consumerism is an addiction and fills the hollowness we have in our modern lives for about 5 mins. the purchase becomes the high rather than the product itself. it’s still a lot better than drink, drugs or gambling. my heart goes out to him as probably most of us have this in one form or another. despite our technology and comforts most of us feel something missing deep down
This space doesn’t really feel like it’s about a shared love of films anymore. It seems to have switched to “must buy products for pretty box”. Buy physical media for films you love not just because it’s the cool new box set that will sit on your shelf and never be watched. I feel that breaks from buying physical media is a good thing for your financial and mental health. I appreciate the films I already own much more and have less of a backlog. People also need to stop demonizing streaming and use it as a helpful tool in assisting with your purchase making decisions. Physical media is also not worth going into to debt over.
I agree. I collect movies I actually like and want to own. I have upgraded many movies to 4K, but many of them I am happy to keep the DVD or regular bluray, simply because those editions are good enough for me. I too use streaming to check out some movies, to see if I like them. I rarely ever blind buy a movie. I do like to collect some "premium" editions of my favorite films. Those are the ones I will re-watch many times, including the special features. I like to display some of them for the art work. I am a movie and memorabilia collector, more than a physical media collector.
I really do think now and moving forward the big boxset are what collecting is going to turn into since a lot of Studios are marketing more towards a niche collector since you can usually watch it in streaming somewhere. It's not just here's the movie anymore. It's what special features, extra, and collectible packaging they can sell us.
I have never bought a boxed movie package... The only one that came close was I bought the Extended edition LOTR with the soldiers on the River holding out their arms... That was worth it. That was it... One time as a teenager I bought a collectors edition movie box set... It was only Fellowship of the Ring in the Green Box. Red was 2 Towers And Blue was Return of the kind. The next 2 films didn't come with collectible toys... Those Special Features are Legendary... Best ever special features
I just commented on the difference that I have started seeing in "collectors" vs. people who have spent years, or even decades, building a library of movies that they love. Movies and TV are a type of anti-anxiety therapy for me. That escapism and nostalgia means so much more to me than collecting for the sake of saying that I have it.
I agree with you, it's more ab consumerism now. Even the term physical media irks me to no end, because it's a sterile corporate jargon. Books, records, movies feels way more personal. I'm not a serious collector, I only buy my fave niche movies I really like and want to own and since it quality over quantity, my curated collection is small but nothing but bangers.
Ken, as a (smaller) personal collector, I appreciate videos like this a lot. I don’t know a lot of people that are also into this hobby, so having somebody that discusses topics like this is so valuable. Your channel is a real treasure to people in this community
@@DarkSideOfTheMoon90 Well, I'm one who won't. Sure it sounds great to make money. But like I said, it would make it feel like a job and take the fun out of it. I enjoy doing it and being part of the physical media community. I will keep doing it that way...at my own pace. I sometimes go long periods without putting up content. And that's fine by me. But to each their own. I am glad many out there like Ken can do this on a bigger scale.
@@screamingeekmediathank you for telling us you go at your own pace, that's what I do it 4 years of making collecting videos, I've done my own thing I have a family, responsibilities etc. I've been slacking here lately, and you know it's ok! I have almost 800 videos,I love movies and movie history I think ppl forget why they started collecting in the first place. Subbed to you.
@@OldmovieMike Thanks! Nothing against those who do make money from their channel. I think Ken and many others did not get in to it for money. Just the passion for movies and physical media. I do have mad respect for him and others that have full-time jobs and families, and still find the time to give us a lot of content on their channels. I am unemployed and sometimes feel I don't have enough time to do everything. LOL. Love the community!
I started my channel in 2020 and it has slowly grown, I don’t want to share my feelings on RUclips, I’m happy with how it is semi professional in its feel. I do admire you for your frankness, you work very hard and you have a family too so there are invariably pressures there too. Keep up the good work, you are one of the best channels out there.
Here's my attack on Ken. You do what makes you feel comfortable. We are here, no matter what! We appreciate your hard work and keeping us peasants informed. 😂
Man that was harsh! Lol Ken is a great guy, I've talked to him here and there through different social media sites and DM's and fully support him. Just a guy that loves movies lol
I really haven’t opened up like this on my channel but watching a few people make videos like this in the past couple of weeks I’m feeling the itch to just press record and spill some feelings. But I agree a lot of stress is involved that I try not to divulge to others.
One word for you Ken - Curation. I have been curating down my collection for a year or so now and it has definitely helped with everything you talked about.
Remember how important your developing taste in music and movies were when you were a child and into adolescence and early adulthood? That's where the "curation" comes in: What collection best reflects what you find most valuable in movies?
How about u stop buying everything. Quality over quantity. With the amount of money you spent on films youll probably never watch again, you could’ve got a bigger tv and actual surround system
@@theskinner3040That’s a shitty thing to say. No he’s not, and if you’d watched his video you’d see that he’s completely rational. KEN: Bro, regarding space, it’s okay to SELL stuff. IDK if you’re agreements with the studios who send you free discs preclude you from selling them. But you can sell your old stuff. Unless it’s your favorite film in a genre or something…WHY keep the damn DVD or VHS of it? The idea that you’re gonna make a video about all of these editions probably isn’t t gonna happen.
@@theskinner3040 I mean I mostly only own a single edition of each movie in my collection for the most part. I have extra 2 disc 4K clamshell cases in reserve in case I want to save the blu-ray because it has some awesome special feature that I don't want to lose. But generally, I don't care about the "lost" special features and just want the movie in the best quality possible. That's how I collect, and it works for me. But I'm not gonna gatekeep and tell Ken or anybody else how to collect. He was clear that this channel basically covers his physical media purchases and he breaks even. It's not like his kids are going without meals or clothing or birthday presents so he can buy two editions of Twister. Is that how I collect? Nope. But you calling him "mentally ill" is chicken-shit and uncalled for.
@@jamesphillips4599to kens point. I do have like 30 VHS and 30 DVDs that I just don't want to sell... I offered the DVDs to homeless people who if asked if they like movies say yes but I still have about 10 in my trunk. I figure they can barter or watch them on portable DVD players or when couch surfing. The VHS are hard to kill. I don't think I will ever sell those plush Disney VHS cases. Maybe someone will buy them from me one day for like 200 dollars.... I won't give them away though... I Still don't have the Armageddon and the Rock 4k and I gave away my Criterion DVDS of both. I got RoboCop though thank you Arrow. In my line of work I have seen Hoarders... That wall of movies I guess is teetering on the line of Hording behavior... As long as it is alphabetized or placed into genres it's ok. If you just put the disks on shelves with no organization. We can't be friends.
Keep on kicking ass man. I work outside and drive a lot during the week so I listen to your content all the time. Also you, Sue, and Tony are the reason I started my own channel (Billy's Blu's) to talk about collecting. You are appreciated.
I have over 5000 films in my collection. I don’t have more than 1 copy of any movie and I only upgrade if I feel the title is special to me. I don’t need every movie upgraded to 4k. I only shop during sales and don’t care about all this extra stuff that honestly are not important. It is a hobby for me and my fiancée supports it. I just don’t go crazy. I’m currently starting to write about film. I’m not sure if this will evolve into a web site or start a RUclips channel. But I’m enjoying collecting because I’ve found what works for me. Once you figure that out the anxiety won’t be as much. I love your channel. It’s informative and fun but find what makes you happy and run with it. Your followers will still be there.
Take the pressure off yourself Ken. Just record your movie/physical media journey as it comes, follow your interests and share with us! Don’t let it become a job, keep it fun man. There are enough stresses in life as it is.
Yes, it happened to me this upcoming Tuesday. I began to preorder and today I realized that I went for more than ten titles, I did cancel most of them because I am a professional, an adult that loves movies and well aware of my priorities in life. So I cancelled most of them because in the long run you'll get it or forget that you bought them. We buy by impulse, not by rational thinking. Respect yourself, respect your family, respect your hard earned money. I do respect your channel and yourself but above that I respect myself. Love u very much my friend.
I've spent well over 30k on movies over the last 25 years. It's my hobby I don't do anything else. I have a theater/hifi setup and I sink money into that here and there and that's it. It's my oasis. It's the way I unplug from everything. Not gonna feel bad about it either.
@@bizmofunyuns6463 that is cool that you have a theater set up. Bc I use to have a theater set up & it was so much fun & cool & watching movies on my theater setup. Was so amazing bc the sound was like watching a movie in theaters
100% agree with this. I love turning off all the lights and cranking the volume up to movies. Hearing that boom of the subwoofer and just having that time where it's just a movie and I'm not stressing about real world stuff.
