The average price of DVDs and Blu-rays has skyrocketed in the United States in March 2024 and reached its peak in April of the same year at 44.06 U.S. dollars. As of February 2024, consumer electronics retailer Best Buy stopped selling DVDs and Blu-rays, leading to physical media becoming even more rarer, and more expensive. However, the average price dropped by the end of 2024.

The price of a DVD sharply increased from 2014 to 2015 and has reached a plateau at around 12 euros before reaching 14.22 euros as of 2021. As a matter of comparison, new DVD releases’ price, while experiencing some fluctuations and reaching its lowest point in 2014, has been increasing at a much slower pace.

DVD market in France

The DVD market is generally on the decline in France as less and less people buy and use them to watch movies. The DVD sales revenues have drastically dropped in less than a decade, while the sales volume is lower every passing year. It is also worth noting that while more recent, Blu-ray sales did not manage to exceed DVD sales and are also gradually decreasing.

A new digital way of consuming video content

Video-on-demand services have completely changed the way consumers watch video content over a very short period of time. Indeed, the services offers a considerable number of movies and TV shows for a monthly subscription that is often lower than the price of a single DVD. Among the main VOD platforms in France, Netflix held its ground as most consumers who watched a program on such a platform did it on Netflix. Over the past decade, the VOD market has increased fourfold and exceeded 1.7 billion euros in 2021.

In 2023, the average DVD cost 13 euros and 51 cents, according to the German Federal Film Board (FFA). This was an increase of almost a euro compared with the year before.

Netflix’s success in the video streaming market has had a knock-on effect on its number of paying DVD subscribers – in the fourth quarter of 2019, there were just 2.15 million in the United States. Whilst this figure is still impressive in an age where DVDs are far less popular than they used to be, a glance at how many DVD subscribers Netflix had just a few years ago highlights the huge changes in the company’s focus. Netflix declined to report its DVD subscriber numbers in the first or second quarters of 2020.

In the final quarter of 2011, there were 11.04 million subscribers to the company’s DVD segment, but by the same time in 2012 the number had dropped to a little over eight million. Significant decreases continued for years, and in the second quarter of 2018 the number of DVD subscribers dropped below three million for the first time. Meanwhile, the number of Netflix’s paying streaming subscribers tripled in eight years.

How is Netflix’s DVD business still viable?

Netflix started out as an online DVD rental store in 1998 and is now leader of the video streaming market. Given the company’s long-established success in the industry, questions have been raised about the current and future success of its DVD segment.

Unsurprisingly, the growth in the video streaming has led to a decline in physical video formats. Just over 4.8 million DVD players were sold in the United States in 2017, less than half the amount sold three years previously. However, there must be a reason why millions of people still subscribe to Netflix’s DVD service (and there is).

Streaming shows online, particularly whole movies, means that the consumer needs a lot of bandwidth. Netflix itself has recommended the ideal internet speed required in order to enjoy a satisfying streaming experience, suggesting 0.5 Mbps for streaming in general and 5 Mbps for HD content. For the megabits per second required to enjoy Ultra HD or 4K quality content, multiply that last figure by five.

Large amounts of Netflix users share their account with other people, and more than half of households with users aged 18 to 34 years old stream an SVOD service on a daily basis. Should multiple members of the same household wish to stream Netflix content at the same time, the number of megabits per second for that household increases. Add online gaming, Spotify, YouTube and video calls into the mix and the necessary internet speed goes up and up. This costs money and requires the home to be within reach of a broadband provider that can accommodate heavy internet usage. Moreover, there are media lovers out there without any kind of broadband access at all. In contrast, ordering a DVD to be delivered to your front door relies purely on the postal service, which has access to every zip code in the country.

Internet speed aside, another majorly appealing element of Netflix’s DVD business is the sheer amount of content on offer. Licensing shows and movies to stream can be problematic and expensive, causing online content to appear and disappear without warning. This is not the case for DVDs, and users are able to access movies which may never be legally available on the internet. Whilst Netflix’s DVD segment is unlikely to see a significant resurgence, this part of the company’s business is still profitable, and whilst that remains the be the case, the smart business decision is to keep it running.

