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Why you should still collect physical media

Why you should still collect physical media

Ok, I know, I know… Larry you old creep. Why in the hell would I collect something like a stupid DVD when I can stream anything I want and save all that space! Uuuuggghhhh… old people. What is he? Gen X? 

So, yeah I’m what you “old”. By the way, your Hip Hop sucks. Anyway, I’m a dedicated cord cutter. In fact, I’m launching a site in the upcoming months (it’s already designed!) to teach people how to drop cable & still watch the programs that you love & guess what? Streaming is a big part of that! Let me tell ya, I was a member of Netflix when they were sending out DVD’s! Still have one as a matterafact! So, I was an early adopter of streaming. When Netflix put up their first streaming test… Well, I streamed it.

That said, with all that going on I was still growing my DVD collection. I kind of knew that things eventually would become unavailable for whatever reason & I was right! Some of my favorites are either not available or behind paywalls. Thank God whenever that happens my collection bails me out! So, a bunch of these unholy companies have stopped offering DVD’S & stopped making DVD players. Bastards! Luckily for you a bunch of sites like ebay have popped up where you can buy this stuff.

eBay is king but because of the situation we find ourself in, a bunch of specialty stores have started up to carry these “collectible” items not to mention you can get yourself a DVD burner & make your own. Plus you can get a laptop that plays DVD’s. However, it is what it is. Watch this blog on an app called Plex. Basically with this installed you can make your own Netflix! Seriously, it works & it’s LEGAL!!!

Anyway, your options are numerous. However, read on and learn about physical media & how awesome it is. These companies will do anything to turn a profit including screw you (even if you have a ton of subscriptions & cable). Physical media can help you avoid that. It uses no WIFI & it’s available whenever you want it. Cool huh! Well, if you’re interested, read on…

In an era where streaming dominates, collecting movies on physical media—whether DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K Ultra HD—may seem outdated. However, physical media remains an essential and rewarding way to enjoy films. Whether you’re a casual movie fan or a dedicated cinephile, here are some compelling reasons why owning physical copies of movies is still worthwhile. 

True Ownership

When you buy a physical copy of a movie, you actually own it. Streaming services operate on a licensing model, meaning titles can disappear at any time due to expired agreements or corporate decisions. Physical media ensures that you have a permanent copy that won’t vanish overnight.  

Better Video and Audio Quality

Streaming services compress video and audio to conserve bandwidth, which can result in a loss of detail, color depth, and sound quality. Physical formats like Blu-ray and 4K UHD offer superior bitrates, providing a noticeably better visual and auditory experience—especially for cinephiles with high-quality TVs and sound systems.  

No Dependence on Internet or Subscription Fees

Streaming requires a stable, high-speed internet connection, and even then, buffering or quality drops can occur. Physical media plays without interruptions, regardless of your internet speed. Plus, once you purchase a disc, there are no ongoing subscription costs to keep watching your favorite films.  

Bonus Features and Collectibility

Many physical releases come packed with special features such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, director’s commentaries, deleted scenes, and exclusive artwork. These extras are often missing from streaming versions, making physical media a more immersive and enriching experience. Additionally, limited edition and collector’s sets can become valuable over time.  

Preservation of Film History

Not every film is available on streaming services, and some movies even get altered or censored when re-released digitally. Physical media ensures access to the original versions of films, preserving cinema history as intended by filmmakers. Many cult classics, foreign films, and older movies can only be found on disc.  

Avoiding Content Lockouts and Corporate Control

Media companies can edit, censor, or remove movies from streaming platforms without notice. If a movie becomes controversial or doesn’t align with a company’s current policies, it may disappear. Owning physical copies safeguards against this type of digital censorship.  

A Tangible, Personal Collection

There’s something special about owning a physical movie collection. Displaying your films on a shelf, lending a favorite title to a friend, or simply browsing your collection to pick a movie for the night creates a sense of engagement and nostalgia that digital libraries can’t replicate.  

Conclusion  

While streaming offers convenience, it comes with limitations that make physical media more valuable than ever. From superior quality and true ownership to preserving film history and avoiding corporate control, collecting movies on disc remains an essential way to appreciate and enjoy cinema. If you’re a movie lover, investing in physical media is still one of the best ways to experience films on your terms.

So I did the best I could to make my case. You really should buy a DVD player (if you don’t already have one) & start your own collection. For now Amazon & Walmart are great resources for DVD’s but who knows how long that will last. So, be a grumpy old man like me & stick it to the man!!!

Lata!!!

L

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