Bitter Blow for Blu-ray Fans: Sony Abandons Support for Legacy Format

Blu-ray: The Last Hoorah
Blu-ray’s Demise: The Impact on Film Archiving and Collecting
Sony’s 18-year run as a major Blu-ray disc producer has come to an end, marking a significant shift in the way we consume and store films. With their last factory scheduled to shut down by February 2025, the Japanese giant has officially decided to stop manufacturing recordable Blu-ray discs.
The move, first reported by Tom’s Hardware, might have significant implications for film archiving and collecting enthusiasts. Recordable Blu-ray discs have long been a staple in the industry for storing and transferring large files. However, Panasonic and Verbatim are among the few companies still producing blank Blu-ray discs.
Silver Linings Ahead
On a more positive note, major movie studios will continue to release their films on Blu-ray, providing a tangible option for movie lovers. However, it’s become increasingly difficult to find retailers stocking physical media formats. Best Buy, for instance, stopped selling all physical media in 2024, with Target set to follow suit in 2025. On the other hand, Walmart and Amazon remain major players in the market.
A Glimpse into the Past: Sony’s Journey with Blu-ray
As we bid farewell to another iconic medium, it’s a good time to reflect on the evolution of digital media and how it has reshaped the way we consume entertainment. While Sony’s departure from the Blu-ray market may signify the end of an era, it also highlights the resilience and adaptability of the industry as a whole.