47 Global import shipment records of Dvds with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

The global DVD publishing systems market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the continued demand for physical media in specific niche sectors. While digital distribution is dominant for mass-market entertainment, the need for high-quality, durable physical media persists in archiving, specialized content distribution (e.g., medical imaging, government records), and certain gaming applications. Let's assume, for illustrative purposes, a 2025 market size of $500 million. Considering a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% over the forecast period (2025-2033), the market is expected to reach approximately $770 million by 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors, including the increasing need for secure and reliable data storage solutions in regulated industries like banking and healthcare, and the ongoing demand for physical copies of video games amongst collectors. The market is segmented by application (audio/video, service bureaus, banking, government, software, gaming, medical, telecommunications, manufacturing) and system size (large, medium, small), allowing for targeted market penetration strategies. Growth in this market, however, is tempered by several restraints. The long-term decline in the overall DVD market due to streaming and digital downloads presents a significant headwind. Furthermore, the increasing cost of manufacturing and distribution, along with technological advancements leading to more efficient digital alternatives, pose challenges to market expansion. Despite these restraints, opportunities remain for specialized DVD publishing system providers focusing on niche market segments with unique requirements for physical media and the ability to provide value-added services such as data security and long-term archiving solutions. This targeted approach, coupled with technological advancements in the area of enhanced security features for DVDs, will be key to driving market growth during the forecast period.

30 Global export shipment records of Dvds with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

The CD-DVD Drives market, valued at XXX million in 2023, is projected to expand at a CAGR of XX% over the forecast period (2023-2033). The increasing adoption of cloud-based services, advancements in digital storage technologies, and the declining cost of alternative storage solutions have contributed to the market's growth. However, the rising popularity of streaming services and the shift towards solid-state drives (SSDs) have restrained market expansion. Key market drivers include the continuing demand for reliable and cost-effective data storage in sectors such as education, healthcare, and government. The market is segmented based on application (consumer electronics, enterprise, industrial, automotive) and type (internal, external). Major companies in the CD-DVD Drives market include Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo, LG, Lite-On, Samsung, Sony, TEAC, and Toshiba. The market is expected to grow significantly in the Asia Pacific region, driven by the region's burgeoning electronics industry and increasing consumer demand for digital storage solutions.

167 Global export shipment records of Recorded Dvds with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: VCR or VCD or DVD Player data was reported at 115.800 2012=100 in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 114.500 2012=100 for Sep 2018. India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: VCR or VCD or DVD Player data is updated monthly, averaging 110.050 2012=100 from Jan 2014 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 116.300 2012=100 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 105.000 2012=100 in Apr 2014. India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: VCR or VCD or DVD Player data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistics Office. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Inflation – Table IN.IA017: Consumer Price Index: 2012=100: Miscellaneous.

India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: CD, DVD, Audio or Video Cassette, Etc data was reported at 127.200 2012=100 in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 131.300 2012=100 for Sep 2018. India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: CD, DVD, Audio or Video Cassette, Etc data is updated monthly, averaging 120.500 2012=100 from Jan 2014 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 132.900 2012=100 in Jul 2018 and a record low of 107.100 2012=100 in Feb 2014. India Consumer Price Index (CPI): Miscellaneous: CD, DVD, Audio or Video Cassette, Etc data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistics Office. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Inflation – Table IN.IA017: Consumer Price Index: 2012=100: Miscellaneous.

Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: DVD Software data was reported at 3,743.000 JPY in Oct 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,726.000 JPY for Sep 2018. Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: DVD Software data is updated monthly, averaging 3,687.000 JPY from Jan 2005 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 166 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,164.000 JPY in Jan 2016 and a record low of 2,847.000 JPY in Jan 2005. Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: DVD Software data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistical Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.P002: Retail Price: Tokyo.

Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: Recordable DVD Media data was reported at 857.000 JPY/5 Sheet in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 864.000 JPY/5 Sheet for Sep 2018. Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: Recordable DVD Media data is updated monthly, averaging 881.000 JPY/5 Sheet from Jan 2005 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 166 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,298.000 JPY/5 Sheet in Nov 2007 and a record low of 757.000 JPY/5 Sheet in Jan 2014. Japan Retail Price: Tokyo: CA: Recordable DVD Media data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistical Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.P002: Retail Price: Tokyo.

