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Is It Too Late to Be Afraid? Readers React to the Controversial Rise of AI ‘Actors’ in Film

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the recent announcement of AI ‘actor’ Tilly Norwood, touted as the next Scarlett Johansson, has sparked a swift backlash in Hollywood. Here’s what Guardian readers are saying about the contentious emergence of AI actors.

“Of course they’ll do that.”

The focus is on economically produced entertainment rather than artistic merit. AI isn’t about creating great art; it’s about cutting costs by replacing human talent and accelerating production. Netflix has amassed 300 million subscribers, generating $400 billion in revenue against $17 billion in content expenses. The quickest way for Netflix to boost profits is to reduce content costs through automation. They already use AI for content decisions, catering to every viewer preference, from high art to low-budget dating shows. Netflix is committed to impactful storytelling, yet can’t risk losing high-value subscribers. It’s similar with the multitude of languages for shows like “Love Is Blind,” ensuring fans don’t abandon ship. If AI enables tech companies to outpace traditional studios by being faster and cheaper, of course, they’ll do it. STAK2000


“I don’t understand humor.”

Comedy is where AI really struggles. It doesn’t grasp humor, timing, or what makes something engaging. We’ve seen technically impressive yet entirely lifeless dialogue that left us unimpressed. We tuned in expecting surprises but found it utterly dull. Mattro

“I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s just that we’re not there yet.”

99% of AI-generated films consist of individuals speaking directly to the camera. We’ve yet to see compelling interactions among multiple AI-generated characters. Dialogue is fragmented; it seems AI cannot create distinct characters that interact meaningfully. I’m not saying it’s impossible, it just hasn’t happened yet. cornish_hen

“It will come back to bite them.”

Hollywood executives may bet on Tilly Norwood to slash costs and enhance profits. However, if film enthusiasts start creating their own content using generative AI, it might backfire on the industry. I hope those investing in human talent will succeed, resisting this reckless AI trend. Data Day

“The genie is not going back in the bottle.”

It’s astonishing how quickly this technology has progressed.

Even if AI never stars in leading roles, it will undoubtedly have a presence in major productions. It serves as a tool like any other, fundamentally changing certain facets of media.

Individuals affected by this shift (and they will be) must remain calm and consider future career paths. The genie won’t be contained. I’m sure traditional trades reacted strongly to innovations by Gottlieb Daimler and Henry Ford; if AI-generated content proves beneficial and cost-effective, it’s here to stay. Abbathehorse

“My main concern is the lack of education.”

Those involved in advancing AI are pushing boundaries. It’s up to the rest of us, particularly regulators, to hold them accountable when they overstep. My chief worry is the widespread ignorance regarding AI’s potential benefits and threats. Many who aren’t directly impacted by AI don’t perceive the risk. Dasinternaut

Tilly Norwood. Illustration: YouTube

“I doubt I could support a character that is completely AI.”

I hope films featuring AI are clearly labeled. This allows us, the paying audience, to make informed decisions regarding productions. I’m not convinced I can endorse purely AI-generated characters (except perhaps in animated films). We form connections with human actors and invest emotionally in their performances. It might take generations to navigate this shift, but history shows that even vinyl, once thought dead, can become a highly sought-after commodity. Matt08

“It’s reminiscent of a Ballard short story.”

As I read this, I reflected on the multitude of individuals behind creating this “star.” Coders, scriptwriters, marketing teams— a network of humans furthering careers, but not necessarily existing narratives. However, it feels unsettling when the program is crafted to mimic humanity. It evokes themes from Ballard’s stories. glider

“It’s too late to be scared.”

The time for fear has passed.

Hollywood prioritizes profit over artistry.

Studios may justify hiring photographers, makeup artists, set designers, and caterers with the argument that AI can perform those roles while saving costs.

Films featuring real people—actors and many behind-the-scenes roles—may soon become as rare as ballet or opera.

However, fans of franchises like “Fast & Furious” or the Marvel Universe might not mind; they often seek visual stimulation that AI can deliver. gray

“Just a bunch of guys sitting around a computer.”

What unsettles me is the apparent committee behind creating this character, obsessively defining attractiveness. Is your skin not smooth enough? Let’s iterate again. Are the proportions not appealing? Revise it.

