The Cultural Review
Section

Media

Analysis of film, television, journalism, and the impact of media on culture and society.

Young adults enthusiastically exploring a well-stocked record store, surrounded by vinyl albums, highlighting the resurgence of physical music formats.
Media

Collectors Fuel Physical Media Comeback Amidst Digital Dominance

Nearly 60 per cent of Gen Z were buying vinyl in 2025, even though almost 30 per cent of respondents didn’t own a turntable, according to Whathifi .

Claire Donovan· Jun 9· 6 min read
Creators engaging with TooFar Media's immersive storyworld technology at the Raindance Film Festival, showcasing interactive narrative innovation.

TooFar Media Empowers Creators at Raindance Film Festival

Claire Donovan · May 27
A diverse group of Gen Z individuals enthusiastically browsing a wall of CDs in a sunlit vintage record store, highlighting the generation's unexpected embrace of physical music.

Gen Z Now Buys More CDs Than Any Other Generation

Andre Silva · May 12
Robert Downey Jr. on a stage, gesturing towards a sea of glowing smartphone screens representing social media influencers, symbolizing a clash of fame.

Robert Downey Jr. criticizes social media influencers' impact

Andre Silva · May 7
Film crew actively shooting a scene in Los Angeles with Hollywood signs in the background, symbolizing California's expanded film incentives.

California expands film incentives to $750 million annually

Andre Silva · Apr 30
A student filmmaker holds a Blu-ray disc, surrounded by film equipment and posters, symbolizing the tangible nature of physical media and the future of cinema.

The Tangible Ghost: On the Resurgence of Physical Media and the Promise of Student Filmmaking

Physical media is making a surprising comeback, offering a tangible connection to film in an age of streaming. This resurgence runs parallel to a vibrant student filmmaking scene, both seeking permanence and presence in cinematic art.

Claire Donovan· Apr 9· 7 min
Theodore Shapiro, a distinguished composer, accepting the BMI Icon Award on a brightly lit stage, symbolizing his significant contributions to film and television music.

'Severance' Composer Theodore Shapiro to Be Named BMI Icon at 2026 Awards

Composer Theodore Shapiro, known for his work on "Severance" and numerous comedies, is set to receive the prestigious BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI Film, TV & Visual Media Awards. This honor recognizes his influential 25-year career and significant contributions to film and television music.

Andre Silva· Apr 9· 5 min