Will One Chicago DVD releases be delayed this season?
One Chicago DVD releases could be postponed by current events.
Early June is normally when One Chicago fans begin to hear about the latest seasons being released on DVD. But so far, there have been no announcements yet—making it possible that the home video releases might be pushed back in 2020.
This time last year was when Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med were all made available for pre-order on Amazon. When retailers start taking orders, that’s the confirmation that DVDs are being released; yet as of this week, there are no listings for the current seasons.
Nor is there any information on the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment website; UPHE is the home video arm of NBCUniversal that produces the One Chicago DVD sets.
More from One Chicago Center
- Chicago Med star on 2024 cast changes: ‘Nice to have new faces’
- Here’s the perfect Chicago Fire episode to watch on Thanksgiving
- Ranking the 8 NCIS Thanksgiving episodes from worst to best
- Mark Harmon does NOT have plans to reprise Gibbs on NCIS
- One Chicago stars tease new seasons on IG: ‘Here we come’
They could just be a step slower this season. However, there are multiple reasons why a delay is more likely and perhaps even a better idea.
There could be issues in manufacturing. Some DVD sets for U.S. TV shows are physically made here, and others are put together in foreign countries. With the ongoing COVID-19 situation worldwide, we don’t know if Universal’s manufacturers may have been impacted. They might not be able to physically make the discs yet.
Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
In addition, DVD releases have very specific timing to them that fans might not realize.
Common practice in the TV industry is that the DVD release comes out just before a new season starts—that way existing fans can catch up while new fans can get hooked and then watch the latest episodes on TV. In the case of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD, their releases have arrived in late August to early September, to drive tune-in to their late September premieres.
But current events have also meant that TV shows are not currently filming. While NBC hasn’t made any formal annnouncement, other networks like The CW are pushing their fall premiere dates back to spring 2021.
It wouldn’t make good business sense for UPHE to put out One Chicago DVD releases during August if the next season doesn’t premiere on schedule. Then any buzz created by the release would be lost.
So what should fans do if they want to get the latest episodes in their hands? Digital is the route to go. Chicago Fire season 8, Chicago PD season 7, and Chicago Med season 5 are all available on both iTunes and Amazon Video. Though the price is steep compared to other TV shows ($34.99 a season), you’ll be able to own the whole season immediately.
That price point is comparable to what the DVD sets have been priced at over the last few years, and since UPHE hasn’t put any special features on the discs for seasons now, you’re not spending any more money or missing out on any bonus content.
As for those who prefer physical media, you’ll just have to keep waiting for the announcements. The DVD releases will happen—it’s just probable that they won’t happen soon.
dark. Next. Read our previous Chicago PD DVD review
For the latest Chicago Fire season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.