That makes sense.
OK, maybe I overstretched this being an evil and deliberate plan, but there still must have been a business plan for such future, when 4k releases would happen.
They're still going to use the same transfer, same file basically, just compress it less for a UHD disc.
We had Blu-rays with transfers done for DVDs in the beginning of 2000's, just as we had DVDs with Laserdisc transfers, so time doesn't matter.
What's disappointing, is Arrow uses all the same art and packaging. If they want to sell their releases well, they'd do better by following FilmArena and MantaLab, etc, examples, and ask for approval of new designs, at least, as they're basically selling the same thing. Practically all recent 4k releases of '4k mastered' BDs look extremely close, with minor differences noticeable only if you're comparing discs directly a meter (4 feet) away from a 75" screen.
The difference between Blu-ray and UHD is not the same upgrade in quality that you had from DVD to Blu-ray
This why a lot of people have not upgraded their existing Blu-ray collection to UHD
1) Price of UHD discs
2) Blu-ray picture and sound already looks good
Extras most are on Blu-ray discs but that slowly changing to be on UHD discs
The biggest difference is there has been a huge transition to digital purchase of films to stream on 4K Tv's and other devices in past 5 years and continues to increase.
There is also lot of streaming services available to watch films and TV content some are free or subscription based.
Sales of physical media DVD/Blu-ray/UHD is less than digital purchases and you don't have any issues with storing and maintaining a physical media collection.
Digital purchase and streaming services lot cheaper than purchasing Blu-ray or UHD discs
This also why DVD still outsells Blu-ray they are lot cheaper
There is lot of homes now that have 4K tv's and continues to increase
There is lot of 4K content to stream on 4K tvs so the need to purchase 4K uhd discs for most consumers not required
4K UHD discs is a niche market and is why market share is tiny
Physical media will still be available a good while but the reality is viewing habits on how this content is used has changed
Why has prices of UHD discs remained high is there is not enough unit disc sales to lower the prices as price is based on unit cost per disc
Film Distributors are not going to press 100,000 UHD discs if they can't sell that amount
10 to 20 years time there will be very few consumers purchasing films on physical media format when a click of a remote you can stream on multiple devices
You will also see films be in cinemas and to stream on TVs same time increase over the next few years
You will never see UHD discs sales reach what DVD and Blu-ray achieved before streaming arrived as a method to view content.
If you not aware Arrow have a subscription streaming service which includes lot of their new releases and extras also included.
Great way to see if you like the content before purchasing physical media on Blu-ray or UHD or purchasing a digital edition
The Art of Cult
www.arrow-player.com
Subscription available in UK/USA and some other countries
If not available in your country a vpn can be used to sign up for streaming subscription
Content available between UK and USA varies
If you have a vpn that not an issue
Note
The Sleeper Must Awaken: Making Dune" 2021 documentary that was not on the Arrow Video UHD and Blu-ray releases is available to stream on Arrow Player
Just seems really lazy to me.
