This was a great video. I'm so tired of the negative crap. There are to many other problems in the world for me to listen to the whiners. Physical media is alive and well. It's a great time for collectors. Let's stop listening to the click bait and just enjoy all the films being released. Let's come together as a community of collectors and talk about what we love and have a passion for, the movies.
The pile of discs next to the tv of titles I haven’t gotten to watch yet just keeps growing. Movies that I absolutely adore are coming out in 4K so frequently I can’t even keep up! I just got a delivery from Kino a few days ago, and I haven’t even touched it yet. There is so many wonderful titles available, in such great quality…it’s nothing short of amazing. What a great problem to have.
The pile of discs I haven't gotten around to watching yet is growing also. I have seasons 13 and 14 of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" pre-ordered, but viewing wise, I'm just on season 6. Also, only on season 9 of the complete series set of "Gunsmoke" on DVD. To add, the final three "Thin Man" movies on Blu-ray from Warner Archive, ordered the entire run a few months ago during a sale.
Physical media is THRIVING, and I’m thankful for amazing people like you who spread the truth about the incredible, unprecedented access we have to so many amazing films now. Thanks to companies like Kino Lorber and criterion and other boutique labels, I’ve been able to experience some phenomenal films and as a collector I am excited for what is ahead. Thank you so much my friend for this wonderful video!
@@Mowglibaloo2 Because they're shilling for streaming services. They repeat the lie that physical media is dying to make gullible people subscribe to streaming services which are nothing more than glorified online rental services that can remove, alter, and censor content at will. With physical media, you OWN the movie/show in its original, unaltered state and can watch it at any time you want. More and more people are finally seeing through the scam now.
I am from Saudi Arabia. I started learning English in 2017 from American movies and TV shows, So I was stuck to streaming services because I needed Arabic subtitles. But, 6 Years later (2 months ago), after I had watched 1221 movies and 150 TV shows with Arabic subtitles, I decided to try for the time to watch a TV show with English subtitles instead, so I watched Chuck on Amazon. I understood everything, and I actually enjoyed more. So, I Said to myself, "Now that I don't need Arabic subtitles, why not switch to Physical Media?". So, yesterday, I bought 10 movies and a Blu-ray player.
I see a lot of complaining about the price of physical media as well. It's crazy because now you can buy a decent limited edition 4K set, packed with extras, etc... for 50 bucks. I remember when VHS movies cost $50-60 for an ex-rental tape, or $100+ for a decent LaserDisc release. That's a topic I don't see many people talking about.
SO true. Even when VHS tapes came down in price in the 1990s and went to retail, they were still $25, and that's in 1991 money. Adjusted for inflation, that's $56 in today's money for a SD copy of something with no special features that has been cropped to fit your screen.
I think at least some of that complaining is due to the sheer amount of titles that are being released. Personally, there’s a lot of stuff that I want to buy, but I just don’t have the money for all of it. And at $50 a pop, that really limits the amount people can purchase.
@joefan82 I think the mentality of collectors now is influenced by other collectors on social media flexing their huge collections, questionable spending habits and addiction to wanting it all. Just treat yourself to something you really enjoy once in a while. It's all about quality over quantity. Also, if it's not something like a high demand limited edition, wait for a sale.
Completely true! The X-Files DVD seasons used to be $200 a season. Now you could buy the complete series on Blu-ray for around that much. VHS tapes for $100 as former rentals? Yuck. 4K scan/restored Blu-ray discs for $10-20 is the norm. Maybe $30-50 for a limited release.
If you watched Heath's last video on physical media, one of the things he touched on was burnout. That's why we are complaining about price. National Lampoon's Vacation and Enter The Dragon had recent 4K releases, which is great, but they cost a lot and had almost zero extras. The new Disney "streaming" sets like Mandalorian are $45 per season, which is also a lot. It all adds up. This is the burnout. We want to support the studios, but it's impossible to keep up with this breakneck pace, especially when we feel we are being reamed by this massive lack of bonus features. It feels like we are being taken advantage of. It's too much.
I think the perception of the state of physical media comes from the notion that retail stores have seemed to abandon the art form. Growing up, I couldn’t go into a store without VHS and DVD movies on shelves. Now, Best Buy and Target physical media sections are in a real sad state. I think the only thing that has changed is where we get our movies. You can’t really get them in stores anymore. Walmart has become the best physical media store in town. That’s a sad state of affairs. We can’t get our movies in stores anymore. We get them online now. That is what has changed. I miss the mom and pop VHS rental stores. And corporations seem to be putting less effort in extra features than they used to. I almost exclusively buy my discs from either Amazon or Walmart these days.
I think that's true. A lot of people seem to equate the big box shopping experience with the health of physical media. It doesn't matter how many statistics I share with them, they say "yeah, but I can't go shop at Target anymore for movies." The info isn't getting through and nothing I say has been able to penetrate their worldview.
I'm European based and have been collecting boutique titles the past year now. I haven't bought a single one in-store, all online. No store in my town has any other than a CEX, one store in city nearby has 88 Films titles for sale at over €40 which is a total rip off too. I think selling movies at huge inventory numbers is unwise, but small companies like these boutique labels can thrive still yet in this market.
Yes us collectors buy online but overall sales numbers are a fraction of what they were 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Those retail locations have been gutted of physical media for good reason. Sales are DOWN. The amount of buyers has shrunk, that's the big change of why you see the symptom of less in stores physically.
True. I went to Best Buy a few months ago and their DVD/Blu Ray section was pitiful. Just a small rack in the corner of the store. My local Walmart has more offerings but I almost always order physical media online these days.
@@ro6384 yeah I know so many titles and so many boxed sets!🙉 One non-horror that I pre-ordered was the Black Emmanuelle boxed set and it was $300! OUCH!😭
I agree I’ve been collecting physical media since the late 90s. I remember the DVD boom around 2006 and I said there’s plenty times before as much as it may seem like it’s hurting from the outside looking in, if you’re in the mix you realize that physical media feel stronger than ever now. I don’t ever remember a time where you wake up every day and there’s at least five new announcements of titles coming from these companies, it’s actually kinda wild on how much stuff is coming out. Great vid.
This is a great rant, Heath. Disney not releasing physical media in Australia is still a bitter blow for some of us but overall, distributors like Imprint and Umbrella are still pumping out some wondrous hidden gems here. JB Hifi is still around as a physical chain of stores selling disks, though that's shrinking. But pessimism is its own punishment. Whiny little sooks are always there to yuck our yum and thanks for calling those bastards out.
Physical media sales has moved online in the US but its doing so well almost everything is selling out and having to be back ordered. I know lot of Aussies love their physical media and need to make their voices heard
I believe the Disney in Australia situation isn't done, which is why there was no official announcement from Disney (at least none that I could find). If they won't keep it going themselves, I expect them to to start licensing some things out. Disney needs money and Oz has it.
Well said, Terry. Physical media being 'alive and well' shouldn't be taken as a blanket statement as that's clearly not the case in some territories like Australia. As you pointed out Imprint and Umbrella are contributing enormously to the market, but in regards to releases from mainstream distributors, things are on shaky ground.
I am cautiously optimistic that selling DVDs of Disney+ shows, at least for their Marvel and Lucasfilm properties, might just be a baby step towards Bob Iger realizing that not selling DVDs in Australia and New Zealand is a very big mistake that he should roll back. Hugh Jackman, Asher Keddie, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, and plenty of other Australian and New Zealand actors who have acted in Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows, or other Disney and Fox properties in general, might need to contest what a big mistake it is to make DVDs for their films less accessible to people in their country. As long as they are already on strike and protesting other more important things for their career, I think they have nothing to lose by complaining about this while Deadpool 3 has been postponed.
My first day of kindergarten a d bag kid walked up to me saying “you’re never going home again” Those same d bag kids are the ones saying “physical media is over.” In 2020 when theaters were temporarily closed I said they should focus on physical media for revenue. Even now, just as physical books are thriving physical media video is a huge separate market from streaming that was underserved. Streaming is the new subscription rental market and physical media is the owning personal library market. Just before it broke that Disney was going to release the Marvel and Star Wars shows, those same d bag kids were saying Disney was going to lead the pack in eliminating physical media. Instead they are the first to see that the markets are separate and selling a few titles to a customer brings in much more revenue per person than a year’s subscription to Disney + Thinking that streaming would replace physical media is analogous to thinking that apartments replace houses or a metro bus would replace cars.
