We hate to say that “we told you so,” but apparently life is compelling us to. We’ve been speaking a lot lately about the importance of physical media over digital versions. We went into a bunch of details in this article. One of the reasons we listed for why physical is better is because “you really own it.” If you read that thinking, “They’re sounding the alarm for nothing. My digital purchase is perfectly safe.” Hate to say it, but Sony would like to have a word with you, especially if you’re living in the UK.
The List of Titles
In a recent posting to the official PlayStation website, Sony announced the complete removal of over 500 purchased films from users’ libraries. That means if you purchased any titles within the list they mentioned, you won’t have access to them. Starting on September 1st, 2026, any of those titles will be straight up gone from your library, and you won’t be able to get them back. The reasoning behind this is the termination of a licensing deal with Studio Canal.
What titles are being impacted? It’s a pretty eclectic mix. Not everyone will be mourning the loss of Cliffhanger, but that’s gone. So is Day of the Dead, Jacob’s Ladder, Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight, and This is Spinal Tap. But the quality and variety of the titles are just a small part of the story. The real issue here is that people paid for these films, probably never thought they could just vanish someday, and now they are. There’s probably something buried in the terms of use that states that these films are being licensed to you. If that license gets upended because the companies involved are no longer working together, that’s that. The argument would be that you should’ve read the licensing agreement.
The Anti-Consumer Digital Future
It really shouldn’t be that way. It shouldn’t, but it is. All the more reason why physical media is so important. My DVD copy of Air Force One is mine to use and watch. As long as I have a functional DVD player and the disc is in good condition, I’m all set. The convenience factor of having something digitally available is undercut by the fact that you don’t own the copy. You just own a license to use it until that agreement is null. If it can happen with Studio Canal films in the UK and Sony, what’s to say it can’t happen elsewhere with other pieces of media?
Here’s your reminder that Grand Theft Auto VI is not launching with a physical disc. Make of that what you will as we ride into the digital future.
