Streaming prices keep rising and Gen Z is fighting back. 4K Blu-ray sales are up, used DVDs are selling out, and physical media ownership is making a comeback.
The current streaming model is completely unsustainable. At some point, the bubble is going to burst, and we're probably going to see more and more people abandon streaming as time goes on. There's definitely going to be a lot more churning going on as people only sign up for seasons of shows/movies that they want to see and then cancel. I think what could be a catastrophe for streaming is if these companies decide to implement a contract model where if you sign up for a service or two, you're bound to that contract until it's up, or you end paying a cancelation fee. If streaming companies start doing that, it's not going to end well.
Physical media, on the other hand? That shit's forever. I just got the movie Threads on Blu-Ray from Severin Films. Phenomenal film. Hard watch, though. Gruv currently has a March Madness deal going and I snagged three Blu-Rays for the price of one: Eastern Promises, The Devil's Advocate, and The Adventures of Robin Hood. I'm not buying physical media as much as I used to, particularly newer movies, but I'm still picking stuff up. Especially for older movies.
Yes! Physical media is the way to go to have forever access to the films and TV shows you want. Of course, one has to keep a videocassette and/or DVD player in good shape to view them! My guess is that more of them will be manufactured with this new growing trend.
Excellent news on the 12% rise and I believe an 18% rise in the UK and probably Europe. But let's see the studios and boutique labels respond by making some titles not only limited edition steelbooks,( which can be priced above what most people can afford,) but standard editions.
I'm pleased to see the rise in physical media sales. You showed how streaming services have greatly inflated their monthly rates. I think they have crossed the Rubicon for most people, especially in this tough economic climate. I dropped Netflix in 2024, and I'm ending my HBO subscription this month. I'll hold on to Apple TV because they have some great shows coming soon, i.e., For All Mankind and Monarch. I got a good deal on Disney/Hulu, and I'll stick with them until the deal ends.
In this environment, I've been buying DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs. You are correct that they are permanent and always available to watch. I also love the extras that come with most discs. When I buy new, I know I am supporting the people who will (hopefully) keep producing physical media. We have a thrift store near us, and I stop there every few weeks to check out their DVDs. It is hard to argue with $2 discs, $1 when they are on sale. Books, DVDs, and music are better when you own the physical copies.
The current streaming model is completely unsustainable. At some point, the bubble is going to burst, and we're probably going to see more and more people abandon streaming as time goes on. There's definitely going to be a lot more churning going on as people only sign up for seasons of shows/movies that they want to see and then cancel. I think what could be a catastrophe for streaming is if these companies decide to implement a contract model where if you sign up for a service or two, you're bound to that contract until it's up, or you end paying a cancelation fee. If streaming companies start doing that, it's not going to end well.
Physical media, on the other hand? That shit's forever. I just got the movie Threads on Blu-Ray from Severin Films. Phenomenal film. Hard watch, though. Gruv currently has a March Madness deal going and I snagged three Blu-Rays for the price of one: Eastern Promises, The Devil's Advocate, and The Adventures of Robin Hood. I'm not buying physical media as much as I used to, particularly newer movies, but I'm still picking stuff up. Especially for older movies.
Yes! Physical media is the way to go to have forever access to the films and TV shows you want. Of course, one has to keep a videocassette and/or DVD player in good shape to view them! My guess is that more of them will be manufactured with this new growing trend.
Excellent news on the 12% rise and I believe an 18% rise in the UK and probably Europe. But let's see the studios and boutique labels respond by making some titles not only limited edition steelbooks,( which can be priced above what most people can afford,) but standard editions.
I'm pleased to see the rise in physical media sales. You showed how streaming services have greatly inflated their monthly rates. I think they have crossed the Rubicon for most people, especially in this tough economic climate. I dropped Netflix in 2024, and I'm ending my HBO subscription this month. I'll hold on to Apple TV because they have some great shows coming soon, i.e., For All Mankind and Monarch. I got a good deal on Disney/Hulu, and I'll stick with them until the deal ends.
In this environment, I've been buying DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs. You are correct that they are permanent and always available to watch. I also love the extras that come with most discs. When I buy new, I know I am supporting the people who will (hopefully) keep producing physical media. We have a thrift store near us, and I stop there every few weeks to check out their DVDs. It is hard to argue with $2 discs, $1 when they are on sale. Books, DVDs, and music are better when you own the physical copies.