The global movies and entertainment market, valued at $2660.26 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.6% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The increasing penetration of high-speed internet and mobile devices is enabling wider access to streaming services and on-demand content, significantly boosting consumption. Furthermore, the rising popularity of original content, including movies and television series, from both established studios and emerging streaming platforms, is fueling demand. Technological advancements, such as improvements in visual effects and immersive viewing experiences (e.g., VR/AR), continue to enhance the overall entertainment experience and attract a broader audience. The market's segmentation into Music and Videos and Movies reflects the diverse consumption patterns within the sector, with streaming services dominating both segments. Competitive landscape analysis shows major players like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and Apple dominating the market share, leveraging their vast content libraries and established distribution networks. However, regional variations exist, with North America and Asia Pacific showing significant market potential due to high disposable incomes and burgeoning digital adoption. The market faces challenges, primarily from piracy and content licensing complexities. The high cost of producing high-quality content and the increasing competition among streaming platforms also pose challenges. However, innovative strategies such as strategic partnerships, content diversification, and personalized content recommendations are helping companies navigate these hurdles. Over the forecast period (2025-2033), the market is expected to witness an even greater shift towards digital platforms, with streaming and on-demand services solidifying their dominance. Regional expansion and strategic acquisitions will likely be key growth strategies for companies seeking to capitalize on the market's potential. Growth will also be influenced by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory changes within the entertainment industry.

Indonesia Average Urban Consumer Price: VCD/DVD data was reported at 393,737.397 IDR/Unit in Dec 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 393,516.809 IDR/Unit for Nov 2018. Indonesia Average Urban Consumer Price: VCD/DVD data is updated monthly, averaging 495,430.539 IDR/Unit from Jan 2006 (Median) to Dec 2018, with 144 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 881,943.000 IDR/Unit in Dec 2015 and a record low of 393,516.809 IDR/Unit in Nov 2018. Indonesia Average Urban Consumer Price: VCD/DVD data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Prices – Table ID.PE132: Average Urban Consumer Price: Housing Product.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Admission to Movies, Theaters, and Concerts in U.S. City Average (CUUR0000SS62031) from Dec 1997 to Feb 2025 about amusements, admissions, urban, consumer, CPI, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

888 Global import shipment records of Dvds with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Manufacturing: ECT: VCD/DVD Player data was reported at 120.780 2005=100 in Dec 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 120.460 2005=100 for Nov 2012. Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Manufacturing: ECT: VCD/DVD Player data is updated monthly, averaging 122.765 2005=100 from Jan 2009 (Median) to Dec 2012, with 48 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 124.460 2005=100 in Mar 2010 and a record low of 119.610 2005=100 in Oct 2012. Indonesia Wholesale Price Index: Manufacturing: ECT: VCD/DVD Player data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Inflation – Table ID.IB004: Wholesale Price Index: by Sector: Manufacturing.

Brazil INPC: MoM: Brasilia: Personal Expenses: Recreation: DVD Rental data was reported at 0.200 % in Jun 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of -0.270 % for May 2019. Brazil INPC: MoM: Brasilia: Personal Expenses: Recreation: DVD Rental data is updated monthly, averaging 0.000 % from Jan 2012 (Median) to Jun 2019, with 90 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.330 % in Mar 2013 and a record low of -6.830 % in Jan 2013. Brazil INPC: MoM: Brasilia: Personal Expenses: Recreation: DVD Rental data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Inflation – Table BR.IB006: Consumer Price Index: (INPC): POF: 2008-2009: Dec1993=100: MoM: by Municipality: Brasília.

Brazil IPCA: Weights: Personal Expenses: Recreation: CD and DVD data was reported at 0.041 % in Jun 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.041 % for May 2019. Brazil IPCA: Weights: Personal Expenses: Recreation: CD and DVD data is updated monthly, averaging 0.050 % from Jan 2012 (Median) to Jun 2019, with 90 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.065 % in Jan 2012 and a record low of 0.041 % in May 2019. Brazil IPCA: Weights: Personal Expenses: Recreation: CD and DVD data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Inflation – Table BR.IA007: Consumer Price Index: Broad Category (IPCA): POF 2008-2009: Dec1993=100: Weights.