Physical media seems to be having a bit of a moment.
Partly coming off the back of Sony's controversial decision to announce an all-digital future for PlayStation games, there's been a resurgence in support for the good old optical disc from gamers, movie fans and the general public alike.
We've already extolled the virtues of physical media several times, but to show our support further, we've rounded up some of the best 4K Blu-ray players that our dedicated home cinema experts recommend, as well as some of our favourite 4K Blu-rays, whether that's for testing TVs and sound systems or just to enjoy a good film.
All of the 4K Blu-ray players have been tried and tested by our home cinema reviews team, and have earned the full five-stars and our expert recommendation. Be aware that the prices for several of these models have increased since we reviewed them – as has a lot of tech over the last few years – but they still remain highly recommended.
We no longer review 4K Blu-rays, but several of the selection below make regular appearances in our test room. Let us know in the comments if you have any 4K Blu-rays you recommend!
The Sony UBP-X700K is our mid-range 4K Blu-ray player pick, offering a subtler, more lifelike 4K picture than even some of its more expensive rivals. Detail and colours are excellent too – we just wish the sound was a tad punchier.
If you can stretch your budget a little further, our favourite 4K Blu-ray player overall is the Panasonic DP-UB820. It delivers on multiple fronts, including support for all major HDR formats, a hugely immersive and impactful picture and a strong audio performance.
But if you've really got the money to treat yourself, then the Panasonic DP-UB9000 is the best high-end option. It's a focused, high-performance home cinema powerhouse for the enthusiasts out there, offering an entertaining and attention-grabbing image that will make you sit up and take notice. Soundtracks too are delivered with plenty of weight and power if you have a surround system that can make the most of its talents.
When it comes to the 4K Blu-rays themselves, there's more than a few testing regulars on there. Blade Runner 2049 is rather infamous among the hallowed halls of What Hi-Fi?, with chapter two being a go-to scene for testing bass for several years now. Pan is another review favourite thanks to its mastering at an atypically high 4000 nits, while Sinners is a more recent test room staple thanks to the iconic scene where Preacher Boy Sammie plays the blues.
MORE:
The very best films to showcase Dolby Vision performance
22 of the best film scenes to test Dolby Atmos
And the best TVs for all budgets
