Are Blu-Ray Players Still Relevant in the Age of Streaming?

In today’s digital world, where streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ dominate the entertainment landscape, you might find yourself wondering, “Are Blu-ray players still relevant?”

After all, why invest in physical discs or players when you can stream your favorite movies and TV shows with just a few clicks? It’s a valid question and one that many people are asking.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Blu-ray players, and help you decide whether they still deserve a place in your entertainment setup.

But first let me briefly answer the question, “Are Blu Ray Players still relevant?”

Blu-ray players are still relevant for those who prioritize superior audiovisual quality, physical ownership, and exclusive bonus features.

They offer a unique viewing experience, especially for film enthusiasts, amidst the convenience of streaming services.

The Appeal of Streaming Services

Let’s start by acknowledging the undeniable convenience of streaming services.

With a stable internet connection, you can access a vast library of content on multiple devices, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and gaming consoles.

The ease of use, coupled with the ability to binge-watch entire seasons of your favorite shows, makes streaming an attractive option for many.

I personally use streaming services but I will explain why Blu Ray Players are superior below.

Why Having a Blu-Ray Player Makes Sense

Blu-ray players still offer several advantages that streaming services can’t quite match.

One of the most significant benefits is unparalleled audio and video quality.

Blu-ray discs (of which you can only play through a player) can store large amounts of data, allowing for a less compressed form of high-definition (HD) and even 4K Ultra HD resolution, providing a level of clarity and detail that streaming can not match, due to being hampered by slower internet connections and bandwidth requirements.

Additionally, most modern Blu-ray players support high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering a truly immersive audio experience.

A lot of streaming services do not have true Dolby Atmos and instead revert to something like Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus, the audio produced in streaming is also not lossless like it is with Blu-Ray.

Another key advantage of Blu-ray players is physical ownership. When you buy a Blu-ray disc, you own it outright.

You can lend it to friends, resell it, or build a personal collection that you can access anytime, even without an internet connection.

This sense of ownership is something that streaming services can’t offer; your access to their content is dependent on your subscription.

The Nostalgia Factor

Beyond the technical aspects, there’s a certain nostalgia associated with physical media.

Remember the excitement of browsing through shelves of DVDs and Blu-ray discs in a store, eagerly anticipating your next movie night?

Blu-ray players allow you to relive this experience, providing a tangible connection to your favorite films and shows in a digital age.

Although there are no blockbusters anymore I still get a thrill from going to places like Barnes and Noble and Walmart to look at what they have on their shelves.

Most of the time I can’t help but pick up at least one Blu-Ray while I’m there.

I go home and eagerly put the disc in my Blu-Ray Player.

I feel like a projectionist getting ready to display a movie (ok, a bit of an exaggeration).

Film Enthusiasts Love Physical Media

For film enthusiasts, Blu-ray is a haven for bonus features and director’s cuts.

Physical discs often come packed with behind-the-scenes documentaries, commentary tracks, and deleted scenes, offering an in-depth look into the filmmaking process.

These extras can enhance your appreciation for a movie or TV series, providing valuable insights that you won’t find on streaming platforms.

You can buy movies through platforms like Vudu that come with these features but for the price it will cost you to buy it that way, it makes more sense to buy it physically.

Unless of course you have physical limitations at your home and can’t take on any more storage.

If you do have this problem I recommend you read my article on how to store your physical movies more effectively.

I should also mention that you do not get the cool artwork that comes with Blu-Ray or Steelbook if you buy your movies digitally.

You especially get incredible artwork and design with steel books if you choose to buy them.

Best Blu-Ray Players

I have a buyer guide discussing some of my favorite 4k Blu-Ray players on the market as well as discs you can check out.

I should mention that it matters that you have the compatible TV, discs, and Player if you want all the perks of Blu-Ray, like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and other HDR technology.

However, if none of that matters to you then a normal Blu-Ray Player will provide significantly better audio and video than streaming provided you have the right TV.

I recommend something like the Sony BDP-S1700 (affiliate link).

I would recommend looking at the Buyer Guide and picking a 4K player to go along with a 4K TV but If you just want a normal player then I’d recommend going with the one I just linked to above.