The beginning of the end of physical media (Friends)
Oct 6, 2023
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Christina Warren, a tech-savvy expert at GitHub, joins the conversation to mourn the end of physical media as Netflix ships its last DVDs. They dive into the emotional nostalgia surrounding video rentals and the unique features of physical formats, like DVD commentaries. The chat highlights the shift from tangible ownership to streaming, discussing the implications for film appreciation and cultural preservation. With humorous personal anecdotes, they explore the challenges of digital rights management and the bittersweet evolution of home film experiences.
The decline of physical media has resulted in a loss of accessibility to a wide range of movie and TV show content
There is a sentimental attachment to physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays, with browsing video stores being a source of joy and nostalgia
The frustrations with DRM and the need for more user-friendly ways to preserve personal movie collections highlight the obstacles faced by movie enthusiasts
Deep dives
The Decline of Physical Media by Way of Streaming
The podcast discusses the decline of physical media, specifically DVDs and Blu-rays, due to the rise of streaming services like Netflix. The hosts share their personal experiences and feelings about the changing landscape of movie and TV show access. They mention how there used to be a wide range of content available on disk, but now many titles are not accessible through streaming or digital purchases. They highlight the importance of extras like audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes content, which have become less common in the streaming era. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by those with limited internet access or living in rural areas who rely on physical media for content consumption.
The Nostalgia and Sentimentality Towards Physical Media
The podcast delves into the sentimental attachment many people have towards physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays. The hosts discuss how browsing aisles in video stores like Blockbuster or Home Video used to be a source of joy and nostalgia. They reminisce about the pleasure of finding hidden gems and the excitement of having access to a wide array of movies. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their experiences with video stores and their sadness over the decline of these physical spaces. They also express their appreciation for the extra features and behind-the-scenes content that were unique to physical media.
The Impact of DRM and Inconvenient Ripping Processes
The podcast explores the frustrations and obstacles faced by movie enthusiasts who want to rip their own DVDs and Blu-rays for personal use. The hosts discuss issues related to DRM (digital rights management), which can make it difficult for individuals to access their legally purchased content digitally. They specifically mention how certain movies, such as Cabin in the Woods and Knives Out, have intentional scene switching that disrupts the viewing experience when ripped. They emphasize the need for more user-friendly and accessible ways to preserve personal movie collections and ensure seamless playback on different devices.
The Potential for a Resurgence of Physical Media or Unique Viewing Experiences
The podcast ponders the future of physical media, including services like Redbox and high-end systems like Kaleidoscape. The hosts discuss the possibility of physical media making a comeback, similar to the popularity of vinyl records. They mention how companies like Kaleidoscape offer premium movie players and servers for home theaters, although legal issues have limited their capabilities. The hosts also contemplate the idea of renting out a movie theater for a special occasion to enjoy the big screen experience with friends and family. They believe there is still a market for unique viewing experiences that cater to film enthusiasts.
The Importance of Preserving Physical Media
The podcast episode laments the decline of physical media and emphasizes the importance of preserving digital content for future generations. The hosts discuss their attachment to movies and TV shows that have shaped their identities and express concerns about losing access to these cultural artifacts. They mention the need for digital preservation efforts, drawing attention to organizations like the Internet Archive. The conversation delves into the implications of a society devoid of physical media, where there may be a lack of care for the past and a diminished sense of cultural heritage.
The Changing Landscape of Film Industry
The podcast episode explores the impact of evolving technology and streaming services on the film industry. The hosts reflect on the shift from physical media to digital consumption and how it has changed the way movies are financed, produced, and distributed. They discuss the challenges faced by smaller, independent films in the current landscape and the dominance of blockbusters. The conversation touches on the potential loss of innovation, risk-taking, and the dwindling middle ground between micro-budget and big-budget movies. They express concerns about the potential narrowing of artistic perspectives and emphasize the importance of supporting a diverse range of films.
On September 29th, Netflix shipped its final DVDs, marking the end of an era in physical media. So, we invited our friend Christina Warren (aka film_girl) from GitHub to pour out a drink with us and lament the end of this golden age of access to the films we all love.
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