Streaming Is Here to Stay, But Movie Lovers Are Keeping Physical Media Alive

[StarFuryG7]

Streaming Is Here to Stay, But Movie Lovers Are Keeping Physical Media Alive

[Majin Blu]

As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I knew who made it.

[MifuneFan]

Can you please stop posting this in the Blu-ray section, it does not belong here.

[StarFuryG7]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

Can you please stop posting this in the Blu-ray section, it does not belong here.

In looking over the sections here, it arguably doesn't fall under any specific category. So where would you suggest?

And I'm just curious, since I heard this complaint the last time I posted an article about the state of the industry here - Right now there is another active thread here titled, "Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Taking Over Disney's Physical Media Production," which at this moment has 732 replies. So it is a very big thread topic, and has anyone suggested that topic thread doesn't belong here either?

At the moment I do not have time to take a look, nor am I interested in slogging through 732 posts to look and find out, but I can't help but wonder.

Thanks

[MifuneFan]

Originally Posted by StarFuryG7

In looking over the sections here, it arguably doesn't fall under any specific category. So where would you suggest?

And I'm just curious, since I heard this complaint the last time I posted an article about the state of the industry here - Right now there is another active thread here titled, "Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Taking Over Disney's Physical Media Production," which at this moment has 732 replies. So it is a very big thread topic, and has anyone suggested that topic thread doesn't belong here either?

At the moment I do not have time to take a look, nor am I interested in slogging through 732 posts to look and find out, but I can't help but wonder.

Thanks

https://forum.blu-ray.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

Discuss the Blu-ray format, sales statistics and related technologies such as 4k, 8k, uhdtv, etc.

[StarFuryG7]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

https://forum.blu-ray.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

And if I posted it there would you even be aware of it? I think it's an open question because if I'm not mistaken that's the section where good topics with potential go to die once they've been hoovered into the "Physical & Digital EST" thread that appears at the top of that section.

And I'm still curious about the Sony/Disney Physical Media thread that I mentioned earlier and whether there was any interest in it being held to the same standard.

I post these articles because I figure others here will also find them of some interest. I don't go looking for them. They show up in my feed, and it deals with what this site is devoted to after all.

[bigshot]

I use both streaming and physical media. They serve two different purposes, just like radio and record albums. I watch streaming most of the time when I am just sitting down to casually consume some entertainment. It's done primarily for enjoyment to fill free time. Physical media screening is something I plan and mark out time for. It's an event, and as I watch, I focus on it. There is a third way of viewing video content that most people never mention, but it is probably bigger than the other two combined... viewing videos on YouTube or social media. I spend a great deal of time browsing there, and it is a totally different way of viewing. I use it to find out specific information, sample things I haven't seen before, and just randomly spinning the wheel to find something new.

[Member-839946]

Originally Posted by bigshot

. There is a third way of viewing video content that most people never mention, but it is probably bigger than the other two combined... viewing videos on YouTube or social media.

I watched way too much of this during 2020. I found some very interesting content, but when I say I watched too much, I found myself unable to sit still for movie length content after a while. Seriously. I wish I was joking. My attention span shrank to 8-10 minutes. After that, I'm on my phone while the movie plays.

Once I realized what was happening, I backed off.. a lot.. from you tube and started a "movie" night on Friday nights. Now I can actually watch a movie from start to finish. Before? Best I could do was 2-3 nights.

[StarFuryG7]

Originally Posted by ReedSolomon

I watched way too much of this during 2020. I found some very interesting content, but when I say I watched too much, I found myself unable to sit still for movie length content after a while. Seriously. I wish I was joking. My attention span shrank to 8-10 minutes. After that, I'm on my phone while the movie plays.

Once I realized what was happening, I backed off.. a lot.. from you tube and started a "movie" night on Friday nights. Now I can actually watch a movie from start to finish. Before?

I admire your resolve in recognizing what was happening and putting a stop to it. I've noticed the same things about myself at times and make an effort to curb it.

The internet has ruined the attention span of people, especially also thanks to the damn ads that are all over the place when trying to browse the Web.

I have to stop using Chrome entirely when using a handheld. They've ruined people's brains with all the over marketing online.

[StarFuryG7]

Originally Posted by bigshot

I use both streaming and physical media. They serve two different purposes, just like radio and record albums. I watch streaming most of the time when I am just sitting down to casually consume some entertainment. It's done primarily for enjoyment to fill free time. Physical media screening is something I plan and mark out time for. It's an event, and as I watch, I focus on it. There is a third way of viewing video content that most people never mention, but it is probably bigger than the other two combined... viewing videos on YouTube or social media. I spend a great deal of time browsing there, and it is a totally different way of viewing. I use it to find out specific information, sample things I haven't seen before, and just randomly spinning the wheel to find something new.

