Unscripted: Streaming, Mergers, and The Future of Physical Media
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- Опубликовано: 18 май 2021
- Heath has some unscripted and unedited thoughts about the state of physical media in 2021 and beyond, the role of streaming, and and what corporate media mergers mean for us as cinephiles and pop culture fans. You may be surprised at where this goes! Play the Cereal At Midnight Drinking Game at home and take a shot every time Heath says "I don't know."*
*Do not attempt.
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Makes me sad to see where media is going. I love physical. No one in my life understands it, but I do, and that’s all that matters.
There is actually a point in this video where Heath does a good job describing in words why we love physical media. He said something along line of physical media being a a tangible manifestation of our love/passion for something. I probably didn't say it exactly how he said it; but when he said it I realized he expressed my feelings into words, something I haven't been able to do myself.
This is why I break my bank buying all the arrow, kino lorber & mill creek releases! I will always support these companies!!
Me too...Add in also Olive Films, Shout Factory/Scream Factory, Full Moon Features, Vestron Flashback, MVD Rewind...😁💿📀
DVDs then Blu Rays were more for movie buffs while streaming is for non-committed, casual watchers. I'm in a nursing home learning to walk again and the other patients have their cable tv and go around the dial literally hundreds of times a day while I have my portable Blu Ray player, projector and blu rays. I have a room to myself so I watch my movies on the wall, which was why I said no to a tv. 5 nurses aides have told me that they are going to buy a Blu Ray player so I have done my part for physical media. Last month the cable was out for a week and there was total bedlam except in my room where I have my movies. I am a child of the 70s, when there were 3 VHF channels and 2 UHF channels here in Boston. Sundays were the worst because stores were closed and the only shows on tv were nature shows and political shows. Streaming customers will be sorry when their wifi conks out and they'll know what the 70s were like.
“ The Collection is a side effect of my movie passion!” Boy did I relate to that one. 😂
I think the biggest worry is not the loss of being able to watch a film, it's the increased cost of owning it. For me as a casual movie fan and living outside the USA, the shrinking of the secondary market and loss of variety of big box retailers carrying films just makes trying to collect movies too expensive.
Something I've been asking myself more and more as the collection grows and the walls close in is "why do I need to own this?" For some things, I definitely want to own. For others, it's just costing me space and bringing me no joy. My mentality is shifting as I get older and I see less need to own as much as I once did. Can you tell I've been talking to The Comic Book Savant?
@@CerealAtMidnight I know what you mean. I realized I was buying things I'd like to read or it was just a good price. I wasn't reading much at all. I ended up selling a few things last fall and haven't missed them and then made a list of what I'd like to own going forward. I find now I'm buying things I love and enjoy more now than I was in the past.
"We're okay." That sums it up well, and couldn't help but agree. Fear is such a motivator for the negativity that exists in not just our little corner, but everywhere. Always good to be positive about it all; physical media, streaming, etc. I'm happy that we are in a time where we can have such wonderful things, but it hasn't come to an end yet and it's not anytime soon. Thanks for making this Heath, cheers my friend!
The media makes big bucks off of dividing us and making us feel fear. Fear between political parties (if political parties even truly exist anymore...food for thought), and we're much easier to control when we're distracted and divided. But I really do believe with all my heart, "we're okay."
@@CerealAtMidnight Unfortunately it is the sad truth. It is much easier to keep up distracted and divided, to play on our fears. I am an optimist myself, and all I can do is just that (and also use my money to vote for what I enjoy, haha!).
I saw blank VHS tapes at my Walmart a few months back. Lol.
My biggest issue I see is that as less and less people buy physical media like compact discs and blu-rays, the harder and harder it's getting for me to find used product at thrift/reseller stores to save money. I can't afford to buy everything I want new so used has always been the way to go for me. A lot of music is only released digitally already with no physical release. It's going to become very costly to collect in my opinion.
Thanks Heath for another great topic conversation! I am a collector as well and I truly believe that physical media will still be here long after we're gone. I remember when blockbuster and Hollywood video closed down and everyone said back then that physical media is dying! I remember having a few dvd's at my house but actually that's one of the reasons I started collecting! I also remember my mom taking me to my first movie What's up doc and my dad taking me to Grease, and ever since I have been a movie fanatic. That's the beauty of this art, film, passion and great stories, and people like you that always keep us informed and having the passion you have for movies!
This video has made me think is it wise to ever blind buy something even if it's something highly recommended, maybe only movies that you have seen that you will know you will watch many times over.
Thanks for this Heath. Its always great to see your positive point of view on the subject.
Greatly appreciate your perspective! Rational and reasonable as always. Definitely glad you are out here promoting the love of movies.
I love the message in this video and the format!!!
Love this post particularly. I like getting the 360 panorama view of the subject. I love learning about movie release & collecting info that's new to me. Thanks! & keep offering up your unique picks & recommendations. I might not like every one of them. But there is tremendous value for me to being exposed to new movie & TV experiences. Thanks for fighting the good fight!
The problem arises when movies disappear. This is especially true for less popular "foreign" movies. A good portion of movies in my collection are not available on a legitimate streaming site. What happens when my out-of-print DVD of a movie gets scratched or glitches out? Can't watch it anymore . . . ever. The pool of available films continues to shrink.
