THE STATE OF PHYSICAL MEDIA 2023 | 4K Kings Talk Collecting, Streaming, plus 4K, Blu & DVD Trends!

[@4K_Kings]

What are your thoughts on the state of Physical Media? Are you hopeful? Let us know below?

[@mattmcconnell2550]

It's alive and better than ever.

[@LDJ89]

I am most excited to see some other labels like 88Films, Curzon and Eureka dipping their toes in the 4K market over the past 12 months.

[@darmok4878]

I disagree with the statement that physical media started with DVD. I’ve been collecting since the 80’s, first with VHS and Beta, then laser disc and finally DVD, Blu-ray and 4K.

[@4K_Kings]

I agree, this is more a discussion of disc based media. Laser discs were fun, but never had the success of DVD and beyond

[@darmok4878]

@@4K_Kings In a lot of ways enjoyed laser disc more. They gave you more stuff. I still have my Jaws laser disc that comes with the novel and the cd soundtrack. I also still have the unaltered original Star Wars trilogy with a making of book.

[@christopherwood12]

I feel that physical media is coming back as people don’t like having to pay a subscription and loosing all the shows they love. Also with cds you support the musician and also you can get cd’s for so cheap second hand it is amazing

[@halcyondaystunes]

I love that we are getting spoilt with so many physical media releases. I loved Laserdisc back in the day as it was so collectable. And since DVD I lost the love for collecting. But the recent years with all the boutique companies releasing amazing goodies I've found the love again...or rather the addiction 🤣 Great videos guys, just found you and subbed 😊

[@4K_Kings]

Agree with everything you said. It's a great time to be a collector! And thanks for the sub!

[@txag007]

We need more Russ rants. Get him rolling for more YT shorts.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

Oddly enough, we've discussed doing this with that exact title.

[@Suduaya]

I buy vinyls just the way you said it, but because i like sound quality i don't stream them, i get the lossless audio in digital and put it on my phone or burn on CD, i still love to put a CD on my player. As for blu rays, of course watching the 4K disc is the way to go, even though my uncle, who i thanks for my music and movie culture input since i was a kid, has a bigger collection than me, but he doesn't even have a 4K player and a old TV, a proper collector geek who will probably never watch them 🤣 that's a level i can't understand haha, the point right now is to enjoy the beauty of good restoration, what an awesome time to see our favorite movies! i hope more people would get on that train

[@TheOriginalFuzz]

I think a mistake a lot of people make is comparing physical media today to what physical media sales were like before the streaming era ever took hold -- because physical media is never going to be as prominent as it once was. Those days are long gone. But the way I see it, just because something has become niche compared to 20-30 years ago, that doesn't necessarily mean that the media is dead or dying. I've been hearing people claim physical media is dead for like 20 years... and yet, here we all are still talking about our discs and the growth of the latest and greatest format over the last couple years. So I don't think physical media is going anywhere. I think it's just changing and becoming more and more niche, and the markets are adapting. I do think that physical media is no longer for the masses... most are content with their fast and easy McDonald's-culture streaming. But there will always be collectors out there (just like with any other hobby), and as long as we have collectors willing to pay, I believe we'll have physical media in some shape or form for many years to come. It just may all have to be purchased online rather than from a brick-and-mortar.

[@davidmckee2898]

The problem with collecting is a lack of space a lot of space is a killer for us collectors. I've been collecting for years and I've come to the point where I'm running at the space now. And with there be so much on Sky and Netflix it's impossible to keep up🤷🏻‍♂️

[@slate49]

Physical media is dead in physical stores but as far as purchasing online, it’s fully alive! It’s a small market now but it’s still a profit for boutique labels. I’ll be honest I LOVE the care boutique labels give to physical media. So I’d rather buy from a label instead of a Walmart/Target. Best Buy has some cool exclusives but because of their shipping issues with steelbooks I’ve slowed way down from buying from BB.

[@Missionmedia2022]

I think it’s doing pretty good in my opinion, we just gotta keep supporting

[@BlueElectricBunny]

I wholeheartedly agree that if you love movies in an uncensored version. If you love a particular film. Owning it in a physical format is the only way to go. Considering kids of today's attention span is 0. It makes me worried for the future of film in physical media. But the hope is, kids of today will grow into appreciating physical copies of movies. The way they have with vinyl. Great topic.

