David Fincher Explains Whether or Not ‘Mindhunter’ will Receive a Physical Release

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As a die-hard fan of David Fincher‘s gripping and thought-provoking storytelling, I find myself deeply invested in his creative journey through the ever-evolving world of media. Having grown up with the VHS era, I can still vividly recall the excitement of popping in a cassette and immersing myself in a cinematic experience. Yet, I also appreciate the convenience that streaming platforms like Netflix have brought to our lives, allowing me to watch Fincher’s masterpieces at the click of a button.

While I would love to see physical releases of his Netflix projects, such as Mindhunter and Love, Death & Robots, I understand Fincher’s reservations regarding their business strategy. After all, streaming is their mainline, connecting our eyes to their servers, and it makes sense that they would prioritize this aspect over packaged goods. However, I can’t help but dream of holding a Blu-ray disc of Mindhunter or Love, Death & Robots in my hands, reminiscing about the tactile pleasure of owning a physical copy.

In a humorous twist, I often joke that I’d love to see Fincher release an LP version of his films, complete with scratch-and-sniff cards for those iconic aromas only he can deliver! But until then, I’ll continue to cherish the digital experiences he offers and eagerly await his future projects on Netflix.

Discussing the IMAX restoration and 30-year anniversary of his renowned movie “Se7en”, director David Fincher offers insights into potential physical releases for his acclaimed Netflix series.

Fincher recently chatted with Collider when “Se7en” returns to cinemas and IMAX after nearly three decades, just before its 4K UHD release on January 7, 2025. This film marked director Fincher’s second project, following the contentious “Alien 3” (1992), in which the iconic character Ellen Ripley met a debated demise at the movie’s end. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, who was making a name for himself, played Detectives Somerset and Mills, respectively, while Kevin Spacey portrayed John Doe, the antagonist responsible for gruesome crimes linked to the seven deadly sins.

Regardless of the gloomy screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker (The Killer) and the cinematography by Darius Khondji, Se7en was a box office success when it premiered on September 22, 1995. The film eventually grossed $100 million during its initial run, which was impressive considering its production budget of $33 million.

As a seasoned director with a rich portfolio of both film and television projects under my belt, I’ve always been passionate about the art of storytelling, whether it be through physical media or streaming platforms. While I have an affinity for the tangible nature of DVDs and Blu-rays, I can’t deny the convenience and accessibility that on-demand services like Netflix offer.

Regarding my projects, particularly the critically acclaimed series “Mindhunter,” there has been speculation about whether they might receive a physical media release in the form of Blu-ray discs, much like “House of Cards” did. I must admit that I’m intrigued by the idea, but at the same time, I harbor some doubts about the practicalities and logistics involved.

In my career, I have been fortunate enough to direct a number of Netflix projects, including the films “Mank” and “The Killer,” and it has been an enriching experience working with such a forward-thinking company. However, I remain skeptical about the possibility of releasing these projects on Blu-ray, as I believe that the digital age is here to stay, and physical media may not be the primary focus for most consumers in the near future. Nonetheless, it’s always exciting to explore new opportunities and see what the future holds for both physical and streaming media.

It seems unlikely that Netflix would show much enthusiasm for my homemade items turned into merchandise since their primary focus lies in streaming content directly to viewers via their server connection. Therefore, I’m skeptical about their interest in this business idea.

A significant number of David Fincher’s movies have seen special distributions, such as the DVD release of Se7en at the dawn of the new millennium, accompanied by various Criterion editions, including one featuring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett in Benjamin Button. He joked that he has a preference for laser discs over newer media because he’s old and recalls the charm of vinyl records. However, he also appreciates the physical act of holding them.

Given the unexpected shrinkage in the market for Blu-ray discs, it’s not entirely shocking that more films might opt for streaming platforms exclusively in the future, bypassing physical releases altogether. This is happening even as other forms of physical media like vinyl albums gain traction. In fact, Best Buy stopped selling Blu-rays a couple of years back.

What’s Next for David Fincher and his Deal with Netflix?

Fincher served as executive producer for the hit shows “House of Cards” and “Mindhunter,” both created by Joe Penhall. These series, which ran for two seasons, featured Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as FBI agents delving into the psyche behind gruesome murders in the late 1970s. Fincher played a significant role in the show, acting as both showrunner and director for many episodes. Unfortunately, Netflix decided to end the series, but it remains accessible for streaming.

Another program that Aaron Fincher helps produce is “Love, Death & Robots,” which was developed by Tim Miller (of “Deadpool” fame) and consists of an assortment of short animated movies featuring diverse styles and genres. Fincher himself directed one episode, and Netflix has announced plans for a fourth season (it’s unlikely that a physical edition will be made available).

Director David Fincher has several upcoming ventures with Netflix, including a fresh interpretation of the popular series “Squid Game”, which just premiered its second season. Additionally, reports suggest that he’s working on a prequel to the timeless Jack Nicholson film, “Chinatown”, as well as a few other secretive projects in the mystery genre.

Se7en is currently in theaters and IMAX for a limited run and will be on 4K UHD on January 7, 2025.

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2025-01-04 00:33