This is why I have slowly been backing up my collection on hard drives
@@karsonphillips9329 - Very true. I should start doing that. Of course, that won't help someone who wants to explore these movies (for the first time) in the future.
@@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast yeah it will be interesting to see what happens!
As an old fogie that's still rocking a 65" Rear Projection TV that does not have HDMI inputs, I got the "fear" a couple years ago realizing the difficulty of finding a Blu-ray player with component outputs. The fear was gone when I realized I could often pick one up for about $10 when thrifting for movies at Goodwill. I have a few on the shelf now, anytime one dies, I just grab another... Eventually the TV will die and I'll get one of those new-fangled flatscreens (LOL), till then, I'm good. :)
This was a very needed and refreshing positive video. Thanks!
Great video, with some great thoughts on physical media. Ageee with you that no matter the changes with companies, streaming services etc. there will always still be a level of physical media out there, and nothing to be fearful of.
I love Vinyl records and cassettes alike! I have several hundred of each! I listen to them often and I keep them clean so they will continue to last the test of time!
Heath I have been watching the channel for a while and have really enjoyed your content. But your mission statement makes me even more of a fan, and so proud to be not just a physical media collector but a film and TV fan. Your mission statement should be the mission statement for all of us who love cinema. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Heath. Because of you, Aaron Pynn, and a few other Tubers I have discovered not just movies, but whole genres that were never on my radar until highlighted by you guys. Thank you so much.
I love this. Thank you so much. This is the best compliment you could ever give me.
We’re all alright! We’re all alright!
-a certain Mill Creek Blu-ray of mine
"Hangin' out, down the street, same ol' thing we did last week!" Cheap Trick knows what's up.
All the Best Buys in my area have stopped selling blu-rays and 4k's ... everything have to be bought online now. SAD!
Love the unscripted format!
Thank u Heath on info about Vcr in production ! My bad for not keeping up on that stuff. Guess I'm a johnny come lately on keeping up on things thx again
Where do you keep all your stuff? How about a full collection tour?
From what I’ve seen those videos are so Patrons only. :/
Yes, there are ten hours of collection tours on Patreon and about 90 videos that are only on Patreon as well. Top level support is only $7, so we've set the price low so that everyone can be a part of our inner circle if they want to help us grow the channel and hit our long-term goals. We happily share around three videos a week here for free, but there's a lot more out there for those that are interested!
I’m Gen Z but I really appreciate physical media , and I also sometimes use streaming services to watch old and newer shows I’m into. :)
Good for you! It means you can see the art of it. I am gen X, but I still watch movies from before I was born, because I see the art of it.
Keep it up!
@@realdarthplagueis Thanks ! and I’m currently into older shows and movies and more current ones as well.
Never been this early love the channel just found it recently Yes I totally agree I have my own small collection 📀 having your own personal catalog is perfect
Very interesting video and topic. I've noticed for me, for the 3rd time in 2021, a pre order I've placed cannot be fulfilled because the Movie is out of stock literally within 2 days of release. Clearly there's isn't enough physical copies being made for the demand, which could be covid related too, but I think there will always be a boutique label who will licence what we want to buy... Hopefully 🤞🏻💿
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! I used to be that guy that was anti-streaming and "look how nobody respects us. Let's go to war!". Then one day I woke up and realized how toxic the online community was and how it was a total circle j&*k. I also realized how great we actually have it. Seriously, think how many boutique labels there are releasing pretty much anything someone would want? These are the good old days, yet people still complain. I have slowly been distancing myself from those toxic online groups and I have to say your channel entered my life at the exact right time. The positive, but realistic outlook on the scene is such a breath of fresh air. Keep it up!!!
Thank you Nathan! I appreciate your encouraging words and your perspective. If people would stop worrying so much, more of us could enjoy the bounty that we're being offered as fans of movies (not of discs), and celebrate them and share them with as many people as we can. There are now four or five disc versions of most of the movies we could ever want. If it all went away tomorrow, and if there was a fire and we lost our discs, we could still find them uncut and unaltered online through unofficial channels. Nothing can ever truly be locked away in this digital age. Keep calm and enjoy the ride, I say.
@@CerealAtMidnight exactly
In regards to your mission statement you have done that for me. I sought out and watched the jungle jim movies because of your channel. It was something that was not on my radar but am so happy I watched them so thanks
Fantastic! I love hearing this. Those Jungle Jim movies are so much fun, and you're right, not many movie fans (let alone RUclipsrs) were talking about them. I'm happy to shine a light on darker areas of pop culture past. I'm not done with them, either, and will be doing a Jungle Jim episode at some point in the future. Thanks for the kind feedback, Brendon.
Great video. I said this recently on a livestream and a interview I did. I never thought of myself as a collector as well. I'm happy to be a dinosaur.
haha.
I'll just support/buy releases I love.
Good video. Lots of good physical media movies coming out every week it seems. Most of them are Blurays vs 4k. It will be a long time before they stop releasing movies on disc.
The only thing that depresses me is how the new generations (not everyone of course) seemingly don't care. It's all about the convenience. There's this frivolous, casual attitude about everything that I just don't understand. We like to revist things but it seems like it's one and done for a lot of people now. I now know people that have never owned physical media in their life straight down to books and don't care one bit about it. That's depressing.
