Netflix really wants customers to keep the last batch of DVDs it ships
Netflix is ending its mail-order DVD rental service on September 29, and as a final shipment, the company is offering customers the option to keep their last shipment for free — forever. It doesn’t want them back.
This announcement was made on X (or Twitter, if you prefer) on the official DVD Netflix account, which clarifies the platform’s 10-disc promotion. On August 17, Netflix began offering interested customers the chance to win one to ten additional DVDs, which will ship on the last day.
It seems that the initial reports did not mention that you can, in fact, keep them. You have until the End of the day on August 29 to take advantage of the Finale Surprise. After that date, users will only be able to keep the eight disks they normally can request.
Rules and Regulations
There are a few rules to keep in mind if you’re interested in getting these DVDs, and the clock is ticking.
Firstly, you have until 11:59 PM on August 28 to sign up for the service, otherwise you will no longer be able to access it. They will not sell any of the DVDs for any reason. The official FAQ page doesn’t really explain why they don’t. In our opinion, this could be due to “licensing agreements” between studios, which complicates the situation.
In addition, you can return the discs if you really want to, but you only have that until October 27. That’s the last day Netflix will accept returns. It is not known exactly what will happen if you try to return a DVD after the 27th. Presumably the company will just return it to the sender.
We should mention that you don’t have to do anything to close your account. Netflix will send the final bill later this month and all subscriptions will be “automatically canceled” on September 29.
Shifting priorities
If you’re curious why DVD rentals are stopping, simply put: it’s just not worth it any longer. According to its FAQ page, Netflix states that the “DVD business continues to shrink” because streaming services are the dominant way people watch movies. It has “become increasingly difficult” to keep things running as before.
In addition, it seems that Netflix prefers to divert its resources elsewhere, such as video games. Little by little, the streaming company has built up its game library, including some really fun titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Originally a mobile exclusive, the games are now available on PCs, Macs, and TVs as part of a new beta.
However, if you’d rather stick to the content, check out TechRadar’s list of the 50 best shows to watch on netflix for august 2023.