DVD data discs take too long to read? Upgrade drive?
 

I’m in the process of transferring and backing up most of the data from my DVDs (circa 2008) to my NAS, since I’m concerned the discs may eventually degrade. The data in question are video recordings of shows that are no longer around. For the most part, everything has transferred without issue, except for about two or three discs. The drive is able to display the contents, but when I attempt to copy them, the process gets stuck at “calculating” and remains at 0% for over half an hour.

For what it’s worth, I’m using an ASUS ZenDrive U9M external DVD drive. Would upgrading to a blu-ray drive improve my chances of reading these discs? Or is there a better brand, DVD writer you would recommend?

I use 2x Plextor PX-716SA. It is pre-final "true" Plextor (final was 755/766 but 716 is better reader).
But keep in mind it is not for a lifetime (many Plextor SCSI drives are in working order even after 30 years, 716 is not so durable).

Sata (716SA) is very rare, (IDE 716A) is common and USB (716UF) can still be found. Transport is the same and interchangeable in all 3 versions so if Sata dies, transport can be taken from IDE.
I would advice to find UF in good condition (or as not working, inside is IDE drive what can be replaced).
And for audio CD rips quality "true" Plextor is also needed. So at least one "true"Plextor is a must.