The increase in popularity of classic animated shows has not benefitted from streaming wars because these platforms have caused physical media to become scarce.

Organizations which provide streaming content have reduced the availability of physical media across the animation category. The DVD edition of Bluey and Strawberry Shortcake remains scarce while their television audience continues to grow. Physical media accessibility issues make it harder for viewers to access DVDs at retail locations such as Best Buy and Target after they moved from streaming formats.

The continuous streaming feature on Disney+ alongside other services has critical issues that include commercial advertisements and irritating interruptions and complicated episode selection. The recent surge of parents including one user has shifted their preference towards DVDs because these provide unbroken viewing without interruptions that are most beneficial to children. The increasing animation production rate has created obstacles for obtaining physical copies particularly impacting popular children-oriented shows.

The scarcity problem with physical Looney Tunes releases has worsened because Max removed the series from their platform. Some believe Blu-rays represent a downgrade from Animation DVDs because the new format may harm the fundamental animation principles.

The emotional appeal of nostalgia enables companies to increase profits through scarce products. The exploitation of nostalgia by companies leads to problems maintaining animated classic availability for future viewers because it allows them to keep charging premium prices to collectors.