The announcement that Best Buy would no longer sell physical media, including movies and 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, saddened movie enthusiasts. The dwindling movie section in Best Buy stores over the years, as well as a similar trend in other retailers like Target and Walmart, had been signaling this outcome. Despite this, the importance of physical media remains significant, and true film fans shouldn’t give up on it.
Variety confirmed that Best Buy would phase out physical media after the 2023 holiday season, but video games would still be available. However, those looking for the latest 4K releases at Best Buy will have until the beginning of the next year to enjoy them. The news also included the discontinuation of selling physical media online, which was another disappointment. Best Buy’s decision to end this era is attributed to the changing landscape of how people consume films and TV shows, mainly through streaming:
“It’s obvious that the way we watch movies and TV shows has evolved significantly over the decades. This change allows us to free up space and provide customers with new and innovative technology to explore, discover, and enjoy.”
Despite Best Buy’s decision and the perception of declining interest in physical media, movie fans voiced their concern, as they believe that physical media should not be allowed to die out so easily. There are several reasons why physical media remains relevant.
In fact, as news of Best Buy’s decision spread, there was a surge in announcements of new and classic titles being released in 4K Ultra HD format, demonstrating a continued demand for physical media. Even though streaming has become dominant, physical media still holds value in this era, with one of the most crucial reasons being ownership.
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You Don’t Own What You Buy on Streaming, And it Can Just Disappear
Disappearing content is an unfortunate reality on streaming platforms, where beloved movies or TV shows can vanish when the rights expire. While some may eventually find new homes, others remain in limbo, waiting for a chance to return. This issue is amplified when you purchase a movie on a platform like Prime Video, believing you own it, but it can be removed without a refund.
In contrast, physical media offers a sense of permanence. Your collection proudly sits on your shelf, accessible whenever you want, with no external factors determining its availability. The absence of contractual fine print adds to the sense of true ownership.
For home theater enthusiasts, physical media delivers superior picture and sound quality. Streaming services must compress data for efficient transmission, resulting in a quality gap when compared to Blu-ray. Compression rates affect image brightness, and sound quality often falls short on streaming platforms.
Supporting artists is another reason to opt for physical media. DVD and Blu-ray sales have traditionally been crucial for studios and filmmakers, offering a second wave of revenue after the theatrical release. However, the rise of streaming altered this dynamic, leading some studios to reconsider projects that didn’t fit the streaming model.
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Sales of Physical Media Support the Artists
In this evolving landscape, the significance of sales from physical media has increased, mainly because artists receive a share of those sales through residuals. Recent events like the WGA strike and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike have shown that streaming residuals can be a source of income, but it has become a point of contention among artists, studios, and streaming platforms. Additionally, streaming platforms have the ability to remove titles at their discretion, which means creators might lose out on future profits from those streams. Physical sales play a crucial role in supporting creators and ensuring that their efforts to entertain the public are not in vain.
As a movie enthusiast, physical media offers a wealth of additional content that delves into the making of a beloved film, content that is often inaccessible through streaming. During the peak of physical media’s popularity, multiple editions of your favorite movies came with a treasure trove of extras and behind-the-scenes materials. While such content has become less common, there are still options for cinephiles, with companies like the Criterion Collection, Arrow Video, or Shout! Factory continuing to provide high-quality extras.
Even though Best Buy may be exiting the physical media business, there are still avenues to find it if you desire. Amazon remains a reliable source for ordering physical media, and local stores in your area might still stock it. For information on upcoming releases and reviews, Bluray.com is an excellent resource for all things related to physical media.
Furthermore, there are prominent influencers, like Jeff from Films At Home and others, who dedicate their YouTube channels to preserving and promoting physical media. Despite the perception of a declining industry, physical media is still a viable option, but it now relies more than ever on your support.
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