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Blu-ray may be the newer format, but new DVDs are still being released pretty consistently. If you're trying to decide which format to buy, it really comes down to whether you want to get HD resolution or not. DVDs are only able to offer up to 480p, which is usually similar quality to what you get from streaming. Blu-ray discs have more space on the actual disc and can offer up high-definition playback.
Video Quality Comparison
| Format | Video Quality |
|---|---|
| DVD | 480p (Standard) |
| Blu-ray | 1080p (HD) |
| Ultra HD Blu-ray | 2160p (4K) |
Playback considerations
Because Blu-rays have the advantage of more storage capacity, you'll be able play movies and TV shows in glorious HD. You'll need to make sure you have a Blu-ray player that can actually play those discs, however. If you currently only have DVD player, you will not be able to actually play Blu-ray discs. Most Blu-ray players are backwards compatible with DVDs, but not the other way around. You'll also need to make sure you have TV that can handle HD or 4K resolution to take full advantage.
Audio Quality Comparison
Thanks to expanded storage options, Blu-ray discs have the capacity for higher quality audio options than DVDs. For movies and TV shows, this can mean the addition of formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Dolby TrueHD to the experience. The reality is that Blu-ray discs will give you more detailed sound than DVD audio, which doesn't necessarily make anything sound better if you don't have the equipment to utilize those upgrades. Where Blu-ray as a format really shines is in its capabilities in surround sound, which requires a good home theater setup to access.