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.

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Original Offerings

In the past year, the UK’s streaming landscape has seen several changes. TUBI, Fox Corporation’s ad-based streaming service, which doesn’t offer an ad-free experience, was released in the UK. Meanwhile, Lionsgate+ shut down, With its library rolling over to MGM+ (an Amazon subsidiary).

Additionally, big players like Amazon Prime and Disney+ have followed Netflix and offered cheaper access plans, including adverts, While increasing the price of what was originally the default package.

Then there is Apple TV+ whose services senior vice president is pushing to be more careful with original content budgets. So the service can be more sustainable.

All of this indicates that streaming is starting to feel the impact of the market’s current state. As studios all try to set up their own streaming giant by gating off their own content behind paywalls, for many viewers it is starting to become confusing and unaffordable as costs rack up to access everything they want. This has resulted in smaller services closing, cuts being considered and needing to ape television’s model of advert support.

Streaming Packages

One way companies are potentially trying to continue to build their app’s customer base is by partnering with other streaming sites to offer bundles at discounted prices. Recently in the US Disney+, Hulu and Max announced they would join forces on a bundle. This will offer all three services at a cheaper rate than if customers were to pay for them individually.

This will undoubtedly be viewed as a good thing for both Warner Bros and Disney (the owners of these sites) as it will allow both services access to each other’s audiences and will subsidise the cost of things like promotion. As the bundles will advertise both companies, which is a similar model to how cable TV bundles operate. 

It does offer audiences access to a wider range of projects for a cheaper price, however, both companies have increased prices on subscribers before so how long it would remain affordable is uncertain. It must also be noted that access to a wider range of titles is artificial. Both companies gated off their content rather than allowing it to be available on more affordable third-party platforms.

TV & Streaming Become One

However, despite all this talk of streaming becoming more like traditional TV, television is now moving to become more like streaming. Recently Freely was launched by Everyone TV – who are behind Freeview and Freesat. Which essentially aims to move TV channels online, allowing you to watch live and on-demand TV from several of the main UK channels in one place for free.

That said, with only a limited number of channels signed up currently, high-speed internet still not available for some homes, and the cost of running the internet and TV at home for these services all being factored in there are still significant barriers to accessing Freely.

What This Means?

What this showcases is that the industry is slowly starting to feel the grip of economic pressures. Especially in the wake of the historic Hollywood strikes which saw industry workers win big gains in worker protections. This could indicate that the studios have started looking for ways to make back money. This would mean cutting production budgets, partnering with other services to spread costs, seeking funding from advertisers and increasing consumer costs. All this has amounted to streaming becoming very similar to the television models it was meant to be replacing. But with television broadcasting beginning to move to an online model it seems streaming is genuinely just becoming the new television rather than an alternative. Whether it will be a positive or not, only time will tell.

That said, with so much of streaming now replicating problems of TV and presenting its own problems the vision of a more affordable, accessible way to watch whatever you want seems to be a world away.

Also Read: The Paradox of Plenty: How Streaming’s Abundance May Curtail Your Viewing Choices

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In this article, we will look at the current state of streaming and try to determine if it has resulted in viewers having more or less choice when it comes to accessing their favourite films and TV programmes.

Swimming Through Streaming

The biggest streaming services are currently Netflix (around 232 million subscribers), Amazon Prime Video (over 200 million) and Disney+ (around 146 million).

Other popular services like Max, Paramount+, Hulu, Apple TV+, Starz, Peacock, ITVX and more also have sizable subscriber bases of their own. And more streaming services may be coming further down the line.

Positives

With so many streaming services, each offering original productions and access to a library of classic and modern projects it seems like there is a huge amount of choice available to customers. And there are definitely benefits to the current state of streaming. For example, it ensures many projects are available to wide audiences in accessible ways. And it has encouraged viewers to watch more international media. However, the industry has been accused of using many tactics that have negative consequences for customers.

The Illusion of Choice

The WGA West recently released a report into the anti-competitive practices of the biggest three streaming services. Although some of their critiques also apply to smaller streamers. The document lays out how Disney uses its industry position to constantly acquire new companies (it currently owns the ABC network, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, and a majority stake in Hulu) increasing its market control. Resulting in an overall decrease in media output. It has also withdrawn content it owns from other streaming sites (something other studio-owned streaming sites are now doing). It limited the content shown on its platforms to mostly Disney-owned work. Also as a result of its market dominance, Disney has been able to pressure viewers to accept price hikes to retain access to their platform. 

