DVD Sales Decline Slows Sharply as Gen Z Discovers the Appeal of Physical Media

Source: Slashdot

Overview

DVD and Blu‑ray sales have been in freefall for years, but the decline is slowing considerably as Gen Z buyers turn to physical media, driving a measurable uptick at video‑rental stores and retailers across the U.S.

Sales Data

• Overall disc sales fell just 9 % last year after dropping more than 20 % in both 2023 and 2024, according to the Digital Entertainment Group.
• U.S. consumers spent 12 % more on 4K UHD Blu‑rays in 2025 than the prior year.
• The Criterion Collection, a leading boutique Blu‑ray label, reported significant year‑over‑year sales increases that its president attributes to younger customers.

Retailer Highlights

• Vidiots (Los Angeles) averaged 170 rentals per day in January 2026—its biggest month ever—after loaning about 22,000 discs total in 2023 and roughly 50,000 in 2024.
• Barnes & Noble reported DVD and Blu‑ray sales growth of “mid‑double digits” over the past year.