Before Netflix became the streaming giant it is today, it sent out per-title DVD rentals before switching to a monthly DVD subscription program in 1999. After over two decades, Netflix is finally moving away from its roots.

Netflix Is Shipping Its Last DVDs in September 2023

According to Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, the company will ship its final discs on September 29, 2023. So, after that date, you can no longer order DVD and Blu-ray movies and TV shows from DVD.com.

Although Netflix started with this business model—sending discs via mail—it saw the rise of streaming. In 2007, the company introduced video streaming as a trial. It was actually included as a free service for its top-tier DVD subscription, as they were just testing the service.

But three years later, in 2010, the company pivoted its focus to streaming and launched Netflix as a streaming service in the US. This was also the same year that Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy—the company that laughed at Netflix when they tried to sell to it.

Many more events between 2010 and 2023 are relevant to Netflix's history. But it was after 2010 that we received the Netflix we know today.

Thanks for Watching Netflix red envelope
Image Credit: Netflix

Netflix Is Focusing on Bigger Projects

As unfortunate as it may be, it just makes sense for Netflix to stop its DVD and Blu-ray service. As we're introduced to faster internet technologies, like 5G and 6G, more people will find it more convenient to subscribe to high-quality 4K streaming services than wait for a DVD or Blu-ray disc to arrive in the mail.

Because of the reduced demand, Netflix has found it increasingly difficult to maintain the DVD.com service. Furthermore, with Netflix losing subscribers and getting more competition—plus the inflating costs of running a business—it must carefully allocate its resources.

The company is finding multiple ways to retain its lead and profitability. For example, Netflix has exclusive streaming rights to Sony movies from 2022 onwards. Netflix is also cracking down on password sharing and reducing expenses on original programming.

As Technologies Move Forward, So Must Netflix

Technology is developing and evolving at such a breakneck speed that it seems difficult to catch up. And if companies do not keep up with developments, they'll be left in the dust, with only their hardcore fans mourning them.

We've seen this with several big companies: Nokia, Research in Motion (Blackberry), and Blockbuster. And if Netflix doesn't stay updated, it risks following these brands into the dust.