Blu-ray vs. DVD: Is Blu-ray Worth it?

While waiting in the grocery checkout a couple of years ago, I regarded a small display of movie DVDs, including Annie (2014). For some time, I had been considering purchasing the movie I had so loved in the theater, so I placed it on the conveyor belt.

When I opened the case at home, I found it interesting that it contained both a DVD and Blu-ray version of the film. Curious, I tried out both formats, and I was impressed with how much more rich the Blu-ray experience was. Anyone want a used Annie DVD?

Blu-ray technology uses a shorter blue laser than the red on a DVD, allowing the its disc to store five times more data (25 GB vs. 4.7 GB). Therefore, the Blu-ray image can hold more pixels (1080) than the DVD (480). The Blu-ray disc can also handle Dolby surround sound vs. straight Dolby by the DVD.

For the past few months, I have been partnering with DVD Netflix in its Director program, and recently, we Directors were challenged to try the Blu-ray experience and provide feedback. With a new Blu-ray player, provided by DVD Netflix, I compared the two formats using the movie Jurassic World. The equipment used was an older Visio 47” smart TV, a Visio sound bar, and the new Samsung Blu-ray player, provided by DVD Netflix.

I watched the DVD first, and although its picture and sound were very good, I looked forward to viewing the same movie in Blu-ray. I wasn’t disappointed, and here are some of my observations of the Blu-ray experience regarding clarity, color, and sound watching Jurassic World.

Clarity: On the Blu-ray aerial shots, I noticed individual ripples on the water and individual leaves on the vegetation. In the dense jungle scenes, the rays of light shining through the trees seemed ethereal. In scenes with low light, it was easier to make out the detail. Inside the museum, the hologram dinosaurs had more substance and looked almost three-dimensional. With the “live” dinosaurs, the Blu-ray version revealed fine details of the leathery wrinkles and smooth flesh.

Color: In the DVD viewing, I didn’t notice that on one of the Velociraptors, named Blue, a bright stripe of the associated color ran across his body. Similarly, I hadn’t noticed the ocean being so blue. The amber displays of fossilized resin and in the dinosaur’s eyes warmly received and reflected the light. As for the dinosaurs, as they did what dinosaurs do, the tight shots of jaws and teeth revealed the victims’ rich blood and flesh. The blood spraying past jungle trees seemed jewel-like and spectacular both in color and motion.

Sound: When I was watching the Blu-ray version, I didn’t remember hearing the sound of breaking twigs in the jungle or individual insect sounds in the DVD viewing. The musical score was also more rich and full in the Blu-ray version than in the DVD.

So there you have it: Some reflections on the Blu-ray experience from a long-time movie lover. For this experiment, I upgraded my DVD Netflix plan to Blu-ray, and I don’t think I’ll be switching back any time soon.

Ann Silverthorn

Disclaimer: I am a member of Netflix’s DVD.com Director’s program, which gives me free access to movies. If you sign up with my referral link, I may receive a referral reward.