“Old school” physical media surging in sales
In an era dominated by streaming services and digital downloads, the winds of change are blowing, and physical media is ready for a renaissance. Much like the vinyl revival that took the music industry by storm, Blu-rays and DVDs are finding a renewed appeal in a landscape that often feels overwhelming and fleeting.
Excerpts via Hollywood Reporter, FutureParty
With titles disappearing from streaming services at a rapid clip, it might be worth opening that DVD or Blu-ray distribution window one more time: Buy it now, before it leaves your subscriptions and doesn’t come back.
Blu-rays and DVDs are primed to have their vinyl moment — “old school” physical media surging in sales despite a predominantly digital landscape. Why? Film and TV have never seemed so fleeting as swaths of titles become memory-holed due to an endless sea of options and companies that are finding any way to save a buck. But, like vinyl, people want something both tangible and special… which could create an opening for someone to start the Criterion Collection of mainstream movies.
Key Themes:
- Physical Media Resurgence: Blu-rays and DVDs are poised for a resurgence akin to the vinyl revival, gaining popularity in a predominantly digital landscape.
- Year of Transition: The current landscape sees significant shifts, from the decline of disc-related businesses like Netflix’s disc-mailing service to major retailers like Best Buy planning to halt DVD and Blu-ray sales by the end of 2023.
- Content Purge: Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+ are clearing their libraries, often to cut costs on residuals and fees, resulting in the removal of beloved titles.
- Lost in the Digital Shuffle: The disappearance of older titles, especially those over 20 years old, is becoming a common issue on streaming platforms and digital rental services like Apple and Amazon.
- Studios Deleting Movies: In an unexpected move, Warner Bros. Discovery has been discarding entire films before their release to secure tax write-offs, adding a layer of drama to the landscape.
- Collector’s Mentality: Consumers are increasingly turning to physical media as a form of security against the volatility of disappearing digital content. The focus is on collector’s sets with premium features, ensuring a tangible and lasting connection to favorite titles.
