Haven’t Watched All That Many Blu-Ray Movies
Last year, an indulgent Christmas present to myself was a cheap-ass Blu-Ray player that cost a little more than my WTH price of $100. At that price, I am willing to take a chance on a new technology, feeling that if it doesn’t work out, I’m not out that much money.
But so far, this cheap-ass Blu-Ray player isn’t pulling $100 worth of weight. I’ve had it over a month, and so far, only watched a whopping two Blu-Ray movies on it (Iron Man and Adventureland).
Yes, it was nice seeing Robert Downey Jr.‘s facial hair and Kristen Stewart sulk drearily in HD detail, but still — just two movies.
One reason is my preferred DVD distribution method of Netflix. Many titles aren’t yet available on Blu-Ray, and those that are, more likely have “Very Long Wait” for the Blu-Ray version vs. immediate availability for DVD.
Second is the availability of HD content via other means — namely the Apple TV or the Netflix box. On one hand we have “Very Long Wait” for Blu-Ray Inglourious Basterds via Netflix or rent it in HD, right now, via the Apple TV, for $4.99. Not having to wait a month may likely be worth five bucks here. The Netflix box also has some HD content, particularly television shows.
I know there are some hairs to be split regarding the not-really-HD content from Apple and Roku (720p I believe) vs. Blu-Ray, but frankly, the difference is negligible to my eyes and certainly not worth waiting weeks (or trekking to a video rental store, which I can’t recall the last time I set foot in) vs. enjoying a flick right now.
So distribution over the Internet is doing pretty darned well as far as I’m concerned, and becoming my preferred method of watching movies and television shows. It’s all Apple TV for rentals and media bridge, Hulu on the Mac Mini, and Netflix Watch Instantly. Getting discs by mail just isn’t as convenient next to these options. Using a disc for media distribution is dying if not dead, and I’ve become skeptical that Blu-Ray will truly catch on, and if so, it will definitely be the last disc format anybody bothers with. I for certain am not purchasing any Blu-Ray discs proper.
Perhaps I can repurpose this technological wonder into a black, remote controlled cat bed warmer and get some of my money back?
Hey, at least you didn’t buy an HD DVD player!
That being said, for disc based viewing, I mostly watch Blu-Ray at this point. I agree that the format has limited appeal though. And were it not a secondary feature of the PS3, it’s doubtful I would’ve purchased a stand-alone player. Large screen HDTVs and projection systems likely see the most benefit, of course.
Speaking of DVD and Blu-Ray annoyances this image really sums it up: http://i.imgur.com/GxzeV.jpg
Why oh why must I have to fast forward through 10 minutes of dreck to even get to the annoying DVD/Bluray menu?!?!
Yeah… those load times on the Blu-Ray discs certainly try the patience. I
guess it depends on which player and model you have, but out of the two
discs I’ve seen, it definitely felt longer than DVD.
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