The DVD era may be behind us, but for dedicated collectors and enthusiasts, the hunt for complete series on disc continues. With the rise of streaming services, it's easy to overlook the tangible thrill of owning entire TV show libraries. But fear not, die-hard fans! Many classic and current series are still available on DVD, albeit in a shifting market.
DVD sales have indeed seen a decline, yet dedicated labels keep releasing must-have TV series on DVD. From classic shows like "M*A*S*H" and "Cheers" to contemporary hits like "Game of Thrones" and "Stranger Things," there's a wealth of content to explore.
Understanding the DVD Market Today
The DVD market isn't as robust as it once was, but it's far from extinct. Special interest labels, such as Shout! Factory and Mill Creek Entertainment, continue to cater to niche audiences.
the cast of what's happening nowSony Pictures Media | What’s Happening!! Complete Series Seasons 1 2 3 Dvd Box Set Tv Show Collection | Color: Orange/White | Size: Osan advertisement for the movie what's happening? with three men on skateboards
Meanwhile, streaming services have started releasing shows on disc, targeting viewers who prefer physical media. For instance, Amazon-owned studio Amazon Studios has begun releasing its originals, including "Fleabag" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," on DVD.
Reissues and New Releases
Many popular series are being reissued on DVD, complete with enhanced features and packaging. For example, "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek" catalogs are continually being remastered and re-released.
the movie poster for what's happening now? with an image of a man in a red hatwhat's happening!! original theme songWhat's Happening!! & What's Happening Now!! Page!!
New shows, too, are continuing to arrive on DVD. Shows tailored to niche audiences, such as "pose" or "American Gods," can often be found on disc.
-box Sets and Limited Editions
Box sets and limited editions remain popular, especially for dedicated fans. These releases often include bonus material, sometimes exclusive to the physical release.
For example, "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" have been released in extensive box sets, complete with bonus discs and collectible packaging.
whats happening & what's happening now at DuckDucktwo men are standing next to each other in front of a sign that says what's happening nowa group of people sitting around a table with the words what's happeningwhat's happening? 50 years later, look who's still best friendsan album cover for what's happening at tv play, featuring four black peopleWhat's Happening | Best of Rerun | Classic TV Rewind
Navigating the DVD Market
With the reduced presence of big-box retailers, finding complete series on DVD requires a bit more legwork. However, online platforms like Amazon and eBay remain reliable sources.
Conde Nast's FirstShowing, a popular DVD release tracker, is another useful tool. Indie labels often announce new releases on social media, another avenue to keep an eye on.
Pre-Orders and Limited Releases
Many special interest releases are available for pre-order. Keep an eye on your favorite label's website and social media accounts, as they often announce new releases and offer pre-order incentives.
the cast of what's happening stand on stage in front of a large signthe dvd cover for wednesday season 1 - 2GROWING PAINS the Complete Series on DVD Seasons 1-7 - Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NEWthree men standing in front of a large black and white spiral pattern with their arms crossedGood Times Tv Show Fashion, Whats Happening Tv Show, Whats Happening Tv Show Cast, Whats Happening Tv Show Characters, Whats Happening Tv Show Fashion, A Complete Unknown Cast, Good Times Characters, Shake It Up Cast Nowsix dvd's sitting on top of a bedWhat's Happening!! | The Runaway | Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot Episode | Classic TV Rewindblack and white photograph of people sitting around a table in an outdoor cafe, talking to each othera group of women standing next to each othera stack of dvd's sitting on top of a tableHeartland Complete Series Seasons 1-18 DVD Box Set Single Region 1 US Canada Englisha row of dvd's sitting on top of a countera group of people posing for a photoWhat's Happening 1976 Sitcom Poster
Limited editions can sell out quickly, so pre-ordering is crucial for securing highly sought-after titles.
Used Markets and Secondhand Sales
The used market is robust, especially for older shows. Platforms like DVDTalk and The Digital Bits have active forums where collectors buy, sell, and trade titles.
Websites like Half.com and DVDPacific also offer secondhand DVDs at discounted prices. However, be aware that used DVDs may have wear and tear, including scratches or missing bonus material.
So, as streaming services dominate popular culture, the humble DVD remains an essential medium for TV fans. Whether you're a completist seeking to own every episode or a casual viewer looking to binge without an internet connection, complete series on DVD still have a place in our entertainment diets.