[@AchtungEnglander]

Excellent debate. You get the feeling the whole thing is in transition. Streaming services are losing subscribers (that could be due to cost and the novelty has rubbed off) and fewer people are going to the cinema. So for Hollywood - they are confused. Nothing they do is gaining traction - its all going on TikTok and KZbin. So addressing the "adults" in the room is a superb conclusion. 4K could really benefit from more classics being made. More and more films from the 50s-90s. I know its expensive but I believe that is where the market is. Releasing Marvel rubbish on 4K is not going to generate tons of money because the bulk of the audience they appeal to are not interested in 4K. Give me Amadeus, The French Connection, Jackie Brown, Cabaret, Catch 22, Performance, Doctor Zhivago, Empire of the Sun and so on. That is your audience. Grow on that. I do not think physical media is dying but it definitely get more expensive if fewer and fewer units are sold.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

Exactly... and imagine it the other way around... it would be absurd for TikTok to focus on fans of Amadeus lol... Why studios are hellbent on abandoning their established audience in an effort to win over those who literally don't care is baffling. Technology has surpassed the traditional business model of aiming at youth, culturally we are all fragmented and movies became old school. Even Marvel isn't hitting like they once had and they were the last dying breath of films to anyone 20 or younger.

[@mikettc7803]

It's a complex issue, with many factors and you covered them well. One point from me: You would think the major studios would still want to capitalize on some of their older and (currently) beloved IPs via the 4K format. This is the strength of 4K, rejuvenating older titles. At some point in the not-to-distant future, no one is going to care about Aliens, The Terminator or Lethal Weapon.

[@robertfaulkner1824]

It’s not as though us collectors don’t also have a couple streaming apps too

[@Danjoker.]

I'm a collector of vinyl records and I just started collecting movies in 4k. I do agree that the artwork for physical media is very important. If it has the original artwork in a nice steelbook case, then it's a must buy for me. Hopefully we'll see more of this in the future. And going back to the vinyl thing, I do listen to the records lol.

[@everythingblu4149]

Really good take on the future physical media I feel hopeful for the future as more and more special editions and delux editions are released. thanks alot guys for another great video.

[@mattmardigan]

This was great! Charts/stats were very illuminating! Related idea for a video: trends you want to continue in 2023-2024, and things you would change that you want to see improved or started if the studios and boutiques had a meeting with you

[@goji3755]

I hope physical media survives for a long time yet, even if only as a sort of made-to-order kind if service from the boutique labels. You want this movie on your shelf? Order it and we'll make the disc, give it a pretty box and ship it to you. It would be more expensive, sure, but if the quality was high enough I'd go for it.

[@actualnotanewbie]

To do my part in supporting physical media, I'm 1) making unboxing videos when I buy media and 2) using Amazon now instead of eBay so that my purchases count in the sales numbers

[@4K_Kings]

Thank you for your support! If you buy direct from the labels, sometimes you can get your releases 2 weeks early.

[@richsadler2661]

“I’ve bought evil dead more time than I’ve watched it” 😂 yep I know that feeling.

[@richsadler2661]

Loved this video, guys. Always look forward to your stuff. The commentary, editing and sense of humour are on point. I share the same passion for physical media - the quality, the packaging, the investment in art I love. Great to see you guys spreading the message, as ever.

[@4K_Kings]

Thanks a lot, Rich!

[@romeroflores7576]

📀When he said, "IT's DEAD." I went, "OOh Sh*+?^%#@"‼🤢🤮 please kill me now . 🤕🌹

[@444chroma]

I can just imagine one day I try to buy a 4k in person and I get some kind of look or comment like what are you some weirdo?then I go on a massive rant about why streaming is inferior and they are the ones who are foolish! while security pushes me out the doors 🤣 There are dozens of us, dozens!!

[@gregcord3886]

Damn…Russ spitting facts this episode, love the passion, man!!

[@alex2980]

Yes censorship sucks. They are trying to do that over here with Ronald Dahl books.

[@444chroma]

I read that Ian Fleming's James Bond novels are going to be edited now too, smh mh.

[@darmok4878]

@@444chroma Just purchased the entire Fleming Bond novel collection because of this.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

This modern obsession with "fixing" the past is hysterical... Self-importance at it's finest, ego-driven virtue signaling taking precedence over factual history. Times change but they don't erase the past.

[@diddy7250]

Russ is spot on with his comments.. Kids don't wanna watch films these days Noticed my local stores have virtually nil dvds these days, so I have to buy online or go to my nearest city that has a hmv

[@ryandavis5379]

A lot of my friends seem to only care if its some super hero movie lol. While being a hardcore Christopher Nolan fan they label me as the artsy guy lol. Attention spans are weak as fuck now a days I dont even believe people when they tell me they watched something on streaming because i know they were probably doing 10 other things during that period as well lol.

[@rubenroque2753]

At first I was scared that with streaming, newer generations would feel nostalgia to shit they’ve seen on Netflix, and not have a need to collect The big Lebowski in 4k. But honestly I think it’s becoming more apparent the poor quality of media that Netflix and Amazon pumps out. It’s literally driving people away from them.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

It's anecdotal, but a coworker of mine in his 20s recently told me he's starting a physical media collection based on your reasons. Hopefully, that continues to grow like you say.

