Why now is the perfect time to rediscover CDs and DVDs 

Streaming has revolutionised how we access film, music, and television. With just a couple of clicks, we can unlock libraries of content that spans generations and genres: total cultural abundance at our fingertips!

But beneath this breadth and convenience, the fact is that streaming is temporary in nature, and, ultimately, what is served to us is out of our control.

Many of us subscribe to multiple streaming platforms, paying monthly fees to access content we don’t truly own. When licensing agreements expire, entire albums or films can vanish, leaving us bereft of the songs and the stories we thought we would always be able to access. Even purchased digital media can disappear when platforms update their policies or lose the rights.

Beyond impermanence, the streaming landscape also raises concerns about cultural control due to a handful of corporations curating what we see, hear, and discover. What’s more, paradoxically the breadth of choice can put those of us browsing for something to watch or listen to into a state of choice paralysis.

Algorithmic recommendations also steer our consumption, often favoring trending content over hidden gems that might resonate more personally with us. And we’re locked in: instead of paying for the one-off ownership of a film or album, we must rent the service for as long as we want access to any media.

Many of us subscribe to multiple streaming platforms, paying monthly fees to access content we don’t truly own.

There was a time when physical media – CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays (not to mention mini-discs and cassettes – though vinyl has retained a place in many people’s hearts) looked to have become almost entirely obsolescent.

Afterall, lugging physical media around on a run or a workout is far from ideal. But in this age of hyper-efficiency, physical media offers an antidote to the fast-paced, high-consumption world that has sprung up around us.

But physical media is more than just nostalgic; DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs represent a tangible connection to art, allowing us to reclaim control over our collections.

• Ownership and control: Physical media grants full ownership. Your DVDs won’t vanish due to an expired agreement, nor will your CDs suddenly become inaccessible. You decide what stays, ensuring cherished films and albums remain part of your life.
• Supporting artists directly: Streaming platforms often sideline creators, offering minimal returns for their work. Purchasing physical media ensures artists earn from their craft, cultivating a more equitable artistic ecosystem. These purchases can find their way into the secondhand market, which gives those albums another chance to be heard, or films another opportunity to be enjoyed.
• Social connection: Sharing media in person fosters a sense of community. Loaning a CD or discussing a favorite film becomes a personal experience, unmediated by corporate algorithms.
• Rediscovery: Building a physical library invites moments of serendipity – stumbling upon a forgotten album or rewatching a classic film. These experiences aren’t dictated by algorithms but arise organically, deepening our appreciation for art.
• Legacy and authorship: Physical media serves as a record of influence and impact. It immortalises stories, authorship, and the cultural zeitgeist of its time, ensuring future generations can enjoy media without fear of deletion.

If the idea of embracing physical media appeals to you, charity shops are the perfect place to begin – or restart if you are a physical media native who sold or gave away all your CDs and DVDs with the advent of streaming.

These community-centred spaces offer an abundance of DVDs, Blu-rays, and CDs, at affordable prices. Charity shops house eclectic collections, reflecting personal donations from individuals with diverse tastes with many exciting finds available.

Shopping in charity shops like ours also contributes to a cycle of sustainability. Pre-loved media finds new homes, reducing waste while supporting our lifesaving mission. Additionally, our shops often hold unexpected treasures – rare films, unique albums, or special editions you might not find elsewhere.

Quality players for physical media are also becoming more accessible again with combined CD, cassette and record players experiencing something of a revival. A visit to your local Devon Air Ambulance charity shop might uncover the beginnings of a remarkable collection or rekindle your love for films and albums you once cherished. You might even find yourself pouring over the album art – or making a mixed tape as a gesture to a friend or a loved one!