Many have written about the streaming revolution’s impact on entertainment, especially how it was predicted to kill off physical media. Although recently, certain news stories show that physical media isn’t giving up without a fight.
Today, we will look at the stories that are giving physical media enthusiasts a lot of pleasure. We will also analyse why hard discs still hold appeal for audiences. Along with what it could mean for the future entertainment landscape.
Physical Media’s Comeback?
In 2024, Phil Halliday, HMV’s Managing Director, said that the retailer saw visual media sales increase by 5% in 2024’s first quarter, with “4K and Blu-Ray…doing particularly well”. A big deal for a store chain that entered administration twice in the 2010s. Those figures for 4K and Blu-rays proved prophetic of the entire year. The Digital Entertainment Retail Association later reported that 4K and Blu-ray sales had increased from 2023-2024. Blu-ray sales totalled around £81.6 million, with 4K titles bringing in £31.5 million.
Additionally, news like the selling out of Oppenheimer’s 4K release at many major retailers, the continual rise in prominence of high quality physical releases from boutique blu-ray labels such as Arrow Video, Second Sight Entertainment, Radiance Films, 88 Films, Second Run and more, which offer high quality releases of obscure and well-known titles, all packed with extras that provide more insight into the films and who made them, and the physical disc market making £160.8 million (including through rentals), shows that physical media still holds some sway with entertainment lovers.
What is Driving It?
While big streaming platforms still dominate home viewing, there are many reasons physical media remains attractive. Firstly, many titles simply aren’t available on streaming sites. This is especially true when it comes to older, obscure cult films and international releases. So, if an online platform can’t provide, many physical media companies are more than happy to pick up the slack.
Secondly, it provides a sense of security. With rights constantly changing hands, some titles vanishing altogether, film companies gating off their own content for their own platforms, and prices rising for both subscriptions and internet access, access to something is never certain in the streaming age. Some companies, like Disney, even alter projects without making the original version accessible online. Having a hard copy means viewers can always access their favourite properties after one payment, with no danger of them being altered or recalled.
Thirdly, the inclusion of extra materials in physical releases (especially from boutique labels), like commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes documentaries, outtakes, short films and more helps to provide not only more value for money but also gives audiences a much deeper appreciation of the work that goes into making media. Rather than allowing titles to just be seen as content.
Lastly, the disc experience guarantees high quality. Unfortunately, internet connections are still not constant. Many homes have spotty connections, which can lead to constant buffering, quality drops and cut-offs when streaming. There are also many people who still don’t have household internet access (around 2.8 million in the UK alone). Along with this, several big streaming services have now introduced adverts to their platforms, which intrude on the viewing experience. By contrast, barring disc scratches, watching something on a disc means consistent quality with no possibility for interruptions.
Here To Stay Or Gone Tomorrow?
It’s hard to see streaming losing its market dominance anytime soon. Especially with how streaming services offer convenient access to such a wide variety of work.
However, with all the problems mentioned above, physical media will likely remain a fixture for viewers wanting to access the most artistically satisfying and best quality experience of something they love or can’t access elsewhere.
Physical media may not be able to reclaim its glory days, but as the vinyl revival proves, having a lovingly curated physical version of a beloved piece of art is something that entertainment lovers will always value.
