As a movie aficionado and DVD collector, I have always wondered if there will ever be a renaissance in DVD collecting, similar to vinyl records. My plan was to write a think piece on the future of DVD collecting, but Chris Stokel-Walker at Wired did an excellent job discussing the DVD economy. I will attach the link to his article below, along with some recent statistics on DVD sales. While I encourage you to read his article, I will provide a quick synopsis below.
In essence, despite the rise of streaming services, DVDs and Blu-rays continue to be produced, with Technicolor expecting to print and ship 750 million discs in 2021. Surprisingly, those aged 25 to 39 are more likely to watch DVDs than older generations. Many collectors still hoard DVDs and Blu-rays because they see them as a sign of their identity and personality, as well as a curated collection where each item represents a choice they made. DVD collectors also fear the possibility that streaming services can remove popular shows and movies without much notice. While some believe that DVDs may undergo a renaissance similar to that experienced by vinyl or cassette tapes, others recognize that DVDs are becoming increasingly worthless, and streaming is more convenient and economical. However, for committed collectors, DVDs continue to hold a sentimental value that streaming services cannot replace. Additionally, the data on Statista shows that although DVD collecting isn't as popular as it once was, it still generates good revenue. In 2022 alone, Spider-Man: No Way Home generated 8.97 million US dollars and Jurassic World: Dominion generated 7.55 million US dollars, which is pretty impressive even though they are the two top grossing movies in DVD sales.
As a DVD collector, I believe this is especially true. Although DVDs are becoming increasingly worthless, there is a sentimental attachment that comes from having a horde of DVDs. Additionally, while streaming services may offer instant access to many movies, DVDs offer cinephiles and movie buffs more options. For example, Miramax's Dogma (1999) might never be on streaming, but with a DVD, any Kevin Smith completionist will be able to watch it. Another example is The Specials (2000), written by James Gunn, which has a great cast. These movies will probably never be on streaming services because not many people have heard of them, and they are not standout films on Kevin Smith's or James Gunn's roster. However, with DVDs, movie enthusiasts can see the films that helped filmmakers home in on their filmmaking skills. By the way, I own both of these movies :)
DVD Sales Revenue Data :https://www.statista.com/statistics/187020/dvd-sales-revenue-in-the-us-in-2010/
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