[@whiskeynightwithcandj533]

I touched on it in the comments of your last video and Russ and I discussed about behind the scenes. I believe this will give people like me a reason to continue to by physical media. I love makings of movies. Seeing how it’s all put together is incredible. Plus, streaming is such a cold process. I love collecting physical media and always will. Thanks for another amazing video gentlemen

[@russceasetheruss5360]

It's also a commitment with physical media... 9 times out of 10 I end up just end up browsing titles for hours on streaming services. Similar to browsing in rental stores years ago... I can't be the only one who gets stuck in that title browsing loop...

[@DarkSideOfTheMoon90]

I purchased a copy of Maverick on DVD for a family member, tested before I gave it and was very surprised by the quality. It was on par with full HD streaming, if recorded with 4k+ it transfers very well to dvd, the only down side is the audio.

[@tylerskeen8091]

I don’t ever see physical media dying personally. It’s become too big worldwide with labels like criterion dominating the market. In saying this, I don’t think we will ever move past 4K UHD. 😅

[@branscombe_]

i pay the premium for quality content

[@moneyinthebankusa]

Movie Lovers will always have a physical copy in my opinion

[@joshalexander6862]

I recommended one of my favorite movies to a friend yesterday (Big Fish) and they were so excited to see it. Then they realized it wasn't available to stream, so they gave up on the idea of watching it entirely. It's sad the direction physical media is going with casual viewers. :(

[@4K_Kings]

That is depressing

[@robertfaulkner1824]

Not my favorite movie but there is a 4k and I do own it

[@joshalexander6862]

@@robertfaulkner1824 It's my favorite of all time and I have the DVD, Blu Ray and the 4K. 😂

[@robertfaulkner1824]

@@joshalexander6862 I remember being really psyched about it bc I love ewan macgregor (or atleast as Renton in Trainspotting). That usually ends up setting up a bit of a letdown. I like it don’t get me wrong

[@robertfaulkner1824]

I can say that I won’t stream a movie that I own or will be purchasing on 4k disc but I sort of get it. There’s not all that many movies that I’m reallly gonna watch over and over like I would big Lebowski or army of darkness. Most movies I buy I’m just basically saying it’s worthwhile. I will probably watch my copy once (eventually) and it’ll just sit on the shelf from then on

[@daninbox]

I'm just trying to keep up with all these Jackie Chan releases, never mind everything else.

[@adamtoronibyrne1086]

I’m curious - what if studios and boutiques offered an upgrade program for us niche collectors? Say the new 4K edition is packaged the same way… Give us an option to get the new format at a discounted rate - send us the black amaray case if they’re just going standard. If it’s a digipak, send us a sticker to put the new badges and 4K features/descriptions on the packaging we have already… I don’t know. Something. You can tell by my ramble I’m doing this off the top of my head. I’m saying this mostly for Shout/Scream factory and Criterion because some of their editions are identical for the most part. I’m not against the double dip, as I know no collector is, but it’d be nice to get an incentive for all the coin we spend. I’ll never stop getting physical media, but sometimes a break would be nice.

[@4K_Kings]

Agreed. Some companies have offered an upgrade program where you buy the 4K disc for 19.99 if you already bought the previous release. Running Man 4K from Capelight and I Spit On Your Grave 4K come to mind.

[@adamtoronibyrne1086]

@@4K_Kings I had no clue. And I’d have no issue paying $15-$20 for discs if they’re willing to somehow supplement for what I’m not buying at a store or online. I’d even send them my other format as proof. Without hesitation.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

​​@@adamtoronibyrne1086 As someone who purchased that I Spit On Your Grave, they made it very convenient to upgrade also. Sent an email before release with the option, it was classy. Didn't have to return anything, etc.

[@adamtoronibyrne1086]

@@russceasetheruss5360 then that should be the damn standard. Because we spend so much with these companies and distribution studios and whatnot! I’d be so on board.

[@kirk8321]

I worry most about the decline of media players as time goes by. No new disc players would be crappy. I had a 3d TV I loved and planned to enjoy for many years till it went out unexpectedly after a storm and now cannot replace it at all.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

That's an excellent point. We're all going to preserve these films but have nothing to play the discs lol... Do gaming consoles still play them? I don't own a PS5 or anything.

[@TheOff1ceFan]

The episode “Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” (S2 E14) from the show Community was scrapped from Netflix/Hulu. Luckily I have the entire series on blu ray. Physical media is VERY important.

