^I've never heard of laser rot. Interesting, and sad!
It's true how we get used to certain things and the wow factor dissipates. And that whole new format/old format thing. The only time it ever bugged me was when I wanted to show a kid (well, he was around 15 at the time) something on a VHS tape, as I didn't have it on DVD and it wasn't even available on DVD, but he wouldn't watch it because it wasn't on a DVD. Moron!
He's the same type that will go into a video store, look at the new releases section, then leave if he doesn't see something. Forget the fact that there are thousands of other titles on the shelves; if it wasn't released this year, what's the point? :p He has a lot of growing up to do!
This comes from someone who's favorite film growing up, even before I saw or heard of Star Wars, was The Day the Earth Stood Still. How many four-year-olds' favorite movie is from 1951? Heh heh. I wasn't even into sci-fi until a few years later.