Rant: Blu-Ray or Not Blu-Ray

That is the question, isn't it? Disney has put all their resources behind Blu-Ray, either assuming that consumers wanted a new format or, as it seems, attempting to make them think they do.

So, why have I resisted all sales tactics? Let's look at the benefits of Blu-Ray, as listed in Disney's own brochure.

Unsurpassed Capacity

Each disc holds five times more information than a standard DVD. This sounds wonderful at first glance. As someone who actually watches and enjoys bonus features, I ought to call this a plus. But consider the facts. What DVD has ever been sold filled to capacity? I've got discs in my library, Disney-made, of course, with nothing on them but the movie. No, not even a menu screen. Zip.

Increased capacity is a bogus perk; factual, but misleading. Yes, the discs have more space. No, we will not guarantee that we will fill that space, any more than we filled it on our DVDs.

But, you say, Disney is loading Blu-Rays with bonus features. And all their recent DVD releases are as bare of extras as a naked mole rat. This is an artificial improvement. When early Blu-Ray sales tanked, the bonus features began to mysteriously drop off newly-released DVDs. If we can't make Blu-Ray desireable enough, let's make the alternative worse, and Blu-Ray can't help but shine by comparison.

Advanced Durability

Blu-Ray discs have a new scratch-resistant coating. This is a true benefit, and highly desirable. But I have to ask myself: can't the same coating be applied to DVDs? Isn't this another case of making DVDs inferior on purpose to try to force consumers to switch? Maybe not, but it certainly seems that way.

Next Generation Interactivity

This feature gives viewers the ability to access the menus and bonus features while the movie is playing, via the old picture-in-a-picture schtick. No. No. Just...no. I don't need an excuse for somebody to shrink Sleeping Beauty down to postcard-size while they look at a different screen. No.

To be fair, under this same category would fall the new menu that makes it way easier to find a particular scene with a slide bar, as opposed to choosing one of twenty or so scenes and hoping to hit the right one.

That's one for their side.

Enhanced Picture and Sound

Always a plus. You can't argue against a better picture. Of course, if your TV is only so-so, you can't enjoy these options to the fullest. And then there are the folks who prefer to watch on a portable device. How many of those minute details can you see on a 1" screen?

Complete Compatibility

The Blu-Ray players play all standard DVDs. When a Blu-Ray disc plays on my standard desktop computer, then call me. We'll talk.

The above are the "improvements" listed by Disney, to which I will add a few of my own.

Increased Price

Blu-Rays aren't too much more money, but they are more, so it must be considered by all of us working stiffs.

Lack of Availability

Not only are there hundreds of movies and TV series not available on Blu-Ray, but many are released every day, even by Disney, on DVD only. So the new format and new player would still only be used and/or needed for a tiny fraction of my library.

And finally, I mustn't forget that I only switched to DVD in 2001. That may seem like a long time to some of you younger readers, but consider that I still own and watch VHS videos. I enjoy them on my combo player, gradually replacing them with DVDs as the opportunity presents itself relatively cheaply. Disney sometimes forgets that not all their fans are wealthy.

For the time being, I'll stay with DVD. And, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to skip Blu-Ray entirely for the next new format. Whatever that will be.