I'm glad I bought CDs of the music I like because it gave me access to an uncompressed copy that I could rip and remaster myself. I spent 15 years doing that and now I have over 14,000 songs that are fully restored and remastered by me. That collection is what I listen to and no streaming service has them, only me. There is some new music I like well enough to buy the CD but only a few a year so it's easy to keep up with the task of remastering them and adding them to the collection. The cool thing is if a new file format comes out that's better than .mp3 or anything we have now, I still have the .wav files so I can encode them again without any quality loss to the new format.
Been wondering what your thoughts are on Donnie Darko, love your videos man and love the fact you take the time to respond and engage with fans on here!
Short answer: I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda strange.
Long answer: I like Donnie Darko, but Bree REALLY loves it. She revisits it a lot more than I do. I can't remember which cut she prefers. Theatrical, I think?
I don't know why I still have these things, but I enjoy having them! And yes I have Netflix & Amazon Prime so I'm not against steaming! Love your channel man!
I've experienced a lot of financial burnout trying to keep up with boutique blu-ray prices to the point where I've had to cut back
Completely understand!
@@CerealAtMidnight not paying $30 for a movie that might be a dud. I can go to big lots and buy a bunch of stuff for that price
Well spoken
I was watching a guy on the bus watching The Good the Bad and the Ugly on his cell phone ....if this is the future we need help..
@Terry.W
Get real, he's travelling on public transport so of course he's watching a movie on his mobile phone. What do you expect him to do then, carry a large 50 inch monitor around with him everywhere he goes?
THAT’S ME!! Yes I have a collection and it’s growing, but that’s a side effect of me wanting to be able to see movies I love in the best possible A/V, to not worry about it being recut for whatever reason, and to not pay for them in perpetuity. I think I’ve mentioned it in these conversations before, as a filmmaker myself constantly renegotiating distribution and trying to get funding or to find a home for projects, the future is not bright. Yes in the old method the cream on. The top was thin and hard to be part of, but the methods for indie creatives at various levels did mean you’d get paid and you could do the next one. It’s so much harder now. The gatekeepers and walls to being a financially like, not successful really, but making enough money to keep creating. Yes you can get a distrib to take your movie easier now, but that doesn’t mean anyone will see it or you’ll make back your investment. You are 100% right as far as creative formula. When I say I’m a documentary filmmaker I always brace myself for the Making of a Murderer reference. Last thought on physical media for me is, there are still hundreds of movies I love that I don’t own that are out there on disc. I have more to add to my collection than I’ll probably ever be able to buy. If you ever want to do a show on that side of all of this, from a filmmaker perspective hit me up. I got stories....
For me. due to space, I've come to only have my BD/UHD readily on the shelf. I still cherish the TV shows and odd movies I still keep on DVD, but there's no longer room on the shelves.
The heartbreaker for me was having to put my Doctor Who DVD collection in a bin. It still irks me, but at least I know they're there. Sure, they're not on my shelf anymore, but I know I have them and I know where they are. I'll never give-up those stupid/wonderful DVDs.
Great topic. Thanks for sharing, Heath.
Hi Heath! I definitely agree with what your saying in this video. I still have VHS & Beta tapes, which I never watch! It's nostalgia! I still have a Sony Betamax player
As collectors of physical media, we are ARCHIVISTS protecting movies from the whims of politically correct cancel culture or the limited attention spans of future generations that may not collect physical media.
We are like Irish monks during the Dark Ages (as examined in the book 'How the Irish Saved Civilization) that protected and transcribed Greek and Latin writings and discoveries during times when knowledge was being burned and destroyed.
Preach!!
If it makes you happy to do it, go for it, but there are thousands of people ripping their discs to plex servers and uploading that content to peer to peer servers and newsgroups and private blogs. All these movies are swirling around in ones and zeroes, safe from censorship and editing. Just because something isn't on streaming or on a disc doesn't mean it's gone. Information lasts forever.
@@CerealAtMidnight Until it doesn't.
www.google.com/search?q=dr+evil&rlz=1CAHKDC_enUS876&sxsrf=ALeKk02awa0yU9-ec9fHEBCTU4Gw3PVe-Q:1621451849742&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=sRwGNEvOXwmi7M%252Cy77vtmtv9Lu63M%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kR55xbwcT5VfnxM00m33t9ZvyCA1Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjIopjsutbwAhWjW98KHU8pCZ8Q_h16BAgLEAE&biw=1366&bih=665#imgrc=BLypBTEoDiiTuM
@@CerealAtMidnight 🤣😂😆
You know what I liked most about this video and the way you framed this topic? You did not promote a sense of panic. You did not make us all feel as if we needed to don riot gear, grab our wallets, run to the nearest store and buy EVERYTHING before it disappears. You know how many people on RUclips do that? Like, everyone. This is the first video I've watched about this topic that was calm, relaxed, practical and natural. Thank you for that because I'm so sick of people in this community panicking, hauling, hoarding and broadcasting needless harried proclamations about physical media dying, like, yesterday.
