Are the Blu-Rays Worth It?

Are any of the Blu-Rays worth their value because of the commentaries, bonus features, etc? Like many nowadays, I try to shy away from physical media. Yet, I would really like access to that extra content. Does anyone know if these special features are available on a digital format?

 

Speaking about TOS, you can get the entire series on Blu-Ray for less than 50 bucks. You get the behind the scenes 8mm footage shot by Billy Blackburn plus a bunch of other stuff. For me, it's a fantastic deal and the series never looked better.

 

I’d say they are absolutely worth it.

 

The Blu-rays also have the original visual effects, I believe only the CGI effects are available on the streaming services. The original effects are also cleaned up and look better than ever.

 

I agree with others. It is absolutely worth it.
If you want to see the show in high definition without the "remastered" CGI stuff, blu-ray is the only way to go as far as I know.

Kor

 

Are they worth the money? A little perspective might help:

In 1989, it would have cost about $944 to buy the whole series of TOS on VHS cassettes. Adjusted for inflation, that's about $2000 in today's money. Practically no special features. And you'd have to build shelves for this gigantic set that ate your bedroom.

Today, for about $50, you get the whole series at 1080p HD resolution, in one little box, and the special features are very significant. Expressed in constant dollars, you'll be getting a 97.5 percent discount off the 1989 price. Seems worth it to me.

 

Yes. You don't want to be the only person without Trek when the streaming fad finally ends. The internet is going to be going through some major changes in the not to distant future and you need to secure your entertainment as best as you can and that is physical media. Also saying this makes me feel very old for some reason and a need to tell people to buy lifelock even though not even sure what that is. Otherwise listen to what I have said!


Jason

 

Speaking as someone who bought the individual TNG Blu-rays as they were released (before Netflix was available locally), TOS Blu-rays are worth it for the original effects, otherwise not really if you don’t care that much about bonus features, if your internet connection is fine and you aren’t missing certain content on whatever streaming service(s) you can access.

(Note that you can always buy physical media after particular content has disappeared, yet you still feel like rewatching something; it’s not like Star Trek is likely to go “out of print”.)

 

Yes. Blu-Ray is better.

1. Blu-Ray image quality - meaning: sharpness, color bandwidth, sound clarity, lack of compression artifacting - is higher than HD streaming - even better than 4K streaming, right now.
2. Blu-Rays don't stutter or freeze if bandwidth congestion is high
3. The Blu-Rays get the choice of original f/x and CGI. IMHO, the CGI sell the scenes better in 90% of the episodes despite being (for the time) cheaper looking CGI, but that's up to individual taste. Like Soylent Green.
4. Streaming providers do not always renew, or even have any,m licenses for the shows you do rewatch
5. What ultimately costs less:

a. Blu-Ray player, TV, discs
b. Bandwidth internet connection, device that routes signal to TV (or SmartTV that does it built-in), x streaming services to cover all possible shows you want to stream​

After a while, in some cases in a smaller while, it's far cheaper to buy. Especially for older titles whose prices have dropped

Blu-Ray media isn't without its issues (e.g. kids scratching discs, player door malfunction, takes up space, etc)

That said, I can't dig at streaming too much - I do like it for shows I don't want to collect, or see once or twice. It's more convenient. One or two services at $9 each or whatever isn't that bad, but in the end it's all a balance between each format's pros and cons. And if your HDTV is small (30" or less) you're less likely going to see the flaws inherent in streaming. And one day streaming will likely have all those issues sorted out.

Sorry for coming in late so some of these summarized points are likely duplicates. Pretend I said them first. (I just looked up the thread, so no - don't pretend I said them first! )

 

I think you all have convinced me. Thank you

 

Yes, you can get them pretty cheap now. I don't find them particularly strong on features, but I like the ability to switch between the remastered and original effects.

 

I've never seen the upgrade to Blu-Ray as that much better myself! My old portable TV upstairs gives the majority of my DVDs a beautiful picture, especially my Trek discs! The original series ones anyway! The TNG/DS9 sets lack the great colour and picture resolution I've found! Other sets I've got also have a marvellous image so far as well!
JB

 

On a large HD TV, the difference is quite noticeable.

Kor

 

They are stunning on my 65" 4K HDR TV. The DVD's look like ass.

 

You're probably right but I've always preferred a portable TV set to a large one for those exact reasons!
JB

 

Watching TOS on my TV is like going to the movie theater.

 

To be honest I wouldn't want that type of picture for my viewing! I know a guy who has an enormous TV screen built onto his wall and it can neutralize the pixelation effect you get with the larger display or so he says but I prefer the portable TV set!
JB

 

I find a big screen to be a more immersive experience.

Kor

 

Clamshell DVDs make me happy. A sharper picture will not make me a happier human. Plus the rerecorded themes are the pits and anger me every. Single. Time.

I do like the darker look and greener tunics, but they have those on streaming if I'm too lazy to get up and load a dvd.

 

The TOS blu rays were absolutely worth it. I love them. My favorite is to spot the stunt double in all of the Kirk fight scenes. A must buy.