The Decline of Physical Media: A Loss for Entertainment Enthusiasts

With major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more removing their film and music media, we’re missing out on the excitement of browsing through physical stores to discover new entertainment treats. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the nostalgia of being a kid, racing up and down toy aisles to see what’s new. Even online shopping for movies has lost some of its appeal, particularly for those who are avid collectors of physical media.

The Case of the Elusive Steelbook

One recent example of this trend is Walmart’s limited edition steelbook of the film "Wicked". The retailer was the only one to carry the collector’s edition, which sold out online months in advance of the film’s physical media release. While it’s not uncommon for popular items to sell out online, fans who were hoping to hunt down the steelbook in stores have also faced obstacles. There’s been confusion about whether the steelbook release was actually online-only, with some retailers listing it as available in-store.

A Resurgence of Physical Media

However, it’s heartening to see a resurgence of interest in physical media, particularly among younger generations. Visiting Barnes and Noble has become a delightful experience, with shoppers seeking out curated spaces to discover new books, records, and CDs. It’s lovely to see tablet-raised youth seeking out physical media, and hopefully, this trend will extend to movies as well. At least Barnes and Noble carries Criterion releases, which include a unique edition of Pixar’s "Wall-E".

Looking Forward to the Future

While we’re sad to see the "Wicked" steelbook go, we’re hopeful that future releases will be more readily available. The physical release of "Nosferatu" is eagerly anticipated, and fingers are crossed that it will come in a coffin. In the meantime, fans can stay up-to-date with the latest news and release dates for upcoming movies and TV shows, including Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more, by checking out the io9 news section.

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