Not only does this seem disconcerting, but it also reinforces narrow standards of attractiveness. Successful actors often conform to idealized norms, but at least nature or fate had a role in that. It’s not just a few individuals coding at their computers. bearvsshark

“A meaningless concept.”

Nonetheless, this notion is essentially futile. Acting requires collaboration. An AI “actor” necessitates real substitutes and someone to voice lines. You can produce a completely AI-generated film (essentially a CGI effort) or a human-centric film with AI characters, but the label of “AI actor” remains devoid of meaning. pyeshot

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/3sVO_j4czYs?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="AI Commissioner | Comedy Sketch | Particle6" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

“The public doesn’t attend or appreciate actual art.”

For those claiming “this is a live theater row,” it’s clear you need to step outside your bubble. The public shows little interest in genuine art; they desire polished, commercial products, be it a catchy pop song or a superhero flick. As long as these superficial desires are nurtured, AI-generated “art” will face no backlash. Authentic art, including work from skilled human artists, requires funding, and resources for it are dwindling, threatening its survival. Yes, there may be exceptional pieces, but I suspect they will become increasingly rare unless more people become educated and learn to appreciate art’s inherent values. LondonAmerican2014

“AI slops are what happens when an idea is executed straight away.”

One day, hopefully soon, people will realize that the friction between idea and execution is where 90% of creativity resides.

Great art springs from thorough preparation and exceptional performances, requiring time and sometimes multiple attempts.

This need for friction applies to all creative endeavors, not just art. Even mundane businesses thrive on this dynamic.

AI slops emerge when concepts are rushed to completion. While they may appear effective initially, the ideas often lack depth. Shakeydave

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why UK Readers Choose to Carry or Not Carry Wallets: Insights on Consumer Behavior

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A recent survey reveals that 50% of British adults still carry physical wallets, while many opt for mobile phones and smartwatches to transport their payment cards.

Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the go-to payment methods for Generation Z and Millennials. In contrast, many individuals over 44 continue to depend on traditional debit and credit cards.

Four readers have shared their insights about wallets.

‘Not needed’




Alosh K Jose suggests that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means there’s no necessity for a wallet anymore.
Photo: Alosh K Jose/Guardian Community

“It used to overwhelm me,” shares Alosh K. Jose from Newcastle upon Tyne. “Bringing it everywhere has become increasingly unnecessary.”

Josue states that the shift to online and contactless payments post-Covid means he doesn’t need a wallet. “All my bank cards are on my phone,” says the 31-year-old, who operates a business that provides local cricket sessions.

Despite being caught on a Spanish train during a widespread blackout that hit parts of Europe last April, Jose felt financially okay without too much cash.

“My fiancé and I traveled from Barcelona to Madrid, waiting five hours on the train before disembarking. [£8.70] Luckily, a few people shared cash with us, allowing us to catch the bus,” he recounts.

“If something similar were to happen in Newcastle, I’d be fine. There’s no language barrier even without physical cash.”

“I don’t want to risk my sensitive information being misused.”




Still favoring a physical wallet, Roger feels exposed when pulling his phone out.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

In Buckinghamshire, Roger, a retired IT professional, maintains both a wallet and a coin pouch. “Putting all my cards on my smartphone feels like risking everything at once,” he mentions.

At 69 years old, he prefers having physical cards on hand and feels vulnerable when taking out his phone. “Using it to pay at a store feels risky, and I worry about dropping it too often.”

“Having worked in security, I’m aware of the risks associated with personal information. I don’t want that window of potential misuse to be left open by using a digital wallet.”

Among his wallet’s contents, Roger holds cash, payment cards, reward cards, and even a snippet of a Times article from the 1980s.




Snippets from an article in the Times from the 1980s.
Photo: Roger/Guardian Community

“I prefer using physical cards – it’s about control.”




Georgina, part of Gen Z, finds it surprising how few people have wallets.
Photo: Georgina/Guardian Community

At 26, Georgina is astonished that many don’t have a wallet. “I always carry mine because I prefer to possess physical items instead of just digital equivalents,” she explains.

