the difference in quality between 4K Blu-ray and streaming is sufficient justification to make the switch. While it’s possible to stream 4K content through platforms such as Netflix or Prime Video, some quality diminishes during the transmission. This occurs due to “bitrate,” which refers to the volume of data transmitted each second. The top streaming services typically reach an average 4K video bitrate under 27 Mbps. Moreover, data compression is often necessary, which further compromises image and audio fidelity. In contrast, the finest 4K Blu-ray discs can handle data rates of 144 Mbps, allowing for lossless quality by eliminating the need for compression.
Quality isn’t even the primary concern. What film enthusiasts prioritize most is the preservation of media. In January 2026 alone, more than 100 films and TV series vanished from Netflix as a result of license expirations. Owning physical copies is the sole assurance that you will consistently have access to the movies in your collection whenever you desire.