@@bizmofunyuns6463 well I have a question for you. How do you keep track of your collection ? Like how do you know if you already have a movie in collection or not ?
Kenny, I live in Japan 🇯🇵 and I watch your videos everyday. Your videos on physical media means a lot bc it reminds me of being stateside 🇺🇸 do what makes you happy Kenny 🫡
I used to have this kind of anxiety when I was buying things more new than used. Once I stopped that and also began to sell as well as buy, my anxiety went away because the selling was covering the cost of buying.
I have bought less physical media recently because I realized I'm not watching all these discs. Lack of space and cost helps to keep me on the straight and narrow.
First of all congratulations on the new job, Thank you for your content, In my personal opinion I'd do videos on stuff that I personally love and care about first unless it's a new release for example movies that we're previously only released to vhs but now have a 2k-4k new scan etc, Just do what you like to do and the crowd will follow, Do what you can when you can/If you can, Your family and job/s come first.
I would also suggest that if you want to do a review of all the different releases of certain movies but you also need to get rid of like for example vhs and bluray of it and keep the 4k only, to do the review video then get rid of what you don't need this way you don't regret not doing a review you wanted to do and won't be stressed out about not doing it because you needed more space, Keep in mind I'm not telling you what to do I wouldn't do that, I just hope my suggestions can help your Anxiety
I'm glad I am not a content creator. I can focus on buying only the movies that matter most to me, and it brings me such peace to know that I don't have to pay for a subscription to a streaming service, and I don't have to worry about a movie I care about leaving a streaming service My advice to you would be to try not to worry so much about what other people want to see, and focus more on what you want to do as a content creator. The views and the loyalty will follow as you chase your passions.
My suggestion would be try to take a break from buying, review a bunch of movies you haven't yet in your collection while you re-organize and go through your collection, sell off your extras or store them in those long underbed plastic totes, quit focusing on the slips and only buy during sales to save money. Most of the stuff that comes out will be available for years so if you can quit caring about the slips it will save you a lot of anxiety and money and give you time to see if a 4K comes out as well.
I think physical media anxiety is very real for serious collectors as well. Like you back in the day I bought DVD's and got rid of them as I upgraded to better formats. And with 4K's I now feel more like a serious collector in the last couple years. Even though I don't have the extra stress of having a great RUclips channel like you, I've started to feel the anxiety of collecting with various movie genres that I like, and the last week I've been thinking I can't continue at the same pace and have to cut back next year. So much has changed recently with how movies hit the market that it does make it hard for all of us to buy everything that we want to add to our collection. It's getting so expensive and pretty much impossible to but it all
I've been collecting for 30 years, and I suffer from none of the issues you complained about. I am backlogged with movies I've bought and haven't gotten to (especially with streaming options taking up possible time), but I feel like I'm lying back in my cot in the tropics, sipping mojitos, with two bikini-clad hotties fanning me with elephant leaves while I decide what I'll watch next....I'm a 4K collecting assassin who's completely unbothered while basking in perfected celluloid. What a hobby!
Your thoughts and feelings are appreciated Ken! So glad you feel comfortable enough to be REAL. That's why true fans of your channel love it and stick around
I am less picky than I used to be when buying films. I used to ONLY buy when I really loved a film and planned on rewatching it over and over. Now I find myself also buying films I find good or okay. This has led to my collection going from 30-40 films to almost 300 in the last 5 years. 300 is still not a lot compared to what people like you have. So in a sense I am still picky, but only relative to those with walls filled with films. Friends and family think my 300 films are insane haha.
Hehe, I have about 800 movies and people do not understand why you would want so many movies! Back in the 90's I had over 700 VHS, and I gave them all away when I moved. I started over and I have a mix of DVD, bluray, and now 4Ks.
Just wanted to say, I appreciate you making the video. I think making these genuine videos you're always going to face some type of backlash, but as a PM RUclipsr obviously I can relate to a lot of what you're sharing. For the most part, I've bought the movies that I wanted in my collection, and I really haven't felt the obligation to buy a movie for the sake of my channel. It also doesn't help that like you, I like a ton of genres, so I'm always buying something. Especially since I started recollecting late.
I totally get where you’re coming from Ken! I just try to focus on the releases that I’m really passionate about and the ones that make me want to preorder right away. I understand that being on youtube makes it more complicated though
Donate/sell all of the VHS tapes, DVDs, and blu-rays that you’ve upgraded to 4K or blu-ray. The likelihood of you ever watching them again is slim considering your love for 4K like myself. I have anxiety about creating videos myself, but I remind myself that there are no deadlines except for what you create for yourself! Lastly, I’d say only buy what you truly want and stop buying chunky box sets to save room. You could take the money that you save and put it toward a home theater setup to properly review titles and also create a more immersive experience! You’ll find that you’ve been missing out once and if you do! We’ll be here for you though no matter what you choose. Just remember to take care of you and your family first!
"We’ll be here for you though no matter what you choose. Just remember to take care of you and your family first!" This; 100% priority. We'll all still be here if you need to take a hiatus to sort things out.
We're in kind of a golden era for physical media, but prices have gone up and it feels like more stuff is coming out than ever. There's certainly too much coming out, and I think many of us at least kind of worry that if we don't get it now, then another edition isn't coming out for a lot of stuff, particularly the smaller titles from boutiques, especially if they never had a disc before. Good times, but also uncertain times.
If you need a rest Ken, take it Maybe do not second guess your fans, ever thought of asking us what we want you to cover. Ken if you have stuff you have not seen why are they there, sell them!!! Like i do not understand how come some Collectors divide some of their collections into Directors, this i cannot get my head around, i mean do some ppl absolutley love every film hes made, so some films will be bought of a director that are just OK, these films take up space , pure and simple .
You are human and do you! I started watching you during Covid lockdown and I still look forward to Tuesdays but since a split with my wife and the economy and can’t buy like I use to. I make pretty good money and I can’t fathom all the money you spend. I would hope RUclips covers the cost. You are doing a great job and I love hearing about deals and reviews on movies from the past. So many movies that are new on 4K are just not up to par for me to spend my money. You do a great job!😎
Fair play Ken, tough topic to tackle! For me, the number one and basically only major issue I have is space!! Most movies I either don't like or feel I won't watch again, I sell locally or on ebay. It's s a bit if a pain in the hole but at least it's serves a purpose. Most of the problem comes from exploring genre cinema I hadn't experienced before and realising I liked it a lot and wanted to find more of the same. Issues start to arise when you realise not all reviewers have the same specific tastes and you get titles that are fine but not essential! Hence, watching channels like yours and a few others, you guys have tastes I'd trust, and are relatively similar to mine^^ It can still be hit or miss, though. I mean even with a few purges here and there, it can be easy to get swamped with all the new great and funky stuff being constantly released. It's just a cascading never-ending flow of new releases, 4k re issues, remasters, never before releases, boutique collectors editions etc etc. Anyway, don't sweat it too much, your channel is fun and you seem like a good guy and you're doing right by your family. You know you're gonna be just fine, you're just a little overwhelmed, it happens sometimes. But maybe just stick to buying your absolute favorites that you know you'll re watch(I do that with my steelbooks and collectors editions) and then subscribe to like, shudder or the like for stuff you haven't watched yet! I've found my watch pile has decreased a good bit and I feel like I'm dealing with less shite^^
Ken, thanks for your honesty. You can always scale back. Unless you want to become a full-time content creator, I don't see why you can't just do it YOUR way.
Quality over quantity is my mantra . If your passion becomes a chore , take some time out and have a rethink and reset . I dig your channel mate , very informative . My passion is sci fi and horror all the rest of the content i just gloss over , you can't please everyone but you can please yourself . 😉
Great blog Ken. I totally get what you are talking about. The main thing is you need to bring it down to a level where you are enjoying it. Because if it’s not for enjoyment .. then what else for? Stay well mate 🇦🇺
I really like your "video store" example! Sometimes I wonder why I buy some titles, but I think its because I would like to have it in my personal library.
I do really agree Ken! When you get more conservative of your viewers and how many people actually watch your videos stuff can really shake your core! That’s why I changed my name
I've been there and done that with the physical media thing for roughly 30 years, but mostly stopped collecting around 10 years ago. Not only did I get burned out, but the glory years for physical media are in the past...
