Netflix Merger Panic: Viral Post Begs Fans to ‘Start Collecting Physical Media NOW’

Some fans are panicking over the news of the major Netflix merger with Warner Bros. The acquisition shifted the entertainment landscape overnight.

“Start that physical media collection NOW,” begged one X user, and the post quickly racked up more than 800,000 views. She explained, “Start buying your favourite books, buy actual cds/records. Buy your favourite movies and series.” Multiple people responded with photos showing bookshelves crammed with DVDs of movies.

“Besides going to the cinema, that’s my only way of watching movies because I’m a 100% fan of physical media, of the Cinema, and anti-streaming. Thanks to that, I’m well-stocked until now, I think. But not enough,” a fan wrote. “Already started,” wrote another fan with a similar collection. Among other concerns, fans are worried about the Netflix ethos taking over risk-taking channels like HBO. The New York Post called it an “industry-exploding deal” that concerns people who don’t like the kind of movies that Netflix churns out.

A Fan Wrote That Physical Media Isn’t ‘Nostalgia,’ It’s ‘Insurance’

Besides going to the cinema, that’s my only way of watching movies because I’m a 100% fan of physical media, of the Cinema, and anti-streaming.
Thanks to that, I’m well-stocked until now, I think. 😁
But not enough. 😈 pic.twitter.com/c2BbqPvinw

— Harry Hernandez (@HarryHernandez_) December 7, 2025

The streaming giant buying the iconic Warner Bros. and its collection has some people harkening back to the days before streaming platforms.

“Physical media isn’t nostalgia it’s insurance. Every year, more of what you ‘own’ online becomes a rented permission slip that can be edited, revoked, geo-blocked, or quietly removed,” another person wrote on X. “Algorithms decide what survives, platforms decide what you’re allowed to remember, and entire cultural eras vanish with a terms-of-service update. A shelf full of films, books, and music isn’t clutter. It’s autonomy. It’s the part of your mind that no corporation can rewrite.”

One person even lamented the loss of Blockbuster. “Bought 2 blu-rays today,” a person noted. “I was just thinking of how many cds i am gonna have to buy just to watch my favorite movie,” another X user opined.

“You can get really cheap DVD’s on eBay and Amazon you’ll be surprised how fast your collection grow,” wrote another person.

Netflix Had a Rosier View of Its Warner Bros. Acquisition

Meanwhile, Netflix painted a rosy view of its acquisition, claiming it will be better for movie fans because streamers will have more options.

“Today, Netflix, Inc. (the Company) and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO,” Netflix wrote on December 5.

“Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, in the press release. “For more than a century, Warner Bros. has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s attention, and shaped our culture. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”

Added Netflix, “Warner Bros.’ studios are world-class, with Warner Bros. recognized as a leading supplier of television titles and filmed entertainment. HBO and HBO Max also provide a compelling, complementary offering for consumers. Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.”

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