It seems that Gen Z is developing an unexpected attachment to an old-school form of media: DVDs.
This new trend is largely driven by nostalgia, as younger generations discover the charm of physical discs that were once a staple in every living room before streaming took over.
Just as vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, DVDs are now experiencing a revival among the younger crowd, who crave a connection to the past through various forms of entertainment—be it fashion, music, or even home decor.
The Appeal of Physical Media
DVDs, much like their predecessor VHS tapes, used to occupy a significant amount of space in the average home.
As streaming services gained popularity, many of those shelves cleared out.
However, for 19-year-old Julia Agostino, the comfort and nostalgia of owning DVDs, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding streaming platforms, made her a fan of physical media.
“It’s about comfort,” Julia shared with The Boston Globe. “Rewatching them brings back memories, and no one can take them away from me.”
Julia and her mother, Kim, have since built a vast collection of about 5,000 movies and TV shows on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD.
Despite being teased for their “dinosaur” habits, they’ve found joy in the preservation of physical media.
A Sense of Security and Preservation
As streaming platforms frequently remove titles, viewers are left to worry that their favorite shows and movies might vanish forever.
Julia’s story is a reminder of why some are opting to keep physical collections: they offer a sense of permanence.
For example, Kevin Koppes, who owns Boston’s only video rental store, The Vu, commented, “The realization that the internet’s not forever has really sunk in for some people.”
Many streaming services no longer provide a guarantee that content will remain available, which has led some to seek out DVDs as a reliable alternative.
In addition to disappearing titles, the rising cost of streaming subscriptions has left many questioning the value of paying for multiple services.
Some have found themselves buried in ads or scrambling to justify the costs each month.
“The internet feels like a ‘digital dark age,’” said Jasmyn Choi, who owns over 50 physical films.
Her growing concern about the disappearance of content from streaming platforms is echoed by others who see the importance of keeping their favorite titles on hand.
The Empowerment of Collecting
Choi views collecting physical media as a way to regain control.
“It gives a viewer so much empowerment,” she explained. In a world that is constantly changing, having physical copies offers a comforting sense of permanence.
Owning DVDs, for Choi, provides a romantic connection to a more stable reality.
“I’ve never thought, ‘Oh yeah, in the future, I’m going to own a house,’” she said, reflecting on how collecting feels like an anchor in uncertain times.
Cassette Tapes: The New (Old) Obsession
Interestingly, DVDs aren’t the only vintage media format Gen Z is embracing.
Many are also diving into cassette tapes, despite having no idea how to use them.
Amy Campbell, for instance, bought her first cassette tape but found herself puzzled by the process. “I struggled a little bit,” she confessed, recalling the need to fast-forward, rewind, and pause to find the right song.
Despite the learning curve, the appeal of cassette tapes has been growing, especially as modern artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Charli XCX release their music on the format.
In 2023, cassette sales surged, reaching over 430,000 units sold in the U.S., five times the number sold just a decade ago.
The rise of this retro format is part of a larger trend in which music lovers return to traditional formats like vinyl, a shift fueled by nostalgia for the past.
The Magic of Cassette Tapes
For some, the allure of cassettes lies in their unique sound.
The crackling sound of the tape, which many once found annoying, is now a charming and nostalgic feature for younger generations.
“I like how nostalgic it sounds,” said Amy Campbell, describing the signature tape crackle that transports listeners to a different time.
Conclusion: A Return to the Past
Whether it’s DVDs or cassette tapes, Gen Z’s fascination with old-school media highlights a larger trend of nostalgia for the past.
In a world dominated by digital platforms and streaming, there’s something comforting about holding onto physical copies—whether for their unique qualities, the sense of ownership they offer, or simply the security of knowing that a favorite movie or album won’t disappear overnight.
The resurgence of these vintage formats is more than just a quirky trend; it’s a reminder that in a rapidly changing world, the past still holds a special kind of magic.