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Gen Z Drives DVD and CD Resurgence, Turning Back to Physical Media
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 10:06 GMT by Seattle Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Why DVDs and CDs Are Regaining Popularity Among Gen Z
In a world that seems to be moving ever more toward instant streaming, a surprising trend has emerged: physical media—specifically DVDs and CDs—are once again turning heads, especially among the younger Gen Z demographic. A recent feature in the Seattle Times explores this cultural renaissance, drawing on sales data, industry insider insights, and the broader context of how nostalgia and “unboxing” culture are reshaping the entertainment landscape.
A Shift Back to the Tangible
The article opens with a stark contrast to the steady decline that DVDs and CDs had faced over the past two decades. While streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify have dominated the audio‑visual marketplace, a handful of retailers are reporting a modest but steady uptick in physical‑media sales. According to Nielsen’s latest quarterly report (linked within the piece), DVD sales in the United States have rebounded by roughly 12% year‑over‑year, a number that is “unprecedented in the past ten years.” Meanwhile, the sales of “physical media kits” that bundle a DVD with a commemorative CD and collector’s book have seen a similar surge.
Industry analysts attribute this reversal largely to Gen Z’s growing appetite for tangible, collectible items—a phenomenon that has also been noted in the Seattle Times’ recent coverage of vinyl’s resurgence. The article draws parallels between the two mediums, noting that both formats offer an experience that streaming simply cannot replicate: the tactile pleasure of handling a product, the visual aesthetic of packaging, and the social currency of owning a rare edition.
Nostalgia, Social Media, and the “Unboxing” Phenomenon
A significant portion of the article is devoted to exploring why younger consumers—most of whom grew up with the rise of broadband and instant downloads—are now turning to DVDs and CDs. The author interviews a handful of Gen Z collectors who cite a “nostalgic pull” for the media that shaped their formative years. These collectors argue that the act of physically owning a piece of pop culture is an assertion of identity in an age where digital footprints dominate.
The article also references a related piece on the Seattle Times titled “Vinyl is Back: How Record Collectors Are Reshaping Music Culture,” which delves into the ways social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the appeal of tangible media. Influencers post “unboxing” videos, showcasing the satisfying experience of opening a new DVD or CD package, and these snippets often go viral. This digital promotion, in turn, feeds back into real‑world sales, creating a virtuous cycle that keeps physical media relevant.
The Role of Special Editions and Bundled Content
Retailers and publishers are responding strategically to this renewed demand. The Seattle Times article quotes a representative from a niche retailer—“Retro Rewind”—who says that their flagship “Collector’s Edition” bundles include everything from a remastered DVD to a CD of the original score, along with limited‑edition art prints. These bundles are marketed as “experience packages,” offering fans a holistic way to engage with their favorite films and soundtracks.
Moreover, the article highlights how streaming services sometimes struggle to provide the “behind‑the‑scenes” content that fans crave. Physical media, by contrast, often includes bonus features such as deleted scenes, director commentaries, and making‑of documentaries that add depth to the viewing experience. For many Gen Z users, this added value justifies the purchase, even when a streaming equivalent is available for free.
Market Outlook and Industry Response
Looking ahead, the article points out that while streaming will remain the dominant delivery method for mainstream audiences, physical media has carved out a sustainable niche. Publishers are increasingly releasing “mini‑edition” releases—compact, high‑quality versions of classic titles that cater to both collectors and casual fans. The Seattle Times notes that some major studios, such as Warner Bros. and Disney, are experimenting with “film‑vault” initiatives that promise to reissue beloved classics in both Blu‑ray and DVD formats, accompanied by high‑resolution audio on CD.
The piece concludes by underscoring the importance of this trend for the broader entertainment ecosystem. As physical media continues to thrive, it pushes streaming platforms to consider new ways of offering exclusive, tangible value—perhaps through limited‑edition digital “capsules” that can be swapped for physical collectibles.
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z’s nostalgia for the media of their childhood is driving a resurgence in DVD and CD sales.
- Social media “unboxing” culture amplifies the appeal of physical media, turning the act of ownership into a shareable experience.
- Special edition bundles that combine audio and visual content are becoming a key differentiator, offering added value that streaming can’t match.
- Industry adaptation includes remastered releases and collector’s editions that cater to both die‑hard fans and newer audiences.
- Long‑term outlook suggests that physical media will maintain a steady, if niche, presence alongside the prevailing streaming model.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a dynamic, evolving media landscape where the tactile, collectible nature of DVDs and CDs finds renewed relevance. As Gen Z continues to shape consumer habits, the “coolness” of physical media may well persist, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, artistry, and community that streaming platforms are only beginning to explore.
Read the Full Seattle Times Article at:
[ https://www.seattletimes.com/business/dvds-and-cds-are-becoming-cool-again-thanks-mostly-to-gen-z/ ]
