Unscripted: The Cult of Physical Media
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- čas přidán 22. 01. 2024
- What is the Cult of Physical Media? In my latest UNSCRIPTED video, I give my candid thoughts on a physical media trend that really freaks me out.
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I recently had a huge purge of my physical media collection, donating hundreds of unwanted discs to my local charity thrift store. I've now only got my favorite, most cherished tapes and discs. It crossed the point where collecting had turned into hoarding and having to buy everything. I'm now much happier with my collection and appreciate the hobby a lot more.
I've also managed to mentally detach from feeling like I've got to keep up with other collectors on social media and buy everything new coming out.
I done the same thing. I have no where near the large numbers that most collectors have but when I looked and started to see titles on my shelf that I bought years ago and never watched, what a waste of money. Then I asked myself why did I buy that? Because everyone said it was popular or FOMO? Anyway the titles I have, are too obscure for mainstream channels. Example is Goodfellas. Love It but it is always on cable and I saw that movie so many times. Why do I need a copy of it?
I've also become very selective about what goes into my movie collection. There are a many movies that really mean a great deal to me. These are the ones to own phisically.
Shame you didn't donate to me
@@devonbrooks246 your collection is yours but I think the opposite way I'm definitely going to own Goodfellas cuz one of the greatest gangster movies. I love gangster movies I love the main character! So for me that's a must own. No matter how much they show it on low quality TV. No I plan to go through my collection and watch or fast forward some blind buys. And get rid of some low rent Dollar tree pickups.
I'm just learning this week that there are people who want to "keep up" with others on social media in collecting. I had no idea that was going on, but it's really troubling. I mean... I know that obviously you're going to see things you weren't aware of, and want them, but I really didn't think people would buy things JUST because other people have them. I suppose it's not surprising: these websites have a lot of negative effects, and it does appear to be human nature to want to fit in and be like others, for most people. But it's nice to see people commenting here who have managed to get better at collecting and stick to the things they love.
It's like a weird culture war. I love physical media, but I also enjoy streaming. Plus, we all run out of room!
That's true, it's a weird "culture war." These people have taken a side in a battle for the fate of all entertainment...but meanwhile, millions and millions of people every single day watch a movie on their preferred platform and go on with their business. It's so much wasted energy, wasted anger, and wasted gatekeeping that makes people feel like they don't belong.
This is why I stay away from Social Media!!!
I've been collecting physical media for three decades.
Having said that, I love streaming as well.
I go back and forth between the two, and all is good.
I do not need to own EVERYTHING I watch!
Exactly! Same here!
This is why I avoid ALL social media (except for the odd comment on CZcams). Everybody is so angry and so ready for a fight about nothing. They make EVERYTHING political. I have nearly 3000 titles in my collection (from the 1920's onwards), mostly DVD, probably about 10% Blu ray and a few 4Ks (which I can't play because I don't have a 4K compatible TV or player! - they were in Blu ray/4K combo releases). I have these because, like you, I love film and I love the history of film. I collect physical media, partly because I don't always trust the streaming services not to delete or edit movies and TV shows, but mainly because I love browsing the shelves (just like in the old video store days) and finding something I really want to see. That said, if there is a movie I can't find and it is available in public domain form on CZcams (complete with 'fuzzy' picture and 'hissing' soundtrack) I will sit and watch it. It's better to be able to see a film than not. Keep up the excellent work and ignore the idiots. Remember - There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life!
I did quit all social media this summer as well. So good. CZcams is a social platform in many ways as well though.
This is what I needed, your comment! I didn't know what the difference was with 4K+ Blu-ray+DVD.
Dude, 4K TVs are insanely cheap these days. They’ve been out for a decade, it’s time o.O
@@Indremafan 😅😅
I buy physical copies mainly because I want to be in a position where I have the film at hand and not have to search through endless streaming sites to find them, most of my collection is horror and it's the kind of stuff that is normally emited from a streaming site, I also like the packaging and extras. I do watch movies on streaming but I don't 'own' digital copies, I may buy a movie this way if it's super cheap, but will never pay full price for essentially a rental. I appreciate what your saying Heath but I do want a world with physical media not because I'm in a cult, but I like physical media and I like the choice, and that to me is the most important thing, having the choice.
You're probably not the kind of person I'm talking about, because I often feel the same way you do. Physical media isn't the problem, angry, aggressive fans who attack others and say stupid things like "physical media or nothing" is the problem.
I'm maybe a bit like you - I buy stuff that isn't likely to be streamed. In my case, it's mostly older films and tv series. I am collecting Classic Dr Who DVDs, I must admit though now I have almost all of them - they are a finite number!
Ain't it the truth? Even with the 2-4 streaming services I use, it's a bit of an annoyance to look for something (I don't own) and figure out where it is.
Agreed. Physical media is a good thing, but digital is not that bad.
