The Rise and Fall of DVD Rentals: An Inside Look at Netflix's Journey
Netflix's DVD rental service, after 25 years of success, is sadly coming to an end on September 29th As everything runs its course, let's explore the brief yet remarkable history of Netflix's iconic DVD-By-Mail division
Summary
Netflix employees reflect on the end of the DVD-by-mail service, acknowledging that everything has its cycle and expressing emotions about the final day of operations.
Netflix's journey began with its DVD service, but it has now emerged as the unrivaled titan of the streaming industry, offering an extensive repertoire of both acquired and original content. One employee revealed that her time at Netflix had bestowed upon her invaluable growth opportunities, enabling her to explore new prospects beyond the organization's confines.
Netflix employees are reminiscing about the conclusion of its DVD-by-mail service. Today, Netflix is renowned for its streaming platform, offering a wide selection of acquired titles and original content like Stranger Things, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and To All the Boys I've Loved Before. However, the company's origins lie in physically delivering DVDs to customers. Subscribers would have an online queue of movies, and upon returning one, they would receive their next available title.
On September 29, The New York Times published an article discussing the imminent closure of Netflix's DVD-by-mail service, featuring interviews with several employees from that department. General manager Hank Breeggemann pondered that "everything has its cycle," while DVD sorting machine operator Edgar Ramos expressed his expectation that "there will be tears" on the final day of operations. Senior operations manager Lorraine Segura acknowledged the valuable lessons she gained from her time at Netflix but expressed excitement about venturing into new opportunities. Below are selected quotes from the interviews.
A Brief History of Netflix's DVD-By-Mail Division
Hank Breeggemann expressed his sentiments regarding the end of an era, acknowledging the significant impact it had on all their lives over the years. As everything has its natural course, the 25-year journey was a remarkable one that revolutionized the entertainment industry, transforming the way people consumed movies within the comfort of their homes.Edgar Ramos shared his sadness and anticipated a collective sense of sorrow when the inevitable day arrives. Despite the desire to have streaming services available, they accepted the reality of the situation.
Lorraine Segura reflected on her personal growth during her time at
A Brief History of Netflix's DVD-By-Mail Division
, highlighting the valuable skills she acquired, such as machine repair and goal achievement. Feeling empowered, she now possesses the confidence to embark on new ventures in the world beyond.
Netflix, Inc., founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, emerged as a formidable rival to traditional rental chains like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video with its innovative DVD-by-mail service. Initially charging customers on a per-rental basis, the company introduced a monthly subscription fee in 1999, offering various tiers that determined the number of discs a customer could receive simultaneously. Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Netflix revolutionized the way people consumed entertainment.
Netflix operated in a certain way for its first decade, but in 2007, it transformed into one of the pioneering online streaming platforms. Initially, they primarily offered acquired movies and TV shows, but in 2011, they started producing their own original series. These first shows, such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Arrested Development revival, and the Norwegian series Lilyhammer, premiered on the platform in 2013.
Due to the continuous growth of their online library, which included both original and acquired content, Netflix became a leading streaming service worldwide. As more and more customers joined the streaming service, the DVD-by-mail business gradually declined. Netflix now adds numerous titles to its streaming library each month, and in 2016, the DVD division was rebranded as DVD.com. In April of this year, it was announced that the DVD-by-mail service will be completely discontinued starting from September 29.
Source: The New York Times