Hey Ken… man, I cannot agree with you more… I love physical media and also collect.. and the anxiety is real.. Sue from Movies with Sue said it best, when it comes to spending.. I too have put myself in some credit card debt that I am working to pay off, and it not fun.. Sooo many good releases and also kool packaging, that it drives me insane cause I want them all. But I sure the anxiety with you, and I’m rolling with ya til the wheels fall off. I follow You and some other content creators from this Physical media community because of your content, take on the movie (transfer, audio, video and special features) and for y’all’s honest reviews.. Thank you brother for those, because without you guys, I would’ve never gotten sooo many kool sets. Much love from NYC brother.. keep up the awesome work, because it’s very very much appreciated here.
My anxiety stems from content creation. My journey in “content creation” started a year ago on tik tok and just made a RUclips channel a few days ago. I wanted to share my love for physical media but over the last year it evolved in a way that I couldn’t have predicted. There are days where I get so overwhelmed between picking what to make a video on I freeze and end up doing nothing. So instead I’ll watch a movie and feel better afterwards but the next morning I will wake up and the cycle repeats 😂 And don’t get me started on my “must watch pile” it all started 6 years ago and I can’t seem to catch up! These are the things us collectors don’t get to always talk about! So Thanks for this video. I appreciate you sharing your particular situation.
I am driven basically by space and budget. But i know that i cant get everything so i stick with what im into. Which like you, is quite a bit. The fomo hits sometimes. I bought the second sight Hitcher 4k box and i didnt really need it. But if you are overwhelmed by releases you need to share then maybe just stick to what YOU want to share and not what you think everyone else wants. Your channel is already successful and people tune in for reviews but they also tune in just to watch YOU. They've gotten to know you and your personality so i think most of us would be open to viewing vids that are more personal and reflect your own personal cinema journey. Because we all have our own journey into movies we would share something in that with you.😊
I personally collect according to the time I have to devote to watching it. That greatly reduces my anxiety! Also you have to curate, it’s not even a question
Take a breath Ken. There is no rush to get things reviewed or to talk about things. Take your time. Your audience isn’t going anywhere. Keep your head up. Do what you have time for.
I'm one of those 30 plus year collectors and I have learned a lot in my time. You make so many good points in your video. Just remember, collecting is a willful activity like any other hobby and the discovery of how to find a way to make it a satisfying hobby is the hard part.
One thing that broke me out of it was doing the math. I took all my movies and x by 2hr 15mins for an average run time. Then I divided that number by the years I felt I had left to enjoy them. I used 70yr old. Then I divided that number by 52. I came to the conclusion that I may not be able to watch all my movies by the time I died. That snapped me out of it
I've already got to live to over 100 and don't give a damn... I'd rather have the choice and maybe never watch some than risk missing out on chosing a title off the shelf I feel like.
I think due to my age, I'm going to slow down with the physical media collection, also been collecting since the early 90's, starting with VHS and LaserDisc. Prices have also gone up considerably since the pandemic, which is another reason to simply slow down. I will continue to purchase digitally, since for quite a few titles, you will always get the latest 4K remasters. I have yet to experience any of my purchased titles being removed from iTunes and will only purchase titles under the $8 mark. Over the last decade, video retailers have slowly disappeared, hence the higher pricing. Just thinking it's been a money pit for me and the new movies that have come out over the past few years are rarely worth the purchase. Just my opinion and I can understand those that enjoy continuing to collect.
I did something similar. I watch on average about 5 movies a month. Sometimes less depending on life. So wake up call was realizing how many years it’d take for me to watch what I own if I keep that pace. And that’s not even including time it takes to watch all the special features
Just finished watching the entire video. I think you’re self-conscious of your problem enough to get out of it. You identified the problem, now you just have to act on the solutions you acknowledged in the video itself. Stop buying stuff you won’t watch, sell movies in the backlog that you won’t watch, occasionally use streaming services or theaters to watch movies before buying them if you’re unsure if they’re worth owning, and stop letting your channel interfere in your love for the hobby. Buying stuff just for content will eat away at your love for movies and you’ll end up hating what you do.
Maybe making it more fun and less clockwork you'll feel less anxious. Make a post and ask from that pile what the viewers want to see. Make a live of just choosing films you'll never watch and unloading them. Make things more interactive! ❤
23:30 Man I hear ya Ken... Welcome to part of my life. Being a trucker dealing with idiots on the road, still being a great husband a great father and still finding time to pump out 2 videos a week.. And I feel you on the anxiety because I never wanted to trap my channel into one thing. So I do various different things on movies and music reviews, movies. I would love to see with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, I never wanted to pigeonhole the work that I want to do on my channel.. And now that I'm finally monetized and my audience has grown, it becomes more of a. What am I going to do to satisfy everyone? I think you're still doing a great job with the reviews, but maybe consider taking a short break a short breather. It does help just keep focused on what's really important the audience will always be there.. 27:04
How many thousands of Blu Ray and 4K movies do you own? No anxiety, I have collected over 2500 movies 500 DVD 1500 BluRay, and 500 4K. All DVDs and BluRay I bought when they were $10 each. I gave away all my DVDs to charity, and the public library. My BluRay are stored in binders getting rid of the boxes. Now, I only buy 4K movies, I am trying to only Steelbooks but they are becoming to expensive. So I am becoming more selective on buying them!
Hey Ken, I liked the raw video take. I definitely hear you with having a large watch pile and having more coming in. I have lots of movies I've watched and taken notes, but haven't filmed my reviews. I need to organize and sell some of my collection. I feel bad when I make a video or post about a movie and promise an upcoming review and it takes me forever to get to it or I have not got to it yet. I also totally get you in the film-exploration mode, where you want to watch everything and learn about everything and yearn to hone down your tastes. Hang in there, man, I know that all your good fans want the best for you and your family, even if it means a change to the channel. Keep the raw videos coming! Like you said, it's good for us to talk about it.
Collecting more than 10 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray titles can be very expensive for your collection since the cases being stacked on shelves could easily break the disc even if its a new copy
Interestingly I got the UK Twister 4k set after watching your channel unboxing, you are a physical media influencer it is nice I often get comments when I preview releases that it’s my video they watched and decided to buy that title, that’s nice that they have an informed choice.
I've new to the channel, only found yours within the last month or so. You bring up a lot of great points. I'm a collector of a whole bunch of things and have my own Channel as well. From what I've seen, i really like your content. This type of vid is also gear content but for different reasons. This type of vid can really make you think. I look forward to more of these types of vids and your regular ones as well.
This video made me subscribe. I usually don't to any channels anymore, the algorithm shows me what I want without subbing, but you earned it. I watch your videos multiple times a week, and I always appreciate your insight and passion. I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I'd really love to, well only see what you want to be making. I have dabbled in content creation before, and it was so so hard on the weeks where I wasn't feeling passionate about it. I also definitely have physical media anxiety about how much there is to watch, and space. Potentially, you could clear one wall and put a few of the rotating media shelves there? They hold a lot in less space! Just a thought. There is someone in the comments talking about what you're "supposed to do" and "mistakes" that collectors make. Speaking in language as if they're speaking facts, but it's all their opinion. You can buy whatever you want for whatever reason you want, and as long as you're happy, it's not a mistake. And, if you're not, you can go forward and try to adjust, that's all we as humans can do. Cheers and have a great day! It meant the world to me when you commented on my collection video by the way.
I also stick to buying Blu-Rays as I don't buy many 4Ks as I'm waiting on a number of titles to get Blu-Rays for the first time ever. I also don't have a 4K player as they're quite pricy, and am probably just going to get a region free Blu-Ray player instead.
What gives me anxiety as a physical media and movie aficionado is geting my favorite series with scratches and in some cases with nicks multiple times and having to keep contacting publishers. Another one is Amazon vonstantly sendind movie sets destroyed or with brokem boxes. It really is afecting my enjoyme in the hobby.
For me, I stopped blind buying a long time ago just because a certain actor or actress may be in it. I've been a physical media collector since 1995 when I bought my first DVD. Most of my purchases now are 4K editions that I really like and want to see more than once. I still have some VHS as well. I own just what I really like in several genres. Keep 'em Ken but perhaps downsize in your library. Condensing is what I have done myself and continue to do.
My only worry is that physical media channels don’t actually watch the movies. They just pop it in for a second and then do a video for views and money.
Hey Ken 👋 You're a movie collector just like me and everyone else who collects movies, anxiety is something we all go through but we go through it and continue on buying movies but U have a RUclips channel so that's kinda different from people who don't have a video channel like me. My advice to U....just continue being U 👌
I collect comics, movies & CD's. I bought over 25 movies from a video store recently and I've only gotten to watch about 30% of them. I don't have the time to do so but I know eventually I will so not knowing I haven't watched it doesn't deter me. The comics though, I've been selling what I know I won't ever complete or ones I don't want to continue collecting. I have been keeping what I know I will die with, everything else is expendable to me.