Heath, the reason we are here is because you don't get dogmatic about formats, or even your opinions. You've created a nice space where tv and film fans can have respectful debates about our differing tastes, and I for one appreciate it.
Nice comment. I like that Heath is always hashing out these issues from nuanced perspectives.
I've seen from time to time the flip side to this. I've bought DVDs and blu-rays in used book stores and the person behind the counter would smugly say "I stream everything. I don't bother with those discs that take up space". They see themselves as high tech and 'with the times' while people who own physical media are backwards and old.
Ignorance is usually very loud!
I think if a sales assistant said that to me, I'd turn it around by questioning why they are risking losing a sale by insulting someone's purchasing decision! That's an ignorant statement, but also a lousy one from a retail perspective!
I respect people that can deal with the toxicity on social media. I can’t do it so I just stay away
Love your work and passion for collecting. You have the best channel on CZcams and thank you for your integrity. I collect what I enjoy for me, myself, and I. Keep up the great work and do what makes you happy.
Personally, I am hardcore physical media, but that is mainly due to greedy corporations ruining streaming and the major potential it has. If laws were created that protected digital ownership to ensure you always have access to what you own, then I would be more supportive. For a hardcore cinephile like myself, physical is just a vastly superior experience mainly due to over quality, and because I actually own my movies and can watch them whenever I want. Now, I am not one of those snobs that hate people for going the streaming route, as that is their right, and it isn't for me to criticize. Regardless, I am greatly concerned with the path streaming services are on, and the uncertainty of access to content over time.
I think the cult-like behavior is based on fear. Fear that physical media will go away. And if other people aren’t buying anymore, they hold them responsible for killing their passion. And if their identity is wrapped up in collecting, then they view opposition as a direct threat to their lifestyle.
There are many tv shows or movies in 4K that are not yet available on disc. A collector has to do what a collector has to do.
Heath, you are a warrior for common sense collecting. Soldier on, brother!
I bought something today that I didn’t need, haven’t watched on streaming etc but it filled a space and I bought it and almost immediately regretted it. I buy physical media as my dad used to take me to the video store when I was young and I got VHS for Christmas and stuff like that. I think the people who are getting really worked up about this aren’t thinking about the art, the ability watch the film whenever they want, there seems to be a bit more going on. Then you have the ones with FOMO. Luckily for me I’ve only spent about 1000 dollars on regret buys in my 34 years of collecting, but I need to really think still doesn’t bring happiness and do I really love it as I know I could get out of hand with VHS, DVD, cassettes, vinyl etc as it’s all a connection back to simpler times and I can find that in the modern world. Sorry if I went on a bit ! Great video. I think you are on the right track here. I stream a lot too and own a lot of online movies and audiobooks. I’m glad the option is there ! Thanks for the videos.
That collect them all at all costs mentality reminds me of baseball card hoarders or people that buy stacks of comics to sleeve without reading. It's a prevalent but vocal group across several hobbies.
We are here because we enjoy the art the creativity of movies and tv shows etc. physical media is just one avenue of access. Please do not listen to them maintain your honesty your integrity. Obsession is not a good thing whether it’s physical media, religion or politics. You’ve earned my respect for your honesty and integrity.
I’m not sure all of them really love movies, but they love objects and the number of objects they can hoard. Look how they obsess over slipcovers to the point in which they won’t buy a movie if it doesn’t have one.
Honestly, Vinegar Syndrome could probably provide a slipcover subscription, sans movies, and do quite well with it. 😆
heath, you're a hero and please never stop never stopping
I’m So Sorry You’re Going Through This Nonsense! I Really Enjoy Collecting And Watching My Physical Media But I Also Stream As Well! There’s Certain Things I Can’t Own Physically So I Have To Stream It And That’s Ok! Stay Strong My Guy!
physical media isnt the only way to watch something but it definitely is the only way to own something. but the thing a lot of these people forget is that not everyone feels like they need to own the things they like. its bizarre and wierd to me too but thats how it is and some people need to make peace with that
Man! What an awesome video!
People are so crazy sometimes, you do you and don't let people drag ya down, love your stuff.
I've watched your channel for several years and appreciate you. I love movies . I agree totally about fundentalism. I've collected physical media for a long time because I enjoy the hunt and owning the movies I love but I also do stream. I used to get aggravated that i though it was gonna totally take over but I opened my mind and realized I love movies and have numerous ways to view them. Sometimes if I really like a movie I've seen on streaming I'll then search for it on physical media. So it's actually been beneficial. Both worlds can exist. You're videos reinforced that even more. Keep up your great work. You are doing a great job in helping everybody understand why we're here. For movie lovers of all kinds. Thanks again.
Your POV is understandable. The shared experience of the movies we love is the thing I want to preserve and share. There are things to like and love about our physical collections, but it sounds like the people you encountered have gotten the cart before the horse. Hope that the conversation turns toward more understanding and away from that kind of cult-like confrontation
Thank you sir, I appreciate your honesty and really respect your opinion here. I wanted to make a video like this but I suck at verbage. Keep doin what you do, thumbs up and subscribed.
