Netflix Shutting Down DVD Mail Service After 25 Years to Focus on Streaming
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Netflix is shutting down its DVD-by-mail service on October 31, ending a 25 year run of mailing DVDs in red envelopes to members.
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The DVD service launched in 1998 as an easier way to rent movies compared to going to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video stores.
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Some loyal customers continued using DVDs to access obscure titles not on streaming, enjoy special features, or due to internet connectivity issues.
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Netflix says the DVD business is declining and shutting it down will allow the company to focus on streaming and new initiatives like gaming.
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Netflix had offered some subscribers a "finale surprise" where they could get random DVDs mailed from their queue before the shutdown.
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Customers still invested in DVDs are looking to other services like Eros and Viki to find harder-to-find titles after Netflix ends its DVD mailings.