The same can be said for sports, lol people complain about this and that but literally millions of events a year are available live every year in HD quality, lol people forget how good we have it.
I would like to know how player sales have been? As you also noted not too long ago the amount of releases are outpacing our rate to buy. While media may not be going overnight there are some factors we have to wonder about. But the biggest is, "Who can afford to keep up?"
I'm doing the same thing regarding the sales. This deluge of films is great but aside from a couple of others, I am the only one I know who collects and I interact with a lot of people everyday. So, who is buying all this? I feel so overwhelmed.
@Lexy-O exactly. Is not this move representative of the fact Disney, (who are all about the money) realise there is great profit to be made with physical media. Hypothetically speaking, say if Disney decided to ditch Disney + and not give rights to any of their movies to any other service, but state that their entire catalogue would only be available through physical media. Then people would flock back to it to buy their stuff to watch.
You tell'em Heath tell'em!🙉 Physical media in stores has gone down but on-line boutique labels has flourished. I buy the latest releases at Walmart and the older titles and boxed sets on-line and I can bearly keep up with so many releases that come out. Physical media is alive and well. Good topic and rant and cool video Heath!👉😃👈
Exactly right! When physical media buyers see brick and mortar shops reduce their inventory of movies by 60 to 70%, it feeds into the theory that it's dying.
I'm having a hard time keeping up and getting all the new stuff coming out. It's not dying...far from it! Love the T-shirt! Batusie!!! You're preaching the truth bro! Great cast!! ✌️❤️🙂
All major forms of physical media continue on. Very little actually dies. The output may change and the community may fluctuate, but vinyl survived, cd survived, VHS is regaining momentum with new releases, cassette tape is regaining momentum. The industry changes and adapts to what people want and traditionally what’s old is new again so as long as we have players available we’ll have things to play in them.
100%. Not too long ago, Walmart started carrying cassette players and blank tapes in their stores. I couldn't believe it! There will always be people serving any market where money can be made.
@@Lona_Chess Yes indeed. It’s mainly been done by smaller labels with horror movies. Things like House of the Devil, Terrifier, and other stuff like that with official VHS releases. But it’s happening often enough now it’s not crazy to think we see it more outside of horror.
I love your passion mate. I could listen to you talk movies all day. While I still believe, having Disney stop distribution into Australia and then a week later announce all these new disc releases has been a kick in the guts. The only place I can order the 4k Prey from is Amazon, with shipping and taxes it’s over $80 😳. I’m grateful I can still get it but it just means I have to buy less. Plus if I do import these titles I feel I am only supporting Disneys decision.
I am cautiously optimistic that selling DVDs of Disney+ shows, at least for their Marvel and Lucasfilm properties, might just be a baby step towards Bob Iger realizing that not selling DVDs in Australia and New Zealand is a very big mistake that he should roll back. Hugh Jackman, Asher Keddie, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, and plenty of other Australian and New Zealand actors who have acted in Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows, or other Disney and Fox properties in general, might need to contest what a big mistake it is to make DVDs for their films less accessible to people in their country. As long as they are already on strike and protesting other more important things for their career, I think they have nothing to lose by complaining about this while Deadpool 3 has been postponed.
If physical was bleak, 4K wouldn't exist. It just appears because consumer model changed to online. Amazon's select titles show hundreds and hundreds pre-ordered. Theatres and streaming are another story.
I totally agree that it's trolling, but if enough of us band together and start calling it out when we see it, I believe we can put a stop to it once and for all. I think too many of us have been ignoring it for too long. Enough is enough! Let's ENJOY our fandom and let it bring us together!
@@Lexy-O well call them crazy. Sometimes I think they just bought the catalog to memory hole it so thered be one less thing to compete with their content.
Right on brother! Sounds like some sad people who have physical media envy. Less people overall are buying physical media but many more than ever are serious about collecting it. Serious about film and the preservation of it. There is so much coming out I will never be able to buy all the stuff coming that I want.
Collector pool is shrinking. Just because maybe a couple hundred thousand of us are ballooning our collections to 3-10k+ doesn't=more sales, it's still less, concentrated into an increasingly smaller group of buyers.
@MoviePalaceOfBlood I'm interested. What is your source as to the shrinking number of serious collectors. Don't tell me overall sales numbers We all know those go down every year cause the mainstream doesn' care about film the way that we do. We are not stamp or butterfly collectors. We care about films not the plastic. The point is that as long as we breath air there will be physical media.
The collector market is growing, not shrinking. I'm tired of seeing people share the same articles about the mainstream not buying discs anymore without recognizing the bull market of the boutique collector market.
Ya everyone stop saying it’s dying when it’s not everyone, you are so right proud of you man ❤it’s the best time to buy physical ever so many companies out there to buy and buy used then ever before . Trust him and me I have over 6000 movies in my collection and loving it . Physical 4 ever 😊
Great video, physical media is alive and thriving!!! Awesome shirt btw, would definitely like to know where you got it if possible. Keep up the great content!
Thanks for sharing your passion, great video! So important to shut out the noise and focus on the collecting in the community while also being respectful and supportive.
Very interesting topic Heath….. and surprising at how worked up you are. Totally agree with you about click bate. I think that you think hit it on the head, months ago, that we are living in a golden age for physical media. I am about 10 years older than you, grew up watching much of the stuff you discuss, at home, in cut versions on tv (then cable) and movie theaters. I can’t believe all of the great films we have on blu ray and 4k , and amazing graphic design / packaging and all the bonus features, and even books / booklets we’re getting. This is truly a great time to be into tv / cinema (and for that matter, music / cd’s, ….i also collect, and there are some really amazing specialty labels doing great work there too, for old music / classic rock.) And much to what you’ve already discussed that we as fans should do: I’ve been not only buying films from Amazon, or the occasional trip to Best Buy…. But I’ve been ordering direct from many of the boutique companies directly, to show my support for the great work they’re doing (Kino, Indicator, Severin , Arrow , Synapse and others….) I’ve been stunned at the complaining videos, and wondered if this might even work against us….. if enough negative videos about the fall of home video were presented, might it start to affect things negatively. People start seeing the videos, and stop buying….. film execs see the videos and turn around and think it’s proof that home media is dead , no fans want it and they stop making it. Particular, after your interviews of Mr. Tribby and Mr. Tarzi….. I have felt very excited about the state of affairs with home media (Columbo on blu ray ! Yeaaaa !!) The naysayers constant doom and gloom, after the interviews you (and others) have had , leave me scratching my head as to where those folks are coming from ? I never thought I’d see the films we’re seeing in print, nor the truly great bonus features these companies are giving us. Not only am I getting all the films I grew up loving…. I’m starting to experiment / expand with the types of films, directors, actors, etc, and it’s absolutely amazing. There is so much amazing film and tv that is now out there. Again, I can’t say enough how happy I’ve been, with all we’ve been seeing made available. One case in point is the newest Kino editions of Night Gallery….. the original , uncut editions of the episodes, featurettes about the syndication problems for the series, and all the superb audio commentaries (since you had Amanda Reyes on, I’ve picked up her book for myself and a close friend who is also into physical media.) Again….. we are living in a truly blessed, golden age , to have cleaned up film and tv, with all the thoughtful historical info on the “making of”. Is it all , to sound “hip”, or do the authors of said videos just have that much ignorant fear, after commentators like yourself and others , are telling us things are in a good place, and interviewing industry insiders are also confirming……. All is well ! ??? Thanks for the timely video…… have a great weekend ! Chris Johnston RI
when talking about how fortunate we are / how great the physical media scene is today.... how about a box set that should be up for awards as, "best of the year".... I'm talking about the Arrow, Bruce Lee : Golden Harvest Years box. Even without the limited edition, site special art work..... if you so chose, you could get the 4K / blu ray box, that is probably the last word on Bruce Lee. All his Golden Harvest films remastered in 4k for 4k Disc and Blu ray, alternate international cuts of many of the films, 3 hours (???? OMG) of Game of Death Outtakes, dozens of new and old featurettes , the 70's and early 80s Golden Harvest documentaries (I still have Bruce Lee : The Legend , on dvd from the Warner Brothers box set (?) as it has never (at least domestically) been available on blu ray to my knowledge.) Many cut scenes and trailers...... and then of course there is the 4K Enter the Dragon disc from WB, with the 2 cuts of the film....... if the companies didn't think we wanted it, and there was absolutely no future in physical media, why are we getting these incredible box sets ? Where are the naysayers coming from ? What do they hope to achieve by constantly saying "the sky is falling" ? and as a critical aside, if this box set isn't at least in the running for "release of the year", maybe even winning it, I'll be stunned. It is that good.