Well said Heath. I have learned to stream to enjoy and learn what I want to buy. Blind buys are a waste of money. Too many horrible titles being released.
I'm with you dude. I love to collect the movies I love so I can own them. I love the quality and unique artwork and where I live the internet is not always reliable. But i also have Netflix and Disney+ so i can enjoy new stuff with my kids. But first and foremost I love movies and physical is my prefered method of viewing. Just as CD's were.
having said that films that only go to streaming do irritate me as I can't own them. But i still watch and enjoy them.
@@jamieloudon6691 There are some streaming only shows that I'd love to have on my DVD shelf. I still want Mech X-4, Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, and all of the MCU Disney+ shows on my shelf so I can show my support. I'd also like Glow season 3, season 2 of Russian Doll, and the end of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on my DVD shelf too. I want people to walk into my house and see I love those shows.
Great video I agree and I am 95% digital on all my stuff. Movies, TV Shows, Games, and Books. Yet I have been a subscriber for years and watch a lot of your video's. Your right it's the content that's important not the delivery system. Keep up the great work on your channel.
Not to sound inconsiderate, but some 'collectors' do it to fill a void in their lives, and if you touch their hobby, their fight or flight mode gets triggered, no matter how much you try to rationalize with them.. Hopefully they reconsider and understand better the context of your tweet, thanks for sharing.
Wow, crazy but honestly, I'm not surprised at all. I started a Twitter account in January of 2020 and closed the account in the summer of 2023. For exactly the reasons you gave. Man, you gotta do what works for you. I appreciate your channel and content. I feel everything you mentioned stems from where our country has been and currently is. All of this is not sustainable for our country it's just not. People have to understand. Thanks again.
I couldn't care less if someone wants to stream a movie. I just think it should be called limited time or "extended" _rental_. As long as the consumer realizes they don't truly own anything. If you want something for the long haul your best bet is going to be a physical purchase and better yet even rip the disc and store it locally.
I'm with you, Heath. I've gradually opened myself up to the idea of not only streaming, but also purchasing digital online. As space becomes an issue, I've become more and more discerning on the physical purchases I add to my collection; quality over quantity.
I'm also still in the process of transferring DVDs to those space-saving sleeves, and it's been great!
Take care.
I appreciate your view on these things. You're the only movie related channel I watch due to the uncomfortable intensity that most have. I'm not in the physical media community, and I don't even collect much myself (i just have ~15 of my favorite films) but I do enjoy physical media. I certainly agree with your opinion on the "i told you so" nature of things, but I don't necessarily see the "long live physical media" as negative, but I don't run in those circles necessarily, so for me the idea behind "long live physical media" or "viva physical media" is not about converting people, but just letting people know its still out there as an option. That way they can reach beyond Netflix etc. if they want.
One thing I would share with folks is that buying isn't the only way to enjoy physical media. I for one appreciate the quality and variety of physical media, but I rent all my media from Scarecrow Video. It's a giant video library out of Seattle that does rent-by-mail. They have the largest physical media collection in the world. Highly recommend!
"Uncomfortable intensity." Well said! Also, totally agree about renting or borrowing physical media. Unfortunately, this space has been invaded by a whole slew of folks who take their identity from how much they have bought and how much they own. They use it for status, they use it for self esteem, and they believe there's some sort of a war between physical and digital. I'm trying to do something very different.
I did notice this trend recently. Glad someone else noticed it too.
Streaming is fantastic for discoverability. So many discs I would’ve never bought if I had not watched it on a streaming site first.
If a title is available on both disc, digital, and streaming, that’s the best scenario and I will always applaud when that is the case. All the avenues to get one of my favorite titles to as many eyeballs as possible.
I agree with you 100% Heath! I believe that most people watch movies & shows on streaming, which is great since when I was a kid we barely had TV! But I don't collect movies & tv shows just for stuff on my shelf! I watch what I collect! Thanks for talking about this topic!
Heath you are very knowledgeable about physical media. I don't use streaming services i like having a physical movie collection on hand for when i want to get tost in a movie. Knowing that i own rights to my movie collection vs when you stream a movie that movie isnt yours. When I go into my movie room to grab a movie its pure happiness. Because i know i wont lose the movie when it gets removed from streaming services. And i dont have to search hundreds of movies to locate the movie I want to watch.
Keep doing what you are doing.
I love physical media. I try to keep my collection curated to my taste so I'm shelving what I love and not just shiny discs. I try not to get sucked into FOMO and distracted by the shininess. Although, I do have fairly broad tastes and perhaps justify keeping a few shiny things around. Personally, I prefer your videos where you talk about the film/TV and not just the packaging.
