Katarzyna Petru
In times when streaming is growing at a double-digit rate, few expected that 4K discs would still show their strength. And yet, they have. The latest report from the Digital Entertainment Group indicates that UHD Blu-ray recorded a significant increase in sales in 2025, breaking a several-year downward trend.
UHD Blu-ray +12%. Niche, but stable
According to data published by Digital Entertainment Group, consumer spending on UHD Blu-ray has increased by 12% year on year. Interestingly, this occurred despite the lack of major cinema releases in the fourth quarter. The entire market for physical media – DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD Blu-ray – generated $870 million in the USA in 2025. This is a decrease of 9.3% compared to the previous year, but significantly smaller than in previous years. For comparison, between 2023 and 2024, disc sales dropped by 23.4%, falling below one billion dollars for the first time. This year's result suggests that the market may be stabilising as a premium collector segment.
Digital purchases still larger, but under pressure
Although 4K discs are increasing, consumers still prefer to buy movies online. Spending on digital purchases (EST) on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, or Fandango reached $2.2 billion, representing a decrease of 3.3%. Digital rentals (VOD) generated $1.6 billion, noting a decline of 4.7%. According to DEG, a key issue was the weaker offering of theatrical premieres at the end of the year. New theatrical titles historically drive home sales. When they are lacking, the entire transactional segment clearly suffers.
The biggest winner remains subscription streaming. Spending by Americans on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max increased by 19.8% year on year. By 2025, the streaming market in the USA reached a value of $57.5 billion, compared to $48 billion the previous year. This shows the scale of the advantage of subscriptions over physical and digital unit purchases.
UHD Blu-ray unexpectedly returns to growth. 12 per cent sales jump shows that there is still a demand among movie lovers and collectors for the highest quality of picture and sound. Although streaming remains the dominant format, 4K discs can maintain themselves as a stable, premium niche.
Source: flatpanelshd.com