Her wallet includes a debit card, driver’s license, train cards, supermarket loyalty cards, and even £20 in emergency cash, along with an “overused business card from a taxi service.”




Georgina stands against the trend by not adopting digital wallets.
Photo: Guardian Community

As a member of Gen Z, Georgina, living in Leeds and developing online technology training courses, resists the trend of digital wallets.

“Call me old-fashioned, but I despise that idea,” she remarks. “Most of my friends use their phones to pay, and while I acknowledge it’s convenient—

“I cherish tangible things like cards and even nostalgic items like paper concert tickets. I prefer not to be overly reliant on my phone; it’s about having control. I used to worry about carrying my card, but now I find myself asking if I have cash.”

‘My wallet is essentially a generous phone case.’




Before receiving her first smartphone during the pandemic, Sarah Hayward carried a wallet “twice the size” of her current phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

Sarah Hayward, a 61-year-old artist from Worcester, mentions that her wallet has become “a generous phone case.”

Before getting her first smartphone during the pandemic, Hayward carried a wallet that was “double the size” of her current phone case. As an artist, she has often carried a digital camera. Now, her phone case has become a combination of all of her essentials.




While Sarah Hayward keeps a physical card, it remains hidden in her phone case.
Photo: Sarahayward/Guardian Community

“I carry bank cards, taxi cards from the airport, supermarket loyalty cards, season tickets from a local majestic home garden, annual travel insurance details, GHIC cards, my polaroid snapshots, and memories of my children with their partners from a recent Moroccan wedding, along with self-employment receipts and emergency cash.

“My phone also contains a video of my mother from four years ago before she passed away. It’s like a living wallet that has her presence in it.”

Hayward avoids digital payments as she finds physical cards much more “secure.” However, she acknowledges a downside to her preferred method: “There’s no space for lipstick and tissues.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tiny Bookshop Review: A Cozy Retreat Designed for Readers | Games

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IIn my observations, it is quite uncommon for resource management simulators set in retail or service environments to achieve just the right tone and pace that foster both intrigue and relaxation. As a player with a background as a bookstore employee and now a novelist, I often feel anxious about games featuring mobile bookstores. However, the small bookstore here is crafted with such care and balance that I lose track of time, indulging in its gentle pace, minor puzzles, and the sheer escape it provides.

The premise is straightforward, reminiscent of many titles from the Post Stardew Valley era of “cozy” games. You leave behind your old life to establish a store selling items you’re passionate about. Days and weeks roll by, seasons change, and the world blossoms into a richer and more engaging place, with interests and a budding economy evolving from your business.




A vibrant, thriving community…a small bookstore. Photo: Neoludic Games

This time, however, you don’t sell tea as seen in games like Stardew Valley, Spirittea, or Wanderstop, nor do you guide souls in Shapeshifter. Instead, you sell actual books—real ones. From classics like Shakespeare and Agatha Christie to modern favorites like Toni Morrison and John Green, you cater to the needs of sleepy beach and college town residents with authentic literature. Every book in your quaint trailer shop is, to my knowledge, genuinely available.

This advantage benefits certain players—if you’re a reader, selling books becomes second nature. There’s no need to memorize genre classifications or match favorites with available titles. Understanding what distinguishes a graphic novel is easier for casual readers than one might think.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/t8NlYvcAmng?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Tiny Bookshop Demo Release Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

This game feels like a rare gem crafted with readers in mind. Even if the in-game suggestions don’t align perfectly with my tastes, the challenge of matching books to customers is quite simple. I might think that The Great Gatsby would attract those interested in philosophical fiction, yet the game doesn’t always follow these inclinations. Genres function in clear-cut ways, similar to a real bookstore setting, while personal preferences don’t necessarily apply. Nevertheless, Tiny Bookshop skillfully teaches you the ropes, and misjudging a title is low-stakes, as there’s no real way to fail.


I tried it on a Steam Deck via touchscreen and found it immersive and fluid compared to using buttons. Decorating my quaint bookstore proved delightful, especially when I discovered I could have a dog. The local characters are quite serious, steeped in their own drama. With each season, the rich community reveals secrets and stories. This is the first new title in quite a while that has genuinely relaxed me. The gameplay flows smoothly and gently, making it truly enjoyable. Tiny Bookshop provides players with an experience that feels less like work and more like a charming escape into words and narratives.

