Katarzyna Petru
In times when streaming is growing at a double-digit rate, few expected that 4K discs would still show strength. And yet they do. The latest report from the Digital Entertainment Group indicates that UHD Blu-ray recorded a noticeable increase in sales in 2025, breaking a several-year downward trend.
UHD Blu-ray +12%. Niche, but stable
According to data published by the Digital Entertainment Group, consumer spending on UHD Blu-ray increased by 12% year on year. Interestingly, this occurred despite the lack of major theatrical 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. In comparison, between 2023 and 2024, sales of discs fell by 23.4%, marking the first time it dropped below a billion dollars. This year's result suggests that the market may be stabilising as a premium collector's segment.
Digital purchases still larger, but also under pressure
Although 4K discs are increasing, consumers continue to prefer purchasing films online. Spending on digital purchases (EST) on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon or Fandango amounted to $2.2 billion, representing a decrease of 3.3%. Digital rentals (VOD) generated $1.6 billion, marking a decline of 4.7%. According to DEG, a key issue was the weaker offering of cinema premieres at the end of the year. New cinema 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. In 2025, the streaming market in the USA reached a value of $57.5 billion, compared to $48 billion the previous year. This illustrates the scale of the advantage of subscriptions over physical and digital unit purchases.
UHD Blu-ray unexpectedly returns to growth. A 12 per cent increase in sales shows that among cinephiles and collectors, there is still a demand for the highest quality of image and sound. Although streaming remains the dominant format, 4K discs may hold their ground as a stable, premium niche.
Source: flatpanelshd.com