I think I'm getting too old to get particularly worked up about anything. We're all alright, and we've got so much at our fingertips. Streaming to explore and experiment, disc options if we want to buy and own, and access to more of movie history than any past generation. Seriously, film fans in the past had to beg, borrow, cheat, and steal to see certain movies. They had to go to screenings, or record a late night broadcast on video cassette, or even collect battered 35 mm prints. Now studios are like "here ya go!" and people are still fearful and angry. Time to pump the brakes and enjoy the here and now.
@@CerealAtMidnight 100% agreed! Film/TV fans have it so good right now. We're literally spoiled for choice.
@@CerealAtMidnight Examples: Goldeneye: The Secret Of Ian Fleming is still not on DVD or Blu-ray for the first time. The two part TV movie, The Brotherhood Of The Rose I have it on VHS, got it at Tower Records. It was near when DVD was going to come out for the first time. But it heavily cut here and there. Still no DVD or Blu-ray for the first time. Will these two ever come out on DVD or Blu-ray at a ok price here in the U.S., who knows. Maybe other countries have it on DVD or Blu-ray. Even on streaming for people who like streaming. Are they one of those movies they don't think people will watch it in any format. So it looks like it lost some where. IF you ever heard of Tai Seng, they were a South San Francisco Chinese home media company here in the San Francisco BAY Area. They were the ones that imported all the Hong Kong movies and DVD(when it were All Region} here to sell at mom and pop Chinese video/media stores. They also got the domestic rights to release Hong Kong and China TV series here for sale. but like in 2010 or 2011 suddenly they were going out of business for what ever reason. Stores were selling their things away cheap. Now there no one that import official Hong Kong Blu-rays and DVDs are R3. I hear people in China and Hong Kong are way more into streaming. There not that much DVD/Blu-ray stores. The ones that are around , one has to see which has the movie you want that on Blu-ray or they they all don't have it in stock. The stores don't carry that much either on a movie like 1-3 only and that it. So If a person knows someone that going to HK it would good to ask him or her to look for that one or two movies. One really wants. Yeah there yesasia.com and dddhouse.com. These days most Chinese DVDs are copies of the the official ones either from Blu-ray or DVD. Sold at stores for 5.00. The TV series are like 4.00 a disc. No idea who doing that or what company. Well that my views and what I know on this area.
Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the future of physical media. Yesterday, today and even tomorrow physical media is central to cinema and the dissemination of culture in general. Physical media brings the cinematographic and audiovisual heritage to life, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Physical media also contributes to the economy of an entire industry: from rights holders to technical and artistic laboratories, from creative agencies to press officers. In this period of confinement that we have just experienced where TV and streaming have gained loyalty and new audiences, it is important to remember that all forms of broadcasting should work with each other, and not with each other against others. Streaming is not intended to replace physical media. I think that all are intended to co-exist and complement each other. Contrary to what some people say about physical media it will still live, work, breathe and even develop for many future generations to come.
Great summary. One of the main areas where physical media is definitely still very relevant is international cinema, since a lot of these films simply aren't easily available anywhere else.
Plus, a lot of distributors are now releasing boxsets of remastered versions with a lot of bonus material, so you basically get a crash course in cultural history in addition to the film itself.
I got the Animal House 4k, really enjoyed it!
Just remember that only 2 manufacturers were making laserdiscs (Image & Pioneer) and was a small niche market. That lasted right up to DVD. If people want a movie on disc someone will make it. People like us will never cave to streaming, I will never stream movies (TV shows on occasion but that’s all) because I don’t want to be part of the numbers in “favor” of streaming. I treat streaming as the new cable TV. I’ll never “buy” digital either. Think of all the power the servers use for streaming and digital. Disc is better. I still use a portable CD player! 😀
I just think it's a great time to be a fan of TV and movies. I'm completely format agnostic. I just pick the format that suits me most for that content at that moment. In the last few months, I've watched tons of stuff on streaming (on a variety of screens), I've bought a few movies digitally, and one TV series, I've purchased a big stack of Blu-Rays, and two TV shows on DVD. I enjoyed all the formats. And a lot of it was stuff I never thought I'd see, or see again.
I'm with you on supporting and buying physical media on and on. Greetings from Sweden!
The main problem I have with a movie being only on streaming is the issues that come with streaming IMO, such as the quality/bandwidth suffering, offering a lower quality streaming version of the film than the one available on the disc, network/server connection issues that interrupt the movie, movies coming and going off of one service and onto another, or disappearing from streaming altogether. That is why I prefer physical media, and until streaming is more reliable and fixes issues like these, that will not change for me. (though yes, I do often use streaming in a similar way like you said: If I have not seen the film before and I am not quite sure if I will like it enough to want to buy it, I will watch it on streaming first and if I decide that I do like it, I will then go find it on disc)
Plus, what if internet down. Further, some streaming not only moves from one stream to another but disappears. Best bet is record via a Haupague device.
Enjoyed the video and your insights into the future of physical media.
I subscribe to the philosophy of the late Michael Crichton: The future is unknowable.
Thus, it's pointless to fret about a future we can't possibly predict. Enjoy what we have today and let tomorrow bring whatever it brings. We'll adjust as we always have.
Thank you for this video and commentary.
I am hard core Cinephile and proud of it.