There’s a small bookstore

Source: www.theguardian.com

Almost Flawless: Readers’ Top Games of 2025 So Far

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Enshrouded

Enshrouded combines elements from at least three games, blending the creativity of Minecraft, the epic storytelling of Skyrim, and a variety of resources. My daughter kept insisting I’d enjoy it, and I regretted not listening sooner. While I was focused on Eldenling, I often gravitated towards Enshrouded’s laid-back combat. It makes me feel like a true warrior, though sometimes I find myself getting knocked down by the right tactics.

The real delight lies in the sheer freedom to pursue your whims. I can spend hours farming and baking cakes, refining metals for superior armor, and completing quests to unlock new weapons and ingredients. Ultimately, my main ambition is to realize my grand design for castles and villages atop the mountains. Above all, the graphics are exceptional. From lush forests to arid deserts and snowy peaks, it’s a visual delight. Watching the sun set and illuminate the mist is one of the game’s most breathtaking moments. Paul, South End

Stalker 2

There’s truly nothing like the Stalker series. Stalker 2 offers an immersive survival experience set against a backdrop inspired by the Stalker film and the Chornobyl disaster. It serves as a complete remake of the original game, employing a modern engine with updated graphics and interactive elements while retaining the beloved familiarity of the original. It includes new narratives, maintaining the essence of the classic while introducing some nostalgic bugs. Having played video games since Labyrinth in 1978, I find Stalker the most captivating. Purchasing it supports Ukrainian gaming developers. James, Spain




Completely immersive…Stalker 2. Photo: The World of GSC Games

Story from Sol: Gun Dog

This is definitely my standout experience of 2025 so far. I’m captivated by the art style and the music, but it’s the 3D characters that truly resonate with me. They foster a connection that immerses you in the story. I genuinely felt an emotional bond with them, and they seemed eager to learn more about me. I’m excited to see what comes next from Space Colony Studio. Miranda, Cardiff




Emotional connection… A story from Sol: Gundog. Photo: Space Colony Studio

Indiana Jones and the Great

While Stray offered a close second and Atomfall was enjoyable, Indiana Jones delivered near perfection for me. It’s concise—ideal for my busy life with two kids—yet it provides enough open-world elements to keep me satisfied. The missions were entertaining, exuding classic Indiana Jones flair in both style and problem-solving. Starting with a boulder scene reminiscent of Raiders was a stroke of genius. The sound effects are fantastic, and I never tire of brawling with Nazis. Rob, Edinburgh

Fantasy Life I: A Girl Who Steals Time

I thoroughly enjoy Fantasy Life I: A Girl Who Steals Time. It seamlessly merges open-world exploration with countless activities, allowing players to pursue various lives to enhance their gear for adventures. Coupled with captivating art and an excellent multiplayer community, I’ve logged over 80 hours and still find more to explore. Jonathan, Edenbridge, Kent




Lots to do…Fantasy Life I: A Girl Who Steals Time. Photo: Level 5 Inc

I cherished the remastered version of forgetting; too many beloved childhood games are seldom re-released with such quality. The gameplay still holds up, and all the idiosyncrasies I loved in the original remain intact. In these politically tense times, it’s a relief to escape into a light-hearted, Lord of the Rings-like realm filled with dungeons and whimsical characters. Even Skyrim, as a sequel to Oblivion, feels somewhat heavy during these gray days. What made it even more special was introducing my partner Emily to the game years ago. Watching her rediscover the fantasy world I loved was far more enjoyable than playing it myself. Jack, Bath

Avowed

I absolutely enjoyed Avowed. It took me by surprise, as I hadn’t seen any prior advertising. Playing a well-crafted mid-sized RPG was genuinely refreshing. While many games aim to emulate Skyrim’s vastness, Avowed diverges by honing in on specific systems and excelling in them instead of trying to do everything. The combat, exploration, and narrative were all of exceptional quality. Isobel, London




Stories, stories, stories… The Kingdom Comes: Rescue 2. Photo: Warhorse Studios/Deep Silver

