Netflix, the streaming giant that started as a DVD-by-mail service, is shutting down its disc rental business on September 29, 2023. But the company is not asking its customers to return their final discs. Instead, it is letting them keep them for free, as a token of appreciation for their loyalty.
“We’re grateful to our loyal DVD members who have been with us since the beginning,” Netflix said in a statement. “We’re proud of the role we played in popularizing DVD and Blu-ray, and we hope our members enjoy these discs for years to come.”
Netflix’s DVD service was launched in 1998, and it revolutionized the home entertainment industry with its innovative subscription model and red envelopes. The service once mailed over 5.2 billion discs and helped Netflix become a dominant force in the streaming market.
However, as more people switched to online streaming, the demand for physical discs declined. The service had about 2.5 million subscribers as of June 2023, down from a peak of 20 million in 2010.
Netflix decided to close its DVD service after 25 years of operation, citing the rising costs of postage and maintenance. The company also said it wanted to focus on its core streaming business, which has over 200 million subscribers worldwide.
But Netflix is not leaving its DVD customers empty-handed. The company announced that it will not charge customers for any unreturned discs and that they can keep them for as long as they like. Customers can also enter a chance to get up to 10 extra discs for free as the service clears out its inventory.
“It’s the end of an era, but also a testament to how far Netflix has come since its humble beginnings,” said Julia Alexander, a senior streaming editor at The Verge.
Some customers expressed their sadness and nostalgia over the end of the DVD service, while others appreciated Netflix’s farewell gift.
“I’m sad to see it go, but I’m glad I get to keep some of my favorite movies for free,” said Lisa Chen, a longtime Netflix DVD subscriber.
Relevant articles:
– Netflix Will Allow Customers to Keep DVDs and Get 10 More for Free, Business Insider, August 23, 2023
– Netflix plans to give away DVDs as service shuts down, Ars Technica, August 22, 2023
– Netflix DVD Is Letting Subscribers Keep Their Final Shipment, Gizmodo, August 22, 2023
– Netflix is giving away its DVDs for free as it shuts down the service, The Verge, August 23, 2023