Hollywood Keeps Reminding Us Why We Need Physical Media More Than Ever

A new year means yet another shuffling of the films and television shows available on the myriad of streaming services that customers now have to keep track of. But despite the age of digital media promising unlimited access and more options than ever, we have often seen the opposite actually happen in practice. For a pressing recent example, most of the Star Trek films were taken off of Paramount+ in the United States at the start of 2024, with only the newest trilogy of films starring Chris Pine remaining on the service. Paramount may have promised that their in-house streaming service was the place for all your Trek needs, but if you want to watch the first 10 films on streaming, you’ll have to fire up HBO Max.

This is not an isolated incident. Although most of the major film studios now have a proprietary streaming service of some kind, the idea of every piece of media from fan-favorite franchises all being in the same place has largely proven to be a mirage. So much confusion about where various installments are, and the anxiety of knowing that the powers that be could yank them away at any given moment, is further proof that it may be time for physical media to make a big comeback.

Why should you consider going back to the way of the box set? Let’s take a look.

#IGN

[Mysticbladegod]

Physical media is clearly superior. You own it forever no matter what.

[stefanstrauss-aigner]

You should also mention the higher quality of physical media. A 4k HDR Bluray delivers more picture and audio information than a 4k HDR stream. You can see the difference.

[cadeonder]

For years, people scoffed at me buying everything physically, saying it's silly when everything is on Netflix. Now they all get pissed when their favorite show or movie gets removed and ends up in the ether or on a different streamer.

[Sjvm]

Very surprised that this video even came out. Physical media should never disappear.

[braybruh]

Never gave up on physical media…Never will!

[phredbookley]

Sometimes, the internet goes down. It happens. Things just happen sometimes. Physical media should never go away.

[chargingbadger_]

Started my 4k uhd/Blu-ray collection last year, no looking back! It’s actually so fun to build up your own personal catalogue of films and tv.

[johnw]

Also, physical media prevents any altering or censoring that these corporations now do.

[mAcroFaze]

What's insane is just how quick digital-only owners are to slam physical media. Not only are they happy to surrender their ownership, but they're all too happy to ridicule those who think it's important.

[thenathanimal]

I've just dropped most my subscriptions, reduced my viewing by 90%, and took up about 6 different hobbies and started hiking to stay entertained. Happier and healtheir!

[arnoldtaylor]

If you want movie studios to release more films/shows on physical media then start buying physical media! The more sales increase the more content will be released on disc.

[HomobonusGutmann]

Physical media will always be relevant. This past holidays we were visited by friends and family every weekend and we played DVDs everytime.

[sonicfan]

The bonus features (I.e. deleted scenes and commentary) are one of the advantages of owning physical media

[martintinajero]

People need to do something like protest against digital taking away physical copies. It’s not just movies and shows it’s also games the people need to do something.

[Zer-tygx]

Physical copies are always better because it means you actually own it.

[camgates]

Never stopped collecting, Physical Forever!

[jokerjosh]

Never give up your right to full ownership in exchange for convenience...

[matthewkincanon]

Max’s purge of shows like Close Enough, Infinity Train, and Summer Camp Island shows why physical media should still be around and protected. They can get rid of whatever they want on their service. But if you have a disc, you can still watch it

[RavenousSpectre]

Physical media for the win once again!

[camaradiop]

I've been preaching this on the plantation for YEARS. Bless you for this.