In an era where streaming dominates, Apple is making a bold—and controversial—statement. Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed “Killers of the Flower Moon” remains unavailable on physical media in the U.S., and Apple has reportedly refused multiple offers from Criterion to release it. This decision has sparked debates about the future of film preservation, accessibility, and the growing power of streaming giants.
Apple's stance on physical media is nothing new. The tech giant has consistently avoided releasing its original films on DVD or Blu-ray, even for award-winning titles like “CODA,” which remains the only Best Picture winner never to have a physical release. Other notable films, such as Ridley Scott's “Napoleon” and Joel Coen's “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” share the same fate.
What's surprising, however, is Apple's refusal to collaborate with Criterion, a company renowned for its high-quality physical releases of classic and contemporary films. Criterion has successfully released Netflix originals like “The Irishman,” “Roma,” and “Marriage Story,” making Apple's resistance even more puzzling.
For now, fans of “Killers of the Flower Moon” have limited options: they can either purchase the Region 2 copy available in Europe or rely on digital platforms. This scarcity raises questions about the long-term accessibility of Apple's films, especially for cinephiles who value physical media for its permanence and superior quality.
Apple's decision reflects a broader industry trend. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney, and Apple are pushing to make physical media obsolete. This shift is evident in recent announcements, such as Best Buy's decision to stop selling physical media and Sony's plans to cease Blu-ray production.
While this move aligns with the convenience of digital consumption, it raises concerns about film preservation. Physical media offers a tangible, long-term solution for archiving films, whereas digital platforms are subject to licensing agreements and technological changes. For a film as culturally significant as “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the lack of a physical release feels like a missed opportunity to ensure its legacy.
Apple's decision to withhold “Killers of the Flower Moon” from physical media is a bold but troubling move. While it aligns with the company's digital-first strategy, it disregards the importance of film preservation and the preferences of physical media enthusiasts. Criterion's involvement could have provided a bridge between Apple's streaming goals and the needs of cinephiles, but Apple's refusal signals a deeper commitment to phasing out physical media entirely.
As the industry continues to evolve, it's worth questioning whether this shift truly serves the art of cinema. Films like “Killers of the Flower Moon” deserve to be preserved in the highest quality, accessible to future generations. What do you think? Is Apple's stance a step forward for convenience, or a step back for film preservation?
Do you think Apple's refusal to release ‘Killers of the Flower Moon' on physical media is a step forward for convenience or a step back for film preservation? Why or why not?
