Hello, young people! Have you ever noticed that Netflix continues to send physical DVDs by mail to subscribers? This nostalgic service is about to come to an end.
For those who fondly recall this unique method—an offering that Netflix pioneered long before the era of streaming—it’s time to say goodbye. In a recent company announcement, CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that Netflix will ship its final DVDs on September 29. This marks the conclusion of a remarkable 25-year journey during which Netflix has delivered discs to millions of customers.
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Sarandos elaborated on the significant role that DVDs played in shaping Netflix’s history in the announcement:
The iconic red envelopes revolutionized how audiences consumed television shows and movies at home, paving the way for the streaming revolution. From the very beginning, our subscribers cherished the convenience and control that direct-to-consumer entertainment offered: the vast selection of titles and the ability to binge-watch entire series. Moreover, DVDs were instrumental in launching our first foray into original programming, featuring titles from Red Envelope Entertainment like Sherrybaby and Zach Galifianakis Live at the Purple Onion.
Netflix was founded in 1998 as a mail-order alternative to traditional video rental stores such as Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, and Family Video. Instead of needing to physically visit a store and hoping for the desired titles to be in stock, customers could simply request movies, and Netflix would deliver them directly to their doorsteps.
After approximately 5.2 billion (as highlighted in a graphic in Netflix’s announcement) shipments, this chapter is closing. Streaming has undeniably become the dominant form of media consumption over the past decade, while physical media has largely been relegated to enthusiasts and collectors. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that many films are still exclusively available on DVD and are not easily accessible through streaming platforms, which makes the end of this service a bittersweet moment for fans.
You might consider keeping that iconic red Netflix envelope. It could very well become a collector’s item in the future, holding sentimental value for those who cherish the legacy of home entertainment.
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