Our viewing habits are similar, although I spend a lot less time watching shows or movies these days compared to my old viewing habits. There's only a few shows a week that I focus on, and I try to stick a movie in here or there. I made it a point to watch the Season 4 premiere of "Snowpiercer" on AMC Sunday night after it aired because I was seriously concerned that if I didn't watch it then, I'd fall behind and procrastinate on getting to it, and it's the final season of that show. I'm not even a big fan of it. I just want to finish it out. Meanwhile, I've only seen the first season 2 episode of "The Lazarus Effect" thus far.

I'm not big on binge-watching and do not favor it, although there have been times at which I would try to get through a show in several days or a few weeks.

I do stream, but to a limited extent. I'm more content to watch "House of the Dragon" each Sunday night than wait for the whole season to air to then binge-watch it like a friend at work is presently waiting to do once this season has finished.

I do peruse videos on YouTube fairly regularly, either at home or while traveling. It's not a good habit, although it does also have certain advantages.

And I like collecting what shows or movies I like on disc, preferably these days in 4K for the most part where possible, although there are occasional exceptions, be they standard BD purchases, or even DVD if it's the only format something is available on.

But that's me. I want to see the physical media market survive and thrive, even though I was accused of "fearmongering" last week for posting a news article about Redbox going bankrupt.

I don't make the rules. I just link to whatever report may happen to be out there that's current, be it positive or negative to we physical media enthusiasts.

[UHDLoverForever]

And the lines get blurrier. There are independent animated shows on YouTube (The Amazing Digital Circus gets millions of views). There are video essays that are hours long and get millions of views. TikTok is now testing expanding the maximum length of vídeos to one hour. I know a 10-year old kid who regularly watches full Spongebob episodes on YouTube. Here in Brazil, YouTube video compilations of full Woody Woodpecker cartoons often get millions of views. And I think it's only a matter of time till a production in YouTube gets nominated for an Emmy. And let's not forget the success of the free streaming service Tubi, borrowing some traits of traditional (programming and commercial breaks). They had more viewership than Disney+ in a month recently.

[Watershipdownisgood]

Streaming is here to stay ha ha ha give me a break tell that to Crackle which just shut down, and Popcorn Flix which also shut down too, and then there's the fact that Paramount Pictures is trying to sell off Paramount plus. Streaming is way way worse than it was before its now essentially a digital version of cable. Also let's not forget Amazon's company just laid off 35 percent of their work staff.

With the exceptions of YouTube, tubi, Amazon Prime, and Netflix the streaming services are literally losing so much money.

[Member-839946]

Originally Posted by Watershipdownisgood

With the exceptions of YouTube, tubi, Amazon Prime, and Netflix the streaming services are literally losing so much money.

They might be losing money, but that doesn't mean viewers have changed their habits. I know, you'd think, right? But whether or not a business makes money may have nothing to do with how much consumers like their product or service and a LOT more with how profitable they can be in a given environment.

For example. I work in high tech. Anyone I work with could buy blu rays and have a library. No one does. Streaming is everything. They see very little point in owning media. Many have multiple streaming services.

We agree to disagree about the utility of locally stored versions of favorite shows. They also don't seem bothered by any of the typical complaints: Quality, availability, extras, etc. All they value is low cost access to a large library.

I suppose it was inevitable. If you own content, you're going to be reluctant to let someone else profit from it more than you do. This fractures the offerings and forces the consumer to subscribe to multiple services. Just like cable tv. lol.

[Watershipdownisgood]

Originally Posted by ReedSolomon

They might be losing money, but that doesn't mean viewers have changed their habits. I know, you'd think, right? But whether or not a business makes money may have nothing to do with how much consumers like their product or service and a LOT more with how profitable they can be in a given environment.

For example. I work in high tech. Anyone I work with could buy blu rays and have a library. No one does. Streaming is everything. They see very little point in owning media. Many have multiple streaming services.

We agree to disagree about the utility of locally stored versions of favorite shows. They also don't seem bothered by any of the typical complaints: Quality, availability, extras, etc. All they value is low cost access to a large library.

I suppose it was inevitable. If you own content, you're going to be reluctant to let someone else profit from it more than you do. This fractures the offerings and forces the consumer to subscribe to multiple services. Just like cable tv. lol.

I think I just find it funny that Paramount is over a billion dollars in debt and already made a deal with Skydance Media like I figured they would, and as a result is planning on selling Paramount plus or getting rid of it entirely. If that does happen Paramount will have to go back to selling just physical media again which would be great and wouldn’t surprise me at all. They’re starting to do a lot better with the Paramount Presents line now with the fact that Chinatown looked great in 4K UHD, and I have a strong feeling Bringing out the Dead is going to look amazing. I’m so excited considering how some Paramount Presents titles released in the past didn’t look that good looking at you To Catch a Thief. Hopefully they learned from their mistakes with the re-release in 4K UHD.