Kingdom Come: Rescue 2

This one’s a no-brainer for me. It’s all about the stories, stories, stories. Lately, I’ve adopted a rule when it comes to buying games: wait a month before making any purchases. I let others test the waters first. The KCD2 narrative is so captivating that it can overshadow any minor glitches. I didn’t experience any issues myself. You become completely engrossed in Henry’s journey, navigating a world that presses all the right emotional buttons. It’s thrilling to progress through the storyline, especially during significant quests or ACT transitions. The game unfolds beautifully until that poignant moment on the hill with Henry’s deceased parents, making you truly feel like you’re leading his story. The decisions you make genuinely matter. Afterwards, you’ll find yourself pondering its overall worth. One of the finest RPGs I’ve ever played. Andrew, Australia

Source: www.theguardian.com

Readers’ Reflections on the Timeless Allure of Microsoft Excel | Microsoft

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“I’m a boring guy,” says Mike Erwin, an energy management consultant based in Warrington. “My friends think it’s crazy how much I use Microsoft Excel, but it’s a very useful tool.”

Erwin, 56, has been using Excel to organize his life for years, from mapping his finances to plotting medical test results to monitoring his home’s energy usage. When his son was born in 2007, he created a spreadsheet of his feeding schedule.

“We were recording the feeding time and the amount of milk, and calculating when we could fall asleep.” None of this data was very helpful, “but then I felt better.” added Erwin.

Still, he’s an evangelist about Excel. “I have charts from 10 years ago,” he says. “Some of my friends have Mickeys, and now they’re starting to use them to plan their vacations.”

Erwin is one of dozens of people who responded to an online call for love Excel has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Many people have found uses for the software that were probably not intended by the developers.

“I grew up with it,” says John Severn, 35, Mansfield’s marketing director. “When I was 11, I couldn’t afford Warhammer models, so I wrote the names of the models in Excel and printed them out and did elf-dwarf battles on the cheap.”




John Severn playing a board game (not generated by Excel). Photo: Guardian Community

Mr. Severn’s innovations puzzled some opponents. The Warhammer tabletop game is meant to be played with intricately painted models rather than a labeled grid.

“The children of my mother’s wealthy friends weren’t very keen,” he says. “They had spent a lot of money getting some beautifully painted models and they were laying them out on a table with landscapes. And what I brought in was basically a square piece of paper. .”

Although Severn has graduated from being a model soldier, he still plays Warhammer. “I still don’t like drawing.”

For Lucy, 41, Excel proved useful in a long-distance relationship when her partner moved from London to Macclesfield in 2010.

“I love Excel,” she says. “I devised a spreadsheet to track trains and fares. I lived in London and traveled every weekend in shifts for 18 months. We split the cost so that higher income earners pay proportionately more.”

Lucy admits how “unromantic” this sounds. But “this is very convenient and we are more inclined to share money. Now we have children and we have bought a house. Excel is working with the administrator on this matter. They supported me.”

Excel played a role in helping London civil servant Luke name his two sons. “My wife and I were talking about baby names, and at one point we pasted the list of names into a spreadsheet called Names for Baby V.1.xlsx.”

He shared the spreadsheet with his office in hopes that his colleagues would find inspiration. “I remember there was a good push for Frederick and Maximilian, and Optimus Prime and Herodotus were also added,” he says. “The Russian wife liked Igor and Ivan.''

Luke and his wife ultimately did not accept his colleague’s idea at all. But I created a separate spreadsheet for my younger son. “His name came from a suggestion from a colleague I met at a drinking party at work. But it also tested very well with Names for Baby V.2.xlsx,” he added.

Nick Owen of Lincoln took that enthusiasm a step further by featuring Excel as the centerpiece of his 2019 wedding.

“We wanted to get as many friends together as possible and we managed to get 250 people together,” says Owen, 68. Since there were so many guests, he decided to appoint seven talented men to help plan the day.




Nick Owen wedding t-shirt. His spreadsheet is printed on the back. Photo: Guardian Community

“I call them the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ and they each had a different role.” These jobs include rings, meals, speeches, and drinks. “I diligently created a spreadsheet of what everyone had done that day with little crosses in cells for each hour.I went through all of this with them the night before. “There was some resistance,” he says.