[@russceasetheruss5360]

I own the series as well, and it's situations like Community that worry me. This style of censorship isn't a first amendment thing, but it's conditioning. Move slow with populist influence, make it uncomfortable to justify (nobody wants to defend Gone with the Wind) and as time goes on we all collectively accept watered-down, safe and soulless content. Not art, nothing that actually challenges or reinforces humanity, just content. Which is why movies are dying, when you make them content first they can't compete with faster, condensed and free content available in your pocket.

[@TheOff1ceFan]

@@russceasetheruss5360 agreed

[@michaelhutter2160]

Don’t think it’s dead a ton of re releases in 4k and streaming services getting so expensive and shows being pulled off media u never lose it

[@Mmaannnnyyy]

If I can’t buy shrek 2 on 4k ultra hd then why am I even alive

[@rubski-ds9yc]

I think as long as we have collectors physical media is here to stay plus streaming isn't nowhere as good as a bluray or 4k disc.

[@NoonNight]

I have a DVD and a digital download of a movie. The DVD is lightyears ahead better quality. But everyone watches the digital version and so that is the version everyone knows. It's so sad that people are accepting such low quality and so the real version (the DVD that I own) is being erased by the Hollywood moguls of streaming.

[@TheNotoriousNemo]

I want the best, 4k all the way bb Also can we get more Carlito bit Also when are we going to get Mighty Joe Young in 4k

[@russceasetheruss5360]

I read somewhere recently that Carlito auditioned for Heat with Deniro... we may get our hands on that footage real soon...

[@fairytalepurityanalyser6056]

Disney has control of "The Boy Who Could Fly" (1986), it feels like they have stolen it.

[@4K_Kings]

I've been waiting for that movie forever. At this rate I'll probably learn how to fly before it gets released

[@russceasetheruss5360]

I'm surprised by that because it's streaming on HBOMax.

[@markchadwick636]

Think going to be niche market only for collectors think its gonna be always around at least online

[@AntiWokeBloke]

If a film is in 4K I refuse to watch it in any other way

[@ScruffyWarlord]

I'm the same way. The only exceptions are the pirates 4k and terminator 2 4k lol

[@the90z]

Nice principal…and it rhymes too!

[@Hicks-g1m]

Physical Media is available world wide when people say it's dying they are only looking at what they are seeing in the country and area where they live. You can always find physical Media out there you just have to know where to look for it. That's why there are things such as region free players and nowadays there are too many streaming services that if you pay for two or more of these streaming services you end up paying hundreds of dollars a month. With physical Media you can decide what you want to buy and budget you're money

[@4K_Kings]

Amen

[@Hicks-g1m]

@@4K_Kings 👍

[@dvddmc]

I think that is part of the problem you said. Know where to Look. Any more people are to lazy to even do that.

[@geraldellison1398]

It’s too much going on these greedy movie studios why do I need a Blu ray disc and a dvd also 4K or Blu Ray package together I love owning a physical copy though my thing is this sometimes I buy disc from Redbox at times also🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@9latinumStudioz]

Streaming services should have an edited version for kids 🤷 14:56 "wrong" 🎉😂🎉

[@ryans413]

Be funny if there was 8K discs I could see it. It will depend if physical media is still a thing

[@4K_Kings]

Someone's going to try it for sure

[@branscombe_]

i doubt they’ll do 8k physical media

[@rubski-ds9yc]

Yea and I'll be honest I don't want to spend money on 8k movies lol just leave it at 4k 👍

[@Suduaya]

not needed, 8K will be interesting mostly for TV, things like sport, to be able to zoom in etc

[@markchadwick636]

Have to change your name to digital kings depressing hahah

[@hotrodred0317]

I not really sure why all these channels have basically become clip shows. Like can people put together a complete thought without having to splice clips in between sentences? Do they think the audience is getting bored and they need to grab our attention again after five seconds?

[@russceasetheruss5360]

I can picture Humphrey Bogart exclaiming, "NO" after your first question lol... As for the rest of what you said, I got distracted.

[@CDubya.82]

Why the annoying insert clips?

[@4K_Kings]

"That's just, like, your opinion, man."

[@Anonymous-wb3nz]

Crappy intro music. Why rap?

[@4K_Kings]

We write all the music for the channel as well. We have a ton of instrumentals, but this sounded like the best intro and we've used it since day one. Appreciate the feedback though, we might switch it up one day.

[@AGILISFPV]

5:41 What a boomer thing to say. Have to disagree. As soon as young people reach the age to get the disposable income to go watch a movie they do, if its a movie they're interested in. Just look at Barbie/Oppenheimer box office numbers. And Oppenheimer was nothing like the trailer made it out to be, so dull and drawn out with the proceedings.

[@LennerPOPPADOPALIS89]

I just started collecting 4k about 3 months ago. I did it because streaming changes or omits things from media.