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Star Trek Physical Media: Collectors Save the Day?
4 Aug
Summary
- Jeri Ryan believes collectors ensure physical media won't disappear.
- Studios, now run by 'tech bros', focus on IP and profits.
- Physical media offers guaranteed access in a streaming-dominated world.
The increasing dominance of streaming services raises questions about the future of physical media for the Star Trek franchise. While digital access on platforms like Paramount+ is convenient, the permanent availability of content is not guaranteed. This underscores the importance of physical copies for guaranteed long-term viewing. Actress Jeri Ryan, known for her roles in Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Picard, expressed optimism about the persistence of physical media.
Ryan believes that a substantial collector base ensures a continued demand for physical releases. She noted that modern studios, increasingly managed by "tech bros" rather than creatives, prioritize intellectual property and profitability. Therefore, if there's a demonstrable market among collectors, studios will likely continue to produce physical media to capitalize on it. Ryan hopes this trend will continue, despite the ongoing shift towards digital consumption.
Ryan's advocacy extends beyond physical media; in April 2026, she testified in support of California Senate Bill 1050, which mandates disclosures for the use of synthetic digital performers in advertising. This stance reflects a broader concern about technological impacts on the entertainment industry, including artificial intelligence. For Star Trek fans eagerly awaiting physical releases, particularly for "Starfleet Academy," Ryan's viewpoint offers reassurance about the enduring value of tangible media collections.
