Netflix is preparing to bring an end to the DVD-by-mail rental service that paved the way for its video streaming platform, marking the conclusion of an era that began 25 years ago when distributing discs by mail was considered a groundbreaking idea. The DVD service, which still uses Netflix's signature red-and-white envelopes to distribute movies and TV shows, is expected to mail out its final batch of discs on September 29th. As the streaming service's subscriber base grew to 232.5 million worldwide by March, Netflix ceased reporting how many customers still used the DVD-by-mail service, which had been gradually declining. Last year, the DVD service generated $145.7 million in revenue, which suggests it had around 1.1 million to 1.3 million subscribers based on average customer payments.