Italian
The revival of physical media: A collector’s paradise
In recent years, physical media has experienced a surprising resurgence, driven by the meticulous curation and marketing of 4K heritage titles. This trend caters to a niche but passionate market of collectors who value the tangible aspects of cinema. This sentiment was echoed during the Heritage Roundtable discussion at the Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro section.
The allure of heritage titles
Despite the decline in the mass market for physical media, there is a growing interest in heritage titles. These films, often restored to 4K or 2K quality and accompanied by a plethora of extras, have found a dedicated audience. Vincent Paul-Boncour from Carlotta Films highlighted this trend with examples of recent and upcoming releases, such as a box set of Dario Argento films and a new edition of Luchino Visconti’s Bellissima.
“Our primary mission is to release movies on the big screen as a distributor,” Paul-Boncour explained. “In France, we have a strong market for classic editions. We strive to create the best possible product, with 4K quality and numerous originally produced extras. The quality of the film is paramount. We are fortunate to have a robust catalog. Now, in France, England, and the United States, there is a market. People enjoy having a physical collection, like a library.”
The challenge of rights and collaboration
One significant obstacle to the release of these heritage titles is the issue of rights, particularly when held by American studios. Ronald Chammah of Les Films du Camélia noted that American studios seem less interested in releasing movies on physical media, focusing instead on VOD platforms.
Manlio Gomarasca of Plaion and Severin pointed out that the situation in Italy is bleak, with the mass market for DVDs virtually dead. Many Italian films, even those by major filmmakers like Michelangelo Antonioni and Luchino Visconti, are more readily available from foreign distributors. Gomarasca suggested that a more collaborative approach between companies could be beneficial.
“We are competing for a very small market, so I’d like to see more collaboration and less competition between companies,” he said.
A global perspective on physical media
Frédéric Maire, Director of Cinémathèque Suisse, emphasized the importance of thinking globally. He cited the example of the new release of La Paloma, which includes multiple language subtitles to appeal to a worldwide audience.
“We discussed the possibility of including many language subtitles on the Blu-ray. Even if the main market and rights are for France and French-speaking areas, we have the opportunity to handle the rights worldwide. This way, the Blu-ray can circulate globally, creating a unique edition.”
The collector’s perspective
K.J. Relth-Miller of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures shared her insights as a consumer and collector. She observed that the desire for physical objects is growing among Gen Z and millennials, who appreciate the permanence and additional features that physical media offers.
“We’re seeing a real desire for physical objects because the ephemeral nature of streaming means that something you want to watch might disappear from your watch list. Physical media offers a permanent way to engage with the history of cinema.”
Relth-Miller also noted the rise of VHS collecting in Los Angeles, citing Quentin Tarantino and Robert Avery’s Video Archives, a microcinema specializing in VHS and 16mm projections.
The cultural significance of Blu-rays
The panelists agreed on the cultural importance of Blu-rays. Manlio Gomarasca emphasized that Blu-rays are not just commercial products but cultural artifacts.
“Blu-rays are cultural objects. Many directors interviewed for bonus features have passed away, and their testimonies are preserved on Blu-ray. It’s crucial to support Blu-rays as cultural objects.”
Gomarasca also argued that government support, similar to what exists in France, is essential for sustaining this market.
A cautious optimism
While there are challenges, there is also a sense of cautious optimism about the future of physical media. The panelists recognized the need to adapt to changing technology and consumer habits while preserving the cultural heritage of cinema.
“How many people still have players?” Frederic Maire posed, highlighting the need to balance innovation with preservation.
the revival of physical media is not just about nostalgia but about preserving and celebrating the rich history of cinema. For collectors and enthusiasts, these tangible artifacts offer a deeper connection to the art form they love.
