All articles tagged with #physical media
The author shares their renewed love for cassette tapes as a form of intentional, offline music listening, contrasting it with the drawbacks of streaming platforms, and advocates for a more mindful and human-centered approach to consuming art.
Taylor Swift is releasing her new album 'Life of a Showgirl' on cassette, reflecting a small but notable resurgence of cassette tapes driven by fans seeking a tangible, nostalgic music experience. While streaming remains dominant, physical formats like cassettes are gaining popularity among super fans, especially Gen Z and millennials, who appreciate the deeper connection and interaction with music that tapes offer. This trend is part of a broader increase in physical music sales, including vinyl and CDs, as fans seek more meaningful engagement with their favorite artists.
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.
Nintendo is conducting a survey to gather feedback on physical and digital media options for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, amid controversy over the use of Game-Key Cards for third-party titles, which are seen as a less preferred alternative to full cartridges.
Despite the dominance of streaming services, boutique Blu-ray labels are thriving by offering high-quality, curated, and collectible physical film experiences, driven by consumer nostalgia, superior restoration processes, and close filmmaker collaborations.
LG has decided to discontinue its Blu-ray players due to declining sales, as more consumers shift towards streaming services for media consumption. This move reflects a broader trend in the industry where physical media is becoming less popular, although some consumers still value owning physical copies of their favorite movies and music. While other companies like Sony and Panasonic continue to produce Blu-ray players, the market is shrinking, and the future of physical media remains uncertain.
The decline in DVD and Blu-ray sales continues as streaming becomes more popular, leading companies like Redbox and Best Buy to reduce or eliminate their physical media offerings. A survey shows only 26.6% of people still buy new DVDs and Blu-rays, raising doubts about the future availability of new physical media.
Target responds to reports of abandoning physical media, stating it will continue to offer select DVDs in stores during key times and new releases, while transitioning a limited assortment to its website. The retail chain's new policy will not affect physical games, and the move comes amid concerns about the future of physical media in the face of streaming services and digital-only entertainment.
Dune: Part Two's 4K steelbook and 4K/Blu-ray versions are available for preorder, with no set release date yet. An art book related to the movie is also available for purchase. The film's successful opening weekend has led to high demand for these physical media items, offering fans a chance to delve deeper into the making of the movie and expand their collections.
The Verge explores the significance of physical media such as discs and cartridges in preserving cultural history and art in an era dominated by streaming and digital platforms. With only a fraction of movies and a vast majority of classic video games available on streaming services, the importance of physical media in keeping art alive and accessible is highlighted. The issue delves into the role of boutique publishers, foundations dedicated to preserving video game history, and musicians releasing albums on unconventional formats, while also cautioning about the potential pitfalls of subscription services and offering tips on building noteworthy collections.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer addressed questions about Microsoft's stance on physical media, stating that the company remains "supportive" of it but doesn't prioritize it disproportionately to customer demand. While an all-digital future for Xbox may be inevitable, Spencer emphasized that the strategy does not hinge on going all-digital and getting rid of physical media is not a strategic move for them. This comes amid rumors of an "adorably all-digital" Xbox Series X refresh and Microsoft's confirmation of releasing four previously Xbox-exclusive first-party games across PlayStation 5 and Switch.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reassures fans that Xbox is not abandoning physical media, stating that the company's strategy does not depend on a shift to all-digital. While supportive of physical media, Spencer acknowledges concerns about the future of console disc drives and their associated costs. Despite this, he emphasizes that Microsoft's strategy does not revolve around eliminating physical games. However, it's worth noting that Xbox recently confirmed the digital-only release of the highly anticipated sequel Hellblade 2.
Disney is shutting down its Disney Movie Club, a subscription service and online store for buying Blu-ray or DVDs of Disney films, following a new deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The closure will take effect on July 20th, and users have until May 20th to place their final orders. The move reflects the declining popularity of physical media, with many consumers turning to streaming services. Sony will take over Disney's physical media production, but it's uncertain what the new offering will look like and whether it will continue to offer the same titles.
Disney is closing its Disney Movie Club after 23 years, leaving fans with limited options for securing physical copies of classic Disney media. The move comes as physical media continues to decline in favor of digital and streaming options. Disney's new deal with Sony for physical media production raises questions about the future availability of certain titles. Current members have until May 20 to place remaining orders before the service is retired in July.
Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that getting rid of physical games is not a strategic goal for Xbox, emphasizing the company's support for disc-based games while acknowledging the increasing trend of digital game purchases. Despite leaked documents hinting at an all-digital Xbox Series X console, Spencer emphasized that Microsoft's strategy does not hinge on going all-digital and getting rid of physical media. Xbox also confirmed that the current Series X/S consoles will not be the company’s last, with plans for exciting hardware releases and a focus on delivering a significant technical leap in the next generation.