Long Live Physical Media🤘🏻
Definitely see boutique labels as where we'll see physical media of movies continue. Will continue to support Criterion and Arrow for prestige releases, Kino for deep back catalogue pulls, Blue Underground, Synapse, and Vinegar Syndrome for those cult hits. Am I concerned about mergers? Definitely, consolidation is never good for a market, I don't like Discover taking WB, or Amazon potentially eating up MGM, but there isn't a lot to do besides show support for those physical back catalogues.
I am of the opinion, that this isn’t really like anything before. This is about studios taking FULL control of all of their catalogs, and making money off of them in perpetuity. We are approaching an age where you WILL NOT own anything. You will RENT everything that you want. No more “buying” of digital movies and music either. You want to listen to a song, or watch a TV show? You pay a rental fee PERIOD. The studios have been handed what they have always wanted, on a silver platter. The same goes for gaming: you will not be TRADING or BORROWING anything from friends. They know that you WILL pay, once all of your options are gone. This is part of a much larger conversation that people continually tuck their heads into the sand over, because no one wants to admit that the future, as far as physical media is concerned, SUCKS. The simple fact is that even though there WILL be a market for physical media, studios will STILL make MORE money by streaming, and it gives them 100% control over content.
Yeah, I agree. Of course, I don't want anyone to lose their job and I'd love to have the option of owning any movie in its best format, but I'm just glad that most movies I'd want are out there in some physical format. If I have to have something on VHS, I'll do that. On my budget, I can't afford to upgrade everything anyway (it's often a choice of upgrading or getting a movie I don't have at all and I usually choose the latter).
Hey man I love the exploration. I just picked up a laser disc player with marantz demodulator. Why, because I want to enjoy the complexity of piecing together a cool set up for laser disc Tuesday and toco Tuesday
I am with you I’ve seen a lot of changes in my lifetime first I had beta then VHS then laser discs and RCA CED discs and DVDs Hd DVD and Blu-ray‘s now 4K and maybe 8K is on the way so media seems to always be on the move and changing. Unfortunately I am a collector and do not always stop and smell the roses. And should probably spend more time watching what I have then chasing the next new thing But that’s part of collecting sometimes the high of the chase is more rewarding than it’s capture
I think companies would love to stop making physical media because the profits are better. However, I really believe movies will keep being given physical media treatments. My concern is that some films may not be given physical media treatments. I might be wrong. I just hope independent films can still manage it. What happens to films like The Head Hunter if physical media goes away or becomes less produced? I am not super concerned about things that are currently made. My concern is for future projects.
I use both physical and digital. If my movie has a digital copy that’s good to use going on a plane since I obviously can’t take the physical with me. Like spiderman 94 really has no physical other than those few dvd that came out but I bought the series on digital. Just have a happy balance
I just ordered the Warner Archive of Drunken Master II because I am a big Jackie Chan fan! This movie is a big deal and I am surprised to even be getting that released in its original version like Mr. Nice Guy. I do worry about the limitations of physical media but I also feel very good about the future of physical media too!
Kudos
There are very few 4k comedies or romcoms. I hope they do more than just action films on 4k disk. Also it is very sad that we lost the movie isles in best buy. I miss impulse buying a couple discs. Its not the same online. On the plus side we do have these wonderful youtube channels and amazing audio and video technology.
Thanks for this. I also think 4k / blu-ray is the new vinyl. Better quality, more value. :)
love the channel I have been buying films for 16 years and as of last week every film I have ever wanted on disc with the best artwork and esthetically pleasing cover art per film I wanted to embrace I have it is only about 190 films and some tv series, and I am with you I am not a collector I have seen about 3 thousand fims in my life and im very selective on films that I love or want to have in my collection , the next film i will get is the special collectors edition of " the outsiders on 4k and what I love is FFC is not only going to have the newer version of the film which i hated lol, but the original as well , which is why I have always only had the dvd because when he remastered the audio track for that film IMO it did not sync well with the film and it was just odd to me, and I agree I like streaming for films I have never seen so if i come across something i really like , I see it on a stream then i buy the disc on bluray if it really connects with me, so actually streaming is great , but phsycial media will always be the way i want to watch a film that i have, cheers! physcial media forever !
Thank goodness companies who sell physical media still exist today. Do you think any Amazon Manufactured on Demand disc releases will get proper pressed disc releases in the near future?
As it stands right now, my gut says no, but that's just a hunch, nothing more.
@@CerealAtMidnight I had a feeling I'll need to buy some MOD releases
Hi Heath. Great video. I like your point that there is no need to worry about Blu-ray/DVD players since you can still get floppy disc readers, cassette players, VHS players, etc. Having said that, it still worries me a little along the lines of the Twilight Zone where Burgess Meredith breaks his glasses in a post apocalyptic world surrounded by books he can’t read. 🤓
Hahaha! Time enough at last! (then disc rot)
Physical isn't going anywhere for a long time. Keep buying and it will be even longer. I set aside a "Fun Fund" every month that supports my physical media purchases. I suggest everyone do the same.
See you at the movies.
We need physical media to die now.. (message from my bank account) lol
Seriously for me this is an exciting time for physical media. Every day we have news of amazing new releases in the pipeline I thought the world had forgotten about.