Heath, your unscripted videos are the best! Thank you for spotlighting the fallacy of these entertainment issues and always sharing the truth of the matter. Your efforts with this channel mean a lot to a film fan like me.
Although I don’t buy at the rate I did back in the DVD heyday, I have never stopped purchasing and acquiring great stuff. And I’ve found amazing films that may never see the light of day on streaming. And the best part? When my Spectrum is down, I have SO much that I can watch. Not to mention the extras. My Oop Criterion copy of Last Year at Marienbad is gorgeous and has fascinating extras. My multiple copies of Carnival of Souls have enough material for an entire evening of viewing. Thanks for your great videos. 🙌🏼
I agree. There has been too many articles, click-bait, forum posts, and videos with people talking about physical media dying. It's simply not true. It's a changing market and there's truth to that part of the story. Dying? Hardly. Sales are up on units for a lot of boutique labels and releases that are limited edition sell out like hotcakes. This year has a plethora of outstanding releases, it's mind boggling. I'm especially happy by the deeper dives coming out from other countries - a lot of martial arts gems, Japanese classics, and other international films are coming out for the first time. Almost everything newly restored in 2K or 4K, tons of supplements, etc. There's no reason for people to talk about the market like it is dying. It is just misunderstood by people who are outsiders and who maybe are not collectors per-se. For those in the industry and for those collecting films, it's a golden era. (Streaming looks worse and worse by the minute, too - with content coming and going more and more and titles being dropped for tax write-offs).
Agree. Still disappointed that streaming has curtailed some Blu-Ray releases such as Seinfeld and seasons after season four of Modern Family. Part of increased sales is 4k releases of prior Blu-Ray releases.
Thanks, Heath. I'm a new viewer of your videos and I appreciate your insight. My first comment seems to have vanished so I'll try again. I just wanted to say that a ton of great stuff has come out this year that interests me. I've loaded up on the Shaw box sets and other Asian cinema. Lots of amazing stuff is being released. The Tod Slaughter set coming from Indicator is an example. It's not something that would interest most people but as a fan of old horror it's a must-buy for me.
Hey Heath, your right 2023 is the biggest year for physical media but can't believe stores Inventory Is horrible 😖 It's a on-line physical media year 🏆
I don't even let the "physical media is dying" folks get to me to anymore. Why should I listen to people who are either terribly uninformed, or purely out for clicks? Anyone who has checked the release schedules for just the *boutique labels alone* should know, very well, that physical media is not dying. Kino Lorber, Criterion, Shout Factory, Vinegar Syndrome, Severin, etc. are releasing more Blu-rays and 4Ks than I can buy! 🙂
Preach brother, I've been in the physical media game since I got my first VCR at the age of 12 and went wild with VHS in the early 90s. As long as the studios know physical media isn't dying and still release sweet boxsets and collections let em lie.
I have been collecting physical media since 1984 (VHS & Beta Tapes). I will always support physical Media, while Digital downloads and streaming are convenient, the fact is that you do not own them is the issue, a streaming service can remove your favorite programs and Movies. Digital Download sites like google play can lose the license to your programs/movies and suddenly a movie that you paid for is no longer available for you to watch. Owning a physical copy of your movies whether it is DVD/Blu-ray or 4K is the only way to ensure that your favorite movies/TV programs are available to you.
We were a Beta house in the early 80s too. Remember how hard it was to find new releases? We had ONE store in the mall that sold Beta video tapes and VHS. Nobody was buying, they were renting. That's where physical media really started and in many ways, that's where we are again, only now it's not hard to find ANYTHING. It's all there for the taking.
You are right, the phisical media isn't dying, at least in USA, but where i live, meaning in Romania, every major movie company stopped selling phisycal media. So we who are few, have to buy movies from other european countries or US. I mostly buy from US but at much bigger prices sadly.
One thing worth thinking about - most of these classic films are being PRESERVED on physical media with outstanding restorations. Blu-ray discs will last your entire lifetime and beyond (estimates on Blu-ray discs are 100+ years but no one really knows for sure how long they will last, maybe some will still play 200 years from now). Streaming services can't even keep releases that they produce themselves available for more than a year now on some titles, how is that about film preservation? The streaming services mostly care about producing new/exclusive content and are not about preserving classics at all. Even if you stumble on to a title on a service, it's probably an old 2010 era HD encode or SD/VHS quality master, not a pristine new restoration as is being provided by these companies.
I agree with you, physical media is not dying. Only some companies just pulling out, only forcing ppl use their streaming, in long run will lose and missed out ppl looking at streaming.
Bedroom full of DVDs and Blue Rays. Grew up during the VHS years and understood the importance of being able to customize your entertainment via the disk medium.
Great video once again Heath. This is a great channel and l love checking in. l love my physical media (4Ks now after getting an X Box Series X). l never have enough room to get everything l want but still love collecting - which is why your videos are such a thrill - keep up the good work.
I agree. I’m not going to say that I’m pleased with some physical media releases this year (Paramount), but I’m happy that physical media is alive and well.
Great Video. Physical Media is definitely not going away.. However...there are still dozens of OOP titles , especially in Anime that were released by smaller companies that haven't been picked up again. Some of these Blu Ray or DVDs go for Hundreds on the secondary market. "Eventually" it may happen but for some titles I've been waiting over a decade.
RE: those anime titles, hopefully you've been able to add them to your collection via other means, especially if you've been waiting for over a decade. It might not be ideal, but at least you can enjoy them.
Try and convince Australians that physical media is not dying. Where we just got the announcement that Guardians 3 will be the final Disney blu-ray that will ever come out. When one company starts getting rid of their media you can bet your life that the rest will follow....
Too many Australians seem to think physical media began and ended with Disney. meanwhile, ViaVision and Umbrella are putting out some of the coolest releases in the world AND many Aussies still have brick and mortar stores where they can walk in and shop for them, which is not something the USA or the UK can say. It's all about perspective.
I love ya man, and I’m right there with you. But for some reason, all I kept picturing through this whole thing was Bree in the living room shaking her head as she listened to Heath holler from the basement, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! STOP IT! STOP IT!”
Ha! Bree and I are on the same page. We're done listening to people who seem to exist only to spread negativity. DONE with it. Life is too short. There's too many amazing things out there to let it bring us down.
3D Blu ray fans have reason to complain. There’s so many movies that are in 3D in the theaters that either don’t have 3D blu ray releases at all or if they do it’s a foreign release with a prohibitive price
Although of course i get tremendous enjoyment out of my physical media collection, I always worry that the big entertainment companies will cease releasing stuff on physical media and only streaming services instead. That thought is what drives me to constantly speak up and advocate for physical media.
I know how you feel. I saw in my feed a video of some TH-camr saying that physical media is dying. I know it is not but there was that temptation to click on it. I did not click on that video.
I think the death of physical media has been long overhyped. You only have to look at the growth of bootlegs. That desire to own it on disc opposed to streaming is not going away, in fact it's growing. I'm not supporting bootlegs but surely in a boardroom somewhere, someone must realise this has all been misjudged? And many movie fans have fallen into The Emperor's New Clothes syndrome. If I'm told it by so many people that it must be true!!! As Heath says physical media is as strong as ever.
Bootleggers aren't the commercial physical media industry. None of the $$$ that goes their way is getting reinvested into acquistion and restoration of legal, new product. Physical media isn't as strong as ever. It was strongest in the prime of the DVD era, this is common knowledge, but most here just seem to want to kid themselves, I'm a collector who feels no need to feign positivity for positivity's sake in the face of an undeniably shrunken industry.
