Subscription streaming remains the primary way audiences consume films and television, yet new figures suggest there is still demand for premium physical formats.

Data released by the Digital Entertainment Group and reported by FlatpanelsHD shows that 4K Blu-ray sales in the United States increased by 12 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year. The growth stands out against the broader physical media market, which continues to contract overall.

Total spending on DVDs, standard Blu-rays and 4K Blu-rays reached the equivalent of A$1.33 billion in 2025, representing a decline of 9.3 per cent year on year. While that reflects an ongoing downward trend, the rate of decline has slowed. Optical disc sales had previously fallen by 23.4 per cent between 2023 and 2024, meaning the latest drop is less severe by comparison.

The uplift in 4K Blu-ray purchases has helped cushion the overall decrease in disc revenue, indicating that a segment of consumers still values the higher picture and audio quality offered by the format.

Streaming, however, continues to expand rapidly. Combined spending on subscription streaming services rose 19.8 per cent in 2025, reaching approximately A$88 billion. According to the DEG, this accounted for more than 92 per cent of total US consumer spending on home entertainment.

Despite the dominance of digital platforms, the resilience of 4K Blu-ray suggests that physical media retains a niche among enthusiasts seeking maximum audiovisual performance, even as the number of new players and disc releases becomes more limited.