Various movie streaming services offer a wide array of content, but many consumers still prefer owning 4K Blu-rays for their favorite films. With changing libraries and subscription costs, having physical copies can provide more reliability. Currently, a selection of popular films and box sets are available at significant discounts, with many titles priced under $20. These reductions coincide with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, a two-day sales event that concludes tonight at 3 AM ET / 12 AM PT.
To take advantage of these offers, consumers will need a 4K Blu-ray player. While the disc drives of gaming consoles like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 can play some 4K Blu-rays, a dedicated player is recommended for optimal performance. This is due to issues such as lack of Dolby Vision support in consoles and reports of loud disc drives from users. Among options on the market, Panasonic’s UB820-K is often considered the top-tier 4K Blu-ray player under $500, featuring a full range of capabilities. Alternatively, the slightly lower-cost Panasonic UB420-K, priced at $299.99, may be a viable option, though it does not include Dolby Vision support, which significantly impacts the price.
This situation raises questions about the value of physical media versus streaming services, and whether the investments in dedicated equipment are justified by the enhanced viewing experience.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/787694/amazon-october-prime-day-4k-bluray-uhd-movie-deal-sale-2025