@MoviePalaceOfBlood Errrrr I know what bootlegging is! And that wasn't the point I was making! I'm saying that people are desperate enough to get bootlegs because they want a physical copy of something they fear may never be released. And yes obviously it's dead money because its money not going back into the industry, but that's the studios choice! And discs are not readily available in stores like they once were. But that doesn't mean they are dying off. I'm in England and I have no issue getting discs at all. Yes I shop online as opposed to going to a store, but I'm cool with that.
I will go on record and say that I DO occasionally support bootleggers. When a legitimate product does not exist, alternatives will be available. I fully advocate supporting legit, legal releases but when those don't exist, I will seek things out. I don't understand why so many of these companies have turned a blind eye to the serious $$$ they're losing by not putting some of these titles on disc. Disney's release of The Mandalorian, Wandavision and Loki are 2 years too late and they've lost untold millions by waiting to release them until now. Two years ago, The Mandalorian on 4K and Blu-ray would have been THE Christmas present for the geek in your life.
It warms my heart to know that I'm not the only one to crack open a mic or flip on a camera and just go off-my-head ranting. Bravo. Now, WHERE'S MY DUCKTALES 2017 BLU-RAYS, DISNEY? ;)
Another thing that bothers me about the physical media vs. streaming landscape is how people act like streaming is perfectly acceptable for major films (from major filmmakers) to be put direct on streaming without even giving theatrical releases anymore on some films. This irks me to no end. Movie theaters carry digital encodes that are ginormous in size (maybe several terabytes of data) for IMAX/XD/Dolby Cinema etc and streaming is simply no comparison - it can't even compare to the quality of Blu-ray/4K discs. Doesn't quality of film presentation matter to streaming services? It's gotten better than it used to be and looks "watchable" of course but that doesn't mean it's in the same league as what a cinema and/or Blu-ray can offer audiences.
The negative talk will always be there in any kind of online clickbait format. I personally love physical media and I really like your videos and I subscribe to your energy and enthusiasm. Here's the thing though, at least in my life -- everyone that sees me buying discs of movies is being often frowned upon to my circle of friends and family. I don't know anyone who keeps a DVD shelf anymore so I feel alone and a bit of quack. Even elderly people who used VHS and never went to DVD are only looking at streaming services or VOD linear broadcast TV. Especially lately it's been the former as more people opt for an Internet TV package that only has access to streaming services and no access to regular cable TV channels and fast internet. :( .. as for me I will continue to buy and grow my 4k collection!
That's how it used to be too, though, before the DVD boom. People used to rent, not buy. Only the weirdos like us actually BOUGHT movies. That's what it's gone back to, but instead of renting from Blockbuster, they stream it. It started as a fringe pursuit, and that's where we are again. We were always a niche group.
Hmm. For a format that is dying I seem to be having an awful lot of trouble every month finding the money to buy all the releases I am interested in.... because there are so many of them! Weird that a dying format presents such a problem and forcing me to prioritise. And I buy a LOT of physical media and spend a decent amount of money....and I still don't get near anywhere the amount of things I am interested in each month! Great video Heath.
I've been hearing this for years physical media should have died 10 years ago but here we are still collecting and companies still producing physical media. I would say the streaming bubble is about to collapse once you raise prices they will lose millions of subscribers.
Fair point! We're arguably already at a saturation point because there's way more coming out than we can afford. But if these companies can survive over the next 10 years, I think the longevity will be there. Once the fire hose has stopped, keeping these releases in print will help the longevity of the medium. Accessibility is critical.
Thanks! The Batusi shirt was one of those "24 hour only" shirts from one of the websites like TeeFury, I think. Maybe it's still around somewhere. I love it.
I feel like "physical media is dying" narrative is working well for companies. The fear mindset lets them a) earn more money- you're buying more stuff out of FOMO b) looks good - they still putting stuff out in shrinking market. If people feel that physical media are good there is no rush for consumers to get new stuff also it shifts power from companies to custumers. It shifts I'll give you what I want and you'll be grateful for it dynamic to I need to make an effirt and custom to your wants so you'll give me what I need one
Heath I am actually doing a Zoom seminar for my clients on how to navigate the "new news", whether it written by AI or 80% click bait. It has gotten horrendous. When my wife sees a headline for an article, we can now predict that the conclusion with be the reverse of the headline. Joe
It's very true, and I wish you all the best with your Zoom seminar. I fear journalism truly is dead; the outlets that report on the truth in a responsible fashion are practically invisible now. News has become entertainment, and truth, integrity, and fair reporting seems all but dead.
Dear Cereal At Midnight, you are without a doubt, one of my favorites! I am 23 and have been collecting physical media for about seven years. I'm always excited when I see a classic film getting a new release. Real quick, have you by any chance seen the 1960-1974 Tv show Callan, or the film Breaker Morant? Both starring the late great Edward Woodward. Thanks again for your awesome channel!
Thanks! Yes to Breaker Morant, but I haven't seen Callan, but I know about it, but I haven't seen it yet. My Woodward era begins with The Equalizer. By the way, super cool that you're only 23 and you're into Callan! You rule.
Dear@@CerealAtMidnight, I haven't been on my TH-cam for a while. Didn't even read your comment till today! Thanks for such an awesome comment. My mom raised me on Shirley Temple and Doo Wop. As a young woman living in this day and age, classic tv and films help keep me sane. Keep safe and God bless!☺
Brick and mortar is dead. We'll continue to see a decline of discs in stores, but it's all gone online now. No store could stock the 60-100 new releases that come out every week.
Definitely not dying in my life. I am more inclined than ever to choose physical media.
Likewise
Same
I’d agree some what except harder to get hold of in stores
like Walmarts and online boutique stores are exspencive
as well.”
I went without internet almost for a week recently, i was so glad to have my physical media collection.
The past ten years has been a lesson in why physical media and being offline is so important.
There’s still books being read from the 1800’s and records being played from the early twentieth century
As I say, the imminent death of the CD has been happening for over 20 years now.
This was a great video. I'm so tired of the negative crap. There are to many other problems in the world for me to listen to the whiners. Physical media is alive and well. It's a great time for collectors. Let's stop listening to the click bait and just enjoy all the films being released. Let's come together as a community of collectors and talk about what we love and have a passion for, the movies.
no
Well said.
The pile of discs next to the tv of titles I haven’t gotten to watch yet just keeps growing. Movies that I absolutely adore are coming out in 4K so frequently I can’t even keep up! I just got a delivery from Kino a few days ago, and I haven’t even touched it yet. There is so many wonderful titles available, in such great quality…it’s nothing short of amazing. What a great problem to have.
The pile of discs I haven't gotten around to watching yet is growing also. I have seasons 13 and 14 of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" pre-ordered, but viewing wise, I'm just on season 6. Also, only on season 9 of the complete series set of "Gunsmoke" on DVD. To add, the final three "Thin Man" movies on Blu-ray from Warner Archive, ordered the entire run a few months ago during a sale.
Physical media is THRIVING, and I’m thankful for amazing people like you who spread the truth about the incredible, unprecedented access we have to so many amazing films now. Thanks to companies like Kino Lorber and criterion and other boutique labels, I’ve been able to experience some phenomenal films and as a collector I am excited for what is ahead. Thank you so much my friend for this wonderful video!
Those claiming "physical media is dying" actually mean "we want physical media to die."
Exactly
They what physical media to die as if it will benefit them in some way.
Why waste their time saying something is dying.
@@Mowglibaloo2 Because they're shilling for streaming services. They repeat the lie that physical media is dying to make gullible people subscribe to streaming services which are nothing more than glorified online rental services that can remove, alter, and censor content at will. With physical media, you OWN the movie/show in its original, unaltered state and can watch it at any time you want. More and more people are finally seeing through the scam now.
@@Mowglibaloo2because they want to see us crying for the Death of Physical Media 🤦♂️
I am from Saudi Arabia.
I started learning English in 2017 from American movies and TV shows, So I was stuck to streaming services because I needed Arabic subtitles.
But, 6 Years later (2 months ago), after I had watched 1221 movies and 150 TV shows with Arabic subtitles, I decided to try for the time to watch a TV show with English subtitles instead, so I watched Chuck on Amazon. I understood everything, and I actually enjoyed more.