My biggest anxiety about physical media collecting are: 1. Buying too much so I won't have time to watch as well as living life and other hobbies 2. My collection is easily over 2K right now so if I watched 1 movie a day for the next 5 years, I still wouldn't be able to watch it all It may be time to transition into curator from collector There also will be movies moving out of my collection in 2025 to ensure I have enough room for the movies I love Great video Ken!
Honestly, I just stick to genres I enjoy, or films from different countries I'm a huge fan of anime, and Asian cinema, but also am trying to get more into French films, and more Italian films. I also love British cinema not so much the modern British titles, but older British films. I also stick to directors I enjoy a lot and films I have a lot of nostalgia for. I'm going to be getting more into John Frankenheimer films as his films are still pretty new to me. However, I have been cancelling a lot of titles lately, and avoiding more, and more sales as sales are just too dangerous for me as I spend way too much. So I'm not going to be buying anything during Vinegar Syndromes Black Friday sale. I also love checking much much weirder films too especially trippy animated films from other countries they're quite fascinating. So what I've been doing is cutting back a lot lately on buying titles.
I cant lie, when i did more on youtube i bought what i liked but i also had that thought of "hmm" this will push my channel a little more. Also the time thing in general im with you. I have a 50-60 full time job with 30+ employees so i dont have a bunch of time to watch/review so i pick and choose. Tik tok has helped with that since i can do small quick videos. I do want to jump back in to youtube but i just have to think about what I'd want to talk about on there.
How often do you resell your movies? Like with eBay or Mercari or something like that? Utilizing those markets from both a buyer and seller’s perspective really changed how I collect.
It's like you're speaking directly to me! LOL I've only been seriously collecting in the last 2-3 years and my channel is still very small, but I have a lot of the same thoughts and concerns you do. Heck, I'm in my basement, recording on a phone with a son stating high school next year and a daughter in 3rd Grade. So I can relate! LOL Thanks for making this video.
More people watching you're videos is good Ken. I haven't watch all you're videos but I love them you do this for us you are one of the hardest working physical media people here on youtube and you rock Ken thank you so much yeah we all need a mansion to keep our physical media collection Ken LOL I need the you're next steel book and the second sight one
There are a lot of channels out there that sprouted up focusing on the novelty of collecting. Then the RUclipsr says they’ve never seen the film but it had a cool slipcover. I try to steer clear of those. Film first, physical media second.
At one point you say "I have this RUclips channel I HAVE to keep going." Have to? Is there a gun against your head? You have a full-time job, family...why is RUclips such an anxiety? Just stop. Ah but wait....free stuff, money. I note you talk about "content" and nothing at all about the enjoyment of making a video. Let's face it, this is a business and that's where the anxiety is, fear of giving up or losing significant additional finance.
Im sure it helped to talk through all of this and it sounds like you are figuring out what you want to do. If having that many movies, even ones you wont watch, makes you happy to just walk in the room and see then I think that is probably helping you more than hurting you. I am not a content creator, but I went through a similar dilemma a couple of years ago with video games. I caught myself just buying things if it was on sale to build my collection then realized one day it was stressing me out just seeing my unplayed game pile. So even with movies I have tried to be way better at only buying things I know I will actually play or watch. But it is really tough. Do whatever you think is best for you though. I think a lot of us are just here to listen to your thoughts on things.
Have you thought of a few of those spinning towers? They can hold a lot of discs and can be put in a corner pulled out so you can still get to the wall, but still doesn't take up a ton of space. I'm considering grabbing a few.
you'd be surprised how much space you get if you remove your slipcovers. I keep mine in a separate box in case i want to sell plus it keeps them mint. It also looks way more sleek on the shelves now.
I finally hit the brakes over the last couple months. It ended up being prices for me. They’ve gotten out of control. Even studio releases. I used to clean up when stuff hit the $10 range. That doesn’t seem to be happening as much as it used to.
I still love physical media but had a small unit to store them in my movie room i could probably store around 150 movies. I then removed the unit and build another that almost trebled storage space and swore once its full that's it ! I have almost filled it but i am sticking to my promise to myself even though i now have to sell stuff for new media particularly nice steelbooks. Out goes bulky boxsets to create space for them but its not easy and stresses me out a little for sure. This collecting can get out of hand i think if i lost control i would one day walk in the room look around and just think what have i done this is ridiculous and feel terrible 🤔
I’m struggling with the same kind of stuff. Definitely been trying to cut back on purchases , I already spend about 3-5k a year on movies lol. Its been a little out of control
A couple things that might help you decide what to do. The first one is considering what happens to your collection after you die. Are your family's tastes in movies the same as yours. Have you willed your collection to a group or organization? My dad was a collector of movies and music. He loved science fiction, action adventure, some horror, war, and some really stupid comedies, and a lot of classics. When he died my mom, my sister and I took and kept the movies we liked and got rid of all the movies nobody cared about. And that pile was huge. In the end it's your life, your house and your tastes. If you're having this much anxiety, it becomes your other full time job . It ceases to be a hobby of enjoyment. The second thing that might help you is the impending political climate that is about to descend on the U.S. If the tariffs go through. The price of everything we buy is going to shoot up. You may find that there will be a slow down of a lot of goods coming in, and the stuff that does come in will be more expensive. It will affect you personally, but more importantly it will affect your viewers. There are already layoffs happening because of the threat of the tariffs. Remember tariffs were one of the causes of the Great Depression. Some of your audience will struggle to purchase basic necessities, 4K movies will be low on the list of must haves. In short after January 20th. some of your anxieties concerning media collecting will vanish into thin air, replaced by other anxieties. You might find you have some extra time to watch all those movies you haven't watched yet. You might want to hold off on getting rid of any of the movies you have, just yet.
I normally just watch your videos and hardly ever comment but i can really relate to you when it comes to having movies to watch. Like for me too i have movies I want to watch and that I know i will at some point but haven’t gotten around to it because of time. Its ok it’ll come around, anxiety from that is most definitely real lol. Honestly though its a good problem to have, like its what we enjoy and what we love to collect. Lets take a breather together ken, deep breath in and deep breath out lol 😂
I would still watch your channel, even if you didn't have movie releases in your hand. The information you provide is very entertaining, and informative. Dont feel like you have to "buy" everything to show us and "keep up with the Jonese's" There are other Blutubers who are horribly obnoxious, and I now stay away from. Keep up the great work as always!
How I control my collecting is I ask myself a few questions before I purchase, in this order. 1. Can I afford this? 2. Would I be sad if I couldn’t watch/play this 5-10 years from now? 3. Will it be available later or is this my one chance to get it?
FYI, y’all… Trump’s proposed tariff on Mexico will raise the cost of all new physical (video) media in the USA by 25%. (All our physical media discs are made in Mexico… ALL of them.)
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
You’re not suppose to buy everything ever released, you only buy what you’re into. Thats a mistake the majority of “collectors” do
Yeah that’s why I’ll only buying things I want
Well said
consumerism is an addiction and fills the hollowness we have in our modern lives for about 5 mins. the purchase becomes the high rather than the product itself. it’s still a lot better than drink, drugs or gambling. my heart goes out to him as probably most of us have this in one form or another. despite our technology and comforts most of us feel something missing deep down
Don't be afraid to trade up films as well
@@olllena148k can’t say i relate, after years of collecting, its still about the product than getting high off buying.
This space doesn’t really feel like it’s about a shared love of films anymore. It seems to have switched to “must buy products for pretty box”. Buy physical media for films you love not just because it’s the cool new box set that will sit on your shelf and never be watched. I feel that breaks from buying physical media is a good thing for your financial and mental health. I appreciate the films I already own much more and have less of a backlog. People also need to stop demonizing streaming and use it as a helpful tool in assisting with your purchase making decisions.
Physical media is also not worth going into to debt over.
I agree. I collect movies I actually like and want to own. I have upgraded many movies to 4K, but many of them I am happy to keep the DVD or regular bluray, simply because those editions are good enough for me.
I too use streaming to check out some movies, to see if I like them. I rarely ever blind buy a movie.
I do like to collect some "premium" editions of my favorite films. Those are the ones I will re-watch many times, including the special features. I like to display some of them for the art work.
I am a movie and memorabilia collector, more than a physical media collector.
I really do think now and moving forward the big boxset are what collecting is going to turn into since a lot of Studios are marketing more towards a niche collector since you can usually watch it in streaming somewhere. It's not just here's the movie anymore. It's what special features, extra, and collectible packaging they can sell us.
