Netflix is removing its last two interactive specials, highlighting a growing threat to media preservation as streaming platforms quietly delete original content with no physical backup.
The number of modern shows that aren't getting a physical release is upsetting.
Even some of the most popular series don't receive a Bluray release. Some that I'd kill to get a complete series on Bluray or 4K are The Queen's Gambit, Stranger Things, White Lotus, Barry, and Handmaid's Tale. Just for starters.
It feels like the percentage of new shows that are released on Blu-ray/4K is getting smaller all the time. Which is sad for those who value true ownership, media preservation, and/or watching art in the best A/V format possible.
To some degree, I understand that unpopular series that only receive one or two seasons may not be profitable for businesses to release on physical media. (Though, as you say, Jeff, there should still be options for consumer preservation. Maybe an option to purchase a digital license.)
And, now, even many movies don't receive a physical media release, especially if they were a Netflix project. It's a disturbing era in this regard, for sure.
All I know to do is vote with my bank account. I try to purchase as many streaming shows that interest me on Bluray/4K as I can. (And, of course, many movies.)
This trend has alarmed me as well and it’s tuned into a bit of a phobia when you think of something like Westworld, which needs time to savor and digest and rewards repeat watching, not available on Max or HBO. Thankfully, there are physical copies, but they will surely sell out at the retail level and they’ll go for Godawful amounts on eBay and the like.
I’ve been saying this for years and this is exactly why I’m pro-physical media. When you buy something digitally, you don’t truly own it. It can disappear overnight, just like what’s happening here with Bandersnatch and Kimmy vs. the Reverend. Interactive stories like those were groundbreaking, and now they’re just… gone. No disc, no download, no archive. Just gone.
This is why physical releases matter. You should be able to tangibly own the movies and shows you love. There are great films like The Gorge that still haven’t had a physical release, and it sucks. Even long-running series like Bones only got HD releases for Seasons 4–8, while the rest are stuck on DVD. It’s frustrating for collectors and fans who want to preserve these stories in the best quality possible.
Streaming’s convenient, sure but it shouldn’t come at the cost of permanence or preservation.
I'd be shocked if they were fully deleting shows. Even if a streaming company goes under, if they have original shows and films they own the rights to, the intellectual property in those are hugely valuable assets. No half smart company would delete their assets without maximizing the value at the end. You see this play out in a lot of tech companies where the last thing left in the company are accountants and patents. If Netflix was merely deleting assets that would probably be a good reason for a shareholder lawsuit. Hopefully they'll bring removed content back in some form, and hopefully release more physical media someday. but with the interactive assets maybe they aren't keeping the tech that enables them around?
These interactive specials would be perfect for Blu-ray... I was lucky to find a sealed copy of a Choose Your Own Adventure DVD at a local store last year, which I enjoyed as a kid from my library.
Cat Burglar, an animated interactive Netflix movie, was removed from the service after being online for only a couple of years. An homage to MGM cartoons, it's a shame how quickly Netflix discarded this work of art they had. Executive producer Mike Hollingsworth wasted no time in reuploading it to YouTube.
The number of modern shows that aren't getting a physical release is upsetting.
Even some of the most popular series don't receive a Bluray release. Some that I'd kill to get a complete series on Bluray or 4K are The Queen's Gambit, Stranger Things, White Lotus, Barry, and Handmaid's Tale. Just for starters.
It feels like the percentage of new shows that are released on Blu-ray/4K is getting smaller all the time. Which is sad for those who value true ownership, media preservation, and/or watching art in the best A/V format possible.
To some degree, I understand that unpopular series that only receive one or two seasons may not be profitable for businesses to release on physical media. (Though, as you say, Jeff, there should still be options for consumer preservation. Maybe an option to purchase a digital license.)
And, now, even many movies don't receive a physical media release, especially if they were a Netflix project. It's a disturbing era in this regard, for sure.
All I know to do is vote with my bank account. I try to purchase as many streaming shows that interest me on Bluray/4K as I can. (And, of course, many movies.)
This trend has alarmed me as well and it’s tuned into a bit of a phobia when you think of something like Westworld, which needs time to savor and digest and rewards repeat watching, not available on Max or HBO. Thankfully, there are physical copies, but they will surely sell out at the retail level and they’ll go for Godawful amounts on eBay and the like.
Thank God I have my Moonlighting DVDs!!
I’ve been saying this for years and this is exactly why I’m pro-physical media. When you buy something digitally, you don’t truly own it. It can disappear overnight, just like what’s happening here with Bandersnatch and Kimmy vs. the Reverend. Interactive stories like those were groundbreaking, and now they’re just… gone. No disc, no download, no archive. Just gone.
This is why physical releases matter. You should be able to tangibly own the movies and shows you love. There are great films like The Gorge that still haven’t had a physical release, and it sucks. Even long-running series like Bones only got HD releases for Seasons 4–8, while the rest are stuck on DVD. It’s frustrating for collectors and fans who want to preserve these stories in the best quality possible.
Streaming’s convenient, sure but it shouldn’t come at the cost of permanence or preservation.
Netflix turned to 💩💩💩once they charged for shared family accounts. And that they are basically Turning into regular tv.
I'd be shocked if they were fully deleting shows. Even if a streaming company goes under, if they have original shows and films they own the rights to, the intellectual property in those are hugely valuable assets. No half smart company would delete their assets without maximizing the value at the end. You see this play out in a lot of tech companies where the last thing left in the company are accountants and patents. If Netflix was merely deleting assets that would probably be a good reason for a shareholder lawsuit. Hopefully they'll bring removed content back in some form, and hopefully release more physical media someday. but with the interactive assets maybe they aren't keeping the tech that enables them around?
These interactive specials would be perfect for Blu-ray... I was lucky to find a sealed copy of a Choose Your Own Adventure DVD at a local store last year, which I enjoyed as a kid from my library.
Cat Burglar, an animated interactive Netflix movie, was removed from the service after being online for only a couple of years. An homage to MGM cartoons, it's a shame how quickly Netflix discarded this work of art they had. Executive producer Mike Hollingsworth wasted no time in reuploading it to YouTube.