As Mass Market DVDs Decline, Heritage Physical Media Emerges

The resurgence of physical media in recent years has been fueled by the curated and well-marketed 4K editions of classic films, designed to attract a dedicated, albeit niche, audience of collectors. This sentiment was echoed during the Heritage Roundtable discussion at the Locarno Pro section of the Locarno Film Festival.

While the broader market for physical media has declined, the panelists noted that there is still a growing demand for heritage titles. These are meticulously restored in 4K or 2K quality and enriched with extensive bonus content, appealing to collectors.

Vincent Paul-Boncour of Carlotta Films highlighted their success with releases like a Dario Argento box set and a new edition of Luchino Visconti’s “Bellissima.” He explained, “Our primary mission is to distribute films in theaters, but there’s a thriving market for classic editions in countries like France, the UK, and the U.S. Collectors are keen on acquiring high-quality physical items, much like building a personal library.”

A major obstacle in releasing these titles lies in crossing rights, especially those controlled by American studios. Ronald Chammah of Les Films du Camélia pointed out that U.S. studios often prioritize VOD, viewing physical media as competition to streaming services.

Manlio Gomarasca from Plaion and Severin noted that the mass DVD market in Italy has nearly disappeared, with consumers gravitating towards streaming platforms instead. He suggested that companies could benefit from increased collaboration in this specialized market.

Frédéric Maire, director of Cinémathèque Suisse, supported the idea of international cooperation in releasing titles, proposing that a single, globally distributed Blu-ray release could better serve diverse audiences.

K.J. Relth-Miller from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures observed a growing interest in physical media, likening it to the revival of vinyl collecting. She noted that younger generations value the permanence of physical objects, particularly in an era where streaming content can disappear overnight.

The discussion also emphasized the cultural value of Blu-rays, with Gomarasca stressing the importance of preserving filmmaker interviews and other insights through these releases. He called for greater governmental support in maintaining this cultural form, as seen in France.

The roundtable conveyed a sense of cautious optimism about sustaining a market for physical media while recognizing the need to adapt to evolving technology.