So, I Said to myself, "Now that I don't need Arabic subtitles, why not switch to Physical Media?". So, yesterday, I bought 10 movies and a Blu-ray player.
Not only was your English in this comment well written, the punctuation was amazing! Great job!!!
@@crimsonstudios680 Thank you for your kind words, you made me smile.
I see a lot of complaining about the price of physical media as well. It's crazy because now you can buy a decent limited edition 4K set, packed with extras, etc... for 50 bucks. I remember when VHS movies cost $50-60 for an ex-rental tape, or $100+ for a decent LaserDisc release.
That's a topic I don't see many people talking about.
SO true. Even when VHS tapes came down in price in the 1990s and went to retail, they were still $25, and that's in 1991 money. Adjusted for inflation, that's $56 in today's money for a SD copy of something with no special features that has been cropped to fit your screen.
I think at least some of that complaining is due to the sheer amount of titles that are being released. Personally, there’s a lot of stuff that I want to buy, but I just don’t have the money for all of it. And at $50 a pop, that really limits the amount people can purchase.
@joefan82 I think the mentality of collectors now is influenced by other collectors on social media flexing their huge collections, questionable spending habits and addiction to wanting it all. Just treat yourself to something you really enjoy once in a while. It's all about quality over quantity. Also, if it's not something like a high demand limited edition, wait for a sale.
Completely true! The X-Files DVD seasons used to be $200 a season. Now you could buy the complete series on Blu-ray for around that much. VHS tapes for $100 as former rentals? Yuck. 4K scan/restored Blu-ray discs for $10-20 is the norm. Maybe $30-50 for a limited release.
If you watched Heath's last video on physical media, one of the things he touched on was burnout. That's why we are complaining about price. National Lampoon's Vacation and Enter The Dragon had recent 4K releases, which is great, but they cost a lot and had almost zero extras. The new Disney "streaming" sets like Mandalorian are $45 per season, which is also a lot. It all adds up. This is the burnout. We want to support the studios, but it's impossible to keep up with this breakneck pace, especially when we feel we are being reamed by this massive lack of bonus features. It feels like we are being taken advantage of. It's too much.
I think the perception of the state of physical media comes from the notion that retail stores have seemed to abandon the art form. Growing up, I couldn’t go into a store without VHS and DVD movies on shelves. Now, Best Buy and Target physical media sections are in a real sad state. I think the only thing that has changed is where we get our movies. You can’t really get them in stores anymore. Walmart has become the best physical media store in town. That’s a sad state of affairs. We can’t get our movies in stores anymore. We get them online now. That is what has changed. I miss the mom and pop VHS rental stores. And corporations seem to be putting less effort in extra features than they used to. I almost exclusively buy my discs from either Amazon or Walmart these days.
I think that's true. A lot of people seem to equate the big box shopping experience with the health of physical media. It doesn't matter how many statistics I share with them, they say "yeah, but I can't go shop at Target anymore for movies." The info isn't getting through and nothing I say has been able to penetrate their worldview.
I'm European based and have been collecting boutique titles the past year now. I haven't bought a single one in-store, all online. No store in my town has any other than a CEX, one store in city nearby has 88 Films titles for sale at over €40 which is a total rip off too. I think selling movies at huge inventory numbers is unwise, but small companies like these boutique labels can thrive still yet in this market.
Yes us collectors buy online but overall sales numbers are a fraction of what they were 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Those retail locations have been gutted of physical media for good reason. Sales are DOWN. The amount of buyers has shrunk, that's the big change of why you see the symptom of less in stores physically.
True. I went to Best Buy a few months ago and their DVD/Blu Ray section was pitiful. Just a small rack in the corner of the store. My local Walmart has more offerings but I almost always order physical media online these days.
Some people like always to feel like doom and gloom is comming! I love my physical media collection! Keep up the great work!
Hear, hear. Thanks for this, Heath.
The TVs and the visual quality is better than ever. Its a long way from a curved glass 20 inch TV that weighed 60 lbs and rewinding VHS tapes.
I can bearly keep up with all the releases and I only collect horror!😂
the fall 2022 and 2023 horror releases are bankrupting me! so many great releases!
@@ro6384 yeah I know so many titles and so many boxed sets!🙉 One non-horror that I pre-ordered was the Black Emmanuelle boxed set and it was $300! OUCH!😭
I agree I’ve been collecting physical media since the late 90s. I remember the DVD boom around 2006 and I said there’s plenty times before as much as it may seem like it’s hurting from the outside looking in, if you’re in the mix you realize that physical media feel stronger than ever now. I don’t ever remember a time where you wake up every day and there’s at least five new announcements of titles coming from these companies, it’s actually kinda wild on how much stuff is coming out. Great vid.
This is a great rant, Heath. Disney not releasing physical media in Australia is still a bitter blow for some of us but overall, distributors like Imprint and Umbrella are still pumping out some wondrous hidden gems here. JB Hifi is still around as a physical chain of stores selling disks, though that's shrinking.
But pessimism is its own punishment. Whiny little sooks are always there to yuck our yum and thanks for calling those bastards out.
Physical media sales has moved online in the US but its doing so well almost everything is selling out and having to be back ordered. I know lot of Aussies love their physical media and need to make their voices heard
I believe the Disney in Australia situation isn't done, which is why there was no official announcement from Disney (at least none that I could find). If they won't keep it going themselves, I expect them to to start licensing some things out. Disney needs money and Oz has it.
@@CerealAtMidnight that's a potential relief. I distrust the mouse factory and if I hear anything on this side, I'll let you know.
Well said, Terry. Physical media being 'alive and well' shouldn't be taken as a blanket statement as that's clearly not the case in some territories like Australia. As you pointed out Imprint and Umbrella are contributing enormously to the market, but in regards to releases from mainstream distributors, things are on shaky ground.
I am cautiously optimistic that selling DVDs of Disney+ shows, at least for their Marvel and Lucasfilm properties, might just be a baby step towards Bob Iger realizing that not selling DVDs in Australia and New Zealand is a very big mistake that he should roll back. Hugh Jackman, Asher Keddie, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, and plenty of other Australian and New Zealand actors who have acted in Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows, or other Disney and Fox properties in general, might need to contest what a big mistake it is to make DVDs for their films less accessible to people in their country. As long as they are already on strike and protesting other more important things for their career, I think they have nothing to lose by complaining about this while Deadpool 3 has been postponed.
I have NEVER bought more movies on disc than in 2023. I love all the quality releases. Keep'em coming!
Dvds and phisical media still alive, i see dvds in hospis shops,and JBHi Fi here In NZ.
My first day of kindergarten a d bag kid walked up to me saying “you’re never going home again”
Those same d bag kids are the ones saying “physical media is over.”
In 2020 when theaters were temporarily closed I said they should focus on physical media for revenue. Even now, just as physical books are thriving physical media video is a huge separate market from streaming that was underserved. Streaming is the new subscription rental market and physical media is the owning personal library market.
Just before it broke that Disney was going to release the Marvel and Star Wars shows, those same d bag kids were saying Disney was going to lead the pack in eliminating physical media. Instead they are the first to see that the markets are separate and selling a few titles to a customer brings in much more revenue per person than a year’s subscription to Disney +
Thinking that streaming would replace physical media is analogous to thinking that apartments replace houses or a metro bus would replace cars.
Well said..
Not to mention that the overall quality of Blu Ray releases continues to be strong.
Thanks, Heath, great video! I love Physical Media and it gets better every year. Let's Support Physical Media!
The same can be said for sports, lol people complain about this and that but literally millions of events a year are available live every year in HD quality, lol people forget how good we have it.
I would like to know how player sales have been? As you also noted not too long ago the amount of releases are outpacing our rate to buy. While media may not be going overnight there are some factors we have to wonder about. But the biggest is, "Who can afford to keep up?"
I'm doing the same thing regarding the sales. This deluge of films is great but aside from a couple of others, I am the only one I know who collects and I interact with a lot of people everyday. So, who is buying all this? I feel so overwhelmed.
If Disney is releasing Mando, Wandavision etc it’s not dead
It’s a huge step in the resurgence of physical media that Disney is releasing these
@Lexy-O exactly. Is not this move representative of the fact Disney, (who are all about the money) realise there is great profit to be made with physical media. Hypothetically speaking, say if Disney decided to ditch Disney + and not give rights to any of their movies to any other service, but state that their entire catalogue would only be available through physical media. Then people would flock back to it to buy their stuff to watch.