“It was April in Cumbria and the weather was poor for a few weeks leading up to the wedding day. But miraculously the clouds parted, the sun shone and my wedding spreadsheet worked. ”

To remember that day, Owen printed T-shirts for his men. “They had a picture of Yul Brynner.” [from the Magnificent Seven film] It has a photo of my spreadsheet on the front and on the back. ”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Readers Discuss the Uphill Battle to Preserve Physical Media in the Face of Rising Rental Space Costs

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‘Necessary due to space constraints‘

In my family, we have developed a habit of ordering affordable DVDs whenever we discover a show or movie that we know we want to watch again (which is a trick in itself!).

Towards the end of 2020, when I relocated to a new apartment in another area of Seattle, I ended up disposing of a trash bag full of VHS tapes. While it was inevitable due to spatial constraints, I had a strong feeling that I might regret it. A sudden shift in the TV landscape where channels started charging viewers for access to old content (from Jaws to Airplanes to classic dramas) literally overnight caught us off guard. We hadn’t anticipated such a rapid change. mountain aspect

‘In the end, it will become a future landfill site.‘

I enjoy the concept of having a DVD collection and perusing its shelves like a rental store.

However, I can’t shake off the realization that most of the valuable possessions we accumulate will eventually end up in future landfills, left for future generations to grapple with. I am also keenly aware that at some point, I will either have to take on the responsibility of disposing of and redistributing my various interests, or pass the task on to a close relative. In that sense, the thought of owning even a modest DVD collection extensive enough to cover all bases fills me with dread. I think of my grandparents and the boxes they amassed over their lifetimes, destined for disposal in the dump, their parents’ attic, or the charity shop. TypeON negative

‘There’s a significant disparity in quality…‘

I may be considered a Luddite, but I’m not particularly captivated by this trend of streaming.

I recently watched a movie on Disney+. Newer movies often exhibit overly dark visuals (a complaint echoed by several acquaintances). Older films are frequently displayed in incorrect proportions or feature subpar soundtracks. My son has recently subscribed to Prime Video mainly for the TV shows but has yet to explore the movie offerings. For some reason, I harbor doubts about being able to find the movie I wish to watch.

Fortunately, we still have a local HMV store. Nothing beats the experience of strolling there, browsing around for an hour or so, and selecting a Blu-ray. The disparity in quality between watching movies via streaming and physical media is quite pronounced. “After Hours”, “Eraserhead”, “Boogie Nights”, “Naked”, “The Conversation”, “The Passengers”… While casual movie enthusiasts may indulge in a Netflix binge, more dedicated film fans prefer a shelf stocked with physical media. man without fear

A bustling video store in 2009. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images

‘This current phase is the worst‘

Rental spaces will once again thrive, though it may take time, bringing a sense of nostalgia for some and a fresh experience for others. As mentioned in the article, there is a resurgence fueled by the revival of vinyl records. The more enthusiasts of the original content and the younger generation realize that they can’t access the authentic material, the more the market will adapt. However, this phase is undoubtedly the most challenging, especially with streaming services pulling titles in multiple directions. Mr username 2014

‘the hype is real‘

I recently canceled my streaming subscription and started collecting “final format” 4K Blu-rays.

The hype is justified. The quality is exceptional, with no discernible drop in visual and audio quality that can happen with streaming. Some discs are particularly well-optimized for the format. Oppenheimer is a prime example (using high-quality headphones and viewing on a 4K disc makes for a very satisfying 3-hour experience). The advent of Villeneuve is also commendable.

As a gamer, I rarely have time to dedicate to playing for more than 20 hours nowadays, so having a PS5 gives me something to engage with. blue jay 2011

‘Household finances are stretched‘

Speaking personally, I believe the streaming industry will eventually rue its efforts to lock in customers. Unfortunately, household budgets are tight, and the cost of subscribing to streaming services adds up. And it’s not just me – there are numerous services vying for attention, leading to decision fatigue.