I love owning my favorite films and albums on blu ray, dvd, records, and cd, but the easiest way for me to discover music and films that I now love is streaming. I only buy media that I love and want to pass on to others.
I will say that most youtuber's are in favour of physical media over streaming! I'm glad that you're honest about having both streaming & physical media on disc's!
Great video. I have a physical media collection of games, music, movies, and TV shows that is a fair size, but I still value having a streaming service or perhaps two active at any time so that I can see if something is worth adding to my collection or not. For a while, I was doing blind buys because they were cheap and ended up with a bunch of crap that I didn't care to ever see again and had to do a purge. While I don't like what's going on with streaming right now with the ad-supported tiers and price increases, to me it's ridiculous and somewhat amusing that some people would get militant that someone would support anything other than physical media.
Yep, because YOU yourself actually control your media when it’s physical. We collect because we like the tangible, we don’t like being tracked, we don’t like paying for things 100 times again and again and not owning said thing, we collect because we like bonus features, artwork, and we like unedited media with no political agenda. I don’t hate streaming … it’s got its place, but I’ll continue to support physical for those programs that I really care about.
Heath! You have hit it on the head! You are the most sensible person out there. You are absolutely right. Actually there is a cult element probably on both sides. Do these people not know that utube is streaming? I watch utube all the time. Does that make me a lost soul? There is no war! Both formats were created to be enjoyed not as torture. I'm glad someone has enough sense to understand this. I think there is a lot of FEAR out there. Still. People are so afraid of loosing their physical media in spite of all you've said that they will do anything. It does become creepy. It could lead to terrorism. Well maby . Doubt it. But everyone needs to listen to you. Keep up the good work and common sense. Your the man.
Its about the art and experience of the film and whats on it. The viewing and distribution is a secondary aspect or in the chain of the making process. That is up to the veiwer as well as the distribution on the way to bring it to the veiwing world to experience it. Ill view it any format pretty much.
omg, this post was literally Cereal AT Midnight!
The most ironic thing to me is that, for the people that are "physical media or nothing, no streaming ever", unless you are super young, chances are you came to discover this material on TV first. Which is a version of streaming. It streamed from the big TV station antennas and you got it on your home TV antenna. and ta-da, you saw the picture on your TV.
Imagine all of the generations that discovered movies and TV shows this way. I guess we were all wrong to watch them back then...
Wow, that's a unique perspective that hadn't crossed my mind... but you're right!
Maybe people were upset because you’re comparing disc collecting to harmful cults and religion. In a way that is trivializing the real harm caused by those by comparing them to something totally benign like collecting and promoting physical media. It’s probably true in the coming decades that a lot more shows and movies will be both out of print on disc and no longer available on streaming services or even digital (even if you bought it digitally at one point) so if you’re a true fan of something getting the physical copy while it’s available is a good idea. Saying that should not be falsely compared to being a part of a cult.
But that's the thing, I don't think it's benign. I think it's really harmful and has hurt a lot of people. You can hear from some of those people in these very comments.
@@CerealAtMidnight I see some people commenting "I bought discs I don't need" and that's the extent of the damage. So list them for saIe online and make most of your money back. It's completely incomparable to being in a cult or religion where a person can give away all their money with nothing to show for it, be @bused or become an @buser, and basically ru!n their entire life. (I had to retype this comment because I used too many words yt doesn't like the first time so that’s why it may show up twice(?))
I like hanging out with people at the theater or having watched parties at someone’s house or at mine that’s not done anymore since now everybody has the ability to watch the same thing at their own house you lose the ability to be social and make memories you can go bowling but that gets a little expensive and sometimes can be boring especially if you don’t have a good size group
Amen brother (sorry for the religious response lol), it's just gotten so crazy to the point where we're even seeing this angry discourse within the physical media community. People are like shame on you for buying DVDs, 4K is the only way. Like we can't even just let people enjoy movies anymore on their terms, we have to police the delivery methods. Really sad to see it come to this.
That's EXACTLY the attitude I'm talking about in this video. Physical media fans who hate digital, 4K collectors who hate DVD collectors...it goes on and on. Just let people enjoy things without telling them they don't belong. The good news is, there are WAY more of us than there are of them. We've just got to speak up from time to time so we're all on the same page.
I totally agree with you I love movies, TV shows, and CDs, however I also like to stream a bit too, but some people just take it a bit too far.
One of the series on paramount plus are now on Blu ray about the hamburger restaurant.
I do both. Streaming and buy physical media. I don't need to own everything. If I did? I'd be broke, hungry and no roof over my head.
After the twitter explosion last night I needed to see this video. You’re the best media person I follow. You do it right it’s about the movies not the format. I do feel weird about digital copies vs physical but it’s a stigma I’m going to have to get over. I’m fine streaming a show but for some reason movies I feel like if I can I need to get the physical copy. This has burned me in the past. I got the 4k of Holiday Inn without ever watching the movie, all I knew was “it’s the original movie of White Christmas”, well I wasn’t a huge fan of Holiday Inn now I own this movie I don’t really like.
