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Superstore, Netflix, and VPNs: Should we Bring back the LaserDisc?

by Limarc AmbalinaFebruary 2nd, 2021

Too Long; Didn't Read

Netflix Japan is an interesting market where people actually still buy and collect DVDs. A DVD of a popular Ghibli film like Spirited away still goes for $25-$40 USD used used used. Netflix is owned by NBC so they have strong powers backing them. Not only that, Japan is a market for people still buying and collecting DVDs. Netflix Japan would be most well-received there. It's not clear why they're not available in the UK, but none of them are on Netflix Japan.

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This Slack discussion by Limarc, Rianke Krugel and David occurred in Hacker Noon's official #random Slogging channel, and has been edited for readability.

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 1:10 AM

Has anyone seen the Superstore sitcom? This hits literally every facet of my humor.

Rianke KrugelFeb 1, 2021, 1:28 PM

I LOVE Superstore! I binged it as soon as it dropped and am rabidly trying to find the seasons not on Netflix. I like the cast diversity that does not feel like pure tokenism, and I like how it addresses societal issues in a proactive way. 💙 Reminds me of The Good Place a little, which is another great show for the above.

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 4:38 PM

When I was in Canada VPN, Netflix told me it was #1 in Canada.

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 4:39 PM

OMG...I started using Netflix via VPN 2 months ago....what a sucker I've been all these years.

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 4:39 PM

Netflix UK has ALL the anime

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:09 PM

Netflix and VPNs are definitely complementary goods for the user. But for Netflix, they probably couldn't sell their own VPN b/c content licensing powers that be would come after them for not respecting international licensing laws.

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 9:28 PM

I see. I've heard a bit about that, but I'm more curious about how they choose which titles to license where. For example, why are all the Studio Ghibli films available in the UK, but none of them are on Netflix Japan? Seems like they'd be most well-received there.

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:30 PM

My guess would be that someone outbid Netflix to stream Studio Ghibl movies in Japan.

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:31 PM

Looks like that someone may be HBO https://www.theverge.com/21274561/studio-ghibli-hbo-max-guide-movies-hayao-miyazaki-spirited-away

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 9:32 PM

HBO Max. Interesting. I've heard of them but by far the most-used streaming platforms are Amazon Prime and then Netflix in Japan.

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:35 PM

some market insights: https://www.statista.com/topics/6015/streaming-in-japan/

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:36 PM

In America, I've been following Peacock. They are a fascinating use case for should every major tv channel have their own streaming channel?

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:41 PM

I dont think "worldwide box office" includes streaming rights, but in looking at the Studio Ghibl's revenue, they basically make $10 in box office for every $1 spent on production. https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/production-company/Studio-Ghibli

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 9:43 PM

Interesting. Peacock's owned by NBC so they have strong powers backing them.

About Studio Ghibli revenue: Not only that. Japan is an interesting market where people actually still buy and collect DVDs. A DVD of a popular Ghibli film like Spirited away still goes for $25-$40 USD used

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:47 PM

That's wild. Would you compare owning a DVD of a popular Ghibli film to owning a Beatles vinyl record?

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 9:51 PM

Maybe not as rare haha! But I think the value of DVD and blu-ray box sets hold the same collectible value and emotional sentiment as collecting vinyl in North America.

LimarcFeb 1, 2021, 9:51 PM

I actually bought a bunch of Studio Ghibli laserdiscs hoping they'll be worth something one day 😅

DavidFeb 1, 2021, 9:55 PM

Well of course https://www.raredvds.biz/ has got you covered

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