I have never bought a boxed movie package... The only one that came close was I bought the Extended edition LOTR with the soldiers on the River holding out their arms... That was worth it. That was it... One time as a teenager I bought a collectors edition movie box set... It was only Fellowship of the Ring in the Green Box. Red was 2 Towers And Blue was Return of the kind. The next 2 films didn't come with collectible toys... Those Special Features are Legendary... Best ever special features
I just commented on the difference that I have started seeing in "collectors" vs. people who have spent years, or even decades, building a library of movies that they love. Movies and TV are a type of anti-anxiety therapy for me. That escapism and nostalgia means so much more to me than collecting for the sake of saying that I have it.
I agree with you, it's more ab consumerism now. Even the term physical media irks me to no end, because it's a sterile corporate jargon.
Books, records, movies feels way more personal.
I'm not a serious collector, I only buy my fave niche movies I really like and want to own and since it quality over quantity,
my curated collection is small but nothing but bangers.
Ken, as a (smaller) personal collector, I appreciate videos like this a lot. I don’t know a lot of people that are also into this hobby, so having somebody that discusses topics like this is so valuable. Your channel is a real treasure to people in this community
That's a big downside to having a channel monetized. You feel obligated to do it and it becomes a job and takes the fun out of the hobby.
@@DarkSideOfTheMoon90 Well, I'm one who won't. Sure it sounds great to make money. But like I said, it would make it feel like a job and take the fun out of it. I enjoy doing it and being part of the physical media community. I will keep doing it that way...at my own pace. I sometimes go long periods without putting up content. And that's fine by me. But to each their own. I am glad many out there like Ken can do this on a bigger scale.
@@screamingeekmediathank you for telling us you go at your own pace, that's what I do it 4 years of making collecting videos, I've done my own thing I have a family, responsibilities etc. I've been slacking here lately, and you know it's ok! I have almost 800 videos,I love movies and movie history I think ppl forget why they started collecting in the first place. Subbed to you.
@@OldmovieMike Thanks! Nothing against those who do make money from their channel. I think Ken and many others did not get in to it for money. Just the passion for movies and physical media. I do have mad respect for him and others that have full-time jobs and families, and still find the time to give us a lot of content on their channels. I am unemployed and sometimes feel I don't have enough time to do everything. LOL. Love the community!
I started my channel in 2020 and it has slowly grown, I don’t want to share my feelings on RUclips, I’m happy with how it is semi professional in its feel. I do admire you for your frankness, you work very hard and you have a family too so there are invariably pressures there too. Keep up the good work, you are one of the best channels out there.
Here's my attack on Ken. You do what makes you feel comfortable. We are here, no matter what! We appreciate your hard work and keeping us peasants informed. 😂
Man that was harsh! Lol Ken is a great guy, I've talked to him here and there through different social media sites and DM's and fully support him. Just a guy that loves movies lol
I really haven’t opened up like this on my channel but watching a few people make videos like this in the past couple of weeks I’m feeling the itch to just press record and spill some feelings. But I agree a lot of stress is involved that I try not to divulge to others.
Same! I’m afraid I’ll say too much and regret it 😂
One word for you Ken - Curation. I have been curating down my collection for a year or so now and it has definitely helped with everything you talked about.
Remember how important your developing taste in music and movies were when you were a child and into adolescence and early adulthood? That's where the "curation" comes in: What collection best reflects what you find most valuable in movies?
How about u stop buying everything. Quality over quantity. With the amount of money you spent on films youll probably never watch again, you could’ve got a bigger tv and actual surround system
He’s mentally ill
@@theskinner3040That’s a shitty thing to say. No he’s not, and if you’d watched his video you’d see that he’s completely rational.
KEN: Bro, regarding space, it’s okay to SELL stuff. IDK if you’re agreements with the studios who send you free discs preclude you from selling them. But you can sell your old stuff. Unless it’s your favorite film in a genre or something…WHY keep the damn DVD or VHS of it? The idea that you’re gonna make a video about all of these editions probably isn’t t gonna happen.
@ disliking a movie but then buying 5 versions of it because it has different covers is mental illness in its purest form …. I don’t mean it as a slur
@@theskinner3040 I mean I mostly only own a single edition of each movie in my collection for the most part. I have extra 2 disc 4K clamshell cases in reserve in case I want to save the blu-ray because it has some awesome special feature that I don't want to lose. But generally, I don't care about the "lost" special features and just want the movie in the best quality possible. That's how I collect, and it works for me. But I'm not gonna gatekeep and tell Ken or anybody else how to collect. He was clear that this channel basically covers his physical media purchases and he breaks even. It's not like his kids are going without meals or clothing or birthday presents so he can buy two editions of Twister. Is that how I collect? Nope. But you calling him "mentally ill" is chicken-shit and uncalled for.
@@jamesphillips4599to kens point. I do have like 30 VHS and 30 DVDs that I just don't want to sell... I offered the DVDs to homeless people who if asked if they like movies say yes but I still have about 10 in my trunk. I figure they can barter or watch them on portable DVD players or when couch surfing. The VHS are hard to kill. I don't think I will ever sell those plush Disney VHS cases. Maybe someone will buy them from me one day for like 200 dollars.... I won't give them away though... I Still don't have the Armageddon and the Rock 4k and I gave away my Criterion DVDS of both. I got RoboCop though thank you Arrow.
In my line of work I have seen Hoarders... That wall of movies I guess is teetering on the line of Hording behavior... As long as it is alphabetized or placed into genres it's ok. If you just put the disks on shelves with no organization. We can't be friends.
Keep on kicking ass man. I work outside and drive a lot during the week so I listen to your content all the time. Also you, Sue, and Tony are the reason I started my own channel (Billy's Blu's) to talk about collecting. You are appreciated.
I have over 5000 films in my collection. I don’t have more than 1 copy of any movie and I only upgrade if I feel the title is special to me. I don’t need every movie upgraded to 4k. I only shop during sales and don’t care about all this extra stuff that honestly are not important. It is a hobby for me and my fiancée supports it. I just don’t go crazy. I’m currently starting to write about film. I’m not sure if this will evolve into a web site or start a RUclips channel. But I’m enjoying collecting because I’ve found what works for me. Once you figure that out the anxiety won’t be as much. I love your channel. It’s informative and fun but find what makes you happy and run with it. Your followers will still be there.
I try to stream most movies in order to know if it's worth owning on Bluray.
Take the pressure off yourself Ken. Just record your movie/physical media journey as it comes, follow your interests and share with us! Don’t let it become a job, keep it fun man. There are enough stresses in life as it is.
Yes, it happened to me this upcoming Tuesday. I began to preorder and today I realized that I went for more than ten titles, I did cancel most of them because I am a professional, an adult that loves movies and well aware of my priorities in life. So I cancelled most of them because in the long run you'll get it or forget that you bought them. We buy by impulse, not by rational thinking. Respect yourself, respect your family, respect your hard earned money. I do respect your channel and yourself but above that I respect myself. Love u very much my friend.
I've spent well over 30k on movies over the last 25 years. It's my hobby I don't do anything else. I have a theater/hifi setup and I sink money into that here and there and that's it. It's my oasis. It's the way I unplug from everything. Not gonna feel bad about it either.
@@bizmofunyuns6463 that is cool that you have a theater set up. Bc I use to have a theater set up & it was so much fun & cool & watching movies on my theater setup. Was so amazing bc the sound was like watching a movie in theaters
100% agree with this. I love turning off all the lights and cranking the volume up to movies. Hearing that boom of the subwoofer and just having that time where it's just a movie and I'm not stressing about real world stuff.
Thank you!
Well said. It’s a much loved hobby for me. Other people cannot or may not understand. I don’t care 👍✊️😊
@@bizmofunyuns6463 well I have a question for you. How do you keep track of your collection ? Like how do you know if you already have a movie in collection or not ?
Kenny, I live in Japan 🇯🇵 and I watch your videos everyday. Your videos on physical media means a lot bc it reminds me of being stateside 🇺🇸 do what makes you happy Kenny 🫡
Japan is still number 1 for physical media 😅
I used to have this kind of anxiety when I was buying things more new than used. Once I stopped that and also began to sell as well as buy, my anxiety went away because the selling was covering the cost of buying.
Love this video and I can 100% relate! Thank you for voicing how so many of us physical Media collectors feel
I have bought less physical media recently because I realized I'm not watching all these discs. Lack of space and cost helps to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Great video Ken! I appreciate the open and honesty about something a lot of us struggle with as collectors.
