More Disc Reviews!
I have a dedicated home theater and watch movies almost exclusively on Blu-ray, preferably Ultra HD discs. I enjoy the physical package, the extras, and the superior picture and sound. Nothing beats the experience of Dolby Vision and Dolby
Atmos on a disc that I can pop into my
Oppo UDP-203 player and hear over my
7.2.4 sound system. For that reason, I think you should continue, or, better yet, increase the number of disc reviews in Sound & Vision. I have little interest in devices used for streaming.
James Fitko / San Antonio, TX
I am an older guy, an early adopter, and a decades-long subscriber. I owned the best VCRS back in the day, one of the first CD players, and always bought the latest Sony XBR TV every two years or so. I also had one of the first Laserdisc players and was an immediate DVD format adopter. But the one format that continues to amaze me is Blu-ray disc. Viewed with an aging OPPO player on my last-generation 60-inch Samsung plasma TV, the picture simply rules. I know 4K may help for screen sizes over 70 inches, but nothing otherwise can take the place of a well-mastered Blu-ray disc.
I have been following 4K/ultra HD disc reviews for years, and the one thing that jumps out at me is that newer films shine in the format. But some older films are often simply better represented by a solid Blu-ray pressing from a 4K master. Of course, I understand the color advantages Ultra HD brings. But I also read about the amplification of defects including grain swirl and vintage special effects ( Superman, for example). CGI also seems to present problems in 4K (see Midway or the latest Road Warrior entry).
For me, it makes sense to buy an Ultra HD disc if a Blu-ray version is bundled, but only when it’s a new movie and/or the Blu-ray itself is remastered. Recent examples of
stunning Blu-ray upgrades include the first two Star Wars movies, 2001, and Top Gun. These are four of the best Blu-ray discs I have ever seen. So, keep the 4K reviews coming, but just don’t forget to include a review of the bundled Blu-ray. And please let us know if it is remastered. My next TV will be the latest and best OLED! Sometimes it is better to be late to the party.
Mark King / Pittsburgh, PA