The end is near for physical media for video.
I wish there were more/better/good choices for streaming video. We already have decent solutions for audio, games and books/audiobooks, yet video seems to be lagging behind, hugely.
That’s because there is a strong tradition of rights distribution for movies and TV being totally fucked up, and it has been since day 1 of both industries. Brought to you by the same motherfuckers who gave you Hollywood Accountingtm, where a movie that cost $100 million to make and raked in $500 million at the box office somehow “didn’t turn a profit” and magically they don’t have to pay royalties to any of their writers or actors.
Yeah, I’d buy a lot more if there was a DRM-free way to buy media. Bluray is a pain to rip and I hate having to deal with discs.
But no, media companies are intent on keeping piracy easier than legitimate purchases. I go through the effort to rip my discs, but many won’t bother.
Streaming isn’t the middle ground in my opinion, rather it’s unrestricted downloadable files that you can then handle however. Streaming provides some convenience but no consistent access (see various shows being delisted or shuffled between services).
Companies would love if everyone forgot having home video, in the sense of owning copies of movies and shows they always have access to and ability to watch whenever.
Books: a variety of ways to purchase, with products a uniform quality. Yes, the file sizes are tiny, but it’s true, they are as they should be, they are adjustable to the device you use, and have extra - useful - features because of digitalisation.
Audio: a variety of services offering pretty much the same stuff. Spotify is basic but works. Tidal is higher quality. My disappointment comes from the fact that it is still region-dependent, I cannot sign up for Tidal where I am. There is also stuff like Bandcamp for those who want to be ‘closer’.