The document also says Amazon has been able to disadvantage competitors by demanding fees to allow viewers access to their services through their Fire TV platform (one of the leading ways people access streaming). Thus depriving viewers of any choice that would not result in them collecting extra fees.

Netflix through increasingly making self-produced content rather than collaborating with third-party production companies, its acquisition of other production studios (increasing its market share), and its use of power to increase subscription prices while reducing investment in content is increasingly depriving customers of choices regarding projects and access plans.

There are also egregious examples of streaming services cutting content from their libraries. Leaving viewers no way to access them physically or digitally. As well as some companies restricting access to their site by cracking down on password sharing, not exactly providing a great amount of options for viewers.

What This Means?

If all practices outlined in the WGA report are accurate it’s clear that despite the number of streaming services increasing it has done little to give viewers more choice. In fact, it has taken away a lot of choice by restricting access to media, pushing up prices customers pay for access and increasing the subscriptions needed to access the same content.

What was once considered a disruptive distribution model that would give customers convenient access to a diverse array of media is fast becoming a gatekeeping exercise for big companies to retain control of their films at the expense of customers.

Also Read: How the Streaming Revolution Has Fuelled Movie Piracy

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Today we’ll look at two factors (advertising and consolidation) that could in the future make streaming resemble the old cable television model.

Ads Will End In…

Streaming services supported by adverts are nothing new. Think of the likes of FreeVee, ITVHub, All4, Pluto TV, YouTube, etc., or the value apps available on smart TV sticks. But surprisingly big streaming players like Netflix are now moving to include a subscription tier on their service that allows you to watch their content for cheaper with adverts. Will audiences accept this shift?

Well, commercial advert-supported services like All4 and ITVHub have a firm foothold in the UK. According to an early 2022 Ofcom survey 45% of online adults/teens aged 13+ had used ITVHub/STV Player and 41% had used All4 in the past 3 months to watch films/tv shows. Outperforming all major SVoD brands except for Amazon Prime and Netflix. The BFI 2021 Statistical Yearbook also showed 31% of UK households using ITVHub and 22% using All4. So adverts don’t necessarily hinder viewer interest.

However, surveys like this one from Morning Consult indicate that a majority of streaming audiences hate this idea. Would this stop people from taking up Netflix’s advertiser-friendly model? Would advertising be seen as more egregious if introduced to a previously ad-free service? Possibly but in the midst of a cost of living crisis, the cheaper advertising-friendly option may prove very attractive.

And Then There Were Fewer

Advertising isn’t the only way streaming is starting to resemble cable TV. Warner Bros Discovery’s boss David Zaslav has announced the plan to merge HBO Max and Discovery+ into one platform in 2023. Consolidating Warner’s streaming service approach. With the aim of reaching around 130 million subscribers by 2025. A bigger market share than what HBO Max and Discovery+ currently have.

With all of Warner’s media available in one place, this move will undoubtedly provide convenience for potential customers. And the consolidation of technology assets could provide a better quality experience.

However, this merger of different streaming services into a single package resembles how media conglomerates consolidated the number of TV stations they owned which meant cable customers had to have specific network subscriptions in order to get what they wanted. If this move is taken up by other conglomerates it could have bad consequences for consumers as customers will be forced to pay for multiple services to access everything they want. It will mean less major media released on third-party services. Many companies would rather retain their projects as a selling point for their service. And if consolidated services gain market power due to their content access they could begin raising prices as they won’t have to worry about competing with rival services.

The New Cable TV?  

With the success of advert-supported streaming services, the adoption of adverts by already established companies and the consolidation of streaming services owned by bigger companies the streaming market is slowly starting to resemble that of cable TV. These measures are undoubtedly being done to make these businesses more profitable and to increase their hold on the streaming market. And it does offer some benefits to consumers in terms of convenience. But it’s also driving customer-unfriendly practices. Ultimately we shall have to see how audiences react to these changes to see if streaming ends up becoming just like its predecessor.

Also Read: The New Hollywood: Streaming Giants

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What Is Paramount+?

