The End Of An Era: 7 Shocking Truths About Target’s Decision To Ditch DVDs And Blu-rays In 2025

The iconic red bullseye store is making a major, bittersweet change to its aisles, and it directly affects movie collectors and casual shoppers alike. As of late 2024 and continuing into the current year of 2025, Target has confirmed a significant reduction in its physical media offerings, leading to the near-disappearance of the familiar DVD and Blu-ray movie sections from most store locations across the United States. This strategic pivot reflects a broader retail trend, signaling a definitive shift away from physical discs and towards digital consumption and online retail channels.

The move has sparked considerable discussion among consumers, with many wondering if Target is following in the footsteps of other major retailers like Best Buy, which completely phased out physical media earlier this year. While Target's official stance is a "scale back" rather than a complete halt, the reality on the ground is that your local store's movie aisle is likely to be a ghost of its former self, reserved only for the biggest new releases and seasonal promotions.

The Definitive 2025 Update on Target's Physical Media Strategy

The question "Does Target sell DVDs anymore?" is no longer a simple yes or no. The most accurate answer in 2025 is: "Yes, but barely, and mostly online." The company has been quietly but aggressively scaling back its in-store inventory of physical discs, a process that began in the latter half of 2024.

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This decision is a direct response to evolving consumer behavior. The convenience of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max has drastically reduced the demand for purchasing physical discs. For Target, floor space is a premium asset, and the declining sales volume of DVDs and Blu-rays no longer justifies the large footprint they once occupied.

• In-Store Selection: Drastically reduced to a small, curated selection. This is primarily focused on newly released movies, major blockbuster hits, and seasonal titles (e.g., Christmas movies during the holidays).
• Online Availability: Target’s website and app remain a crucial channel. The company continues to sell thousands of physical discs, including DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K Ultra HD titles, through its digital storefront.
• The 2025 Timeline: While rumors suggested a complete in-store and online discontinuation by 2025, Target officially denied this, clarifying that they are only reducing the in-store presence.
• Impact on Formats: The reduction affects all physical movie formats, including standard DVDs, high-definition Blu-rays, and premium 4K UHD discs.

Why Target is Ditching the Disc: The Economics of Physical Media

The decision to minimize the physical media section is a cold, hard business calculation based on several key economic and logistical factors. This strategic move is not unique to Target; it is a symptom of a much larger industry shift that is reshaping how consumers acquire and watch entertainment.

The Rise of Streaming Dominance and Digital Codes

The primary driver is the meteoric rise of the streaming ecosystem. Consumers today prefer the instant gratification and vast libraries offered by subscription services. This shift has made the purchase of a single-title physical disc seem archaic to the average buyer. Furthermore, many new releases now come with a digital code, allowing consumers to own a digital copy without needing the physical disc, further eroding the value proposition of the DVD or Blu-ray case.

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Inventory Management and Shelf Space

Retail space is one of the most expensive assets for any big-box store. The large, multi-shelf displays dedicated to movies and television box sets require significant real estate. By removing or shrinking the physical media section, Target can reallocate that valuable space to higher-margin, faster-moving categories, such as apparel, toys, or electronics accessories. This optimization of floor plans is essential for maintaining profitability in a highly competitive retail environment.

The Best Buy Precedent and Industry Consolidation

Target’s move is part of a larger trend that began with Best Buy’s announcement to completely phase out physical media sales in early 2024. When a major electronics and entertainment retailer makes such a drastic cut, it signals to competitors that the market for physical discs is no longer sustainable in a broad retail context. This consolidation leaves fewer major players in the physical media space, pushing collectors toward specialized retailers or online-only stores.

What This Means for Movie Collectors and Casual Shoppers

The scaling back of the DVD section is a significant blow to several key consumer groups. Understanding these impacts is crucial for anyone who still values owning a physical copy of a film or television series.

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The Collector's Crisis: Loss of Browsing and Discovery

For dedicated movie collectors, cinephiles, and enthusiasts of physical media, the loss of Target's in-store section is a major setback. Part of the joy of collecting is the "crate-digging" experience—browsing the shelves, discovering a rare title, or finding a deep discount on a classic film. This tactile, serendipitous experience is impossible to replicate online. Collectors of specific entities, such as Criterion Collection releases or limited edition 4K steelbooks, will now have to rely exclusively on online pre-orders and specialized retailers.

The Budget Shopper and Impulse Buyer

Target’s movie section was often a go-to for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a cheap movie night. The $5 bin and clearance racks were reliable sources for impulse purchases. With this section gone, the opportunity for casual, low-cost entertainment purchases is severely limited. This also affects parents looking for quick, affordable entertainment for children, as DVDs were often an easy, screen-free option.

The Future of Physical Media: Niche and Premium

The transition suggests that physical media is moving toward a niche, premium market. The future will likely be dominated by high-end, collector-focused releases—think 4K UHD discs with stunning picture quality, elaborate packaging, and extensive bonus features that streaming services simply cannot match. The remaining market will cater to those who value superior audio/video quality and true ownership.

Top 5 Alternatives for Buying DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K UHD Discs in 2025

While Target is stepping back, the physical media market is far from dead. Collectors and casual buyers still have plenty of options, though they may require a different shopping approach. Here are the most reliable alternatives for purchasing discs today:

1. Amazon and Other E-commerce Giants: The undisputed champion for selection and convenience. Amazon offers the widest array of formats, including rare imports and new releases, often with competitive pricing and fast shipping.
2. Walmart: As Target scales back, Walmart is becoming the last major big-box retailer with a substantial in-store physical media presence. They are a reliable source for mainstream new releases and budget-priced titles.
3. Specialty Retailers (e.g., Barnes & Noble, Local Shops): For premium and collector-focused titles, specialty stores are key. Entities like Barnes & Noble often carry high-end releases, while local, independent movie and record stores are treasure troves for used and rare physical media.
4. Used Media Stores (e.g., Half Price Books, Vintage Stock): These stores are essential for finding older movies, TV series box sets, and classic films at bargain prices. They are the new home for the "browsing" experience that Target is losing.
5. Direct from Studios/Boutique Labels: Companies like Criterion Collection, Shout! Factory, Arrow Video, and Kino Lorber sell directly to consumers. These boutique labels focus on restoring and releasing cult classics, foreign films, and arthouse cinema in the highest quality available.

The scaling back of physical media at major retailers like Target is a clear sign of the digital age's dominance. While the convenience of streaming is undeniable, the move is a loss for those who value the permanence, quality, and collecting culture of physical media. For now, the hunt for a great movie deal has simply moved from the brightly lit aisles of Target to the vast, but less tactile, world of online retail and specialized shops.