The Legacy of Film History: Guillermo Del Toro's Perspective on Physical Media Owners

Guillermo Del Toro recently expressed his support for physical media, echoing Christopher Nolan's stance on film ownership amidst the rise of streaming services. According to Variety, Nolan discussed the upcoming home release of the atomic bomb drama Oppenheimer, which grossed $950 million, and Del Toro shared similar sentiments on the responsibility of owning physical copies. On a social media platform (formerly Twitter), Del Toro emphasized the significance of physical media, comparing it to the level of responsibility depicted in Fahrenheit 451 and highlighting the role of film enthusiasts as custodians of beloved films for future generations.

Nolan's apprehensions regarding the impermanence of streaming versions, where titles are taken down with little warning, further strengthen the criticism of streaming services. Many platforms are increasingly known for removing streaming-only offerings, posing significant challenges when titles become unavailable elsewhere. As Nolan remarked last month, he recommends purchasing the Oppenheimer disc to ensure "no malicious streaming service can take it away from you."

Using Disney's Crater as an example, Del Toro emphasized the drawbacks of relying exclusively on streaming platforms. The family adventure, initially exclusively available on Disney+, was suddenly removed in June and only reappeared as a digital release in September, leaving audiences without access for months.

Del Toro likened the movie-making process to a "sandwich of sh**," noting that Hollywood is focused on churning out content and undermining artistic pursuits. Despite his success, the acclaimed director shared that he still encounters rejection for his projects. "Oppenheimer" was released on Blu-ray and digital platforms on November 21.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I share Guillermo Del Toro's concerns about the reliance on streaming platforms for film releases. While streaming services have made it easier to access a wide variety of movies, they also have the power to remove titles without warning, leaving viewers without the ability to watch them again. This is a particular concern for classic films or independent movies that may not be widely available on physical media.

I believe it's crucial to support physical media owners like Del Toro and Christopher Nolan, who are working to preserve the legacy of film history. Owning physical copies of movies ensures that they will always be accessible, regardless of the whims of streaming platforms. It also supports the filmmakers and studios that create these movies, giving them a financial incentive to continue making quality content.