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 they phasing out DVDs?

Best Buy announced it is phasing out sales of DVDs early next year, and while that may not seem all that surprising given the streaming landscape we live in, some cinephiles are worried about the implications of only having access to films on streaming services.

How much longer will DVDs last?

One of the few existing articles on DVD lifespans notes that “little information is available” on “DVD-ROM discs” and that there is therefore “an increased level of uncertainty for their life expectancy. Expectations vary from 20 to 100 years for these discs.”

Will DVDs be worth money in the future?

Collectors may begin to buy up the more rare DVD releases but most DVDs were not rare at all and are unlikely to become a collectors item. In another 50-60 years DVDs might begin to become collectable but even then they will not likely be very valuable just like 8 track tapes are not very valuable to us today.

Will DVD be replaced?

DVDs and Blu-ray discs will be replaced by streaming services. Consumers head to streaming services to watch movies, and the addition of Disney+ to the mix will only make DVDs and Blu-Ray discs even less of a necessity.

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

Will DVD make a comeback?

While the physical media business has been in freefall over the last decade, THR is reporting that DVDs and Blu-rays might be making a comeback similar to those experienced by CDs and Vinyl Records.

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.

Will DVDs survive?

optical media [CD, DVD, Blu-Ray] has a life span of 100 years.

Should I keep movie DVDs?

Special features

One last thing. DVDs and Blu-rays come with all kinds of special features, from behind-the-scenes footage to deleted scenes. Streaming services don't offer these features—the best you can do is search for them on YouTube when you're done watching.

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 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.

Do DVDs eventually stop working?

Deterioration of this material is the primary cause for disc degradation and, ultimately, “end of life” for the disc, assuming proper physical handling. Environmental factors can affect the rate of disc degradation.

Should I keep CDs and DVDs?

Not only can you listen to them in a car or a hi-fi system, but you can rip the files and store them as crisp 16-bit digital files for listening on your computer or phone. Furthermore, for moments when you lack an Internet connection, it's nice to still listen to music you love.

What current technology is replacing the DVD?

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

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.

Why are DVDs making a comeback?

Permanence. Having a permanent copy is perhaps the most attractive reason to buy a physical movie. Streamers know the pain of their favorite movie leaving to another service or disappearing entirely. You can keep your physical copy as long as you'd like.

Does anyone still buy DVDs?

A lot of people who care about picture quality, and audio quality do. Some people still do. In 2018, global sales of video disc formats (which in this context means DVD, Blu-ray, and UltraHD Blu-ray) were $13.1 billion. So, it is obvious that someone is still purchasing DVDs, and Blu-Ray optical discs.

Should I throw away my old DVDs?

Recycle your old DVDs

Surprisingly, DVDs – and their plastic cases – are recyclable. However, the catch is that you can't just toss them in with your household recycling, so you need to bring them to a recycling centre. Several online services will also pick up your DVDs for a small price and take them to be recycled.

Is DVD become obsolete?

Are DVD's obsolete? No, in fact, now might be the time to begin adding new movies and series sets to your collection because the future of DVD's is looking bright, shiny, and silver.

Will DVDs become rare?

The most likely possibility is Special Edition DVDs will be worth more. Regular movies had so many copies made they're not likely to be of special value.

Can DVDs last 100 years?

Research studies, anecdotal information and manufacturers' literature suggest that the lifetime of recordable optical discs can range from a couple of years to more than 200 years.

Are DVDs going out of fashion?

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.

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.

Will Disney still sell DVDs?

Now, Disney has decided to exit the physical media space as well, switching to a licensed model via an agreement with Sony Entertainment. The deal will see Sony market, sell and distribute new releases and library titles from Disney.