Now hopefully Sony gets some of those catalogue titles released on Blu-Ray from Disney and Fox as Sony is going through their own catalogue more and more some big titles just got released by Sony in 4K UHD this year, and I have a feeling there is more coming.

[Member-839946]

Originally Posted by Watershipdownisgood

I think I just find it funny that Paramount is over a billion dollars in debt

I don't think we disagree on anything.

Streaming is like my favorite BBQ place that's only open between 2-4 on Tuesday and 1-5 on alternate Saturdays. They have a product I would drive hours to get, but they serve it on their terms. I won't stop liking it, and I won't stop trying to get it, but I won't have much sympathy when they complain on Facebook they're about to go out of business. Great product, lousy business model.

[Watershipdownisgood]

Originally Posted by ReedSolomon

I don't think we disagree on anything.

Streaming is like my favorite BBQ place that's only open between 2-4 on Tuesday and 1-5 on alternate Saturdays. They have a product I would drive hours to get, but they serve it on their terms. I won't stop liking it, and I won't stop trying to get it, but I won't have much sympathy when they complain on Facebook they're about to go out of business. Great product, lousy business model.

Nope I completely agree streaming is like one of my favorite Italian restaurants great food, but the business is quite terrible. I’m just sick of news sites making these click bait articles just to fear monger physical media collectors, and making people like us collectors look bad. I personally only use Tubi, YouTube, and Crunchyroll streaming wise as I don’t care for the rest of the streaming services.

[StarFuryG7]

Originally Posted by Watershipdownisgood

Streaming is here to stay ha ha ha give me a break tell that to Crackle which just shut down, and Popcorn Flix which also shut down too, and then there's the fact that Paramount Pictures is trying to sell off Paramount plus. Streaming is way way worse than it was before its now essentially a digital version of cable. Also let's not forget Amazon's company just laid off 35 percent of their work staff.

With the exceptions of YouTube, tubi, Amazon Prime, and Netflix the streaming services are literally losing so much money.

And I'm glad that they are to be quite frank about it. Once I saw the streaming market fracturing into a bunch of different companies getting into the act, mainly on the heels of the success of Netflix (predominantly for a while there), Amazon Prime, and Hulu to a lesser extent, I detested what was happening. People don't want to be bothered with that nonsense. And I have my limits. I have Prime. I have Max. I have Vudu. And a traditional cable type of package, mainly because it makes more sense for me to retain that kind of a package than to get rid of it. But going beyond that and adding Hulu Plus, Paramount+, Disney+ (never in a millions years on that last one especially), there's just no way I'm going to put myself in that kind of position, and my viewing habits are rather limited nowadays to boot, as I've said.

[UHDLoverForever]

Like everything in life, it's important to have balance. Social media addiction and phone addiction are very harmful. And they want us to be addicted.

[Dragun]

The studios thought they'd each have their own Netflix printing money for them, but it didn't work like that, so now they're raising prices and adding advertisements. They've also conditioned people to only go to big event movies at the theater and wait for other stuff to hit streaming. They've disrupted themselves out of the profitable television and theatrical models that worked for them before and latched onto streaming, which largely isn't profitable, and now they're trying to course correct. That includes producing cheaper content, producing worse content, and cancelling shows after like two seasons unless they are monster hits. In other words, "ensh*ttification" has ensued.

One thing I do like about streaming is the ability to subscribe and cancel services to watch certain things. I have a few services I maintain subscriptions to all the time, but the others I'll subscribe to for a month or two and then cancel until the next thing I wanna watch comes along. Sorry, Peacock, but there's no way I'm subscribing to you year-round

[UHDLoverForever]

There are solutions to Hollywood's issues, but they require loss of money and will be a really bitter pill to seallow in the short and medium-term. How does one make shareholders accept that? What if the improvements take so long that the studio gets brankrupt and broken into pieces? Maybe bringing the debts down as fast as possible is crucial before any long-term strategy can be executed. Even with all the issues though, I don't believe in the death of the big Hollywood studios. This is not the first time that these studios go through seemingly doomed times, and it won't be the last. When it comes to their financial stability, it really has been all downhill since the advent of television. I'm not saying that it's impossible for any big studio to fall (Fox essentially doesn't exist anymore), but the fall of some also allows the rise of others. A24, while not a studio that earns remotely near the money of the traditional giants, has found sucess by focusing on adult auteur movies and genre movies that the big studios have neglected for a long time by putting all eggs in the basket of big action IP blockbusters.

There is a lot in common between the crisis of Hollywood and the crisis in AAA gaming: greedy studios focusing on the blandest and safest franchise movies/games, leading to the near-total death of the mid-budget Hollywood movie/AA game, artists without power to impose their artistic invasion in such gigantic productions, absurd and rising production costs...