B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping the importance of physical media into the ol’ VCR.

Note: I know that buying physical media isn’t an option for everyone. I’ve more than been there before, and I recognize the privilege of being able to buy these releases. Please know that I’m not advocating to spend money on physical media if you’re struggling. 

Yes, friends, I am about to go on a soapbox, but bear with me. 

We all know that I grew up in the age of DVD menus and the clamshell VHS. 

So, I’ll admit that I have a bit of a bias, but hear me out. 

How many times have you gone to watch a movie, only to find it’s out of print and/or unavailable?

You know what I mean. 

You type it into Google, only to find there are no streamers or prices listed. 

It’s just…nowhere. 

You can’t run to the nearest video store to rent it (unless you live in a city like I do that has an independent one). 

Netflix discontinued their DVD rentals last year. 

Redbox just announced that they’re closing their kiosks. 

Hell, Best Buy isn’t even carrying physical media in-store anymore. 

You can try to find an upload on YouTube, sure, but it’s not guaranteed, and it could be chopped up into 20-30 parts. 

This is why physical media is sooooo important. 

If we stop making physical copies of movies and shows, beloved and important content could fade into oblivion. 

You can catch them at a showing at the Drafthouse, but then you have to wait until it hopefully comes up in a film programming block. 

Or, it makes us reliant on streamers, which, believe me, I understand is the point. 

But, there’s a big demand for physical media, especially for those of us who are nostalgic for the olden days. 

The most recent example that comes to mind is the release of Terrifier 2 on VHS at Walmart. 

People have been hunting for their copy like crazy, and I don’t know about you, but a good chunk of my feed consists of people talking about Walmart’s entire horror section as a whole. 

Additionally, I follow several accounts that specialize in selling VHS copies of modern movies and/or DVD or Blu-ray copies of nostalgic shows that never got a physical release. 

Their drops almost always sell out, and you have to set an alarm on your phone just to get a copy. 

However, it’s not just limited to movies and shows; a lot of artists are also releasing vinyls, tapes, and CDs of albums with bonus tracks both online and at shows. 

Listen, the world is a terrifying, dystopian hellscape, and every day brings a new horror. 

Don’t let movies and shows just disappear or be limited to a digital platform. 

Don’t rob the up-and-coming generations of pop culture that could inspire the next great director or screenwriter or actor. 

Don’t stop releasing physical media—I promise that there’s a market for it.