Netflix's DVD Service Comes to an End, Marking the End of an Era

After 25 years of operation, Netflix's DVD-by-mail service is coming to an end. Despite its old-school reputation, the service was anything but low-tech, utilizing cutting-edge automation and machine learning to send out over 5 billion discs to millions of subscribers. Netflix's automated rental return machines, capable of processing thousands of DVDs per day, improved efficiency and reduced customer complaints. The DVD business also played a crucial role in funding Netflix's streaming service, generating over $2.6 billion in profits between 2012 and 2019. The closure of the DVD service marks the end of an era for Netflix, but its technological innovations paved the way for the massive streaming business it is today.