The Plastic Disc Business Languishes
It should be no surprise that the plastic disc business is languishing. In a piece in the Guardian, Adam Sherwin documents the DVD industry crisis. The reasons for the decline range from the proliferation of streaming through Netflix, the fledgling need of consumers to buy a TV show box set to view a missed episode, and the rise of Redbox $1 rentals. Movie piracy is obviously a concern too, but it's actually the least empathized cause in the article.
Like the record industry, the movie studios built a huge economic engine around an idea that's going away. In viewing my own behavior, it's easy to see why the DVD is destined for decline, because I don't own any discs and never plan to. I have Netflix and stream everything they have. Then, since there's a Redbox in every Wal-Mart – and there's plenty of those around here – I just rent from them.
On occasion, I'll go to a movie in the local theater, because I enjoy watching a show without being distracted. By no means am I movie junkie, but there are few shows that I haven't seen. It makes no sense for me to go into the depths of Wal-Mart and come out with a plastic disc. Others are coming away with the same conclusions and he greatest cash cow of the movie industry is decaying.
"Everything, everywhere, all the time," writes Chris Suellentrop in the latest Wired issue. "That’s the dream of the Rentership Society. And we’re almost there. If you want to be able to possess some things, in some places, some of the time, well, keep on buying." He votes for "infinite abundance, on demand." It's utopian. However, in purchasing an iPod Touch, I can't say that I don't share Suellentrop's sentiments. I already own around 250 plastic discs and don't desire to obtain another. My journey into music subscriptions may begin soon. I'll be sure to share my thoughts here once I do. So many services to choose from… or not.
As long as I can buy something that allows me to A: maintain my own local copy, B: have it be as high quality (or higher) than buying a hard copy and C: not be forced to watch it on a device of the distributor’s choosing (A La iTunes), I’m all for it – hard drives are cheap. 🙂
Totally agree on DVDs. Other than for my kids who like to watch the same movie over and over again, what is the point in buying them?
As to music, I don’t think the “rental” model will replace ownership, because of catalogue gaps. Music subscription services will never offer it “all”, and having to buy stuff in addition to paying $10/month is a drag. They should drop the price to $5 for web/mobile which puts it more in line with reality — Netflix is charging $7.99/month for movie streaming on all devices. Music is less expensive to make than movies, so they should all drop their prices accordingly.
The argument of digital vs. physical is getting old. There’s room for both. While most these days prefer digital there are some who like the features that a DVD or CD bring (cover art, special features, etc.).
Physical media will become a “premium” and will have a limited run, much like how vinyl is today.
Let’s ditch the battle between physical and digital and get back to how we can use BOTH to enhance the business of music and make the talented artists of our time some money!
Movies and music are two very different animals.
Most films I really don’t need or want to see even twice. Most music which I listen to, I’d like to listen to again and again.
If it’s only watch once, why would I want to own it?
If it’s something I’d like to listen to for the rest of my life, why would I want to rent it?