I agree and like your content. It's similar to vinyl groups where music talk is minimal and don't you dare mentioning you have this album on cd.
I don't see anything wrong with saying "this is why physical media matters" - because it does matter. It's speaking to those who eschew physical media altogether - those who brag about throwing away their physical media collection in favour of digital media only. Those who think collecting discs is a waste of time, money and space, etc...and there are plenty of them out there....
I have no problem with streaming - I can completely understand why it's popular - it's so convenient and for those who like to watch movies but aren't interested in any kind of collecting, it's perfect.
I think people get a little uptight when they see or hear of retailers discontinuing the sale of physical media, an they panic. I can relate to that, sure...
Myself I'm convinced that eliminating physical media is the end goal of the Studios, distributers and rights holders, so they can maximise revenue and have complete and total control over who watches what and charging people for every time they watch. I know the music industry has stated they want to be able to charge people for every single time they listen to a song and I believe the movie industry has the same desires and that eventually they'd prefer to see the end of physical media.
Of course I could be wrong - I hope I am.
Streaming will always have it's place, no question, so it isn't going to go away. The only issue I have is 'purchasing' digital media which isn't purchasing at all, it's renting for an unspecified time and can be taken from you at any time
I never said it was offensive, I said it reminded me of my really extreme fundamentalist childhood. Tribalistic. It feels the same as religion or politics to me. The tweets said it all: nobody has ever been converted by such a headline, regardless of the subject matter. We gravitate to confirmation bias.
I've always found your "reporting " to be honest, exciting, and informative. I've made many decisions on purchasing certain blu-rays or box sets I'm interested in based on your experience in reviewing the product. I also have many dvd's, blu-ray's, 4K's, albums and cds...but I also subscribe to streaming. I'd be crazy not to because like you said, who cares how you watch or listen to what you like. It's just another choice. I totally get what you're saying. It's a slippery slope that social media. U Tube is the only platform I've found to not be off-putting. It's easy to be mean behind the screen, Or ignorant beyond imagination and reality. You do a great job. You're very entertaining and intelligently address your followers with respect. And I think it's sweet you get swag from these companies to review. They're a bit jealous is all, I suspect. Never take their pettiness to heart. You be you. That's what you're great at. Keep up the outstanding job on this and all your posts and casts.
✌️❤️🙂
It's important to say things of this sort. A few times. But every minute we spend discussing formats. Is a minute we can't talk about the movies, TV shows, books, and music that we love.
I'm a physical media guy. I like the tangible items on my shelf. That will never change. I don't see value in a digital library. I do stream some stuff, but I will only pay for physical films.
The problem is that there's a TON of physical is dead videos at the moment. I'm tired of seeing them. So people get defensive when the things they love are under attack.
However, I think there's going to be multiple formats going forward. Provided everyone is served, then that's all good.
I just prefer physical media not just because of ownership, but the whole digital & streaming uncertainty of film & shows. I'll only go digital if I'm pirating & I use shared logins for streaming. Licensing is the biggest issue with digital & streaming & when the IP owners(Paramount) can't even keep their own stuff on their service due to licensing, you know it's a sh*t show.
It's cool to prefer whatever you want, I'd just politely ask you not to attack anyone for not seeing it your way, because that way lies trouble.
Re: Paramount and the Star Trek thing, they can license those movies out to someone else for big money. These studios pass around assets to streaming services to the highest bidder. it hops around, but it rarely disappears.
Yeah, this simple reality is something he oddly leaves out of his little screed here. I don't doubt he got some shitty, toxic nonsense. But not everything he's saying here adding up and it's kind of irresponsible and judgmental in and of itself.
@@CerealAtMidnight For a lot of people the "hopping around" is essentially disappearing. Not everyone can afford to sign up for a new streaming service every time something they thought had a home up and disappears because of corporate BS.
Of course there are always ways to watch something....but we're increasingly needing to jump through hoops to do so legitimately. Is it really reasonable to tell people who wanna watch The Search for Spock to sign up for a new streamer, watch the movie, then cancel? Or just to pay for a whole new streamer just to be able to watch their favorite Trek films from time to time?
They can purchase it digitally, yes. And 98% chance it's there for good. Until it isn't....
The fact you dismiss this is kinda suss.
Films and shows are routinely censored on streamers. We can look up a list of how many streaming exclusives have just went POOF with no legal availability elsewhere. And hasn't purchased digital content from Playstation or something gone POOF as well recently because of licensing BS?
You aren't looking at the big picture.
That's not to say that streaming is all terrible. Of course it's not. It has and will continue to have its benefits. But your nonchalantly dismissal of these concerns isn't it my guy.