Disney announced today they are taking preorders for a bunch of the Predator movies including the original, the steaming one Prey, Alien vs Predator…
Thank you for posting this.
Being a collector this is what everyone needs to understand.
You tell'em Heath tell'em!🙉 Physical media in stores has gone down but on-line boutique labels has flourished. I buy the latest releases at Walmart and the older titles and boxed sets on-line and I can bearly keep up with so many releases that come out. Physical media is alive and well. Good topic and rant and cool video Heath!👉😃👈
Exactly right! When physical media buyers see brick and mortar shops reduce their inventory of movies by 60 to 70%, it feeds into the theory that it's dying.
@@JustAGuy63 👍
PREACH BROTHA
I'm having a hard time keeping up and getting all the new stuff coming out. It's not dying...far from it!
Love the T-shirt! Batusie!!! You're preaching the truth bro! Great cast!!
✌️❤️🙂
"be better, do better"
so true...and in every aspect of life!
It's my new motto. I'm thinking of putting it on a shirt.
All major forms of physical media continue on. Very little actually dies. The output may change and the community may fluctuate, but vinyl survived, cd survived, VHS is regaining momentum with new releases, cassette tape is regaining momentum. The industry changes and adapts to what people want and traditionally what’s old is new again so as long as we have players available we’ll have things to play in them.
100%. Not too long ago, Walmart started carrying cassette players and blank tapes in their stores. I couldn't believe it! There will always be people serving any market where money can be made.
There are new releases of VHS tapes? That’s really cool. What new titles have come out?
@@Lona_Chess Yes indeed. It’s mainly been done by smaller labels with horror movies. Things like House of the Devil, Terrifier, and other stuff like that with official VHS releases. But it’s happening often enough now it’s not crazy to think we see it more outside of horror.
Time for some merch Heath... T-Shirt or Coffee cup that says "Stop It!"😀
Yes! Great video Heath! Thank you for sharing your passion!
I don't even click on those videos any more.
Right on!
I love your passion mate. I could listen to you talk movies all day. While I still believe, having Disney stop distribution into Australia and then a week later announce all these new disc releases has been a kick in the guts. The only place I can order the 4k Prey from is Amazon, with shipping and taxes it’s over $80 😳. I’m grateful I can still get it but it just means I have to buy less. Plus if I do import these titles I feel I am only supporting Disneys decision.
I am cautiously optimistic that selling DVDs of Disney+ shows, at least for their Marvel and Lucasfilm properties, might just be a baby step towards Bob Iger realizing that not selling DVDs in Australia and New Zealand is a very big mistake that he should roll back. Hugh Jackman, Asher Keddie, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Chris Hemsworth, Cate Blanchett, and plenty of other Australian and New Zealand actors who have acted in Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows, or other Disney and Fox properties in general, might need to contest what a big mistake it is to make DVDs for their films less accessible to people in their country. As long as they are already on strike and protesting other more important things for their career, I think they have nothing to lose by complaining about this while Deadpool 3 has been postponed.
If physical was bleak, 4K wouldn't exist. It just appears because consumer model changed to online. Amazon's select titles show hundreds and hundreds pre-ordered. Theatres and streaming are another story.
Don't pay attention to these trolls, Heath. They just want a rise out of you ~ physical media is alive and well, and we all know it! 👍🏻
I totally agree that it's trolling, but if enough of us band together and start calling it out when we see it, I believe we can put a stop to it once and for all. I think too many of us have been ignoring it for too long. Enough is enough! Let's ENJOY our fandom and let it bring us together!
When Disney releases or licenses fox catalog titles I’ll chill out
They would be crazy not to release those plus I want the original Planet of the Apes series on 4K blu ray
@@Lexy-O well call them crazy. Sometimes I think they just bought the catalog to memory hole it so thered be one less thing to compete with their content.
Just this morning Disney announced they are releasing a bunch of the Predator movies on 4K blu ray
Right on brother! Sounds like some sad people who have physical media envy. Less people overall are buying physical media but many more than ever are serious about collecting it. Serious about film and the preservation of it. There is so much coming out I will never be able to buy all the stuff coming that I want.
Collector pool is shrinking. Just because maybe a couple hundred thousand of us are ballooning our collections to 3-10k+ doesn't=more sales, it's still less, concentrated into an increasingly smaller group of buyers.
@MoviePalaceOfBlood I'm interested. What is your source as to the shrinking number of serious collectors. Don't tell me overall sales numbers
We all know those go down every year cause the mainstream doesn' care about film the way that we do. We are not stamp or butterfly collectors. We care about films not the plastic. The point is that as long as we breath air there will be physical media.
The collector market is growing, not shrinking. I'm tired of seeing people share the same articles about the mainstream not buying discs anymore without recognizing the bull market of the boutique collector market.
@CerealAtMidnight Correct again sir!
Ya everyone stop saying it’s dying when it’s not everyone, you are so right proud of you man ❤it’s the best time to buy physical ever so many companies out there to buy and buy used then ever before . Trust him and me I have over 6000 movies in my collection and loving it . Physical 4 ever 😊
I LOVE your answer to the people perpetrating the lie that physical media is dying! I agree with you 100%!
Great video, physical media is alive and thriving!!! Awesome shirt btw, would definitely like to know where you got it if possible. Keep up the great content!
I think it was on one of the 24 hour t-shirt sites. I'm sorry I don't remember which one. It's been years now. But thank you! I love it too.
Thanks for sharing your passion, great video! So important to shut out the noise and focus on the collecting in the community while also being respectful and supportive.
This was so good thank for saying this.
I sometimes wish it actually WAS dying, then I wouldn't have to spend so much damn money on it every month!
Just one word : THANKS !!!
Very interesting topic Heath….. and surprising at how worked up you are.
Totally agree with you about click bate.
I think that you think hit it on the head, months ago, that we are living in a golden age for physical media. I am about 10 years older than you, grew up watching much of the stuff you discuss, at home, in cut versions on tv (then cable) and movie theaters. I can’t believe all of the great films we have on blu ray and 4k , and amazing graphic design / packaging and all the bonus features, and even books / booklets we’re getting. This is truly a great time to be into tv / cinema (and for that matter, music / cd’s, ….i also collect, and there are some really amazing specialty labels doing great work there too, for old music / classic rock.)
And much to what you’ve already discussed that we as fans should do: I’ve been not only buying films from Amazon, or the occasional trip to Best Buy…. But I’ve been ordering direct from many of the boutique companies directly, to show my support for the great work they’re doing (Kino, Indicator, Severin , Arrow , Synapse and others….)
I’ve been stunned at the complaining videos, and wondered if this might even work against us….. if enough negative videos about the fall of home video were presented, might it start to affect things negatively. People start seeing the videos, and stop buying….. film execs see the videos and turn around and think it’s proof that home media is dead , no fans want it and they stop making it. Particular, after your interviews of Mr. Tribby and Mr. Tarzi….. I have felt very excited about the state of affairs with home media (Columbo on blu ray ! Yeaaaa !!) The naysayers constant doom and gloom, after the interviews you (and others) have had , leave me scratching my head as to where those folks are coming from ?
I never thought I’d see the films we’re seeing in print, nor the truly great bonus features these companies are giving us. Not only am I getting all the films I grew up loving…. I’m starting to experiment / expand with the types of films, directors, actors, etc, and it’s absolutely amazing. There is so much amazing film and tv that is now out there. Again, I can’t say enough how happy I’ve been, with all we’ve been seeing made available.
One case in point is the newest Kino editions of Night Gallery….. the original , uncut editions of the episodes, featurettes about the syndication problems for the series, and all the superb audio commentaries (since you had Amanda Reyes on, I’ve picked up her book for myself and a close friend who is also into physical media.) Again….. we are living in a truly blessed, golden age , to have cleaned up film and tv, with all the thoughtful historical info on the “making of”.
Is it all , to sound “hip”, or do the authors of said videos just have that much ignorant fear, after commentators like yourself and others , are telling us things are in a good place, and interviewing industry insiders are also confirming……. All is well ! ???
