Originally Published 5 months ago — by Rolling Stone
The resurgence of physical media like DVDs and VHS tapes is driven by dissatisfaction with streaming services, which often remove content or alter it, prompting collectors to value owning tangible copies for security and nostalgia. This trend is supported by cultural phenomena like Criterion Collection and TikTok, highlighting a shift back to physical media as a way to preserve media integrity and history.
Disney has decided to outsource its DVD and Blu-ray business to Sony Entertainment, following the trend of major studios sharing resources in the declining physical media space. The move reflects Disney's response to evolving consumer behavior and media consumption. While streaming has disrupted physical media, strategic decisions by streaming services and support from filmmakers could potentially lead to a resurgence of the format.
Disney has struck a licensing deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, allowing Sony to handle all DVD and Blu-ray releases for Disney titles. This move reflects the declining trend of physical disc sales in the streaming era, with Disney focusing on cost efficiencies and its streaming service Disney+. Sony, not a major player in the streaming wars, will market, sell, and distribute Disney releases on physical media in the U.S. and Canada, while the industry sees continued support for 4K Ultra DVD despite overall declining sales and rentals.
Disney has struck a deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment for Sony to take over the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of Disney's DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and other physical media in the U.S. and Canada. This move comes as physical disc sales continue to decline amid the industry's streaming boom, with revenue dropping 28% in the first half of 2023. Disney will continue to manage its digital media, and the deal with Sony is part of the company's strategy to respond to consumer demand more efficiently.
Best Buy is reportedly planning to exit the physical media business in the US, including in-store and online sales of Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD. This follows Disney's decision to cease physical media releases in Australia, and Paramount's shift of exclusive titles to Amazon. While the report suggests that physical media will not disappear entirely, it indicates that the industry is catering more to diehard fans and collectors, signaling the end of the 'Golden Age' of physical media.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is currently only available in cinemas, but it is expected to arrive on streaming services in the coming months. In the US, it will likely be available on Peacock no later than four months after its theatrical release, while in the UK, it may take longer to arrive on streaming services. The film may also be available for premium video-on-demand rental prior to its streaming debut. Physical copies of the film are available for pre-order and are expected to be released on June 6, 2023.
Netflix is ending its DVD-by-mail service on September 29, 2023, after over 26 years of operation. The company originally launched as a pay-per-rental service in 1997 before shifting to a subscription model in 1999. The streaming version of Netflix was launched in 2007 and quickly overtook the DVD service in popularity. The move to streaming-only subscriptions was initially met with backlash but has since become the primary focus of the company. Netflix plans to introduce extra fees for password-sharing outside of the same household in the US in the second quarter of 2022.
Netflix is discontinuing its DVD subscription business after 25 years of sending discs of movies and TV shows to people through the mail. While most Netflix users have long since migrated to the online streaming service, the DVD option had a small but loyal fan base of those who prefer watching physical DVDs, have spotty internet connections, or were looking for some content not available on the usual streaming players. Financially, the move makes sense for Netflix, thanks to the downturn in customers using the older technology. DVD rentals brought in $145.7 million in revenue in 2022, down from $182.3 million in 2021.
Netflix has announced that it will wind down its DVD-by-mail business, which was the company's original service, and ship out its last DVD on September 29, 2023. The DVD division has shrunk over the years, and the company's shift to a subscription model and algorithmic recommendations turbocharged its growth. The end of the DVD division marks the end of a defining era in the entertainment business, but the writing has been on the wall for years, as streaming has proven to be game-changing for the way entertainment is consumed.
Pre-orders for the Super Mario Bros. Movie on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray are now available, including a fancy Steelbook edition and a limited Tin Star Edition. The release date has not been revealed yet, but a leak suggests it will ship in June. Fans can also purchase toys, books, collectibles, clothing, and artwork inspired by the movie.