You are righteous and venerable. Don't let the manic, obsessed collectors get you down. I am a film /media lover above all else. If I can get my favs in the best format... Yatzee! I have no cable or even a wi-fi signal in my home but I don't disparage those who do their viewing streaming. Hopefully the few educated hosts such as you can help them appreciate the art.
Toxic fandoms always arise when we go from loving a show, movie, media format, etc for what it is and turn that love into an identity that we must protect and exclude others from to maintain our groups purity.
Haah, finally someone saying it, i have felt the same way often! I guess people just cant accept different views and it sadly becomes more common as time passes.
As a guy with over 2500 discs, I could not agree more with this video. Anytime someone wants to exclude me because I don't agree with, it's bizarre cult like activity. I say collect what you want but stop belittling those who have no interest in a wall of media like we do. I don't need everything either, videos of people buying stuff they admit they don't even like is weird.
I collect both physical and digital media and I like to think that they cover each other. I've had to move around a lot in recent years so the digital collection has done well to cover what I had to get rid of to make the move work. But I also appreciate that physical media won't get blinked away unlike some material on streaming services.
I only get something on physical if its something I know i really enjoy. The main problem i have is that i dont want something i dont like to just sit on my shelf for years on end.
Thanks for another great video. When I see “Long live physical media” I think keep it around as a format. I don’t think do away with streaming. I have been collecting since the 1980s. There is great stuff on streaming and there is stuff on physical that will never make it there. I don’t see streaming as replacing physical media but replacing cable tv for casual one time viewing. There are films I watch that I want to have around all the time. There are also shows I never want to watch again. I do hope more streaming programming makes the jump to physical so we have the option of collecting what we want.
Thanks Heath, I totally see where you are coming from. I too have more discs than I will probably ever watch again (many not watched yet!). I am much more selective on what I buy now, still replacing old DVD's with BR or 4K. I do however see why you have gotten such a negative reaction from some. As discussed the news that some retailers are no longer selling discs and the studios trying to push people more towards streaming and censoring or dropping titles they now find "problematic". Many collectors are getting very worried (panicked even!) that many titles will no longer be available. Only a fraction of newer and even fewer old titles will be available to stream for decades to come. That's why collectors want to keep people interested in collecting to insure that the market for owned physical media stays strong, so they are digging in. I think the vast majority are film/fans and some of them, are a bit more prickly about anything that might put the market at risk. Yes some are only interested in making money I'm sure.
I personally love having a reference library of titles that I think are worthy and the fun part is being able to discuss/argue the merits of all sorts of film/TV.
I hope you continue to cover the new releases balanced with a larger discussion of classic, cult and deep library titles from the past as that's where the gold is. Just F-the trolls, and just do what you like doing.
Cheers!
Thanks!
Thank you! And thank you for subscribing, too!
@@CerealAtMidnight you are most welcome sir. Take care.
According to internet lore lvl 99 rouge heath confronted cult members of the physical media conglomerate and fished out a yo momma joke so outrageous even they had to laugh at it. Since then there have been hard feelings
Coming back again. I'm making a video very similar to this now, I agree with so many of these points,
This is such a bizarre version of gatekeeping. I don't think all gatekeeping is bad but this is hilariously misguided.
As a scientist I am NEVER 100% sure of anything...even my own material existence can be easily questioned.
All I 'know' is that my current OPINION should be informed by the best available data/evidence while always being open to new data, ideas, etc. There is no room for 'knowing' in a final, absolute sense and definitely no room for a cultist mindset.
Good thoughts!
Agreed 100%. That kind of attitude just reeks of "I've got nothing going on in my life so I'll try and reach as far as I can to find something I can turn into toxic pride". I love collecting physical media, but if someone thinks I'm trash for relying a lot on Spotify for my music on the go, high chances are I won't talk to that person again and they'll find out more and more people will do the same, and hopefully, they'll click on why.
"Toxic pride" is a great way to describe it!
People have to pay for their entertainment whether they buy disc's or watch on streaming! I definitely agree with you Heath....we should be free to watch however we want without being preached to!
I think you have a good point about physical media. When you own dvd's, blurays, 4k's and what not, you can watch them anytime you want with no limitations. I like streaming services, but the subscription fees keep going up and sometimes programs we like go away for whatever reason. I also think if we stop buying our own physical media, more stores will go out of business. If we own physical media, we can also do a digital backup copy of it on our computer's or drives to watch anytime. If there was a way to balance out streaming with physical media, then maybe that can work out somehow. When I collect physical media, it is mainly things I love to watch over and over. I even enjoy old shows like twilight zone, outer limits, fantasy island, the love boat and of course current movies. I wish netflix, hbo max or max, paramount + and other streaming companies would put their programs on dvd's, blurays and 4k's, so we as consumers can enjoy them for a long long time. I just love the wonderful content these studios and companies come up with.
