Physical media, specifically movies, has been reduced to a relic of the past because of the “streaming wars.” Convenience has made watching movies and TV shows much easier, yet streaming restricts users to its catalog and policies (Depending on the site). Streaming has several downsides compared to physical media, such as monthly costs, needing an internet connection, time-sensitive licensed content, and more. In my eyes, owning physical copies of the movies you love eliminates all the disadvantages of streaming and its practices.
Here are a few reasons to get back into physical media.
Different Cuts
Streaming platforms typically run theatrical releases of movies, yet some services carry different cuts of films depending on licensing rights. For example, Disney+ only shows the most up-to-date special edition of Star Wars to stream. If you are interested in watching the original theatrical versions of Star Wars, then your best bet is on physical media.
Likewise, select movies can have extended or director’s cuts that give more content and different iterations of a film. Films like Blade Runner or Lord of the Rings have multiple editions that are occasionally found on streaming. Yet, the varying editions can be easily accessible by a physical copy you keep without any streaming alteration. Ultimately, you can choose and own your preferred version of a film without settling for a streaming choice. You build and are in control of your collection.
Curating a Personal Collection
In addition to finding your preferred version and viewing experience, you also curate a collection of the films and shows you love. This is the heart of keeping a physical media collection because you can rewatch and keep the entertainment that personally resonated with you. Moreover, you can explore the different mediums of film, such as VHS, Blu-Ray, DVD, and 4K, which also curate your viewing experience. For instance, if you grew up at the height of Blockbuster, then you might be nostalgic for the VHS packaging and grain film quality. Maybe your family has collected DVDs throughout your life, and you carry that tradition.
Creating a collection can carry a physical sentimental value instead of constantly scrolling through streaming services. For example, you can find copies of movies online, at retailers, secondhand, from bookstores, through friends, and more. You choose the films you want to keep in your preferred format and curate your viewing experience. Moreover, some copies can carry a story behind them, like the last copy of a film at Barnes & Noble, a personal gift, etc. In essence, the films you keep and collect can feel like an extension of you and your personal taste. You are not limited to the viewing experience and catalog of streaming services.
No Locked Content
In my opinion, one of the biggest disadvantages of streaming is following specific policies and catalogs. For example, streaming services can cut episodes or limit the amount of seasons of TV shows on their network. For instance, NBC’s Brooklyn 99’s first four seasons are only available on Netflix, while all of its seasons are on Peacock. Another prime example is Arrested Development, which Netflix acquired and exclusively hosts and created its third and seasons.
Additionally, if you are only subscribed to one service, you are stuck with their catalog and subscription plan for however long you decide. This can lead to locked content like Hulu’s basic subscription plan, which blocks all network hubs unless you pay for a higher subscription. Likewise, you can experience ads depending on your subscription level and service. Services like that can air as many ads as they want and update their user interface at any moment. With physical media, you are free to curate and own your personal movie collection without the interference of streaming or other external problems.
Ownership
Lastly, physical media is yours to own. Besides watching films, you can resell, gift, preserve, lend, and rewatch your personal films—no worry about missing films from your watch list or missing out on different editions of movies. You are free to enjoy all of the additional content your movies provide. Physical releases of films can also be a luxury through film boutique labels specializing in prestige physical releases.
Take film distributors like Criterion or Arrow Films. Both companies are film distributors that restore classic and modern films while giving consumers additional commodities. You can enjoy exclusive posters, film essays, personalized box sets, exclusive director’s commentary, and more. Besides presentation, film copies can be an exclusive commodity that cannot be enjoyed through basic streaming services. You have a wider range of formats and editions that can improve your viewing and personal experience.
Conclusion
Streaming won’t go away any time soon because most people no longer need physical media. However, creating a personal collection is valuable if you love and connect with films. Streaming constantly changes its catalog, which can no longer be of any issues with your curated collection. You can enjoy all the films you want with no streaming restrictions and enjoy a personalized film release. Physical movies cater to the viewing and ownership experience which is why I think you should stick to physical media.