Netflix dealt a major blow to the DVD industry when it discontinued its mail-out disc service after a formidable 25-year run. The media giant attributed this shift to the overwhelming popularity of streaming. As a result, viewers are increasingly relying on streaming platforms to fulfill their cinematic cravings, hoping to find a diverse selection of mainstream hits, classic masterpieces, and cult favorites. But are these platforms truly up to the task?
Unfortunately, MailOnline has uncovered a bias towards more recent films, leaving acclaimed older movies in the dust. Classics like Some Like it Hot, Citizen Kane, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s are nowhere to be found on popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. This limited selection leaves viewers craving access to these timeless treasures that have stood the test of time.
Originally, Netflix revolutionized the industry by mailing DVDs to customers in small envelopes. However, the company has since shifted its business model to focus on online streaming. While this transition offers convenience and a vast library of options, it comes at the cost of excluding beloved classics.
To shed light on this issue, MailOnline compiled a list of 50 older films widely considered “classics” according to IMDb and Empire Magazine. Setting a cutoff point at 1980, films such as Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Some Like it Hot, Mary Poppins, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest were included. The team then searched for these films on the three major streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Shockingly, Netflix only had three out of the 50 films, while Disney+ fared even worse with just one (Mary Poppins). Amazon Prime Video had two films available for streaming, but the majority were only available to rent at an additional cost.
Experts agree that the availability of older classics has become increasingly challenging due to the dominance of streaming. James Bore, a tech expert at Bores Group, acknowledges that physical media, including DVDs and even gaming consoles, is struggling. British retailers like John Lewis have already ceased selling DVD players in their stores. We are transitioning to a world where media is ephemeral, subject to erasure or manipulation by streaming companies. We no longer own our media; we simply rent access to it.
Dave Wain, the owner of Snips Movies, one of the few remaining DVD rental stores in Britain, emphasizes the difficulty film lovers face in watching older films on streaming services, leading to missed opportunities to experience cinematic masterpieces. Mr. Wain believes that unless individuals have the persistence and financial means to subscribe to multiple streaming services, they will be deprived of access to some of the greatest films ever made. He advocates for the preservation of film history.
The frustration of not finding certain films on streaming services has become a common discussion topic in Mr. Wain’s store. More and more customers rent specific titles from him because they are unavailable on streaming platforms. Mr. Wain believes that physically browsing a store stocked with choices allows people to discover a wider range of films.
In the video store era, algorithms did not dictate our viewing choices. We had the freedom to browse, choose, and venture down unexpected rabbit holes. Sadly, those days may soon become obsolete. Blockbuster, once a beloved movie rental business, struggled to keep up with the rise of streaming and ultimately folded, with only one store remaining in Bend, Oregon. However, rumors suggest that the brand might make a remarkable comeback.
As it stands, our search for classic films on the three major streaming services has yielded disappointing results. Of the 50 acclaimed films made before 1980, only six are available for streaming as part of subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video combined. This scarcity reinforces the notion that movie lovers must excessively rely on streaming platforms to fulfill their cinematic desires. However, these platforms need to broaden their libraries and ensure the inclusion of classics to truly satisfy the diverse tastes of viewers.
In conclusion, the shift to streaming has undoubtedly transformed the way we consume media, especially films. While it provides convenience and access to a wide array of content, there is a creeping concern that the availability of beloved classics is being eroded. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between modern hits and timeless masterpieces, preserving the rich legacy of film for future generations.
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