I love streaming and digital because it allows me to experience new movies and curate my collection. I don’t have the room or $$$ to buy everything I want to see, and in the past I found myself stuck with movies I didn’t have an interest in keeping.
I hear you. I keep my TwitterX because there are people with whom I want to engage, but it can be like walking through a bad neighborhood in trying to remain unengaged w/ people who are searching for a fight with a finetooth comb.
I’ll take Physical media all day over Streaming Services in a way , I guess it’s because I grew up around VHS Tapes and the double Combo of a DVD player and a VHS combination.
I mainly collect what interests me the most , I just don’t ever see myself with a massive criterion collection for example. Even though I really love the effort they put into restoring Cinema.
I've seen this kind of mindset and attitude with videogame systems where they pick a system (or company)to stand by and protest the others. People have a tendency to join a side they believe is ritious and and the best and denounce anyone who has another view, just like the oldest topic, religion. It's a sad way to view to go about and judge others and not having an open and loving mind for diversity. I had a church experience when I was a teenager where I was sitting in a discussion room in a circle with people I knew and they began talking about the wrongs of non-believers and how to save them so they don't burn in hell. Non of them knew(except for my best friend)I was one of those non-believers and the discussion made me feel upset, alone, and gave me a different view of those I knew. Just love each other and the diversity we all have to give.
Wow, a lot to unpack. That is crazy, I didn't realize there were fanatics out there like that. BTW, we over in the tabletop RPG community had/have a similar problem with gatekeeping. Things like "oh, you MUST play this role-playing game This Way or you're not doing it right" garbage. Don't let it get you down, Heath. There's a lot of hobbyists out there who do both streaming and collecting.
Heh, isn't it ironic that, before this, we had a lot of people beating us over the head with "that's it, physical media is dead." The pendulum swings the other way, I guess.
It feels like today everything is just black and white... if you're not with me, you're the enemy!... crazy times! I always enjoy your content, Heath, so keep up the good work! (I'm collecting for almost 40 years... VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, HD-DVD, BD, 4K... got well over 10k discs in my collection now, and I still stream stuff.) I just love movies and shows, but that's just me... ;-)
I had to get rid of about 300 DVDs due to a move, only kept the blurays, box sets and kickstarter discs. Ended up selling some of them to fund a trip to the USA for a convention. For normal DVDs they do not really keep there value. If I buy something from the opp shop for $2 it goes back there 6 months later. Even knew clearance stock from Umbrella Entertainment often ends up there unwatched, can't keep it around. At least want a shelf I can see everything at once.
I don't put as much thought into this as you do. However, it is important to keep everything in balance. In the heyday of DVD, I would buy anything just because it was on a disc. Now I am more selective and only buy titles I care about. This is where streaming has its place, you can watch new things or revisit movies you enjoy but don't necessarily care too much about.
If you’d ever like to dig into this a little deeper with some others in a video let us know. Think this is an important conversation to have. Thanks - Steven
I'm big on physical media because I like owning my all-time favorites with the extras. But I love that streaming came about because it really feels like equality for people that are low income. There's a lot of free streaming apps. I think one of the best ones is tubi out of all the paid an free. I've discovered so many indie titles on there but I've never would have found out about if I only bought physical media. So for me both are important now. It's just amazing how much access we have two media because of the internet and smart TVs. And on the flip side is amazing how much access we have to beautiful limited editions of classic and cult movies! So I think you can be excited about both.
Hi Heath This is Joe Thank you for all the email advice. Disney has ended Disney Movie Club in Canada as of Aug 2023. Maybe that's why there were only 2 DMC blurays released to all of us in 2023. Is the USA next to end DMC? What do you think?
Hey, Joe! I think the DMC will stick around as long as there's money to be made, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they were closing.
Hey Heath, look on the bright/brighter side. At least you don't have to interact with those people blocking you over, really, a harmless opinion.
That being said, I can't fully agree with you whenever you say, "Physical media is just a delivery system, appreciate the movie". Because the 'delivery system' is the only way us fans get to experience what we had in our childhood or memories and sharing them with our friends and families without studios or corporations etc getting involved and meddling with it.
I think as long as discs are the only 'delivery system' we have and until (if ever) a realistic and affordable alternative is mass produced, then we should encourage (but definitely not worship) physical media. Just my two cents.
Not much to conversate since I agree with all that you said. However... You took the words of of my mouth. I busted out laughing when you said "How do you talk to these people?" It's so true. I've been collecting since the days of VHS, granted I collect and upgrade what I love. I stream/subscribe, and rent what new or old stuff I'm curious about. The way I look at it; I love said movie, and the bonus features so I buy, and to own. A bonus to that is to show people a film or show they might not know about our never came across because it's not available to stream or find even to the average person and share that enjoyment/experience weather they collect or not. As unfortunate as it might be that "Cult" as you say is there and puts a damper in the community. Best thing to do with them is just ignore them because as I put it... Humans gonna human.
