The Final Chapter of LaserDisc: The Last Movies Ever Released
LaserDisc, a groundbreaking format from the late '70s, was eventually eclipsed by DVD. The last LaserDisc releases were Tokyo Raiders in Japan (2001) and Bringing out the Dead in North America (2000).
Long before DVDs took over living rooms across America, another format was making waves in the world of home entertainment: LaserDisc. In an era where streaming dominates and physical media is becoming a relic, it’s easy to forget just how revolutionary LaserDisc once was. While vinyl records have managed to hold onto a loyal following, most people today prefer the convenience and quality of digital media. Mention LaserDisc to anyone under 30, and you’ll probably get a blank stare. The format never really caught on everywhere, but it did find a dedicated audience in places like Japan and the United States.
LaserDisc’s Rise and Unique Appeal
Introduced in the late 1970s by MCA and Philips, LaserDisc was first known as DiscoVision. The format needed a blockbuster to make a splash, and Steven Spielberg’s thriller Jaws became its debut title. As LaserDisc gained traction, fans noticed its superior audio and video quality compared to other options at the time. However, its large size—about 12 inches in diameter—and high cost made it less practical for the average consumer. When DVDs hit the market, they were smaller, more affordable, and offered better playback features, quickly pushing LaserDisc into the background.
The End of an Era
By the 1990s, LaserDisc was on its way out, overshadowed by the rapid rise of DVD technology. The transition happened quietly; only collectors and die-hard fans seemed to care. For most, the switch to DVD was a welcome upgrade. By 2001, LaserDisc had all but disappeared, though Pioneer kept making players for a few more years. The last movie to be released on LaserDisc in Japan was the Hong Kong action flick Tokyo Raiders in 2001. In North America, Martin Scorsese’s drama Bringing out the Dead marked the format’s final bow in 2000.
Legacy and Collector’s Value
Despite its short lifespan, LaserDisc isn’t seen as a flop by tech enthusiasts and collectors. In fact, some titles are now considered rare treasures, especially those that never made it to other formats. For example, Disney’s Song of the South was released on LaserDisc in Japan but can’t be found on any U.S. format. While most movies have since been reissued elsewhere, there are still a handful that remain exclusive to LaserDisc or are much easier to find in that format. There’s a certain nostalgia and charm in owning these large, iconic discs—a reminder of a time when home entertainment was just beginning to evolve.