@@LetsTalkEntertainmentMedia Thank you for watching John.
First of all congratulations on the new job, Thank you for your content, In my personal opinion I'd do videos on stuff that I personally love and care about first unless it's a new release for example movies that we're previously only released to vhs but now have a 2k-4k new scan etc, Just do what you like to do and the crowd will follow, Do what you can when you can/If you can, Your family and job/s come first.
I would also suggest that if you want to do a review of all the different releases of certain movies but you also need to get rid of like for example vhs and bluray of it and keep the 4k only, to do the review video then get rid of what you don't need this way you don't regret not doing a review you wanted to do and won't be stressed out about not doing it because you needed more space, Keep in mind I'm not telling you what to do I wouldn't do that, I just hope my suggestions can help your Anxiety
I'm glad I am not a content creator. I can focus on buying only the movies that matter most to me, and it brings me such peace to know that I don't have to pay for a subscription to a streaming service, and I don't have to worry about a movie I care about leaving a streaming service
My advice to you would be to try not to worry so much about what other people want to see, and focus more on what you want to do as a content creator. The views and the loyalty will follow as you chase your passions.
My suggestion would be try to take a break from buying, review a bunch of movies you haven't yet in your collection while you re-organize and go through your collection, sell off your extras or store them in those long underbed plastic totes, quit focusing on the slips and only buy during sales to save money. Most of the stuff that comes out will be available for years so if you can quit caring about the slips it will save you a lot of anxiety and money and give you time to see if a 4K comes out as well.
Thank you for your time and you truly entertain and inform. Keep up the great work. Thank You!
Finding stuff in your collection that you forgot you even owned is amazing
I think physical media anxiety is very real for serious collectors as well. Like you back in the day I bought DVD's and got rid of them as I upgraded to better formats. And with 4K's I now feel more like a serious collector in the last couple years. Even though I don't have the extra stress of having a great RUclips channel like you, I've started to feel the anxiety of collecting with various movie genres that I like, and the last week I've been thinking I can't continue at the same pace and have to cut back next year. So much has changed recently with how movies hit the market that it does make it hard for all of us to buy everything that we want to add to our collection. It's getting so expensive and pretty much impossible to but it all
People who collect boxes and buy multiple versions I just don't understand. The only thing those people are good for is keeping physical media alive 😂
Dude, thanks for sharing. Anxiety has been a huge topic these past few years.
I've been collecting for 30 years, and I suffer from none of the issues you complained about.
I am backlogged with movies I've bought and haven't gotten to (especially with streaming options taking up possible time), but I feel like I'm lying back in my cot in the tropics, sipping mojitos, with two bikini-clad hotties fanning me with elephant leaves while I decide what I'll watch next....I'm a 4K collecting assassin who's completely unbothered while basking in perfected celluloid. What a hobby!
@@BennyBrilleman Happy to hear it!
Another great video. I can’t really offer any advice but I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Merry Christmas👍🏾
Ken, your level of knowledge regarding collecting is similar to my own. That is why I tune in. I enjoy your channel a lot.
Your thoughts and feelings are appreciated Ken! So glad you feel comfortable enough to be REAL. That's why true fans of your channel love it and stick around
I am less picky than I used to be when buying films. I used to ONLY buy when I really loved a film and planned on rewatching it over and over. Now I find myself also buying films I find good or okay. This has led to my collection going from 30-40 films to almost 300 in the last 5 years. 300 is still not a lot compared to what people like you have. So in a sense I am still picky, but only relative to those with walls filled with films. Friends and family think my 300 films are insane haha.
Hehe, I have about 800 movies and people do not understand why you would want so many movies!
Back in the 90's I had over 700 VHS, and I gave them all away when I moved. I started over and I have a mix of DVD, bluray, and now 4Ks.
have you seen Cereal at Midnight's storage solution?
Just wanted to say, I appreciate you making the video. I think making these genuine videos you're always going to face some type of backlash, but as a PM RUclipsr obviously I can relate to a lot of what you're sharing. For the most part, I've bought the movies that I wanted in my collection, and I really haven't felt the obligation to buy a movie for the sake of my channel. It also doesn't help that like you, I like a ton of genres, so I'm always buying something. Especially since I started recollecting late.
@@Franksmediaandreviews Thanks Frank!
Thanksgiving is already upon us. this year is flying by! have a good one Kenneth
I totally get where you’re coming from Ken! I just try to focus on the releases that I’m really passionate about and the ones that make me want to preorder right away. I understand that being on youtube makes it more complicated though
Donate/sell all of the VHS tapes, DVDs, and blu-rays that you’ve upgraded to 4K or blu-ray. The likelihood of you ever watching them again is slim considering your love for 4K like myself.
I have anxiety about creating videos myself, but I remind myself that there are no deadlines except for what you create for yourself!
Lastly, I’d say only buy what you truly want and stop buying chunky box sets to save room. You could take the money that you save and put it toward a home theater setup to properly review titles and also create a more immersive experience! You’ll find that you’ve been missing out once and if you do!
We’ll be here for you though no matter what you choose. Just remember to take care of you and your family first!
"We’ll be here for you though no matter what you choose. Just remember to take care of you and your family first!"
This; 100% priority. We'll all still be here if you need to take a hiatus to sort things out.
We're in kind of a golden era for physical media, but prices have gone up and it feels like more stuff is coming out than ever. There's certainly too much coming out, and I think many of us at least kind of worry that if we don't get it now, then another edition isn't coming out for a lot of stuff, particularly the smaller titles from boutiques, especially if they never had a disc before. Good times, but also uncertain times.
If you need a rest Ken, take it
Maybe do not second guess your fans, ever thought of asking us what we want you to cover.
Ken if you have stuff you have not seen why are they there, sell them!!!
Like i do not understand how come some Collectors divide some of their collections into Directors, this i cannot get my head around, i mean do some ppl absolutley love every film hes made, so some films will be bought of a director that are just OK, these films take up space , pure and simple .
You are human and do you! I started watching you during Covid lockdown and I still look forward to Tuesdays but since a split with my wife and the economy and can’t buy like I use to. I make pretty good money and I can’t fathom all the money you spend. I would hope RUclips covers the cost. You are doing a great job and I love hearing about deals and reviews on movies from the past. So many movies that are new on 4K are just not up to par for me to spend my money. You do a great job!😎
When it comes to space, you might think about those spinner racks. Sure, they don't look as nice as a solid wall. But they are great space savers.
Fair play Ken, tough topic to tackle!
For me, the number one and basically only major issue I have is space!!
Most movies I either don't like or feel I won't watch again, I sell locally or on ebay.
It's s a bit if a pain in the hole but at least it's serves a purpose.
Most of the problem comes from exploring genre cinema I hadn't experienced before and realising I liked it a lot and wanted to find more of the same.
Issues start to arise when you realise not all reviewers have the same specific tastes and you get titles that are fine but not essential!
Hence, watching channels like yours and a few others, you guys have tastes I'd trust, and are relatively similar to mine^^
It can still be hit or miss, though.
I mean even with a few purges here and there, it can be easy to get swamped with all the new great and funky stuff being constantly released.
It's just a cascading never-ending flow of new releases, 4k re issues, remasters, never before releases, boutique collectors editions etc etc.
Anyway, don't sweat it too much,
your channel is fun and you seem like a good guy and you're doing right by your family.
You know you're gonna be just fine, you're just a little overwhelmed, it happens sometimes.
But maybe just stick to buying your absolute favorites that you know you'll re watch(I do that with my steelbooks and collectors editions) and then subscribe to like, shudder or the like for stuff you haven't watched yet!
I've found my watch pile has decreased a good bit and I feel like I'm dealing with less shite^^
You can do it. I believe in u ken
Ken, thanks for your honesty. You can always scale back. Unless you want to become a full-time content creator, I don't see why you can't just do it YOUR way.
You will never make everyone happy. Just do what you need to do. Collect how you want to collect. 🤔
Quality over quantity is my mantra . If your passion becomes a chore , take some time out and have a rethink and reset . I dig your channel mate , very informative . My passion is sci fi and horror all the rest of the content i just gloss over , you can't please everyone but you can please yourself . 😉
Black Friday deals suck this year. Pretty much already own the movies on sale.
Great blog Ken. I totally get what you are talking about. The main thing is you need to bring it down to a level where you are enjoying it. Because if it’s not for enjoyment .. then what else for? Stay well mate 🇦🇺
I really like your "video store" example!
Sometimes I wonder why I buy some titles, but I think its because I would like to have it in my personal library.
