A CLOSER LOOK
Disney has made a game-changing decision to halt the distribution of DVDs and Blu-rays in Australia. This move echoes the rising popularity of digital sales and streaming services, indicating a dynamic shift in the media distribution landscape. The discontinuation of physical media signifies that consumers will become more reliant on media conglomerates and dedicated streaming platforms to access films and TV series. Although this decision is currently limited to Australia, fans might need to resort to global markets to acquire physical media once Disney’s remaining DVD and Blu-ray stock is depleted.
It certainly marks the end of an era, at least for Australia. Disney has resolved to terminate DVD and Blu-ray sales in the country, with the final Disney DVD and Blu-ray release being Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3. This move coincides with the declining demand for physical media sales in Australia, and the ascendance of streaming platforms such as Disney+. However, considering the volatile nature of streaming, this step could indicate potential turbulence in viewers’ access to specific titles. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3 is scheduled for DVD and Blu-ray release in Australia in August.
No signs point towards Disney’s decision to cease physical media sales in Australia having a ripple effect in other markets. Nonetheless, it undeniably denotes a radical shift in media distribution strategies. Physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays are becoming less trendy with the rising popularity of digital sales and streaming. But with streaming services frequently cycling media, it’s evident that the future of film and television releases will provide less control to viewers over media access.
Physical media, such as Blu-rays and DVDs, enable viewers to hold onto movies and television series independently of corporate strategies that might add or remove titles from an array of exclusive streaming platforms. The expulsion of physical media from the market clearly suggests that consumers’ access to media will become increasingly dependent on media companies. Essentially, future releases will be more about access to new titles rather than owning them.
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios
Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that this halt in DVD and Blu-ray sales is exclusive to Australia for now. There’s no hint that Disney, or any other firm, plans to discontinue DVD or Blu-ray sales elsewhere. Once the existing stocks of Disney DVDs and Blu-rays run out, Australian fans will likely need to turn to international markets for their physical media requirements.
The last physical media release, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is due to be available on DVD and Blu-ray on August 1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Disney discontinues physical media
What decision has Disney made regarding the sale of DVDs and Blu-rays in Australia?
Disney has decided to discontinue the sale of DVDs and Blu-rays in Australia, indicating a shift towards digital sales and streaming services.
Why has Disney decided to end the sale of physical media in Australia?
This decision comes in response to the declining demand for physical media sales in the country and the increasing popularity of streaming platforms such as Disney+.
What will be the last Disney DVD and Blu-ray release in Australia?
The final Disney DVD and Blu-ray release in Australia will be Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3.
Will this decision to end the sale of DVDs and Blu-rays extend to other countries?
There has been no indication that this decision will extend to other markets. At present, this discontinuation is only applicable to Australia.
Where can Australian fans get Disney DVDs and Blu-rays once the remaining stock is sold out?
Once the existing stocks of Disney DVDs and Blu-rays run out in Australia, fans will likely need to turn to international markets for their physical media requirements.
More about Disney discontinues physical media
- Disney’s Shift to Streaming
- The Rise of Streaming Services
- Decline of Physical Media
- Disney+ Takes Over
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3
