How I lost my film DVD collection and discovered Blu Ray.

Films on video were once so unattainable to buy that you rented them out. Then along came a time in the nineties when you could buy them for yourself. Were once evidence of your film loving was a collection of ticket stubs now you had a shelf of films on video. Then along comes films on DVD. Time too clear the shelf of videos for all those films on DVD. At this stage, my shelf was bulging with films on video and DVD. My video collection shrunk as I replaced videos with DVD’s. Then during the onset of streaming services and gripped by decluttering fever I knowingly got rid of my DVD’s.

Few survived, Ordet and Witchfinder General to name just two. What I lost in the fire included my DVD of Danny Hustons Ivans XTC, a loss that I bitterly regret. Buying films online like buying eBooks the choice looks infinite but while you can find classic books that have long gone out of print as an eBook it is not as easy to find films on streaming services to buy that you really would like to keep. Ivans XTC would be one.

While I have some regrets about my decluttering madness of my DVD collection it was necessary. Many of the films I had on DVD would be watched once and no more. Some were bought when I was drunk. Back in the day when in central London, drink, food then a late-night wander around HMV Piccadilly Circus. My plan was noble, buy a film on DVD then pick up a curry. Go home eat, drink coffee, watch a film and be merry. The reality was I ate then felt sleepy and went to bed to then discover my DVD film purchase in the morning. Many of these alcohol film purchases were good but some just went on the shelf in the hope of watching them in the months to come.

Now, older, wiser but with many more film memories I have started buying films on Blu Ray. I am just starting, two so far, American Werewolf in London and A Letter to Brezhnev. The plan is to be highly selective about what Blu Ray I get so no drunken purchases. If I get no more than six Blu Ray films in one year that is fine. These films need to meet a criterion; would I watch the more than once, is it a film that meant a lot to me? it does not have to be the best film ever but I can look at it and remember where I saw it, why I liked it and how it makes me feel after watching it. Another motivation thought a minor one is streaming services as gatekeepers. While you access the film that you bought you are only accessing your licence to watch it so technically it is not your film. They could if they wish would withdraw it and give you your money back. Having the physical film preserves your ability to watch the version of the film you bought while you are alive and if you want to pass it on to another film lover after you go then sure you can.

As I start my Blu Ray collection of films, I will not abandon buying films online. There are films I like that I would want to have access to online, but they are not films that I have special memories off and mean something to me. These are the films I will be getting on Blu Ray. Let the adventure begin, continue until the next format comes around.