Paramount+ is actually a relaunch/rebranding of CBS All Access which launched in 2014. After CBS remerged with Viacom in 2019 and began including more of Viacom’s (now Paramount Global) content on All Access it was eventually decided to relaunch the service under the Paramount brand. Paramount+ launched across America in March 2021 and expanded to various territories before reaching the UK on June 22nd 2022.

What Paramount+ Offers?

The new service contains films and TV shows produced by many Paramount Global-owned brands. Including Paramount, the Showtime network, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon/Nick Jr., the Smithsonian Channel, and MTV.

It includes classic movies and shows like Star Trek, Frasier, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Oz, Scream 1-3, and the Mission: Impossible series along with their own original and exclusive content. Which so far includes Halo (based on the game series), Beavis and Butt-Head Do The Universe, 1883 (Yellowstone’s prequel), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and The Offer (which depicts the making of The Godfather). 

And the service has announced plans to produce original media in the UK, Spain, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy and more. With the aim of commissioning 150 international projects by 2025.

The Promise Of Paramount+

According to recent figures, Paramount+ has around 40 million subscribers. And its UK availability now means there are huge expansion opportunities for the service. Currently, it’s cheaper than many of its contemporaries. Their originals are also doing well at drawing in viewers. And their commitment to commissioning original international programming, rather than focusing solely on English-speaking territories, could herald a unique path forward for future production company-owned services. As well as offering more opportunities for smaller productions worldwide.

Each Paramount+ brand also has many existing projects that can be added later to appease new subscribers. This would be welcome as the current content slate is lacking. Some film franchise entries are missing e.g. Friday the 13th Parts 1 and 3, the first Transformers and Paranormal Activity, the last two Kelvin Star Trek films etc. Other key franchises are missing altogether (e.g. the Godfather and Indiana Jones). And there isn’t much balance and variety in terms of modern and classic shows and films on offer. Something that needs rectifying.

Streaming’s Future

But there is also a big problem this service represents. The continued proliferation of production company-owned streaming services is harmful to viewers overall. As it will lead to customers having to purchase more services to watch a variety of media. Whereas once you could watch Twin Peaks, Disney movies, and a range of independent and international films through something like Now TV, many films and shows have now been pulled to effectively be held hostage behind their distributors/producers’ paywall. These production company-owned streaming services, therefore, lack diverse ways to keep viewers interested. 

And this results in these services lacking longevity. One key reason for Netflix’s success is its variety. It works with filmmakers across the world to make and promote new stories. It also includes a number of great modern blockbusters and awards contenders. And it contains classic films and TV from production companies all over the world. It offers something for everyone.

Paramount Global owns many beloved properties. And their investment in independent and international productions is good. But its restriction to streaming Paramount Global-owned or distributed projects will always be limiting. For itself and its customers.

Also Read: The New Hollywood: Streaming Giants

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

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1. Star Wars: The Rise of Positivity

The only thing Star Wars fans agree on is that Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back are great. However, from there opinions vary wildly. Some find Return of the Jedi either a fitting end to the original trilogy or a dumbed-down entry for kids. Most people initially didn’t like the Prequels and Disney’s handling of the property has produced mixed critical and fan reactions, to say the least. So perhaps the most controversial thing a Star Wars fan can do currently is resist the pull of the dark side and say, “there are zero bad Star Wars movies”. Well, MoviePreviewShow managed it.

2. My Not so Fair Lady

My Fair Lady was a real winner in its time. It won 8 Oscars including Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Picture. Although, viewed all these years later people like Martin Something-or-other find that My Fair Lady leaves a lot to be desired.

3. Defending Daredevil (2003)

The exact opposite of our last entry. The Ben Affleck Daredevil movie was derided upon its release. However, since then it has gained a cult following. It was also given a director’s cut release which many say makes the film into something special. Because superhero movies are currently taking a break maybe it’s time to revisit Daredevil (2003)? You may find yourself like Retro Gamer.

4. Battle of the Directors

Martin Scorsese is considered one of the best directors of all time. Creating great films like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, and Wolf of Wall Street to name only a few. But can he compete with Brian De Palma the director of classics like Carrie (1976), Scarface (1983), The Untouchables, and underappreciated gems like Phantom of the Paradise and Dressed to Kill? Not according to RVD the Dudar.