When movies and similar content are sold on DVD or Blu-ray, the consumer is committing to a one-time purchase. As a result, these companies, and the film industry as a whole, may end up forfeiting a significant portion of their downstream revenue while also being under pressure to ensure customer satisfaction. As this discussion underscores, many of us still yearn for the ability to purchase movies in physical formats. buzz 2023

‘I have reverted‘

Honestly, I shifted to streaming platforms for movies and music for a while, but I found myself reverting back. Not only did the platform remove content I desired (movies and shows), but (especially when it came to music) changing platforms essentially meant I was “purchasing” music when I wasn’t truly owning it. I decided to change my approach. I lost money and didn’t actually possess my music. Because I had never truly bought the music in the first place, my wallet disagreed with the arrangement. That realization made me uneasy about the entire situation. Additionally, DVDs turn out to be much more cost-effective to own. Beacon of Hope Discount

‘very cluttered‘

It’s quite cluttered. I keep the CDs in a disc folder and discard the cases. While some may consider it sacrilege, it’s a satisfying compromise for me. Seven Highter

‘I’m not fixated on the format‘

Having films in digital format is too convenient for me to go back to physical formats. I do, however, continue to buy DVDs and Blu-rays of movies that aren’t digitized, but it’s a hassle to remove the DVD from its case, go to the DVD player, and start it up. …With digital media, you can initiate a movie in moments, regardless of your location. I’m not hooked on any particular format or medium. The main desire is to be able to watch our favorite movies whenever and wherever we want, and digital media is the best option for that. bf_Silver Town

‘I wasn’t intrigued until DVDs were introduced‘

Collecting movies was never as popular as amassing books or music (CDs, records, tapes). I had no inclination toward it until DVDs made their debut.

What I miss about the rise of physical media is the ability to visit someone’s home, peruse their collection of books, records, and DVDs, and discover their diverse interests. It’s a conversation starter. Jifujiji

DVDs on display in HMV stores in London. Photo: David Levin/The Guardian

‘Biggest film loss since the fires in the old studio vaults‘

We are witnessing the greatest loss of films since the fires that ravaged the old studio vaults. While some may argue that inaccessible films still exist somewhere, what if no one is able to view them?

Furthermore, digital formats are subject to frequent changes. Eventually, all digital copies of films will become obsolete. Will Disney or any other entity go to the lengths and expense of transferring all their popular movies to a new format? Possibly.

But will they undertake the arduous and costly task of migrating thousands of potentially forgotten films that haven’t seen the light of day in years and are buried in long-unused databases? Highly unlikely. son of the desert

‘I no longer live like an obsessive hoarder‘

Two years ago, I donated thousands of DVDs and Blu-rays to charity shops. I’ve abandoned the life of an obsessive hoarder and now find more peace of mind. With numerous old and new titles to watch, there are discs in my possession that I’ve never viewed in decades, some of which I’ve even given away while still in their original shrink wrap. Had streaming been available 30 years ago, it might have paid off my mortgage. R Gouveia

‘Film production courses‘

One of the reasons I’ve bought and continue to purchase numerous DVDs over the years is for the bonus content such as director commentaries, behind-the-scenes features, and interviews with cast and crew. While David Fincher’s “Seven” may be available on some random streaming service, the DVD’s commentary track alone is a treasure trove for film enthusiasts. sagarmatha 1953

‘DVDs are delicate and not everlasting‘

I still retain all my DVDs and am actively acquiring new ones. Many movies are not consistently available on streaming services, if at all, hence retaining them as physical media is crucial. The only challenge is that DVDs are susceptible to damage and cannot stand the test of time. The same can be said for DVD players. I’ve contemplated buying a new DVD player as a backup. While I do utilize a streaming service, it often has limited offerings and I struggle to find what I’m looking for, particularly when it comes to “older” movies from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1970s. Recently, I revisited the original “Ladykillers” – the remakes just don’t compare. about

‘It’s not an either-or situation‘

For me, it’s not about choosing one over the other. Streaming (via the usual platforms) has its place. It allows for discovering new movies or trying something different. Physical media, on the other hand, enables me to build my collection of movies that I can’t stream or that I prefer to own while watching them again. iron moog 007

“Medal of Honor of the Rich”

www.theguardian.com