Netflix releases statement to anyone who hasn’t returned old DVDs

It's news we all knew would eventually come but hoped it wouldn't.

Like all good things in life, they must come to an end, and the days of Netflix sending out DVDs to our homes are numbered.

For those of you who don't know, long before it became the streaming monolith it is today, Netflix started out life as a film rental company.

And for the past 25 years, customers have been placing their orders and waiting patiently by the mailbox for that little red envelope to arrive.

However, with the way the world is going these days, Netflix has decided to cease trading in that specific area, focusing all of its energy on TV instead.

But there is some good news.

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Usually, as with any kind of rental, you get charged if you don't return the item within a specified timeframe.

Well, Netflix has announced that with the scheme coming to an end it will not be fining anyone who has outstanding DVDs to return after the end of September.

In a tweet from its account today, DVD Netflix said: "We are not charging for any unreturned discs after 9/29.

"Please enjoy your final shipments for as long as you like."

And if that wasn't enough, subscribers are also being treated to one final promotional offer.

Before the shipment programme comes to a complete stop, they will be able to apply for 10 free and totally random DVDs that will be sent out on the final day of service.

Announcing the end of its rental service back in April, a spokesperson for Netflix thanked everyone who had supported it over the years.

"Those iconic red envelopes changed the way people watched shows and movies at home – and they paved the way for the shift to streaming," they said.

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"From the beginning, our members loved the choice and control that direct-to-consumer entertainment offered: the wide variety of the titles and the ability to binge-watch entire series.

"We feel so privileged to have been able to share movie nights with our DVD members for so long, so proud of what our employees achieved and excited to continue pleasing entertainment fans for many more decades to come.

"To everyone who ever added a DVD to their queue or waited by the mailbox for a red envelope to arrive: thank you."

Goodbye old friend, oh how we will miss you so.