Blu-ray is a fantastic format. It allows film fans to finally see how wonderfully detailed and colorful their favorite movies can be. However, not all discs are created equal, and we’re here to let you know which ones are worth the asking price.

Note that we are picky when it comes to these things. Our scores may be multiple points lower than others as we dissect multiple factors such as compression, transfer methodology, and the source materials used. We respect filmmaker intent, and try to judge based on that criteria. However, if it becomes a burden to the overall viewing experience, the film suffers enough that it has to be taken into consideration. It is a fine line that’s difficult to cross, and one that can be addressed within the context of the review itself. 3D criteria is based entirely on the wow factor unless a 3D version carries a unique master.

DoBlu’s focus is always concentrated on reviews, but the site also covers home media, entertainment, and equipment news on our weekly Seen in HD podcast, links for which are either posted on DoBlu weekly, or at The Digital Media Zone.

Speak Your Mind

We welcome any and all criticisms. DoBlu.com is here to get things right. The last thing we want is for anyone to purchase a disc and find out we missed something.

We are not saying you’ll agree with our movie reviews, but the video and audio review should be a perfect representation of what occurs on-screen (or comes through your speakers). While the final score may not be debatable, if you feel that we missed anything (i.e., artifacting, video noise, etc.), let us know in the comments. Please, be constructive. Let us know where and when you spotted these flaws. We’re more than happy to take a second look and correct if needed. If you are confused over the terminology, feel free to ask and we can help guide you.

Also, if you’d like to see something reviewed not available in our archives, let us know and we’ll do our best to get it done. We would love to cover everything, but that’s not always possible with such a small staff doing this in our free time.

Disclaimer

DoBlu.com provides honest reviews on Blu-ray discs. That’s our goal as an informative source, and we take our honesty seriously. From time to time we receive review copies of Blu-ray movies. In an effort to bring the latest disc information to our readers we accept these movies, but it has no editorial impact on the review. We look at these discs no differently than if we had paid to purchase the film out of our own pocket. We openly and honestly provide reviews staked on the integrity of the site. This disclosure provides insight into our process which will remain an open and honest dialogue with our readers.

Equipment

Reviews are conducted on the following equipment:

Matt Paprocki:

After 1/25/13:
Calibrated Panasonic VIERA TC-P55ST50 Plasma (6′ viewing distance)
Onkyo TX-NR709 Receiver
Panasonic DMP-BDT220 (3D Movies only)
Klipsch Quintet III Series Speakers
Yamaha YST-SW012 8″ Subwoofer
60GB PlayStation 3

Prior to 1/25/13:
Calibrated Toshiba Regza RV530U 46′ LCD TV (5′ viewing distance)
Yamaha 7.1 RX-V863 Receiver
Klipsch Quintet III Series Speakers
Klipsch Synergy 10′ Subwoofer
60GB PlayStation 3

Christopher Zabel:

Calibrated Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60″ KURO Plasma (6′ viewing distance)
Pioneer Elite SC-27 A/V Receiver
Swan D2.1se Series Speakers for all five channels
HSU VTF-3 MK3 Subwoofer
160GB PS3

Scoring

While we would prefer the words to stand on their own, the ways of the internet dictate scoring systems be utilized. As such, DoBlu uses a simple 5-star rating system that does not use half stars. Using halves turns a simple five-point system into a 10-point system. Ask yourself if there is a significant difference between a three and four on a 10-point scale. Now ask yourself if there is a significant difference between a three and a four on a five point scale. We hope the difference is clear.

We want DoBlu to be a guide. Making small half-point decisions helps no one. Our scores should help you make a purchasing decision clearly without saying, “Well, maybe the video/audio is okay.” That is simply not good enough, and a five-point scoring system makes sure of that.

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