I do really agree Ken! When you get more conservative of your viewers and how many people actually watch your videos stuff can really shake your core! That’s why I changed my name
As a content creator and film reviewer, I can relate to so much of this. Great video man.
I've been there and done that with the physical media thing for roughly 30 years, but mostly stopped collecting around 10 years ago. Not only did I get burned out, but the glory years for physical media are in the past...
carzo, we might need more detail; can't quite relate to what you are saying bro
that is exactly what I do! :). I combine my blu-rays and 4k's into one case...yes, you have to order 2 movie cases, but it saves A LOT of room.
Hey Ken… man, I cannot agree with you more… I love physical media and also collect.. and the anxiety is real.. Sue from Movies with Sue said it best, when it comes to spending.. I too have put myself in some credit card debt that I am working to pay off, and it not fun.. Sooo many good releases and also kool packaging, that it drives me insane cause I want them all. But I sure the anxiety with you, and I’m rolling with ya til the wheels fall off. I follow You and some other content creators from this Physical media community because of your content, take on the movie (transfer, audio, video and special features) and for y’all’s honest reviews.. Thank you brother for those, because without you guys, I would’ve never gotten sooo many kool sets. Much love from NYC brother.. keep up the awesome work, because it’s very very much appreciated here.
My anxiety stems from content creation. My journey in “content creation” started a year ago on tik tok and just made a RUclips channel a few days ago. I wanted to share my love for physical media but over the last year it evolved in a way that I couldn’t have predicted. There are days where I get so overwhelmed between picking what to make a video on I freeze and end up doing nothing.
So instead I’ll watch a movie and feel better afterwards but the next morning I will wake up and the cycle repeats 😂
And don’t get me started on my “must watch pile” it all started 6 years ago and I can’t seem to catch up!
These are the things us collectors don’t get to always talk about! So Thanks for this video. I appreciate you sharing your particular situation.
I am driven basically by space and budget. But i know that i cant get everything so i stick with what im into. Which like you, is quite a bit. The fomo hits sometimes. I bought the second sight Hitcher 4k box and i didnt really need it. But if you are overwhelmed by releases you need to share then maybe just stick to what YOU want to share and not what you think everyone else wants. Your channel is already successful and people tune in for reviews but they also tune in just to watch YOU. They've gotten to know you and your personality so i think most of us would be open to viewing vids that are more personal and reflect your own personal cinema journey. Because we all have our own journey into movies we would share something in that with you.😊
I personally collect according to the time I have to devote to watching it. That greatly reduces my anxiety! Also you have to curate, it’s not even a question
Take a breath Ken. There is no rush to get things reviewed or to talk about things. Take your time. Your audience isn’t going anywhere. Keep your head up. Do what you have time for.
I'm one of those 30 plus year collectors and I have learned a lot in my time. You make so many good points in your video. Just remember, collecting is a willful activity like any other hobby and the discovery of how to find a way to make it a satisfying hobby is the hard part.
One thing that broke me out of it was doing the math. I took all my movies and x by 2hr 15mins for an average run time. Then I divided that number by the years I felt I had left to enjoy them. I used 70yr old. Then I divided that number by 52. I came to the conclusion that I may not be able to watch all my movies by the time I died. That snapped me out of it
I've already got to live to over 100 and don't give a damn... I'd rather have the choice and maybe never watch some than risk missing out on chosing a title off the shelf I feel like.
@ I agree, but it stopped me from going overboard…I‘lol always have titles on the shelf for that occasion
I think due to my age, I'm going to slow down with the physical media collection, also been collecting since the early 90's, starting with VHS and LaserDisc.
Prices have also gone up considerably since the pandemic, which is another reason to simply slow down. I will continue to purchase digitally, since for quite a few titles, you will always get the latest 4K remasters. I have yet to experience any of my purchased titles being removed from iTunes and will only purchase titles under the $8 mark. Over the last decade, video retailers have slowly disappeared, hence the higher pricing.
Just thinking it's been a money pit for me and the new movies that have come out over the past few years are rarely worth the purchase. Just my opinion and I can understand those that enjoy continuing to collect.
I did something similar. I watch on average about 5 movies a month. Sometimes less depending on life.
So wake up call was realizing how many years it’d take for me to watch what I own if I keep that pace. And that’s not even including time it takes to watch all the special features
@@shinycheeto5779 Exactly. And the special features, good lord lol.
Just finished watching the entire video.
I think you’re self-conscious of your problem enough to get out of it. You identified the problem, now you just have to act on the solutions you acknowledged in the video itself.
Stop buying stuff you won’t watch, sell movies in the backlog that you won’t watch, occasionally use streaming services or theaters to watch movies before buying them if you’re unsure if they’re worth owning, and stop letting your channel interfere in your love for the hobby. Buying stuff just for content will eat away at your love for movies and you’ll end up hating what you do.
Maybe making it more fun and less clockwork you'll feel less anxious. Make a post and ask from that pile what the viewers want to see. Make a live of just choosing films you'll never watch and unloading them. Make things more interactive! ❤
23:30 Man I hear ya Ken... Welcome to part of my life. Being a trucker dealing with idiots on the road, still being a great husband a great father and still finding time to pump out 2 videos a week.. And I feel you on the anxiety because I never wanted to trap my channel into one thing. So I do various different things on movies and music reviews, movies. I would love to see with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, I never wanted to pigeonhole the work that I want to do on my channel.. And now that I'm finally monetized and my audience has grown, it becomes more of a. What am I going to do to satisfy everyone? I think you're still doing a great job with the reviews, but maybe consider taking a short break a short breather. It does help just keep focused on what's really important the audience will always be there.. 27:04
How many thousands of Blu Ray and 4K movies do you own?
No anxiety, I have collected over 2500 movies 500 DVD
1500 BluRay, and 500 4K. All DVDs and BluRay I bought when they were $10 each.
I gave away all my DVDs to charity, and the public library.
My BluRay are stored in binders getting rid of the boxes.
Now, I only buy 4K movies, I am trying to only Steelbooks but they are becoming to expensive. So I am becoming more selective on buying them!
Hey Ken, I liked the raw video take. I definitely hear you with having a large watch pile and having more coming in. I have lots of movies I've watched and taken notes, but haven't filmed my reviews. I need to organize and sell some of my collection. I feel bad when I make a video or post about a movie and promise an upcoming review and it takes me forever to get to it or I have not got to it yet. I also totally get you in the film-exploration mode, where you want to watch everything and learn about everything and yearn to hone down your tastes. Hang in there, man, I know that all your good fans want the best for you and your family, even if it means a change to the channel. Keep the raw videos coming! Like you said, it's good for us to talk about it.
Collecting more than 10 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray titles can be very expensive for your collection since the cases being stacked on shelves could easily break the disc even if its a new copy
Interestingly I got the UK Twister 4k set after watching your channel unboxing, you are a physical media influencer it is nice I often get comments when I preview releases that it’s my video they watched and decided to buy that title, that’s nice that they have an informed choice.
I've new to the channel, only found yours within the last month or so. You bring up a lot of great points. I'm a collector of a whole bunch of things and have my own Channel as well. From what I've seen, i really like your content. This type of vid is also gear content but for different reasons. This type of vid can really make you think. I look forward to more of these types of vids and your regular ones as well.
This video made me subscribe. I usually don't to any channels anymore, the algorithm shows me what I want without subbing, but you earned it. I watch your videos multiple times a week, and I always appreciate your insight and passion. I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I'd really love to, well only see what you want to be making. I have dabbled in content creation before, and it was so so hard on the weeks where I wasn't feeling passionate about it.
I also definitely have physical media anxiety about how much there is to watch, and space. Potentially, you could clear one wall and put a few of the rotating media shelves there? They hold a lot in less space! Just a thought.
There is someone in the comments talking about what you're "supposed to do" and "mistakes" that collectors make. Speaking in language as if they're speaking facts, but it's all their opinion. You can buy whatever you want for whatever reason you want, and as long as you're happy, it's not a mistake. And, if you're not, you can go forward and try to adjust, that's all we as humans can do.
Cheers and have a great day! It meant the world to me when you commented on my collection video by the way.
I also stick to buying Blu-Rays as I don't buy many 4Ks as I'm waiting on a number of titles to get Blu-Rays for the first time ever. I also don't have a 4K player as they're quite pricy, and am probably just going to get a region free Blu-Ray player instead.
What gives me anxiety as a physical media and movie aficionado is geting my favorite series with scratches and in some cases with nicks multiple times and having to keep contacting publishers.
Another one is Amazon vonstantly sendind movie sets destroyed or with brokem boxes. It really is afecting my enjoyme in the hobby.
