The Sandman Season 1 Surpasses Netflix Expectations with Exceptional Physical Media Release
The Sandman Season 1, co-created by renowned author Neil Gaiman, is making history as a rare Netflix show to receive a physical media release Discover the reasons behind this special release by Netflix
Summary
"The Sandman" is joining the ranks of rare Netflix series that are receiving a physical release, including special features and artwork.
"The Sandman" season 1 will be released on November 28, in its entirety, on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD. Netflix's decision to make the show available on physical media reflects their growing confidence in the future of "The Sandman" and its potential as a flagship series.
The Sandman, co-created by Neil Gaiman, is set to receive a physical release, making it a rare Netflix series to do so. Starring Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt, among others, the show follows Dream (played by Sturridge), who is part of a group of metaphysical concept embodiments. After escaping imprisonment, Dream aims to regain control over The Dreaming.
Netflix has recently announced that the complete first season of The Sandman, including the special eleventh episode "Dream of a Thousand Cats/Calliope," will be released on physical media. The season will be available in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD formats starting November 28, following a digital release on September 18. Additionally, the release will feature two special extras titled "The Sandman: Behind the Scenes Sneak Peek" and "The World of The Endless." Take a look at the box artwork for the release below.
Why is The Sandman Getting This Special Release from Netflix?
Typically, Netflix shows are exclusive to streaming and are only accessible to subscribers. However, select shows that have gained significant traction also receive physical releases. This includes popular series like The Crown, Stranger Things, and Orange is the New Black. Additionally, certain Netflix movies that have been nominated for Oscars, often through the Criterion Collection, are also made available in physical formats. Some notable examples are Marriage Story, The Irishman, and Roma.
The Sandman was initially not considered one of the top-tier titles on Netflix. The decision on renewing The Sandman for season 2 was significantly delayed by the streaming service, eventually being renewed in November 2022, three months after its original premiere. This extended delay raised concerns about whether the show's audience was large enough to support its budget. However, it later became apparent that The Sandman was the eighth most-watched English-language show on the platform for the entire year.
The release of the physical version of the show could be seen as an effort to recover the budget, but it also indicates a positive outlook for the future of The Sandman. Netflix is now promoting the show to a wider audience, suggesting that season 2 could potentially become a major success for the streaming service. If viewers who only experienced The Sandman through physical media subscribe to the service to watch the new episodes, it could have a significant impact. Whether or not the show will be renewed for further seasons remains uncertain, but Netflix appears more confident about the project now compared to late 2022.
Source: Netflix
