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Blu-ray discs have been a popular format for movies and TV shows for years.
They offer high-quality video and audio, making them a favorite among home theater enthusiasts.
However, many people wonder if they can still get a digital copy of their Blu-ray movies when they make a purchase.
The answer to whether all Blu-rays come with a digital copy is no. While some Blu-rays come with a digital copy, not all do.
It depends on the movie studio and the specific release.
Some studios include a digital copy with every Blu-ray they release, while others only include them with certain titles.
If having a digital copy is important to you, it’s worth checking the packaging or doing some research before you buy a Blu-ray.
It’s also worth noting that even if a Blu-ray doesn’t come with a digital copy, you may still be able to get one.
Most studios offer digital copies as a separate purchase.
Additionally, there are third-party services that allow you to convert your physical Blu-rays into digital copies.
However, these services may come with additional costs and may not be legal in all regions.
Not all Blu Rays Come With Digital Codes
While many new releases include a digital code, not all do. If you buy a Blu-Ray when it is first released, you will get a digital code 99% of the time.
However, if you buy an older disc from an online retailer like Amazon, you might not get a digital code.
Even if you do get a digital code, it’s probably expired, especially if the studio that produced the movie is Warner Bros.
I’ve had this happen to me several times before when I made purchases online, The Dark Knight and Dunkirk (affiliate link) stand out as two films I was disappointed that they did not come with a code.
I’ve also had experiences where I was promised a digital code in-store and did not get one.
In my case, I got this collector’s edition of Ambulance in 4K UHD in the store at Best Buy and got screwed out of a digital code.
You can see on the labeling it says you get a code but I received nothing.
However, I also purchased a Collectors edition of the Northman in-store (affiliate link) and received the digital code, I will chalk that experience down to good luck.
This does happen sometimes but again 99% of the time you will get a digital code for a movie that is just released.
It’s important to note that not all digital codes are created equal.
Some codes only offer standard definition versions of the movie, while others offer high definition or even 4K versions.
Additionally, some codes are only valid for a limited time and may have expiration dates.
Can You Still Get a Digital Copy if You Didn’t Receive One at First?
If you purchased a Blu-ray or DVD that did not come with a digital code, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to get a digital copy of the movie. The short answer is no, not for free.
However, there is an option to convert your physical disc into a digital copy through a service called “Disc to Digital” from Vudu.
To use this service, you will need to visit Vudu’s website at https://www.vudu.com/in_mobile_disc_to_digital.html and follow the instructions provided.
You will need to create an account with Vudu and pay a fee to convert each disc.
The cost varies depending on the quality of the digital copy you want, with standard definition being less expensive than high definition.
It’s important to note that not all movies are eligible for “Disc to Digital” conversion, so be sure to check the list of eligible movies on Vudu’s website before attempting to convert your disc.
Additionally, this service is only available in the United States, so if you live outside of the US, you may not be able to use it.
Personally, I recommend just buying a digital copy of a library like Movies Anywhere or Vudu. It’s more convenient but will cost more.
Ripping Your Blu-Ray
To obtain a digital copy of your Blu-ray, you need to convert it from physical to digital format. There are several ways to do that.
One way is to rip the Blu-ray to an MP4 file using software like MakeMKV or Handbrake.
Once you have the MP4 file, you can transfer it to a USB drive or stream it to your media player or internet-connected TV.
I believe this is technically illegal and I am not advocating for you to do this. I do know quite a few people who will rip their Blu Rays though.
Redemption and Expiration
After you have obtained a digital copy of your Blu-ray, you need to redeem it.
The redemption process varies depending on the retailer and the movie title.
It is important to note that digital copies of movies have an expiration date.
The expiration date varies depending on the retailer and the movie title.
For example, digital copies redeemed through Vudu have a two-year expiration date, while digital copies redeemed through iTunes, and moviesanywhere typically have no expiration date.
Industry Practices and Tips
In this section, we’ll look at industry practices and tips to help you put yourself in the best position to access digital codes with your Blu-rays.
Studio Policies
When it comes to digital copies, the policies of movie studios vary. Some studios, like Fox and Sony, include a digital copy with most of their Blu-ray releases.
Others, like Warner Bros. and Paramount, offer digital copies only with select titles. Lionsgate, on the other hand, offers digital copies for most of its releases, but not all.
Warner Bros by far has the worst record when it comes to digital codes.
I don’t even bother with them. I’ve heard several instances where people had digital codes for movies and lost access to them in their libraries.
Also in my experience almost all the warner bros Blu-rays I have come with expired codes.
Deals and Offers
If you’re looking to purchase a Blu-ray with a digital copy, keep an eye out for deals and offers.
Black Friday deals, for example, often include Blu-rays with digital copies.
Some retailers may also offer bundles that include both a physical movie and a digital copy at a discounted price.
Expert Advice
If you want to ensure that a Blu-ray comes with a digital copy before you make a purchase, there are a few things you can do.
First, check the packaging for any mentions of a digital copy.
Second, look for a sticker on the front of the packaging that indicates the inclusion of a digital copy.
Finally, you can check online reviews or forums to see if others have confirmed the inclusion of a digital copy.
