DVD sales have been on the decline for over a decade, but a slew of new streaming services and a shift in how consumers are watching movies and TV shows could be the final death knell for the technology. The same can be said for Blu-Ray discs.

Are DVD sales declining?

By the next year, DVD sales decreased by 9% — the first significant dip after years of steady numbers. But that was just the first of several consecutive years of $1 billion-plus declines, draining the DVD market to just $6.85 billion by 2017. In 2023, DVD purchases have shrunk by around 92% since its 2006 peak.

Are they phasing out DVDs?

US retailer Best Buy is phasing out DVD sales in early 2024, while Netflix finally closed their DVD rental service in 2023. And yet, not only are there many people hanging onto their existing DVDs – there's a committed number still buying them.

Are DVDs becoming obsolete?

In terms of DVDs as a medium for watching films, they will almost certainly be available in 20 years' time, albeit in less supply in response to lower demand for DVDs, as online streaming becomes more of a medium for watching movies. However, that is not to say that DVDs will be completely ruled out in 20 years' time.

Are DVD players going out of style?

According to findings from Statista Consumer Insights, DVD and Blu-ray are quickly spinning out of fashion across the globe, with the share of respondents who watched video from a physical format declining, sometimes significantly, in most major markets.

Be Prepared! DVD & Blu-Ray: The Return of Physical Media

How long will DVD be around?

Granted the fact, Netflix abandoned DVDs in 2023 as well as some retailers, Best Buy in 2024, the final demise of DVDs might be sooner rather then later, but time will tell. Will DVDs be around for much longer? Chances are, yes. There is no reason why it will disappear any time soon.

What is replacing the DVD?

And as demand for DVDs has plummeted, video streaming has risen in its place. Subscriptions to services like Netflix have increased from 39 million worldwide in 2011 to 1.2 billion today—almost swallowing the DVD industry whole.

Is there any reason to keep DVDs?

DVDs Often Have Better Quality Than Their Streaming Versions

With streaming you may get artifacts, worse colors, and smeary motion. However, that depends on your internet connection and the compression quality. So this isn't true for everyone, but at least with DVDs, you know what you're getting.

Does anyone still watch DVDs?

Curiously, many stores fill their shelves with DVDs and Blu-rays, and Technicolor Home Entertainment Services plans to ship as many as 750 million discs in 2022. Stranger yet, the most prominent DVD watchers are 25 to 39. Time will tell if DVDs and Blu-ray experience a resurgence.

Will DVDs go bad?

A typical DVD disc has an estimated life expectancy of anywhere from 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled. How the disc is stored and handled will determine the longevity of the media.

Are DVDs making a comeback?

People are also returning to other older formats like DVDs to avoid the decision fatigue caused by services, such as Netflix, which have an endless selection of content. Cassette tapes are also making a comeback as they're cheap to produce and cheap to sell.

Why is Best Buy getting rid of DVDs?

It's the end of an era for Best Buy. The Minnesota-based retailer will stop sales of DVDs and Blu-ray discs later this year. The company says their move is in response to the changing ways its customers are consuming media - these days, mostly through online streaming.

Will DVDs ever be collectible?

"Rare DVDs become popular auction items because they offer collectors the chance to own something unique and often irreplaceable." It can be tricky to know what's valuable and what's not in the world of DVDs.

Is Target going to stop selling DVDs?

And so, Target has started removing physical discs from its shelves. In a statement provided to IGN, a Target spokesperson said that the retailer will be "transitioning the limited assortment of DVDs we carry in our stores to Target.com, where guests will continue to find thousands of titles."

Is DVD better than streaming?

DVDs may be better than streaming for the best movie watching experience, as Jamey Tucker explains. Cost isn't the only factor though. If your smart TV or streaming device is connected over WiFi, your internet speed is likely not fast enough for full HD. Blu-Ray DVDs, on the other hand, are all in full HD.

Is DVD going away?

The consumer electronics retailer plans to phase out its DVD and Blu-ray sales by early 2024 — with physical movies set to be sold in-stores and online as they are today through the holidays, Best Buy confirmed to The Associated Press Friday. Video games will not be impacted.

Is it better to buy DVD or digital?

If you value convenience, cost-effectiveness, and portability, digital streaming may be the best option for you. However, if you prioritize image and sound quality, a tangible collection, and no dependence on an internet connection, physical media may be the better choice.

When did DVDs lose popularity?

The real inflection point was the Great Recession. From 2007 to 2008, DVD sales slumped 26%, falling to $11.6 billion from $15.7 billion. Bruce Nash, founder and president of Nash Information Services, said consumers ditched DVD spending as their disposable income shriveled, kicking off the demise of the DVD industry.

Should I throw away old DVDs?

Don't Dump in the Garbage Cart

Avoid throwing away CDs and DVDs because they contain hazardous metals that can leach into the soil.

Is Blu-ray being phased out?

Blu-ray now joins the list of phased-out physical media formats in stores, including CD, DVD, Laserdisc, Betamax, and VHS.

Will DVDs become rare?

When that happens DVDs will likely still not all be collectibles as there are simply too many of them available. Some DVDs that are more rare or were released in limited amounts will become collectible but for most of the movies and TV shows that are on DVD the value will not be going up anytime soon.

What is the future of DVD?

This year alone… Discs are disappearing. Netflix stopped its disc-mailing business, Best Buy said it'll stop selling DVDs and Blu-rays at the end of 2023, and Ingram Entertainment (once one of the biggest DVD distributors) is ditching discs altogether. Streamers are removing content.

Are people still buying DVDs?

These days, DVD sales account for less than 10% of the total market, with total sales hitting $2.2 billion in 2018.” That is a decline of over 86%. While some critics and movie lovers still purchase physical media, DVD manufacturers may see these numbers as a death knell.

What current technology is replacing DVD?

The VCR was replaced by DVD technology in the late 1990s, which is currently being replaced by Blu-ray Disc technology.