The holidays bring extra attention on 4K Blu-rays; gift guides and new studio releases abound, with sales on discs and players commonplace. With a parallel enshittification across many streaming services, is now the time to start investing in physical media?
For most, no. Streaming remains a ubiquitous format, its advantages of convenience and accessibility undeniable. Physical media is for film enthusiasts, with 4K Blu-rays being to movies what vinyl is to music. The format provides the highest echelon of quality available at home, but it’s only discernible to those with the equipment and tastes to appreciate it.
That said, 4K Blu-rays can be a great investment if you like to rewatch movies and own a high end video or audio movie watching setup. For audio, that means a soundbar or receiver that transmits sound through HDMI to support uncompressed audio formats. For video, you’d want a midrange to high end HDR (OLED or LCD) TV or 4K projector to notice the subtle improvements of a 4K Blu-ray’s higher bitrate.
Audio on disc gets a clear, immediate upgrade. Lossless tracks like DTS-HD Master Audio and uncompressed Dolby Atmos improve sound clarity, dynamic range, and detail. In addition, with a high end screen you’re more likely to spot subtle improvements because Blu-ray does not rely on compression and other algorithmic tricks required for digital streaming.
With Blu-rays you’re also no longer dependent on your internet speed or network hiccups. Movie extras like commentary tracks, deleted scenes, and making of documentaries are commonplace on Blu-ray but are frequently omitted from digital formats. Most 4K Blu-rays also include a digital code, meaning you’re able to get all of the conveniences of streaming to access the movie when you’re away from your home setup. You will pay a premium for Blu-ray compared to digital purchases ($10 or more for new releases with larger gap for older movies that are discounted as part of digital sales), but considering the benefits and what you’ve probably already invested in your TV and sound setup, it’s not a huge expense.
To get started, you’ll need a 4K Blu-ray player. If you’re a gamer who’s already invested in the disc versions of the PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’re ready to go (albeit with some limitations that I talk about in an earlier post). Otherwise expect to pay $200 or more for a quality entry level option; The Wirecutter provides decent recommendations.
Next, start small by buying one or two 4K Blu-rays you’d particularly enjoy. Select at least one movie that benefits from the expanded audio and video bandwidth available on disc. Generally these are movies with a high reliance on cinematography, VFX, music, and sound. Action, adventure, science fiction, or war movies typically fit the bill. When in doubt, check a reputable Blu-ray review site like blu-ray.com or High-Def Digest that comment on a disc’s transfer quality.
Watch your new disc selections. Compare the image and sound quality to other options, such as a streaming service or other digital purchases and rentals. Do you find the upgrades noticeable? Would you take advantage of the extras on disc someday?
If the practical differences between digital and disc feel indistinguishable, Blu-rays may not be for you. That’s ok! Sell or give away your player and discs, embrace digital, and never look back. We’re at the point where many online marketplaces (especially Apple) provide high quality bitstreams, movie extras, and accessibility over a wide range of devices. Others will be so impressed by Blu-rays they’ll be buying new discs regularly, even “blind buying” movies sight unseen.
For most, excitement about the format will fall somewhere between these two extremes. Set criteria on what deserves a full 4K Blu-ray investment and what doesn’t. I’m quite selective, limiting my purchases to personal favorites that have reputations for high quality transfers. Occasionally, that means a compromise with a digital only buy, especially when the online copy is high end (4K, HDR, Atmos) and physical options are rare or expensive. Accept a lot of your movie watching at home will still be streaming based, given studios may only release a HD Blu-ray or no physical format at all.
Such is the nuanced, often messy reality of the 4K Blu-ray market. It provides an unmatched video and audio experience, but with limited store and movie selections. It costs extra to build out a collection, but in a way that film buffs and home theater devotees will likely appreciate. Ultimately, 4K Blu-rays are not for everyone, but for those that fall in love, it can deepen their appreciation for cinema.