I am with you don and I am old school.
I agree physical media will be with us for a good long while. But not to 'screed', I also see the Big Media companies you mention gradually narrowing their catalogs to push certain brands/properties/franchises. Streaming gives them control, and I'm really uncomfortable with them taking works from decades ago and editing/filtering/CGing them. Physical gives consumers a vault/time machine/archive so we can preserve and view the art as it was intended.
Big Media is most definitely narrowing their catalogs and editing them. I think my point was that you'll always be able to find an unedited version, either on an older DVD that you can buy used, or hopefully on a platform like RUclips, or as a last resort, through peer to peer services. When legitimate outlets of preservation fail, there will always be a way to see something. I don't like seeing people buying things out of fear, and I don't like when companies lean into scarcity to make money off of low supply. I'm coming to believe that fear should not be a factor in our love of movies.
the flip side of cinephiles lowering their carbon footprint is the amount of energy being consumed by servers remaining active to facilitate movie watching. That's a lot of power being used constantly. Physical media could be made from recycleable material. But anyway...
Yep, that's true, it's not an easy issue to solve. Not a political one, either, thankfully. I do think about this when I go to thrift stores and see mountains of old National Geographic magazines and towering stacks of VHS tapes that nobody wants. Hopefully they find their way to a recycling plant if nobody wants them. This is one of the reasons I recommend vintage records over new vinyl. How many copies of Fleetwood Mac's Rumors exist? Millions. No need to make more, we already have more supply than demand.
@@CerealAtMidnight well said
I constantly buy vinyl and blu rays due to FOMO.
I have, in fact, missed out on many.
You'll miss out on things, but you can always hear that music if you want to. Maybe just not in that edition. Record Store Day...limited editions, high costs, weird colors...don't get me started on how the companies are monetizing our fear of missing out. One could end up in the poor house if we let it run unchecked.
@@CerealAtMidnight yeah, most of the stuff that I miss out on is RSD or ultra limited releases of 90's albums that I have had for years on CD. I just want them on vinyl.
It turns out life will go on if I have to listen to Spacehog on CD.
This made me laugh. And now I have Spacehog in my head.
@@CerealAtMidnight Looks like my wait is over. Spacehog - Resident Alien pre-order is live on Amazon, lol.
With all these smaller companies springing up and growing with so many blu ray and 4k transfers going on, I am not worried. 2020 WAS NOT a pinnacle of physical media. We're seeing forgotten tv series from the 70s coming out on blu ray!
Don't worry. NEVER worry, but it's also never been more important for us to support the companies we appreciate when they release something we're interested in, because the audience has NEVER been as small as it is now.
what are your thoughts on prioritizing the purchase of Warner Bros discs?
Depends on what discs we're talking about. I see no need to go rush out and buy popular Warner Bros titles. Warner Archive is possibly a different story, though. We have no idea what's going on with Warner Archive behind the scenes other than huge layoffs, including the man who's been in charge of that department for over a decade. If you have Warner Archive titles that you'd like to own physically on disc, I wouldn't wait too long to buy those. If it's only the movies you care about, though, Warner Archive's iTunes offerings are massive, and are probably not going anywhere any time soon.
@@CerealAtMidnight insightful logic in your rationale. much obliged
I just started collecting Blu-Rays four months ago and finally feel like I’m in control of a library instead of the shuffling at the many streamers I subscribe to. Reminds me of the laserdisc market back in the 90s when everyone was stuck in crappy videos. And that was a healthy market.
Like Heath says, "Vote with your dollars." Simple as that.
I notice there is so much media to be got anytime depends on where u go and all. i do try make sure i get any for good reason so not wasted time spending to get it any. places are trying to save by causing some or many to expect stream to be answer to watch any but dont tell watchers that stuff can be removed or replaced for any reason i dont think. so no promise u can watch the same movie or show anytime cause it might get removed anytime now or later. so to have the media of shows or movies u like most to value it cause it can be gone to taken for any reason anytime if try keep on stream anytime.
This will just make my dvd/blu ray collection skyrocket in price 🤑🤘🏽💯
We are at a unique time in the history of the world and technology. At this stage, the innovation is not quality based but convenience oriented. The digital camera produced physical prints of superb quality, but the cellphone was more convenient. Our acess to streaming service be it music or movies has varying degrees of quality when compared to the disc made as 1st rate copies of the masters. We have a lot to be thankful for that some of these items are produced in higher quality (i.e cd players/digital cameras) for specific consumers. Finally that physical media is still rapidly available.
there's scads of HK films coming out on Blu right now. It ain't cheap, but it *is* glorious!
I am in love with HK films! I’m have a field day everyday one of them are announced for release!
Nice. Do you know which distributor and are these martial arts films or various?
@@FreezeInfinite 88films is a good label for HK films, mostly martial arts but has other genres like horror. Eureka has some good titles too.
@@FreezeInfinite 88 Films and Eureka Films both are region B locked though because they are U.K.
@@perryfan49 Yes, I just checked the websites and those releases are unfortunately region B locked. But they have some stuff I would love to get here in the US such as "Snake in the Eagle Shadow" and lots of those Sammo Hung movies. Been waiting ages to get those on Blu Ray.
