Disney Shifts Away from Physical Media Sales in Australia
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Chapter 1: Transitioning from Physical Media
Disney, the powerhouse behind franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, has revealed its decision to stop selling DVDs and Blu-rays in Australia. This marks a significant shift in the home entertainment landscape. The last physical release, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3, is set to arrive in stores this August. Following this release, Australian fans will need to depend on streaming platforms like Disney+ or resort to international online stores to purchase their favorite films.
The transition highlights the evolving nature of media consumption, with streaming services gaining traction due to their convenience. One Disney enthusiast commented on social media, "Disney is exiting the physical media market in Australia. This means an end to DVDs and Blu-rays for franchises like Marvel and 20th Century Fox. This could trigger a domino effect with other companies worldwide. It feels like the conclusion of an era."
Section 1.1: Perspectives from Industry Observers
Not everyone finds this development unexpected. Dave Lee, a movie and pop-culture reviewer with a following of 133,000 on his YouTube channel, Dave Lee Down Under, stated that the physical media market in Australia has been struggling for some time. "In my experience, hardly anyone buys physical copies anymore. The online collector community is quite small. It's been challenging here for a while. This was inevitable... but it still feels disappointing," he expressed on Twitter.
Subsection 1.1.1: Concerns About Media Access
The cessation of physical media sales in Australia raises important questions regarding viewers' control over their access to movies and TV shows. Hilary Remley, a writer for Collider, observed, "The elimination of physical media from the market indicates that public access to media will increasingly depend on the media companies. Essentially, future releases will prioritize access over ownership." She also highlighted that streaming services frequently reorganize their offerings, complicating the process for viewers seeking specific titles.
Section 1.2: Nostalgia and the Value of Collections
While some fans cling to their physical collections, hoping they might gain value or nostalgia over time, the trend seems to lean towards streaming as the preferred option for most Australian audiences. One fan humorously advised on social media, "Hold onto that Rocketeer Blu-ray, kids." However, it's evident that Disney is placing a strong bet on its online platform for future success.
Chapter 2: The Wider Impact of Disney's Decision
The implications of Disney's decision for other markets remain uncertain, but it is clear that the company is making a significant investment in its digital future.
Relevant articles:
- Disney to stop releasing DVDs and Blu-ray discs in major change for Australian customers, 7NEWS, July 30, 2023
- Disney stops selling Blu-Ray and DVD discs to Australia and New Zealand as streaming eats physical media, Cord Cutters News, July 28, 2023
- Disney stops selling film on physical media in Australia, Gamereactor, July 31, 2023
- Disney Discontinues Physical Media Releases for an Entire Continent, Collider, July 30, 2023
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