Ya the quality of the cases seem to be getting worse, all wrinkled plastic, warped paper even. Looking at you Furiosa Blu Ray
Ken you ma dogg bro love you man !!!! We’re all human !!!!
For me, I stopped blind buying a long time ago just because a certain actor or actress may be in it. I've been a physical media collector since 1995 when I bought
my first DVD. Most of my purchases now are 4K editions that I really like and want to see more than once. I still have some VHS as well. I own just what I really like
in several genres. Keep 'em Ken but perhaps downsize in your library. Condensing is what I have done myself and continue to do.
My only worry is that physical media channels don’t actually watch the movies. They just pop it in for a second and then do a video for views and money.
I watch every movie and the features for reviews. If I for some reason don’t watch it all or all the features, I let you know that.
Hey Ken 👋 You're a movie collector just like me and everyone else who collects movies, anxiety is something we all go through but we go through it and continue on buying movies but U have a RUclips channel so that's kinda different from people who don't have a video channel like me. My advice to U....just continue being U 👌
I collect comics, movies & CD's. I bought over 25 movies from a video store recently and I've only gotten to watch about 30% of them. I don't have the time to do so but I know eventually I will so not knowing I haven't watched it doesn't deter me. The comics though, I've been selling what I know I won't ever complete or ones I don't want to continue collecting. I have been keeping what I know I will die with, everything else is expendable to me.
You do good work. Hang in there. 😊Man I want to watch movies day and night .
Growing up there was 30+ Hours "in a day". As an adult it is officially 15 Hours "in a day"
My biggest anxiety about physical media collecting are:
1. Buying too much so I won't have time to watch as well as living life and other hobbies
2. My collection is easily over 2K right now so if I watched 1 movie a day for the next 5 years, I still wouldn't be able to watch it all
It may be time to transition into curator from collector
There also will be movies moving out of my collection in 2025 to ensure I have enough room for the movies I love
Great video Ken!
Honestly, I just stick to genres I enjoy, or films from different countries I'm a huge fan of anime, and Asian cinema, but also am trying to get more into French films, and more Italian films. I also love British cinema not so much the modern British titles, but older British films. I also stick to directors I enjoy a lot and films I have a lot of nostalgia for. I'm going to be getting more into John Frankenheimer films as his films are still pretty new to me. However, I have been cancelling a lot of titles lately, and avoiding more, and more sales as sales are just too dangerous for me as I spend way too much. So I'm not going to be buying anything during Vinegar Syndromes Black Friday sale. I also love checking much much weirder films too especially trippy animated films from other countries they're quite fascinating. So what I've been doing is cutting back a lot lately on buying titles.
I cant lie, when i did more on youtube i bought what i liked but i also had that thought of "hmm" this will push my channel a little more. Also the time thing in general im with you. I have a 50-60 full time job with 30+ employees so i dont have a bunch of time to watch/review so i pick and choose. Tik tok has helped with that since i can do small quick videos. I do want to jump back in to youtube but i just have to think about what I'd want to talk about on there.
Yes it's stressful such as
Getting damaged items
Dealing with cs retailers stores, etc
How often do you resell your movies? Like with eBay or Mercari or something like that? Utilizing those markets from both a buyer and seller’s perspective really changed how I collect.
It's like you're speaking directly to me! LOL I've only been seriously collecting in the last 2-3 years and my channel is still very small, but I have a lot of the same thoughts and concerns you do. Heck, I'm in my basement, recording on a phone with a son stating high school next year and a daughter in 3rd Grade. So I can relate! LOL Thanks for making this video.
More people watching you're videos is good Ken. I haven't watch all you're videos but I love them you do this for us you are one of the hardest working physical media people here on youtube and you rock Ken thank you so much yeah we all need a mansion to keep our physical media collection Ken LOL I need the you're next steel book and the second sight one
Facts, great video as always!
There are a lot of channels out there that sprouted up focusing on the novelty of collecting. Then the RUclipsr says they’ve never seen the film but it had a cool slipcover. I try to steer clear of those. Film first, physical media second.
I only buy movies that I'm going to watch over and over again
Well said
At one point you say "I have this RUclips channel I HAVE to keep going." Have to? Is there a gun against your head? You have a full-time job, family...why is RUclips such an anxiety? Just stop. Ah but wait....free stuff, money. I note you talk about "content" and nothing at all about the enjoyment of making a video. Let's face it, this is a business and that's where the anxiety is, fear of giving up or losing significant additional finance.
Im sure it helped to talk through all of this and it sounds like you are figuring out what you want to do. If having that many movies, even ones you wont watch, makes you happy to just walk in the room and see then I think that is probably helping you more than hurting you.
I am not a content creator, but I went through a similar dilemma a couple of years ago with video games. I caught myself just buying things if it was on sale to build my collection then realized one day it was stressing me out just seeing my unplayed game pile. So even with movies I have tried to be way better at only buying things I know I will actually play or watch. But it is really tough.
Do whatever you think is best for you though. I think a lot of us are just here to listen to your thoughts on things.
Have you thought of a few of those spinning towers? They can hold a lot of discs and can be put in a corner pulled out so you can still get to the wall, but still doesn't take up a ton of space. I'm considering grabbing a few.
you'd be surprised how much space you get if you remove your slipcovers. I keep mine in a separate box in case i want to sell plus it keeps them mint. It also looks way more sleek on the shelves now.
I finally hit the brakes over the last couple months. It ended up being prices for me. They’ve gotten out of control. Even studio releases. I used to clean up when stuff hit the $10 range. That doesn’t seem to be happening as much as it used to.
I still love physical media but had a small unit to store them in my movie room i could probably store around 150 movies. I then removed the unit and build another that almost trebled storage space and swore once its full that's it ! I have almost filled it but i am sticking to my promise to myself even though i now have to sell stuff for new media particularly nice steelbooks. Out goes bulky boxsets to create space for them but its not easy and stresses me out a little for sure. This collecting can get out of hand i think if i lost control i would one day walk in the room look around and just think what have i done this is ridiculous and feel terrible 🤔
I’m struggling with the same kind of stuff. Definitely been trying to cut back on purchases , I already spend about 3-5k a year on movies lol. Its been a little out of control
A couple things that might help you decide what to do.
The first one is considering what happens to your collection after you die. Are your family's tastes in movies the same as yours. Have you willed your collection to a group or organization?
My dad was a collector of movies and music. He loved science fiction, action adventure, some horror, war, and some really stupid comedies, and a lot of classics. When he died my mom, my sister and I took and kept the movies we liked and got rid of all the movies nobody cared about. And that pile was huge.
In the end it's your life, your house and your tastes. If you're having this much anxiety, it becomes your other full time job . It ceases to be a hobby of enjoyment.
The second thing that might help you is the impending political climate that is about to descend on the U.S. If the tariffs go through. The price of everything we buy is going to shoot up. You may find that there will be a slow down of a lot of goods coming in, and the stuff that does come in will be more expensive.
It will affect you personally, but more importantly it will affect your viewers. There are already layoffs happening because of the threat of the tariffs. Remember tariffs were one of the causes of the Great Depression.
Some of your audience will struggle to purchase basic necessities, 4K movies will be low on the list of must haves.
In short after January 20th. some of your anxieties concerning media collecting will vanish into thin air, replaced by other anxieties. You might find you have some extra time to watch all those movies you haven't watched yet. You might want to hold off on getting rid of any of the movies you have, just yet.
I normally just watch your videos and hardly ever comment but i can really relate to you when it comes to having movies to watch. Like for me too i have movies I want to watch and that I know i will at some point but haven’t gotten around to it because of time. Its ok it’ll come around, anxiety from that is most definitely real lol. Honestly though its a good problem to have, like its what we enjoy and what we love to collect. Lets take a breather together ken, deep breath in and deep breath out lol 😂
I would still watch your channel, even if you didn't have movie releases in your hand. The information you provide is very entertaining, and informative. Dont feel like you have to "buy" everything to show us and "keep up with the Jonese's" There are other Blutubers who are horribly obnoxious, and I now stay away from. Keep up the great work as always!
How I control my collecting is I ask myself a few questions before I purchase, in this order.
1. Can I afford this?
2. Would I be sad if I couldn’t watch/play this 5-10 years from now?
3. Will it be available later or is this my one chance to get it?
FYI, y’all… Trump’s proposed tariff on Mexico will raise the cost of all new physical (video) media in the USA by 25%. (All our physical media discs are made in Mexico… ALL of them.)
No true. Just making things up to prove a point.