The biggest thing I've been frustrated with is not having the shows I want released. Or in some cases, released completely. I'm a huge cartoon buff, specifically Cartoon Network. That's why HBO Max is currently appealing, it has a bunch of the Cartoon Network shows I want that aren't on DVD or Blu-Ray. I wish some boutique labels would get rights to the stuff. However, I don't know if there just aren't any companies trying or CN/WB doesn't want to give up the rights. It's weird to me too because Adult Swim (which is also a WB subsidiary) always gets releases and they happen to be really well done.
For movies I'm not so frustrated about because I'm sure at some point some company will come along and release it, but trying to get shows released is harder.
As for physical media dying, I'm in the same boat as you, I really don't see it going away.
Your "we'll be fine is" is reassuring and nice to hear even if I'm way more pesimistic than you. I also think that will be fine but for me it's more bitter sweet like: we're basically back to square one. I know that I did it then I'll make it now. I'm just sad about it. But you know different countries, different markets, different rules.
May I ask how you'd be back to square one? Wouldn't you be able to find whatever book or movie you were looking for either new or used or in digital form? I'm genuinely curious about your thoughts and would like to hear more.
Nice shirt bro. Where did you get that?
Thanks, and I'm sorry, I don't remember. Maybe Target?
With Amazon buying MGM how do you see the future of the future of Physical Media, Watching TV Shows, Going To The Movies, etc..... Beside what would happen to James Bond and how would it go in the future.
-Would consumers/shoppers be forced to join a streaming service in order to buy or watch certain movies and TV show?
-A streaming service is telling us that the only way. If we decide not to be with that streaming service we can’t watch that movie or TV series anymore say like the 9th time or 22nd time.
-Could it be like they are in control how it should be for us.
-With TV shows made for streaming, it might never go to any networks syndication or physical media. Same with movies. Some TV shows and movies are just going to stay on streaming. For movies, ones that could be big name might not be put in theaters at all. IF people don't join the streaming service they just will never see it? Examples of movies and TV shows still not or may never be on physical media and shown on a network like ABC,CBS or NBC, even syndication,
Bosch
Greyhound
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Little Voice
Snoopy in Space
Lady And The Tramp
The Mandalorian
The Aeronauts
Homecoming
The Morning Show
-Would some or certain DVD, Blu-ray and 4ks can only be brought on Amazon. That we might not see it at Target, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble and Walmart. Even mom and pop music/video stores that sell new and use will not be able to order it in to sell at the full SRP. When we go go the mall or store, and suddenly say go look for this new movie or TV series.
-Well there less movie theaters, since Warner Bros started the in theaters and you can stream it with there HBOmax. Other studios are doing that. With the pandemic Disney was just trying find the right time to put in theaters. When they couldn't, they just put Mulan on streaming. As I heard it was $30 something just to watch that on streaming. Does it cost more or less to watch it on streaming vs. at the move theater.
-Hopefully a lot of people still care for big screens that still way way larger then 100 in. 4k TV and stuff like IMAX, etc… That NOT on any HD TV or streaming at all.
-There will be people out there that don’t want to pay for every streaming service that there is. Some people when they cut cable, they are going back to using an antenna, not moving over to streaming and using an antenna. How many out there can afford to pay for all the streaming services or even just Cable, but not will all the goods on their plan at all. Think of the low income, lower middle class and those that are disable and dependent, who are on Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI).
-Will watching with an Antenna or Cable box, that some channels will NOT have no shows or anything in the middle of the night again. Even like the early years of TV again, where not much at all, all day. With what happening now. It be like a mix of the 50s and the 80s. Streaming is like the way to go.
-Three or four years ago, there was tech or media news. That Apple’s iTune can remove or delete any movies people buy there. That you don’t own, or it more how we see fit for you.
-I just hope NO STREAMING Service will be the one to start doing this at all. Even want to be the one to lead the way and get it happening. That would be sad and little sick. Hope Amazon buying MGM studio, will NOT be the one to lead the way.
ruclips.net/video/8oQa0HgFGzg/видео.html
Maybe do a new video that answer some of these. IF any have not been answered of talked about. Well your views on it and how do you see it.
There is still a truckload of content coming out on physical media and I don't see that ending anytime soon whilst we have our boutique labels out there catering to the cinephiles who want to own nice physical media copies of their favorite films. I also have Netflix and Prime so although I'm nearly 50 and definitely in your "dinosaur" category I'm still fine to SUPPLEMENT my physical collection with streaming. I don't need to own particularly all the good TV shows I can watch on streaming. E.g. Ozark. Great show but I don't need to own it. But something like Farscape... I want to own and have on my shelf as it's a particular favorite. Films are a bit different and I really do enjoy building a library of those, just as I have a library of books of classic literature, key biographies, noted historical books, horror/sci-fi/fantasy classics etc. It's true future generations are getting less and less interested in owning a physical copy or seem interested in the history of cinema (or music) and (like with music on Spotify and the lack of appreciation for a whole album experience) it's evolution and they seem to care more about what the next big thing is.