Thanks for the timely video……
have a great weekend !
Chris
Johnston RI
when talking about how fortunate we are / how great the physical media scene is today.... how about a box set that should be up for awards as, "best of the year".... I'm talking about the Arrow, Bruce Lee : Golden Harvest Years box. Even without the limited edition, site special art work..... if you so chose, you could get the 4K / blu ray box, that is probably the last word on Bruce Lee. All his Golden Harvest films remastered in 4k for 4k Disc and Blu ray, alternate international cuts of many of the films, 3 hours (???? OMG) of Game of Death Outtakes, dozens of new and old featurettes , the 70's and early 80s Golden Harvest documentaries (I still have Bruce Lee : The Legend , on dvd from the Warner Brothers box set (?) as it has never (at least domestically) been available on blu ray to my knowledge.) Many cut scenes and trailers...... and then of course there is the 4K Enter the Dragon disc from WB, with the 2 cuts of the film....... if the companies didn't think we wanted it, and there was absolutely no future in physical media, why are we getting these incredible box sets ? Where are the naysayers coming from ? What do they hope to achieve by constantly saying "the sky is falling" ?
and as a critical aside, if this box set isn't at least in the running for "release of the year", maybe even winning it, I'll be stunned. It is that good.
Heath, your unscripted videos are the best! Thank you for spotlighting the fallacy of these entertainment issues and always sharing the truth of the matter. Your efforts with this channel mean a lot to a film fan like me.
Just got a cool package from Kino Lorber ...physical media dying.??..don't make me laugh..
My favorite label
Heath, you are my hero. Bless you for your passion and you are so right about all this
I’m w ya on this! Let love for our passions and positivity lead us and long live physical media 🤘
Although I don’t buy at the rate I did back in the DVD heyday, I have never stopped purchasing and acquiring great stuff. And I’ve found amazing films that may never see the light of day on streaming. And the best part? When my Spectrum is down, I have SO much that I can watch. Not to mention the extras. My Oop Criterion copy of Last Year at Marienbad is gorgeous and has fascinating extras. My multiple copies of Carnival of Souls have enough material for an entire evening of viewing. Thanks for your great videos. 🙌🏼
I agree. There has been too many articles, click-bait, forum posts, and videos with people talking about physical media dying. It's simply not true. It's a changing market and there's truth to that part of the story. Dying? Hardly. Sales are up on units for a lot of boutique labels and releases that are limited edition sell out like hotcakes. This year has a plethora of outstanding releases, it's mind boggling. I'm especially happy by the deeper dives coming out from other countries - a lot of martial arts gems, Japanese classics, and other international films are coming out for the first time. Almost everything newly restored in 2K or 4K, tons of supplements, etc. There's no reason for people to talk about the market like it is dying. It is just misunderstood by people who are outsiders and who maybe are not collectors per-se. For those in the industry and for those collecting films, it's a golden era. (Streaming looks worse and worse by the minute, too - with content coming and going more and more and titles being dropped for tax write-offs).
Agree. Still disappointed that streaming has curtailed some Blu-Ray releases such as Seinfeld and seasons after season four of Modern Family. Part of increased sales is 4k releases of prior Blu-Ray releases.
Thanks, Heath. I'm a new viewer of your videos and I appreciate your insight. My first comment seems to have vanished so I'll try again.
I just wanted to say that a ton of great stuff has come out this year that interests me. I've loaded up on the Shaw box sets and other Asian cinema. Lots of amazing stuff is being released. The Tod Slaughter set coming from Indicator is an example. It's not something that would interest most people but as a fan of old horror it's a must-buy for me.
Thanks for posting twice! I'm not sure what happened to the first comment, but I appreciate you persevering.
Hey Heath, your right 2023 is the biggest year for physical media but can't believe stores Inventory Is horrible 😖 It's a on-line physical media year 🏆
It's all online now. Brick and mortar is dead. If you're lucky enough to have a movie or record store, support them all you can!
The "physical media is dying" people failed to learn from the squirrel & nuts fable.
Great rallying call 📣
I don't even let the "physical media is dying" folks get to me to anymore. Why should I listen to people who are either terribly uninformed, or purely out for clicks? Anyone who has checked the release schedules for just the *boutique labels alone* should know, very well, that physical media is not dying. Kino Lorber, Criterion, Shout Factory, Vinegar Syndrome, Severin, etc. are releasing more Blu-rays and 4Ks than I can buy! 🙂
Preach brother, I've been in the physical media game since I got my first VCR at the age of 12 and went wild with VHS in the early 90s. As long as the studios know physical media isn't dying and still release sweet boxsets and collections let em lie.
I have been collecting physical media since 1984 (VHS & Beta Tapes). I will always support physical Media, while Digital downloads and streaming are convenient, the fact is that you do not own them is the issue, a streaming service can remove your favorite programs and Movies.
Digital Download sites like google play can lose the license to your programs/movies and suddenly a movie that you paid for is no longer available for you to watch.
Owning a physical copy of your movies whether it is DVD/Blu-ray or 4K is the only way to ensure that your favorite movies/TV programs are available to you.
We were a Beta house in the early 80s too. Remember how hard it was to find new releases? We had ONE store in the mall that sold Beta video tapes and VHS. Nobody was buying, they were renting. That's where physical media really started and in many ways, that's where we are again, only now it's not hard to find ANYTHING. It's all there for the taking.
You are right, the phisical media isn't dying, at least in USA, but where i live, meaning in Romania, every major movie company stopped selling phisycal media. So we who are few, have to buy movies from other european countries or US. I mostly buy from US but at much bigger prices sadly.
Physical media has been "dying" since the days of the original e-books... And yet, here we are...
One thing worth thinking about - most of these classic films are being PRESERVED on physical media with outstanding restorations. Blu-ray discs will last your entire lifetime and beyond (estimates on Blu-ray discs are 100+ years but no one really knows for sure how long they will last, maybe some will still play 200 years from now). Streaming services can't even keep releases that they produce themselves available for more than a year now on some titles, how is that about film preservation? The streaming services mostly care about producing new/exclusive content and are not about preserving classics at all. Even if you stumble on to a title on a service, it's probably an old 2010 era HD encode or SD/VHS quality master, not a pristine new restoration as is being provided by these companies.
I agree with you, physical media is not dying. Only some companies just pulling out, only forcing ppl use their streaming, in long run will lose and missed out ppl looking at streaming.
. . . and share this video. Don't just shut them down - share the truth.
Thank you!
Well said, Heath.
Bedroom full of DVDs and Blue Rays.
Grew up during the VHS years and understood the importance of being able to customize your entertainment via the disk medium.
Physical media stronger then ever!
Great video once again Heath. This is a great channel and l love checking in. l love my physical media (4Ks now after getting an X Box Series X). l never have enough room to get everything l want but still love collecting - which is why your videos are such a thrill - keep up the good work.
I agree. I’m not going to say that I’m pleased with some physical media releases this year (Paramount), but I’m happy that physical media is alive and well.
Great Video. Physical Media is definitely not going away.. However...there are still dozens of OOP titles , especially in Anime that were released by smaller companies that haven't been picked up again. Some of these Blu Ray or DVDs go for Hundreds on the secondary market. "Eventually" it may happen but for some titles I've been waiting over a decade.
RE: those anime titles, hopefully you've been able to add them to your collection via other means, especially if you've been waiting for over a decade. It might not be ideal, but at least you can enjoy them.
Try and convince Australians that physical media is not dying. Where we just got the announcement that Guardians 3 will be the final Disney blu-ray that will ever come out.
When one company starts getting rid of their media you can bet your life that the rest will follow....
Too many Australians seem to think physical media began and ended with Disney. meanwhile, ViaVision and Umbrella are putting out some of the coolest releases in the world AND many Aussies still have brick and mortar stores where they can walk in and shop for them, which is not something the USA or the UK can say. It's all about perspective.
My PayPal transaction history has fully declared that physical media is definitely breathing 😅😅
I love ya man, and I’m right there with you.
But for some reason, all I kept picturing through this whole thing was Bree in the living room shaking her head as she listened to Heath holler from the basement, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! STOP IT! STOP IT!”
