Hi @nickhammaker
If you haven't already done so, try cleaning the laser lens in the Magnavox dvd player and the drumhead in the Toshiba vcr player and check what happens to the video being shown in both.
There are commercially available lens and drumhead cleaners available online to make this easy to do without opening the devices e.g. [https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=vcr+head+cleaner+kit|vcr head cleaner kit] and [https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=cd+dvd+laser+lens+cleaner|cd dvd laser lens cleaner] (examples only)
If cleaning doesn't fix it here are the service manuals for a [https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1208159/Magnavox-Sylvania-Mwd2205.html?page=1#manual|Magnavox MWD2205] and the [https://www.manualslib.com/manual/699144/Toshiba-D-Vr5su.html?page=1#manual|Toshiba VR5SU] that will help.
Regarding the remote control not functioning, initially check that the IR sensor window in the player is clean and not obstructed and that the sensor itself appears not to be damaged - see p.6 of the service manual linked above for the location of the sensor