Of course there are those of the younger generation who are interested in exploring these things and going back in time and there will always be these people. But I mean in general most people seem to be looking for the next "quick fix" song or blockbuster film and then move on. That's how it seems from my perspective anyway. But you know, you see people on RUclips like Amateur Filmies who are quite young and are very interested in exploring cinema across time and genres and who are into having physical copies of this stuff in their personal libraries which is really cool to see and that gives me hope that there will always be enough people out there interested in these things in more depth and with more passion than the average mainstream consumer who will keep access to these things alive.
One concern for me on streaming is how the streamers can censor content and have secretly done so in controversial fashion in recent times due to perceived political correctness pressure or in an attempt at gaining some shallow woke virtue signalling brownie points. Being corporate they will sometimes react to the trends and politics and you'd hate to see these organisations in charge of such swathes of content be at the mercy of such events. With my physical media library I don't have to worry about that. I just hope future generations are sensitive and savvy enough to not allow politics and corporate greed compromise the pure and natural manifestation of human expression that is art..be it cinema, literature or music etc. I may donate my collection eventually to the Museum of the Moving Arts if I cannot find a descendant who shares my passion for a physical library. But for now I plan to enjoy it myself for 2 or 3 more decades if I'm lucky! Given the pain my wallet is feeling with all these great releases coming out I think that library may just expand a tad more in that time! Great vid Heath!
Yeah, big agree lol if you run out of thrift shops and antique malls, THEN you can start to worry
I agree with you, and I wanna comment on your mission statement lol: Without you and Films at Home, I would have NEVER gotten into physical media for movies, I thank you man and i hate you cause I can't stop looking for movies to buy and watch ahaha
Man I still buying VHS especially the Collectors and box sets the art work still amazing on them and some of em are rare sealed and of course my man base is bluray-4k
The special features is one benefit over streaming
Hey Heath do you know anything about media consolidation and is it a good thing or a bad thing and how many media companies will there be in the next couple of years after all the mergers acquisitions and other crazy things like that
It's always bad. More consolidation means less competition, less opportunities for actors, writers, and directors to tell their stories, and too much control of each studio, which is now backed by a mega-corporation. The majority of our entertainment is currently controlled by three major companies that also control our technology, our internet, and ultimately our information. There will be more mergers: Disney could get purchased by a company like Apple, for instance. No company is too big to be bought, and that's a scary thing.
@@CerealAtMidnight Okay just asking thanks
Well I've never really thought of streaming as the enemy more of complimentary to the movie and television. It's just another way to see a movie or TV show that you want to watch. But it doesn't always mean that it's going to be on said service. I've actually built up quite the collection thanks to cereal at midnight but I've only been collecting the movies that I love , on purpose
Since 2018 I've been looking for the original Unaltered versions of Star Wars and the only way to pick them up on DVD was by 2 ways, get the 2006 limited edition dvds or get the 2008 dvd set. Got pretty lucky by picking up The Empire Strikes Back and A New Hope on DVD in 2018 and 2020 and found the 2008 original trilogy set at FYE for $55. Wanted to get the original DVD Release of the Prequel Trilogy on DVD and found them. Where are the original theatrical releases of the original and Prequel Trilogy on? DVD! Was looking for the Batman Complete TV Series, found it on Blu-Ray, the Limited Edition Set, which included the trading cards, the hot wheels batmobile, Adam West Scrapbook, episode guide and the actual Blu-Ray discs with cool bonus features for $50 at a local Game X Change. Cool stuff for low prices. Where else can I find that stuff? Physical Media!
I could build a tiny house. With all the copies of twister I've seen 😂
Today years old when I found out Heath was in his 40s and has a kid. That’s wild. Heath I had you pegged for late-20s to mid-30s if anything
Aw shucks! You smooth-talker, you! It's all makeup and green screen.
@@CerealAtMidnight I didn't know you were my generation, and how you look yeah like Sean Berg said late 20s to id-30.
No Blu-Ray for Seinfeld.....no Blu-Ray for Modern Family after Season Four. Blank cassettes are very expensive now.
Was that wall behind you real?
I don't think us physical media fans have any issues with digital streaming media.
We're happy to coexist, there's room for both. It's the digital people who demand that physical media dies. Why? What are they afraid of? Physical media is no threat to digital. Let us continue with our physical passion....it's called CHOICE!
On the subject of bluray players there is a new brand called Reavon coming out with 2 high end UHD players. I think they're French. We still have Pioneer, Panasonic, Sony, LG and Cambridge Audio here in the UK selling UHD 4K bluray players. Oppo is gone but seems Reavon has taken its place.
So, yes, I agree with you, I'm not worried about physical media.
I, for one will continue to enjoy our hobby/ passion for film collecting.
Michael, take it from me, some people are positively militant against streaming. They think there's a war coming, and they're furious. Like streaming is Skynet. I see the comments, and they befuddle me. I agree, physical media is no threat to digital, and digital is no threat to physical media. The argument just doesn't hold water. Too many companies are putting out too many releases each week to serve this niche audience. Which is a great thing!
@@CerealAtMidnight totally agree with you. We all need to chill and not take things so seriously, just enjoy!
We could all stand to be a little bit more like Lebowski!
@@CerealAtMidnight The dude abides!
Physical media will never die
i would still rather own something so I can watch it anytime I want to