In case you didn’t know, up until just recently, Netflix has actually still been sending out physical DVDs and Blu-rays through its mailing service. I wonder if anyone was actually still subscribed to that!? I remember those days of getting a disc in the mail! At the time, that was such a great service and it’s what ultimately led to the demise of Blockbuster Video and a lot of other video stores.
Well, Netflix recently announced that they are officially shutting down the disc mailing service, and today, September 29th, 2023 is its final day in business. So, today let’s raise a glass to the days when we were receiving discs in the mail in a red envelope.
The social media post making the announcement came with the note: “Netflix will mail its final DVD on September 29, 2023. But the red envelope remains an enduring symbol of our love of entertainment.” It also included a picture of a billboard that Netflix bought and decorated with a big, glittering, sign that reads: “DVDs Will Always Be In Our DNA.”
Reflecting on the end of an era, it’s remarkable how Netflix’s journey started with mailing physical DVDs, a service that played a pivotal role in reshaping the way we consume entertainment. Those iconic red envelopes once symbolized the excitement of receiving a new movie or TV show at your doorstep, all ready for a cozy night in.
As we bid farewell to this chapter of Netflix’s history, it’s worth acknowledging the profound impact it had on the entertainment industry. Netflix’s innovative approach not only revolutionized movie rentals but also paved the way for the streaming revolution that followed. The convenience and accessibility it offered, coupled with its vast library of titles, helped redefine our viewing habits.
In a digital age where streaming services dominate, we’ll always remember the days when we eagerly awaited the next red envelope in the mailbox. It wasn’t just a disc; it was a symbol of a changing era in the entertainment world.
Netflix’s parting message, “DVDs Will Always Be In Our DNA,” reminds us that even as technology evolves, the legacy of those red envelopes will forever be woven into the fabric of Netflix’s history. So here’s to the memories, to the movies, and to the enduring nostalgia of the red envelope era.
