Netflix Shutters DVD-by-Mail Rental Service After 25 Years
The streaming service launched as a DVD rental program in 1998.
Many Netflix subscribers may have not been aware that they could still rent DVDs from the streaming service. After all, the company initially launched as a DVD-by-mail rental program back in 1998.
After 25 years of sending DVDs to mail – perhaps to a smaller pool of subscribers as of recently – the company has announced that it will be shutting down the service.
Even as its on-demand streaming service boomed, Netflix continued to quietly operate its DVD program via the site dvd.com. Since its inception, the service has mailed out 5 billion DVDs to users throughout the U.S.
Its last DVDs will be mailed out later this year, after which the rental service will sadly be done for good.
“On September 29th, 2023, we will send out the last red envelope,” Netflix shared on Twitter. “It has been a true pleasure and honor to deliver movie nights to our wonderful members for 25 years. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, including this final season of red envelopes.”
On September 29th, 2023, we will send out the last red envelope. It has been a true pleasure and honor to deliver movie nights to our wonderful members for 25 years. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, including this final season of red envelopes. pic.twitter.com/9lAntaL2ww
— DVD Netflix (@dvdnetflix) April 18, 2023
By now, most Netflix users have switched over streaming directly from their TVs and cell phones, but nonetheless, it marks a sad day for those without smart devices and simply DVD aficionados everywhere.
In other entertainment news, Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen have joined Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune.
