Recently I logged in to Hulu and discovered that one of my favorite Marvel shows, The Runaways, had been removed from the library. Shocked was how you could describe my reaction.
Lately, there has been an outcry over streaming companies removing shows and movies from their libraries. This removal of content is permanent as far as the studios are considered. Unless they change their minds later on.
This set off alarm bells for both audiences and the creative people who work on these productions. This development is happening on the heels of other censorship issues that have plagued the digital content industry for years. Every day, news outlets are reporting on either removal of content or geo policies that further restrict access to selected shows and movies.
Rediscovering the Joy of DVDs
Certainly, it was a disappointment but luckily there is no dearth of good content on Hulu in New Zealand otherwise I would have to spend my day in complete boredom and frustration. I immediately tuned to my other favorite shows with the help of Hulu but it did make me wonder about the era of DVDs.
A Tale of Sentimentality and Comfort
I dug out the old DVD collection of my father. He was a cinephile of his times and had collected a wide range of DVDs containing films of almost every era. I started to rummage through them and was startled to find some of the most iconic films in the box.
It started giving me a sense of enthusiasm and I picked up a few movies to watch.
It’s not just about nostalgia but there are other factors involved too, which made me realize why I should start collecting my physical media. After reading all the reasoning which I’m about to give, maybe you’ll also give it a thought, Afterall what’s the harm in it? Here are my top reasons for rekindling our love of physical media:
1. Physical Copy of Your Content
DVD’s provide a physical copy of a content which is not subjected to be altered or removed from any site or streaming service. Which means you own your tangible copy of your favorite content which you can keep forever without the fear of it being taken away from you.
2. No Need of Specific Devices
DVD’s are playable on DVD players whereas streaming services need a strong internet connection and a device too. Which means you can watch DVDs on any device which has a dvd player, such as gaming consoles, TVs and laptops.
3. No Worry About Internet Connectivity
Having your DVDs along with a DVD player gives you a sense of freedom as you can watch your favorite content anytime without having to worry about the internet connection and their speed. Or about paying subscriptions to the streaming services.
4. Access to your Content
It is very common now that streaming services have started removing your favorite content without any notice, leaving you with limited options to watch from your library. This is not why we invest our money and time on streaming services, only to be left with no access to our interesting content.
5. Sharing is Caring
Owning DVDs lets you share your content with people and also to lend your DVD with your friends. On the other hand, on streaming services sharing is limited or even restricted sometimes.
6. Physical Representation
DVDs can be collected and displayed in your shelves giving an aesthetic ambience to your room. You can show off your interests and taste through this collection of your content, it also reflects your personality.
7. Bonus Features
DVDs also give a bonus feature as it provides commentary on your favorite shows, also behind the scenes and much more insights about documentaries which may not be available on streaming services. So here you have got extra content from your shows.
8. Uninterrupted Playback
DVD provides a sustainable streaming as it doesn’t need internet connection, with streaming services there is always an issue regarding buffering and slow pace internet. Here you are carefree to watch content without any nuisance.
9. Better Sound and Display Quality
With DVDs you can enjoy the best experience of streaming as they provide a better sound quality as well as they offer higher resolution and fewer compression artifacts. Giving you an amazing streaming experience which you might not get in online streaming.
10. Pocket-friendly
DVDs can be more affordable than streaming services as you can have an option to buy old or used DVDs too, also you can buy stuff in bulk which can offer you discounts. Additionally, this bought collection can bring an aesthetic look to your space.
11. Nostalgic Value
DVDs can hold your sentiments which any streaming services cannot offer, you may have some fond memories with any media or any association with DVDs can hold memories which you can cherish forever. You can also enjoy the tactile experience of handling your physical media.
12. Private and Secure
DVDs are a more secure and sound option than streaming services. You don’t have to give your personal information to subscribe for their services. And also there is no third party with DVDs who’s keeping an eye on your watch history.
Wrapping up
I am amazed how much I’ve missed this experience of watching DVDs. The above -mentioned advantages are what made me realize that even if I go back to my old streaming routine, I am never going to throw away my DVDs collection. As in time of need when I was left with no option, it was this old stack of memories that came to my rescue.
