How I Judge Whether a Blu-ray is Worth Owning
Over the years, I’ve built up a decent collection of DVDs and Blu-rays. Well, Blu Rays mostly these days as I prefer the higher quality sound and picture. Some of them I bought because they were cheap, others because I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. But when I stop and think about it, there are certain boxes a Blu-ray needs to tick before I consider it a must-own. For me, it often comes down to two things: whether it’s an epic or a blockbuster.
For this post, I have chosen two examples of each for balance and because they are all very good. Yes, I have gone back a few years for most of them but that's when movies were truly made great.
The Epic: Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
For the truly epic movies — the kind that deserve a permanent spot in a collection — I don’t usually hesitate. I’ll pay full price on release day, or even pre-order before it’s out. Kingdom of Heaven is the perfect example of an epic and is one that I have watched many times since I bought it. It goes back to a time when they made real films, not the rubbish (for the most part) that has come out since 2020.
On Blu-ray, this film is nothing short of breathtaking. The scope, the detail, the sound, everything about it justifies owning a physical copy. When I play it through my surround sound system, the house literally shakes and even my neighbours must be wondering what's going on. It’s immersive in a way streaming simply can’t match. For me, this is exactly what makes a Blu-ray worth owning: scale, quality, and replay value.
The characters and storyline pull you in immediately, and you find yourself rooting for Balian right from the start. I’d strongly recommend not streaming this one, because so much gets lost in bandwidth and compression. If you want the real experience, it needs to be on your shelf in its original Director’s Cut jewel case.
The Epic: Braveheart (1995)
When it comes to epics, Braveheart stands tall and was one of the first movies of my time to be considered an epic. Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning masterpiece isn’t just about scale, it’s about emotion, character, and storytelling that stays with you long after the credits roll. The sweeping battle sequences, the haunting score by James Horner, and Gibson’s unflinching portrayal of William Wallace make this a film that demands the best presentation possible. On Blu-ray, the cinematography comes alive — from the misty Scottish highlands to the grit of the battlefield. I still remember the first time I upgraded from VHS to DVD; it felt like watching a different film altogether. The Blu-ray experience is a magnified version of that leap, adding sharper detail and richer sound. For me, this is the kind of title that defines why I collect physical media: it’s not just about owning a film, it’s about owning the best possible version of a film that deserves it. Maybe I’ll upgrade to 4K at some point… insert deep sigh emoji.
On a recent rewatch, I even spotted several continuity issues that must have slipped past me before, little details that don’t quite line up from one shot to the next. Have you noticed them too, or was I just paying too much attention this time?
The Blockbuster: Moonfall (2022)
Blockbusters are a slightly different story. I don’t always rush to buy them straight away, price plays more of a role here. Unless it’s something truly unmissable, I’ll usually wait for the cost to come down a bit before adding it to the shelf.
Moonfall is a perfect example, and one of the more recent entries to my collection and my list here. It’s not perfect — the story is completely bonkers — but it’s fun, well-produced, and surprisingly believable for what it is. The Blu-ray release captures all of that chaotic energy with sharp presentation and a thunderous audio mix. When you want a big, loud, switch-your-brain-off kind of night, it absolutely delivers.
It’s the ideal choice for a “beer and movie” night or a “popcorn and junk food” session, whatever your vice. Push the disc in, dim the lights, and let the spectacle take over. Who cares if the storyline doesn’t pass the sniff test? This is what a true popcorn blockbuster should strive to be.
The Blockbuster: 2012 (2009)
Another title on the blockbuster side, this time from way back in 2009. ''2012'' is a great case study. Roland Emmerich went all-in with this disaster epic — collapsing skyscrapers, tsunamis swallowing entire cities, continents tearing apart, and massive arks built to save what’s left of humanity.It’s pure spectacle, and if you’ve got a good surround system, the Blu-ray is an absolute rollercoaster. The visual effects were cutting-edge at the time, and watching California sink into the Pacific in full HD is still jaw-dropping. But the question I always come back to is: does a film like this have replay value?
I’ve watched 2012 a few times already. It’s a fun ride, it doesn’t offer the depth or lasting impact of a film like Braveheart, but it definitely has its own charm. That said, it’s an easy go-to when you just want to sit back and enjoy the chaos. For collectors, this is where judgment comes in: is it a one-and-done spectacle worth a permanent spot on the shelf, or better left to streaming when you’re in the mood for mayhem? For me, it earns its place, not as an all-time great, but as a reliable fallback when I’m stuck for ideas and want something entertaining to revisit every so often.
What Else I Look For
It’s not just about the film itself. A Blu-ray earns its place on my shelf if it has:
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Top-notch picture quality ideally a clean transfer with crystal clear picture.
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A powerful audio mix that makes use of the home cinema setup.
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Extras worth watching — deleted scenes, commentaries, or extended editions.
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Replay value — something I’ll want to revisit more than once.
Do I watch the Extras?
I’ll be honest: I’m not usually pushed about extras. Most of the time I care more about the film itself. The exception is when a movie is based on real history, then I’m hooked.
Kingdom of Heaven is a good example, because while it’s brilliantly made, the film takes liberties with the character of Balian to make him more heroic. In cases like this, I like to see how much of the story matches up to the historical record. Epics frequently gloss over recorded truths for the sake of dramatic effect. Wouldn't it be great if all historical characters were extraordinary human beings rather than simply people of their time?
One Blu-ray where the extras really shine is Glory starring Matthew Broderick. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw left behind a treasure trove of letters, and the filmmakers used them to craft a compelling and fairly honest retelling. The behind-the-scenes material makes the film even more meaningful.
3 Questions I Ask Before Buying a Blu-ray
As a seasoned collector, before I decide if a Blu-ray deserves a place on my shelf, I usually ask myself three simple questions:
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Will I watch this more than once?
If the answer’s no, I’ll save my money and wait for an offer. Streaming is fine for one-off viewings. That is most movies made these days to be honest. -
Does the Blu-ray version add something special?
Better picture, more immersive sound, or worthwhile extras. If it’s basically the same as streaming or DVD quality, I don’t bother. -
Is it worth the price right now?
Epics are worth paying full release-day price and I usually pre order if its a good one. Blockbusters I often wait on, unless it’s one I know I’ll regret missing.
If a film passes all three, it goes straight into my collection.
Do I Impulse Buy?
Absolutely, if the price is right I probably can't walk away from a good deal. My shelves have the odd movie or several odd movies that were ok to watch once but not really good enough to be a keeper.
My Takeaway
So how do I judge whether a Blu-ray is worth owning? Simple:
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Epics: worth buying right away, even at full price, because they’ll stand the test of time.
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Blockbusters: I’ll wait until the price drops, but the best ones still earn a spot in the collection.
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Overall: it’s about more than just the movie itself, it’s the picture, the sound, and the experience that make physical discs worth it.
At the end of the day, I’d rather own a handful of truly memorable Blu-rays that deliver an incredible viewing experience than a shelf full of forgettable filler.
For the ones I bought and regret, I can always sell them on eBid or some other platform.
Thanks for Reading,
David
💬 Feel free to leave a comment below if this post strikes a chord.
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About the Author
I’m David Condon, a movie enthusiast from Tralee, Co. Kerry. I’ve been collecting DVDs and Blu-rays for years, and along the way my shelves have become a mix of favourites, hidden gems, and titles I occasionally decide to resell.
I’m not a professional critic, just someone who enjoys good films, well-made discs, and the odd rant about the quirks of collecting. This blog is where I share my thoughts, reviews, and experiences as a fan.
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