Blu-Ray Movies
Thanks to their advanced interaction features and high quality audio and video, Blu-Ray movies have become the go to for those who are looking to get the most out of their cinematic experiences. Gone are the days of relying on standard definition. Standard definition DVDs do not provide the viewer with the same level of satisfaction.
That is because they are unable to provide the storage capacity to satisfy the needs of a high definition viewer. Blu-Ray discs come with the necessary storage capacity (50 GB) and allow for easier playback. The recording and rewriting processes are also made simple. All of the high definition resolutions are taken care of.
Video Formats Supported
SMPTE VC-1: Standard issue for all Microsoft Windows Media Video.
MPEG-4 AVC: This also stands for H.264. It is part of the standard for MPEG-4.
MPEG-2: Used for HDTV and DVD playback, MPEG-2 is enhanced for high definition.
Audio
Lossless audio and high definition formats are supported by Blu-Ray. Movie studios decide on individual codecs.
Audio Formats Supported
DTS-HD: Functions as a DTS extension, offering eight audio channels and increased bitrates.
DTS Digital Surround: This is the DVD format used.
Dolby TrueHD: Functions as a MLP Lossless extension, also offering eight audio channels.
Dolby Digital Plus: Also known as DD+, offers 7.1-channel surround sound and increased bitrates.
Dolby Digital: Also known as DD, this is the AC3 DVD format.
Linear PCM: Eight channels of uncompressed audio are offered.
Extras
Outstanding audio/video quality is a given. With extra storage capacity, there is lots of space for added content and special features. Menus and graphics are also brought to a whole new level. Menu systems can be brought up as an overlay without having to stop the movie.
For example, a director of the movie can explain how a scene was shot while its playing in the background. Networking features are combined with enhanced interactivity, allowing content producers to support various features such as updated web content and live broadcasts.
Regions
Many Blu-ray movies are now region free (roughly 2 out of every 3). For those that are not, here is a guide to the official regions:
Region A: Southeast Asia, America, Japan, Korea
Region B: New Zealand, Europe, Greenland, Middle East, Australia, Africa
Region C: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, south and central Asia, China, Russia, Nepal