Ha! Bree and I are on the same page. We're done listening to people who seem to exist only to spread negativity. DONE with it. Life is too short. There's too many amazing things out there to let it bring us down.
@@CerealAtMidnight totally agree!
th-cam.com/video/-rD-0tlGGPo/w-d-xo.html
Physical media is an appreciation of great films preserving in upgraded vision and a great hobby of great home entertainment!
Best video ever!!!!!! Thank you Heath!!!
3D Blu ray fans have reason to complain. There’s so many movies that are in 3D in the theaters that either don’t have 3D blu ray releases at all or if they do it’s a foreign release with a prohibitive price
Although of course i get tremendous enjoyment out of my physical media collection, I always worry that the big entertainment companies will cease releasing stuff on physical media and only streaming services instead. That thought is what drives me to constantly speak up and advocate for physical media.
I know how you feel. I saw in my feed a video of some TH-camr saying that physical media is dying. I know it is not but there was that temptation to click on it. I did not click on that video.
Right on! That's how it starts: just refusing to click it.
I think the death of physical media has been long overhyped. You only have to look at the growth of bootlegs. That desire to own it on disc opposed to streaming is not going away, in fact it's growing. I'm not supporting bootlegs but surely in a boardroom somewhere, someone must realise this has all been misjudged? And many movie fans have fallen into The Emperor's New Clothes syndrome. If I'm told it by so many people that it must be true!!! As Heath says physical media is as strong as ever.
Bootleggers aren't the commercial physical media industry. None of the $$$ that goes their way is getting reinvested into acquistion and restoration of legal, new product. Physical media isn't as strong as ever. It was strongest in the prime of the DVD era, this is common knowledge, but most here just seem to want to kid themselves, I'm a collector who feels no need to feign positivity for positivity's sake in the face of an undeniably shrunken industry.
@MoviePalaceOfBlood Errrrr I know what bootlegging is! And that wasn't the point I was making! I'm saying that people are desperate enough to get bootlegs because they want a physical copy of something they fear may never be released. And yes obviously it's dead money because its money not going back into the industry, but that's the studios choice! And discs are not readily available in stores like they once were. But that doesn't mean they are dying off. I'm in England and I have no issue getting discs at all. Yes I shop online as opposed to going to a store, but I'm cool with that.
I will go on record and say that I DO occasionally support bootleggers. When a legitimate product does not exist, alternatives will be available. I fully advocate supporting legit, legal releases but when those don't exist, I will seek things out. I don't understand why so many of these companies have turned a blind eye to the serious $$$ they're losing by not putting some of these titles on disc. Disney's release of The Mandalorian, Wandavision and Loki are 2 years too late and they've lost untold millions by waiting to release them until now. Two years ago, The Mandalorian on 4K and Blu-ray would have been THE Christmas present for the geek in your life.
It warms my heart to know that I'm not the only one to crack open a mic or flip on a camera and just go off-my-head ranting. Bravo.
Now, WHERE'S MY DUCKTALES 2017 BLU-RAYS, DISNEY? ;)
Hell yeah!!! You go Heath ❤
So, then, do you think that physical media is dying? 🤪jejeje
Great video Heath! Physical medial for life 📼
Another thing that bothers me about the physical media vs. streaming landscape is how people act like streaming is perfectly acceptable for major films (from major filmmakers) to be put direct on streaming without even giving theatrical releases anymore on some films. This irks me to no end. Movie theaters carry digital encodes that are ginormous in size (maybe several terabytes of data) for IMAX/XD/Dolby Cinema etc and streaming is simply no comparison - it can't even compare to the quality of Blu-ray/4K discs. Doesn't quality of film presentation matter to streaming services? It's gotten better than it used to be and looks "watchable" of course but that doesn't mean it's in the same league as what a cinema and/or Blu-ray can offer audiences.
The negative talk will always be there in any kind of online clickbait format. I personally love physical media and I really like your videos and I subscribe to your energy and enthusiasm. Here's the thing though, at least in my life -- everyone that sees me buying discs of movies is being often frowned upon to my circle of friends and family. I don't know anyone who keeps a DVD shelf anymore so I feel alone and a bit of quack. Even elderly people who used VHS and never went to DVD are only looking at streaming services or VOD linear broadcast TV. Especially lately it's been the former as more people opt for an Internet TV package that only has access to streaming services and no access to regular cable TV channels and fast internet. :( .. as for me I will continue to buy and grow my 4k collection!
That's how it used to be too, though, before the DVD boom. People used to rent, not buy. Only the weirdos like us actually BOUGHT movies. That's what it's gone back to, but instead of renting from Blockbuster, they stream it. It started as a fringe pursuit, and that's where we are again. We were always a niche group.
The haters will eventually be right, just not in their lifetime, and they will be long gone before they see their prophesy come to pass.
Hmm. For a format that is dying I seem to be having an awful lot of trouble every month finding the money to buy all the releases I am interested in.... because there are so many of them! Weird that a dying format presents such a problem and forcing me to prioritise. And I buy a LOT of physical media and spend a decent amount of money....and I still don't get near anywhere the amount of things I am interested in each month! Great video Heath.
I've been hearing this for years physical media should have died 10 years ago but here we are still collecting and companies still producing physical media. I would say the streaming bubble is about to collapse once you raise prices they will lose millions of subscribers.
I do wonder if there is too much physical media and will it all sell or is there a saturation point?
Fair point! We're arguably already at a saturation point because there's way more coming out than we can afford. But if these companies can survive over the next 10 years, I think the longevity will be there. Once the fire hose has stopped, keeping these releases in print will help the longevity of the medium. Accessibility is critical.
I love physical I have over 6000 movies and 500 games ❤ you rock keep it up
Look at 88 Films or Arrow's release slate. So much physical media. 😍
I know physical media will be here at least until I'm no longer here. Love your Batusi t-shirt. Where can I get one.
Thanks! The Batusi shirt was one of those "24 hour only" shirts from one of the websites like TeeFury, I think. Maybe it's still around somewhere. I love it.
I feel like "physical media is dying" narrative is working well for companies. The fear mindset lets them a) earn more money- you're buying more stuff out of FOMO b) looks good - they still putting stuff out in shrinking market. If people feel that physical media are good there is no rush for consumers to get new stuff also it shifts power from companies to custumers. It shifts I'll give you what I want and you'll be grateful for it dynamic to I need to make an effirt and custom to your wants so you'll give me what I need one
Heath I am actually doing a Zoom seminar for my clients on how to navigate the "new news", whether it written by AI or 80% click bait. It has gotten horrendous. When my wife sees a headline for an article, we can now predict that the conclusion with be the reverse of the headline. Joe
It's very true, and I wish you all the best with your Zoom seminar. I fear journalism truly is dead; the outlets that report on the truth in a responsible fashion are practically invisible now. News has become entertainment, and truth, integrity, and fair reporting seems all but dead.
Dear Cereal At Midnight, you are without a doubt, one of my favorites! I am 23 and have been collecting physical media for about seven years. I'm always excited when I see a classic film getting a new release. Real quick, have you by any chance seen the 1960-1974 Tv show Callan, or the film Breaker Morant? Both starring the late great Edward Woodward. Thanks again for your awesome channel!
Thanks! Yes to Breaker Morant, but I haven't seen Callan, but I know about it, but I haven't seen it yet. My Woodward era begins with The Equalizer. By the way, super cool that you're only 23 and you're into Callan! You rule.
Dear@@CerealAtMidnight, I haven't been on my TH-cam for a while. Didn't even read your comment till today! Thanks for such an awesome comment. My mom raised me on Shirley Temple and Doo Wop. As a young woman living in this day and age, classic tv and films help keep me sane. Keep safe and God bless!☺
did u see that disney is pulling physical media from australia?
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some stores are getting rid of physical media all together which so sad or there making the phyiscal media department smaller so less choices
Brick and mortar is dead. We'll continue to see a decline of discs in stores, but it's all gone online now. No store could stock the 60-100 new releases that come out every week.
@@CerealAtMidnight yes it does go online which is good but it will cost u more to buy it online
No, it costs more in stores. There are incredible sales online just about every week. Buy directly from the companies you care about.
@@CerealAtMidnight no your wrong and it has cost me more money online buying DVDs then in stores by the way