How to Buy the Best Blu-rays

Your Guide to buying the best Blu-rays

Overview

A Blu-ray buying guide is an invaluable resource for those looking to purchase the best Blu-ray players, discs, TVs, and other related equipment. Whether you are a novice looking for basic equipment or an experienced enthusiast wanting to build the ultimate home theater system, this guide will help you make an informed buying decision. We will explore the different types of Blu-ray players, the features of each, and the necessary accessories you will need in order to get the most out of your viewing experience. We will also discuss the latest trends in Blu-ray technology, what types of discs you can purchase, and how to choose the best Blu-ray player for your needs. Armed with this knowledge, you should have everything you need to make the most out of your Blu-ray experience.

Key features

  1. Price: Consider both the list price and any discounts that may be available. Blu-rays may have different prices depending on the content, special features, or the age of the release.
  2. Video Quality: Blu-rays offer the best possible video quality, and will look significantly better than other formats. Look for Blu-ray discs that offer 1080p resolution or higher.
  3. Audio Quality: Blu-ray discs typically offer Dolby Digital 5.1 or higher, which is optimal for surround sound systems. Some discs may also offer uncompressed audio.
  4. Special Features: Many Blu-rays come with bonus features such as deleted scenes, audio commentaries, or behind-the-scenes footage. Check the product description to see what features are included.
  5. Compatibility: Make sure that the Blu-ray disc is compatible with the type of Blu-ray player or gaming console you plan to use. Blu-ray discs are not always compatible with all players.

See the most popular Blu-rays on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • HD Picture Quality: Blu-ray offers much higher picture resolution, color depth, and clarity than traditional DVD.
  • Uncompressed Audio: Blu-ray discs can include up to 7.1 surround sound, which makes for a more immersive audio experience.
  • Bonus Features: Blu-ray discs often have bonus features like behind-the-scenes materials, deleted scenes, and more.
  • Ease of Use: Blu-ray players are easy to use and offer features like auto-resume, which remembers where you left off watching a movie.
  • Extra Storage: Blu-ray discs have more storage space than DVDs, allowing them to hold more content.

Cons

  • Cost: Blu-ray discs can be more expensive than DVDs due to their higher quality.
  • Compatibility: Blu-ray discs may not be compatible with all DVD players.
  • Region Locked: Blu-ray discs may be region-locked, meaning they can only be used in certain regions.
  • Data Capacity: Blu-ray discs have a limited capacity and may not be able to hold all the content you want.

Best alternatives

  1. Digital downloads/streaming - Digital downloads/streaming is a great alternative to Blu-rays as it is much more convenient than having to physically purchase the disk. It is also a much more cost-effective option than Blu-rays.
  2. Ultra HD Blu-rays - Ultra HD Blu-rays are an enhanced version of Blu-rays that provide better picture quality and support for more features, such as 4K resolution and HDR.
  3. HD-DVDs - HD-DVDs are an older format that can still be found in some stores, and offer higher-quality images than standard DVDs. However, they are not as widely available as Blu-rays.
  4. VHS Tapes - VHS tapes are an older and more outdated format, but can still be found in some stores and offer better picture quality than standard DVDs.
  5. Laserdiscs - Laserdiscs are an even older format than VHS tapes, but still offer better picture quality than standard DVDs.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Blu-ray disc player - A device that allows you to watch a Blu-ray disc on your television.
  • Blu-ray discs - The discs used to watch movies or other media on a Blu-ray disc player.
  • HDMI cable - A type of cable used to connect a Blu-ray disc player to a television.
  • Surround sound system - A type of speaker system that can be used to enhance the audio of the Blu-ray disc player.
  • TV stand - A piece of furniture used to hold a television and Blu-ray disc player.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of Blu-ray over DVD? Blu-ray discs offer higher video and audio quality compared to DVDs, with crisp images and surround sound capabilities. Blu-ray also offers more storage capacity, allowing for extended bonus features and other content.
  2. How do I know which Blu-ray player is right for me? When selecting a Blu-ray player, consider the type of TV you have, the features you'd like (such as streaming apps, Wi-Fi capability, etc.), as well as the price. Research different players to compare specs and see which one is best for you.
  3. Do all Blu-ray players play the same discs? Yes, all Blu-ray players should be able to play any Blu-ray disc.
  4. How do I know if a movie is available in Blu-ray? Most new movies are released in Blu-ray format, but some older films may only be available on DVD. You can check the case or look up the movie online to find out if it's available in Blu-ray.
  5. Do I need an HDTV to watch Blu-ray? No, you can watch Blu-ray on any TV, but you will get the best experience on an HDTV.
  6. What other accessories do I need to watch Blu-ray? You will need a Blu-ray player, as well as a HDMI cable to connect the player to your TV. You may also want to consider a sound system for optimal audio quality.

Trivia

It is an interesting fact that the first Blu-ray was released in 2006. What many might not know, however, is that the very first Blu-ray title released was not a movie but the game, "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within". This is a fun fact that many people may not know and it shows that the technology was created not only for watching movies but for playing games as well. Source: CNET

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.