Why Gen Z Is Bringing Back Vinyl, DVDs and Other Physical Media

aired; October 26, 2026 In a world where music, movies and television are just a click away, a growing number of Gen Z consumers are rediscovering physical media. From vinyl records and CDs to DVDs, Blu-rays, film cameras and even VHS tapes, these formats are finding a new audience among young people who grew up with streaming. On The Spark, we’ll talk with Bob Rehak, a scholar of film, media and popular culture, about what’s behind this renewed interest and why some consumers are choosing tangible collections over digital access. We’ll explore the appeal of owning music and movies that streaming platforms can remove, the nostalgia and collectability of physical formats, and the role album artwork, packaging and liner notes play in the experience. We’ll also discuss concerns about preserving films and other cultural works, how collecting has become a form of personal expression and community, and whether physical media offers a welcome break from constant digital consumption. As strea