Q: I’m in the market for a mid-priced 4K Blu-ray player, do you have any recommendations? I just got the new Criterion Collection “Sorcerer” and a few others in 4K.
A: I commend you for supporting 4K Blu-ray and physical media. If you love movies and television, the only way to be 100% certain you will be able to watch your favorite content, and watch it in its original form, is by buying it on disc. Streaming services and digital vendors can and do “retire” things you have “purchased.” (I have been burned buying iPad games this way.) Broadcasters and streaming services also will alter or edit original content.
I also commend your taste in acquiring Criterion Collection discs. Criterion (criterion.com) is legendary among cinephiles. In the future I will highlight other such publishers, which offer a treasure trove of films of all genres.
But, back to your question about a 4K Blu-ray player. Players range from under $200 to over $3,500, and Panasonic is considered the industry standard. If you are on a budget, get the $249.99 Panasonic DP-UB420. It occasionally can be found on sale for $199.99.
Next on the scale is the $499.99 Panasonic DP-UB820. While the price is midrange, the video performance is absolutely top shelf. It shares the same video circuitry as the flagship Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K. Not only will it deliver an impeccable picture from your 4K Blu-ray discs, the Hollywood-grade video processing will make your regular Blu-rays and DVDs look the very best they can, too. I have not seen any promotions for the DP-UB820 lately, but if you can get one for less than $499.99 it is a bargain.
Next up is the previously mentioned Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K, listed for $1,099.99. It takes the same outstanding video circuitry, adds better analog audio performance and puts it in a stylish, luxurious-feeling and heavy-duty chassis. The disc drive is quieter, as well. When I go to trade shows and companies are demonstrating their projectors and speakers with 4K Blu-ray, this player is the one I most commonly see. (shop.panasonic.com)
I have received many questions about Magnetar Universal Disc Players, especially from fans of Oppo players, which were discontinued in 2018. Magnetar is the other 4K Blu-ray player I see used at trade shows. I tested the Magnetar UDP800 ($1,599.99) and it is an excellent high-end choice, especially for those looking for a premium option that can play Super Audio CD, a feature not found on Panasonics. Magnetar players can play DVDs, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and video formats from USB drives.
If you miss Oppo, you can buy a Magnetar and feel like the universe corrected itself. It is beautifully made and packaged, everything operates smoothly and quietly, the picture and audio quality are outstanding, the display is easy to read, the remote is very full-featured and menus are exceptionally detailed and easy to navigate.
