Reasons why physical storage media is better than streaming

Streaming is not as great as many people claim. Yes, streaming services seem to be the future, but physical media is also having a resurgence.

That's why DVD and Blu-ray won't disappear!

1. No Internet connection required

If you've watched something on Disney+ more than once, you've probably experienced screen tearing. That drives a lot of people crazy and would rather play the reliable Blu-ray version of that content.

All streaming services require a reliable Internet connection, and that's not always possible. Latency leads to interference that ruins picture quality because the Wi-Fi can't keep up with the show or movie. In fact, the image will look terrible.

For example, Netflix allows you to download limited content for offline viewing. However, that also depends on a stable connection.

Some places may not have a good Internet connection. In other places, costs will be higher. Internet providers often say users are achieving maximum speeds, but in reality they are not. Streaming platforms like Disney+ can easily fail; whereas with physical media, it's very rare.

2. Stream means you don't own anything

When you place your trust in online services, you do not actually own any of the content. That may not concern you right now, but things will change over time. A 2023 Australian study found that ownership strengthens individuality, "a threshold requirement for human happiness". We feel happy when we look at the books, cars, furniture, stationery and even Blu-ray discs we own.

In addition to a sense of identity, owning physical copies of the things we like also means they cannot be altered or deleted by others.

How would you feel if Netflix suddenly deleted your favorite movie? Without physical media support, that movie will be a thing of the past, so you won't even be able to find a physical copy of it to watch. Rights issues and contract expirations happen frequently, so content you don't own can disappear without a trace.

The company owns anything on its streaming services, not you. You don't own anything.

3. Content on streaming services may change

Nothing on streaming platforms is set in stone forever. Even if a company owns a particular product, it can still disappear from the company's digital library.

Take Runaways for example. This Marvel TV show is available on Disney+. Disney owns Marvel, so you'd think Runaways would be available forever. However, according to Christine McCarthy, Disney's Chief Financial Officer, due to "strategic changes", Runaways has been removed from the service in 2023.

The truth is that streaming services can delete or edit anything they want and you have no say in the matter. Changes may occur by mistake (such as the case when an edited television version of Back to the Future Part II was added to Netflix), for censorship, etc.

In fact, they can edit content for any reason they like!

4. Not all streaming services support high quality images and sound

We want to watch movies and shows in the best quality possible. If something is shot in 4K, why aren't we watching it at that resolution? However, not all streaming services provide complete, high-quality content; some don't support HDR, and the audio is often compressed. Some services that provide good picture and sound will charge extra.

Netflix has a large 4K library, but you must subscribe to Netflix Premium to take advantage of it. So does Paramount+. Hulu limits 4K, as does Prime Video. Apple TV streams original content in high definition, but its library is relatively small. At least Disney+ gives you good picture and sound at no extra cost.

On the other hand, physical media provides the best possible resolution and sound. Additionally, 4K streaming has poorer quality than 4K on Blu-ray.

5. Physical media comes with bonus content

Streaming services have truly killed Value-Added Material (VAM). However, DVD and Blu-ray still gain attention by including bonus content.

This may include deleted scenes, bloopers, commentaries, documentaries, PDFs, and other behind-the-scenes content. These help you gain more depth and appreciation for what you're watching.

Additionally, you can get limited releases, like the SteelBook (limited edition of a Blu-ray disc or game) and art cards.

Some streaming services have limited VAM. Disney+ is the best choice for this purpose: not only do many TV shows and movies have additional tabs that own this content, but also special documentaries like Marvel's Assembled: The Making Of series. However, these movies are still far behind what Blu-ray can bring to fans.

Jessica Tanner

Update 22 August 2024