TBD | The Blu-Ray-naissance Is Here. Sort of.
Digest
This episode of What Next TBD explores the resurgence of physical media, specifically focusing on the growing market for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs. Despite the decline of DVD sales, these higher quality formats are experiencing a rise in popularity, particularly among Gen Z collectors. The episode highlights the scarcity mindset driving this trend, as consumers fear content being removed from streaming services. The episode also discusses the role of boutique labels in filling the gap left by Best Buy's decision to stop selling DVDs and Blu-rays. The episode concludes by examining the potential for the movie industry to learn from the success of vinyl records, which have seen a significant resurgence in recent years. The episode suggests that the movie industry could benefit from embracing physical media and offering more value-added features, such as bonus content and exclusive packaging, to attract collectors.
Outlines
Introduction and Sponsor Message
This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, which is the potential for a comeback of physical media in a world dominated by streaming. It also features a sponsor message from Progressive, highlighting the benefits of bundling home and auto insurance policies.
The Resurgence of Physical Media
This Chapter delves into the surprising growth of the market for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs, despite the decline of DVD sales. It explores the reasons behind this trend, including the scarcity mindset among consumers, the rise of Gen Z collectors, and the role of boutique labels in filling the gap left by major retailers. The chapter also discusses the high quality and value-added features offered by these formats, such as remastering, bonus content, and exclusive packaging.
Lessons from Vinyl Records
This Chapter examines the parallels between the resurgence of vinyl records and the growing market for physical movie discs. It highlights the similarities in consumer demand for physical copies, the role of boutique labels in catering to niche audiences, and the importance of offering value-added features. The chapter also discusses the potential for the movie industry to learn from the success of vinyl records and embrace physical media as a viable and valuable format.
The Future of Physical Media and Streaming
This Chapter explores the future of physical media and streaming, acknowledging the complexities of the relationship between the two formats. It highlights the value of streaming for accessibility and convenience, while also recognizing the importance of physical media for ownership, quality, and a sense of connection to the art. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for the movie industry to find a way to integrate these two formats cohesively to ensure the continued growth and enjoyment of film.
Keywords
Blu-ray
Blu-ray is a high-definition optical disc format for storing digital data, including movies, television shows, and video games. It offers significantly higher storage capacity and picture quality compared to DVD. Blu-ray discs are typically used for physical media releases of movies and other video content, providing a high-quality viewing experience.
4K Ultra HD
4K Ultra HD is a video resolution standard that offers four times the resolution of 1080p HD, resulting in incredibly sharp and detailed images. 4K Ultra HD discs are a physical media format that allows for the playback of 4K content, providing a premium viewing experience. These discs are becoming increasingly popular among consumers who value high-quality video and audio.
Gen Z
Gen Z refers to the generation born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. This generation is known for its digital fluency, social media savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit. Gen Z is also increasingly interested in physical media, particularly for collecting and owning items that hold sentimental value.
Scarcity Mindset
The scarcity mindset is a psychological phenomenon that describes the tendency for individuals to place a higher value on items that are perceived as rare or limited in availability. This mindset is often driven by a fear of missing out or a desire to possess something unique. In the context of physical media, the scarcity mindset is contributing to the growing demand for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs, as consumers fear that content will be removed from streaming services.
Boutique Labels
Boutique labels are independent film distributors that specialize in releasing niche or cult films, often focusing on high-quality restorations, special features, and limited edition releases. These labels play a significant role in the physical media market, catering to collectors and enthusiasts who seek out unique and hard-to-find films. Examples of boutique labels include Criterion Collection, Kino Lorber, and Vinegar Syndrome.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are analog sound recordings that are played on a turntable. They have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, driven by a desire for a more tactile and immersive listening experience. Vinyl records often feature bonus tracks, exclusive artwork, and limited edition variants, adding to their collectible value.
Streaming Services
Streaming services are online platforms that allow users to access and watch movies, TV shows, and other video content on demand. Examples of popular streaming services include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Streaming services have revolutionized the way people consume media, offering convenience and accessibility.
Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is a renowned film director known for his visually stunning and intellectually stimulating films, such as Inception, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar. Nolan is a vocal advocate for the theatrical experience and has expressed concerns about the impact of streaming on the film industry.
Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola is an acclaimed film director known for his iconic films, including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and The Conversation. Coppola is a respected figure in the film industry and has been a vocal critic of the current state of Hollywood.
Q&A
Why is the market for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs growing despite the decline of DVD sales?
The market for these higher quality formats is growing due to a combination of factors, including the scarcity mindset among consumers who fear content being removed from streaming services, the rise of Gen Z collectors who value physical copies, and the role of boutique labels in filling the gap left by major retailers.
What are some of the key differences between Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs and DVDs?
Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs offer significantly higher storage capacity and picture quality compared to DVDs. They also often include bonus content, remastered audio, and exclusive packaging, making them more appealing to collectors.
What lessons can the movie industry learn from the resurgence of vinyl records?
The movie industry can learn from the success of vinyl records by embracing physical media and offering more value-added features, such as bonus content, exclusive packaging, and limited edition variants. This approach can attract collectors and create a sense of ownership and connection to the art.
How do you think the movie industry is treating the physical media industry?
The movie industry seems to be somewhat ambivalent about physical media, with some studios embracing it while others seem more focused on streaming. The high cost of producing 4K Ultra HD discs and the short time between theatrical releases and streaming availability may be contributing to this ambivalence.
What is your overall outlook on the future of physical media?
While the future of physical media is uncertain, the growing demand for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD discs suggests that there is still a market for high-quality physical copies. The love of collecting and the desire for ownership may help to sustain this market, especially as streaming services become more expensive and less reliable.
Show Notes
The downsides of the streaming era are coming into focus for movie fans—uncontrollable, changing libraries; lower fidelity; lack of extras and features. Can all of these be solved with a return to physical media?
Guest: Ash Nelson, journalist and author of “The Lost Art of the DVD Extra” for Slate.
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Podcast production by Evan Campbell, Patrick Fort, and Cheyna Roth.
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