Netflix will end its DVD by-mail business on September 29 because the model is no longer viable – due in large part to the shift in viewing habits ushered in by Netflix’s pioneering streaming model. In 1998, Netflix made its first DVD rental with the now-famous “red envelopes”.
“After an incredible 25 year run, we have decided to wind up DVD.com later in the year,” co-CEO TEd TEd Sarandos posted on the company’s blog on Tuesday when it announced its first quarter earnings. “Our goal has been to provide the best possible service to our members, but as the DVD industry continues to shrink, that’s going be increasingly difficult. We will ship our final DVDs to our customers on September 29, 2023. Direct-to-consumer offered our members a wide range of choices and control, including the quality of our titles, and the ability to binge-watch entire series. We are so grateful to have shared movie nights with DVD members for so many years. We are proud of our employees’ achievements and excited to continue to please entertainment fans for decades to come. Thanks to all our employees over the years that worked so hard to build the booster rocket that got streaming to a leading position.”
Netflix reports 1.75m global subs gain in Q1 2023, prepares to launch password crackdown in US
