Sony device. Then rely on a thrid-party data recovery tool to help.

This site Digital Camera Recovery outlines a few reliable & tested programs for both PC & Mac users.

After that, try quick-format the disk and re-try the program to see if more data can be retrieved. Note: format won't erase the data for good. Good luck & Merry Christmas!

You mean when you access the camcorder(HD or memory card), it tells you to format it. And sometimes it won't let you format? This kind of problem happens here and there with extenal storage device such as memory stick or hard drive. Primary reason is the storage media is corrupted. The solution is DO NOT format it right away.

First of all, use some data recovery software to see if you can recover the videos.
If you are running Windows, try this software(recover photos, VIDEOS and music)
For Apple Mac OS X, try this Mac data recovery software.

Install the program on your computer (choose the right version based on the operation system you are running), then connect your camcorder (memory card or HDD) to the computer and start to recover your lost videos.

If software won't help, then the only option is to take your camcorder for SONY after-sale services or simply a computer shop.

Have you ever tried to apply a camcorder data recovery freeware to retrieve all your inaccessible video files back?
http://www.freeware-fix.blogspot.com/2013/04/data-recovery.html
This is a freeware that has offered four data recovery modes for users to restore all needed data back from a memory card or hard drive. It can thoroughly scan your camcorder and do its utmost to get all your needed data back successfully.
Read more detailed information of this freeware here:
http://blog4mark.blogspot.com/2012/12/deleted-files-recovery.html