> Purchasing the right to see a movie, [...] will never be the same as holding a physical copy.
If I buy a game on Steam, I can download it in perpetuity. Even if the game is later taken off Steam, I can still download my copy. Technically the contract only gives me a revocable license, but in practise it behaves in every way like a purchase of a physical copy. It reliably does what people expect, and in return everyone uses Steam instead of physical media.
If the media industry doesn't allow this model, I am not sure how they expect digital purchases and streaming to replace physical media and piracy.
If I buy a game on Steam, I can download it in perpetuity. Even if the game is later taken off Steam, I can still download my copy. Technically the contract only gives me a revocable license, but in practise it behaves in every way like a purchase of a physical copy. It reliably does what people expect, and in return everyone uses Steam instead of physical media.
If the media industry doesn't allow this model, I am not sure how they expect digital purchases and streaming to replace physical media and piracy.