5. Excellent Adventure Vs Bogus Journey

When most people speak about the Bill and Ted films, they talk about the first entry, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Which is understandable, because it is the highest-rated and highest-grossing film in the franchise. But Direct Questions thinks the claim that it’s the series’ best film is bogus. He believes Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey is the superior film.

6. Streaming Wars

With a lot of production companies moving into the streaming market, many are beginning to make their content exclusive to their own services. Which definitely doesn’t sit well with Jonathan Boyd.

7. The Horror of Children

The opinion that children in movies are more annoying than they are effective is nothing new. Though kids in horror films not being scary when movies like The Innocents (1961), The Exorcist, The Omen (1976), and The Shining (1980) exist? Eric S. Kim’s opinion is definitely controversial.

8. Trashing Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino is one of modern cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers. With several of his films being considered among the best ever made. However, as with anyone who is well acclaimed there are always those who believe them to be overrated. But which camp do you fall into? Are you a true Tarantino aficionado or are you like Global Affairs?

9. Stay Mysterious

Many agree that trailers and reviews sometimes give too much away. But how much should you know about a movie to become interested? To Rigmarole Film a movie is improved vastly when you know as little as possible going in. And therefore, have more of an open mind.

10. Henry Cavill’s Superman

Henry Cavill’s Superman films generally divided opinion among both audiences and critics. However, some people, like (thereal)Chris Grant Jr., consider him to be their favourite Superman portrayal.

So ends our brief look at unpopular film opinions circulating social media. What do you think about some of these controversial opinions? What are some of your film hot takes? Please let us know.

Also Read: The Film Fan’s Guide To Time Travel

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As a celebration of how Netflix is always there for us, whether we’re hungover or going through a bad breakup. Here are 7 fun facts about the streaming giant you may not have known.

Netflix has been around since 1997

While many think the company started around the time the streaming service debuted, it actually started much earlier. Originally it was envisioned as a competitor to Blockbuster. It even sent out physical DVD’s of the show/film customers wanted to watch. The rental chain actually had the chance to purchase Netflix, but the CEO never even considered it. He probably regrets it now…

YouTube inspired it’s streaming

While the idea of renting films without the hassle of posting a DVD was always on the company’s mind, thing’s could have been quite different. Because of internet speed and bandwidth back then, the idea was to have a “Netflix box” which would download the film overnight, having it ready for the next day. However, the rise of YouTube made them reconsider, and adopt a streaming method, instead of downloading.

Netflix has 10 of the best TV Shows

Netflix has quickly become known for its original programming, as well it’s a massive library of licensed content. Since 2013, it has produced its own “Netflix Originals”, with 10 of these being rated on IMDb’s Top 250 TV list. The highest-rated of which is Narcos (Number 52 at 8.8) and Stranger Things (55 also at 8.8). Other Netflix Originals on the list includes Bojack Horseman, Daredevil and Mindhunter.

The “Netflix Effect” on Breaking Bad

It’s hard to imagine now, but in 2010 Breaking Bad wasn’t the influence it is now and was almost cancelled after the third season. Netflix needed a big hit for it’s streaming service and Breaking Bad needed more viewers. Luckily it worked for everyone, as the show was introduced to a whole new audience just in time for its fourth season. This partnership is still ongoing, with the sequel El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie premiering on the site, as well as new episodes of spin-off Better Call Saul.

They’re an International Distributor

On top of their Netflix Originals, and library of licensed content, they also distribute some new releases internationally. In 2018, they premiered The Cloverfield Paradox after a surprise reveal at the Super Bowl. They have also dealt with international distribution for films such as Alex Garland’s Annihilation and Andy Serkis‘ Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle“.

It’s one of the most visited websites

The exact ranking’s vary day to day, but Netflix is one of the most visited websites on the whole internet. At the time of writing, it is currently ranked at number 21. In 2019, there was reportedly 158.8 million viewers in the US alone, this figure is expected to grow to 2023 177.5 million. That’s over 18 million more viewers in 4 years!

It’s won eight Oscars

Since 2014, Netflix has been nominated 54 times over various categories. Their films have in total been nominated in 21 of the 24 categories, and have won in the Best Director (Alfonso Cuaron), Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern). Several of their documentaries have also won Oscars.

Also Read: The Netflix Problem

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