I just love movies in general. Ideally I would watch all of them in a proper movie theater. Failing that I prefer physical media, but I still watch streaming. Sometimes I watch it to scope out a future purchase.
My only annoyance is some of my friends when I'm recommending a movie will be like "what streaming service is it on?" And I'm like I don't know I just bought it.
there’s a lot of irony in the way gatekeepers claim to love physical media more than anything, yet this gate keeping behavior is exactly what keeps the space from growing. presenting this war between streaming and physical media does nothing but make some collectors feel superior, and makes collecting a lot less welcoming for newcomers. the movies are what’s important!
If I may offer you my two cents on this issue,I would say that the problem is fear. I love the art of film and I try to see a film, whether in theaters or streaming, that's my goal, to see it. Once I have seen it, if I really like it, then I will try to acquire physical media. Yes, it's about ownership and access, but it's also about the tactile interaction with the disc. Holding the film is a nice experience. And I believe that the cultists you speak of in the video are afraid that if they show streaming any accord,then such nice experiences will be lost, replaced. There is also the fact that nowadays, it's the studios that own the movies that are running the streaming services,which means they can chop up the films and give us any version they deem fit. Classic masterpieces could be at mercy of current measurements of right and wrong,which is nonsense. These are the fears. Hopefully, they are unjustified.
People who CHOOSE not to have a reasoned discussion on a topic they are passionate about are to be avoided at all cost.
They are TOXIC...no matter what side they take.
Hi Heath long time can. You described it as it is a cult. Why can't someone be allowed to discuss what they love freely and openly. Love for movies on all formats whether it be physical, digital. It sucks that they don't allow you to discuss movies on that forum you mentioned. I'm also on that forum and I can see what you do described. Some on that forum are let's say a bit sensitive lol. Especially if one shares info that's incorrect... The battle begins on that thread. Insane stuff.
I haven't bought a Blu-ray or DVD in awhile mostly because I have a lot of what I want is already in my collection. As for digital I think it's 142 movies a lot of them are from digital codes or a big time sales. But I'm also trying to build a plex library as well I will watch it anyway I can get it. I wish I knew more about the Golden age of movies.
I'm waiting for abstract 3D Blu-ray musical done in native 3d process by a German film maker ,Pina .
I collect because of the movies that I like. A lot of people are just addicted in buying and hording as much as they can. I always ask myself the question. Is it justified to buy everything or do I just want things that actually make me happy? I often cancel purchases from my Amazon list or put them aside for the next month. I don't want my hobby to control my life.
I’ve been collecting physical media since the 80’s. I’ve been collecting since E.T. Was released on vhs. But I’m like you, after years of collecting and running out of space, I realized I don’t need to collect everything physical. So I sold a lot of my old stuff and only collect the stuff I really want to keep. And have a digital library of movies I like but don’t need in physical form especially if they go on sale $5 or less. So I do both too . And it makes my wife happy that I don’t have so much clutter. 😂. The only thing I’m guilty of is that I’m a double dipper. I like to upgrade my favorite movies to the latest upgrade if available. Yes, it should ultimately be about the art. Some people just need to take a chill pill. Everyone should do them & not care about how a person prefers to watch movies & tv shows. We are all here for the love of movies/tv shows.
If I had to buy every single film I wanted to see, I'd be bankrupt right now. I use streaming more for recent movies and TV shows which I have no real interest in owning (unless it's something that really blows me away like Oppenheimer)
There’s fundamentalism in every niche and community, not just religion. Definitely not something unique to Christianity. It’s a personality type, it’s tribalism. Some ppl see nothing but black and white
this is, sadly, true. one step to the next level is "4K only", other formats are Trash, especially DVD. there seems to be a huge hate for DVDs in the past decade. i collect VCDs and the amount of mockery is ridiculous. in my region, it became a " Class" thing. if you stream or buy DVD, you are "poor", but if you buy limited blu rays and 4k, you are " rich". its not a war its literally Titanic sinking. 😢
Physical media is great because it allows you to own your movies, and prevents studios from editing or erasing films from their archives. But the reality is that most people do not collect media anymore. Streaming has made movie consumption very easy and convenient. At some point in the near future all that will be left are botique labels. The major studios are starting to stop releasing on disc. Most retail stores are slimming down shelf space for it. It’s a losing battle. It reminds me of the transition from silent to sound, where some were able to adapt to the new format. Others did not and were forgotten. I will continue to collect, and will continue to stream
No idea what we’re arguing here. You take any W you can. Building a consensus that physical media is important is the reason I thought we were all here. Now it’s a cult? 🤷♂️
It becomes a cult when collectors say to people "you don't belong here," or start talking about physical media like its a lover or dear friend, which is the behavior I'm talking about. It's merchandise, but to a small portion of the audience, it's LIFE and they get upset when people consume in other ways. It's proselytizing.