On June 3, about fifty DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD publishers met. In order to launch a call for help, and awareness of the difficulty of their current situation. After a period full of torment due to COVID-19, the France began its gradual deconfinement a few weeks ago. We know that movie theaters will re-open earlier than expected. But, the industry of the seventh art, will not necessarily come out unscathed. And video publishers are no exception to the rule and could even be among the most impacted victims. That is why many of these publishers demand our attention. For example Jokers films which recently released a superb collector's box of the film Parasite. But also, Studio Canal, Diaphana or Wild side. In large letters, they recall:
"Yesterday, today and tomorrow, physical video is crucial in the galaxy of cinema and in the dissemination of culture in general."
And the goal is not to divide or denigrate the other mediums that participate in the distribution of films. Here, SVOD/VOD platforms or television. The message is clear: all these media must coexist in harmony. Before recalling the importance of the physical, so as not to underestimate it:
"Because even in the age of all-digital, physical video retains very strong assets: it offers beautiful objects, durable, transmissible and that meet a unique desire […] The video edition introduces you to cinema with its famous supplements, which offer a unique place to rare documents to deepen the discovery of a work, whether you are a neophyte or an insider […] participates in the democratization of culture […] innovates at the service of creators. Ultra HD 4K is today the best – and by far – medium for the reproduction of cinema films […] ».
Only, it is a fact that the physical support will have a hard time recovering from this unprecedented period. And this may affect the entire chain involved in the manufacture and distribution of these. That is why government assistance is essential to their survival.
"We ask the public authorities for a safeguarding plan with the creation of a specific safeguarding budget for culture, including in particular the world of physical video, in addition to exhibitors, distributors or producers […] In addition to a safeguarding plan, a recovery plan must be launched at the same time, with national actions to be carried out on video by all its actors […] ».
If you want to dig deeper, you can read the full press release here.
