TechTvsFears over Disney plans to ditch DVD and Blu-ray DiscsDisney always follows the money, and today’s movie money is streamingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechTvsFears over Disney plans to ditch DVD and Blu-ray DiscsDisney always follows the money, and today’s movie money is streamingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Disney always follows the money, and today’s movie money is streaming
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Disney)
(Image credit: Disney)
DVD and Blu-ray discs have been in decline for some time, and it looks likeDisneyis about to hammer another nail into the coffin of disc-based physical media. The mouse house has announced that inAustralia, it will no longer be releasing its TV shows and movies on physical media. The last disc-based release in Australia will be Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. The future isn’t discs, butDisney Plus.
This may only be for Australia just now but it has huge implications, as it’s part of Disney’s strategy of moving to digital-first releases. And Disney, of course, is one of the biggest media firms on the planet with a portfolio that includes not just Disney, Marvel and Pixar but the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, all of 20th Century Fox’s content, National Geographic and a whole lot more.
Why is Disney going all-digital?
You’d think with thebest 8K TVsdoing amazing things the last thing we’d want is an end to Blu-ray. But disc-based media is nosediving in popularity even as thebest TVsmake Blu-rays look even better: while 4K Blu-ray accounted for 13.4% of all video discs sold in the US in the second quarter of 2022, those discs are a growing share of a declining market. In 2022, US DVD and Blu-ray sales were down 20% compared to 2021. Disc rentals are plummeting too.
Australia isn’t the first territory where Disney has dropped the discs. It doesn’t sell them in Latin America and in some Asian markets either, and it’s said openly that the reason is declining sales. That decline is happening in the US and in Europe too, and it seems very likely that what we’re currently seeing in Australia is the shape of things to come in those markets too. With DEG reporting that streaming accounted for nearly 83% of all home entertainment dollars in the US last year, the question isn’t whether Disney will drop the discs. It’s when.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
TOPICSDisney+
TOPICS
Try this 4-week core workout plan to build strength, stability, and definitionUnlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Unlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Netflix is making a huge surprise change for hit spy show’s new seasonThe Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
The Recruit is taking a global trip this time out
The Disney Legacy Blu-ray box set is what Disney Plus would look like sat on your shelf118 discs catalogue the House of Mouse’s entire animated movie history
118 discs catalogue the House of Mouse’s entire animated movie history
Disney fans will love this limited-edition Samsung TV and Mickey Mouse remoteGet a daily dose of Disney Magic in your living room
Get a daily dose of Disney Magic in your living room
Much as I love streaming services, the end of 4K Blu-ray will be a major loss for us allGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks the end of an era as Disney’s final physical media output
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks the end of an era as Disney’s final physical media output
Samsung’s stunning 98-inch QLED TV is now on sale and actually affordableThe 98-inch QLED Q80C TV is here, and you can order yours today
The 98-inch QLED Q80C TV is here, and you can order yours today
Get a front row seat to see Ed Sheeran with Apple Music and Apple TV+Apple Music Live returns on May 10 with an exclusive performance of Sheeran’s new album
Apple Music Live returns on May 10 with an exclusive performance of Sheeran’s new album
Best Buy’s Super Bowl TV deals include a cheap 65 inch 4K TV for just $400Get a Toshiba 4K Fire TV for just $400 – $200 off!
Get a Toshiba 4K Fire TV for just $400 – $200 off!
You can now sync your Hue lights with your Samsung TV - but there’s a catchThe Hue Sync app is now available for Samsung TVs, and it’s brilliant – but it’s also ludicrously expensive
The Hue Sync app is now available for Samsung TVs, and it’s brilliant – but it’s also ludicrously expensive
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate just got a great free upgradeLots of goodies are coming to Xbox owners this month
Lots of goodies are coming to Xbox owners this month
