It’s no secret we’re fans of physical media here. However, discussions about the merits of DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K discs over streaming and digital downloads often focus primarily on the advantages of watching movies and TV shows in physical media formats. With physical media making a comeback, I personally hope the resurgence isn’t limited to this type of content.

As much as I’m a cinephile, some of my most prized DVDs and Blu-rays are live performances and collections of music videos from my favorite bands. A little over 20 years ago, if an artist was a big name (like U2 or Coldplay), these types of discs could move quite a few units. However, when physical media in general became less popular, they, in turn, became far less common.

I’d like that to change. Beyond my own personal desire to spend unjustifiable sums of money on scores of concert discs, there are a few genuinely strong arguments to be made for bringing back this category of physical media.

Physical discs offer superior audio quality

Physical media is the ideal format for watching concerts and music videos

Emerging physical media formats don’t just offer improved picture quality. They also leverage the latest tech, like Dolby Atmos, to offer impressive audio as well.

It’s easy to understand why this is just one reason it makes sense to watch concerts, music videos, and related content on physical discs. Audio quality is critical to the experience. As such, you want to opt for a format that will allow you to enjoy the music of your favorite artist in the best quality possible.

You’re unlikely to get that kind of quality if you stick with streaming and digital downloads. In fact, that brings up another reason physical media’s comeback needs to include concert films…

Streaming and digital downloads of concert films aren’t always available

You have limited options if you want to watch concerts on a streaming service

It’s important to understand that there technically is a streaming service for concert films. Qello Concerts by Stingray is a platform offering access to concert films from various legendary artists. The platform also offers a number of popular music documentaries. However, a brief review of its catalog indicates the service only features shows from big name acts, limiting its appeal among true music aficionados.

In regard to the major streaming services, they’re significantly worse. As of this writing, Netflix only offers a small handful of concert films and documentaries.

Is it technically possible to find this content on YouTube from time to time? Yes, but YouTube comes with its own limitations. Obviously, there’s the fact that the performance you’re looking for simply might not be available. Even if it is, the company that actually owns the performance can take it down at any point. While that may be less likely to happen if you’re just looking for a smartphone video of your favorite band performing your favorite song, you’ll still have to accept the fact that the quality will be substantially less impressive than what you would get with a physical disc.

Collectors can own content that combines the best of vinyl and video

It’s worth admitting: Not every single argument made in support of physical media is based on pure logic. Sometimes, you have to admit that you’re simply making a case based on a personal preference.

For example, many who prefer physical media enjoy the experience of building a collection of items they know they actually own. Research even shows that being able to physically touch an item increases a sense of ownership.

Those who understand this attraction may appreciate the way concert films can represent a sort of middle ground between various elements of their physical media collections. Perhaps someone who enjoys collecting Blu-rays of their favorite films and vinyl records of their favorite albums will enjoy the rewarding experience of building a separate collection of discs that reflects their music tastes while also representing their love of visual spectacle.

It should also be stated that one of the reasons some prefer vinyl over digital formats is that they may be more likely to listen to vinyl through quality home theater equipment. The same goes for concert films and music video discs. Depending on your setup, concert films might legitimately sound better not only because the disc offers superior audio, but because you’re also using the right tech to fully optimize said audio.

Concert discs offer an experience not everyone can have

If you can’t attend a concert, watching a DVD or Blu-ray may be the next best thing

I’m not going to pretend that watching a recording of a concert is the same experience as actually being in attendance. Sitting at home and watching TV can’t match the energy of the crowd, the immediacy of the in-person performance, and the smell of stale beer and other substances.

That said, while most physical media consumers may have the option of going to a theater to see a movie upon its release, not everyone has the chance to see a beloved band or artist perform live. Sometimes, this is simply due to the fact that their favorite artist’s tour didn’t include a stop in their part of the country. In other cases, the exorbitant cost of tickets might put someone off from attending a concert. There are also instances when acts are no longer touring and seeing them live isn’t an option for anyone.

Physical media offers an equalizer in this respect. When you can’t go to the concert, at least you can bring the concert home in the form of a disc designed to recreate the experience. Best of all, you can revisit the experience whenever you want by inserting the disc back into your Blu-ray player.

Concert and music video discs were popular once and should be again

Remember, back in the heyday of DVD and Blu-ray, this type of content wasn’t niche at all. True, concert DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4Ks aren’t common now, but that could change. These are just a few good reasons I hope it does. A disc that turns your living room into a performance space is the kind of disc that reminds us why we love physical media.