For some girls, seeing a movie in the theater is a thrilling treat. For others, the experience is much better at home on their flat screen, and they anxiously await the release of the newest blockbuster on DVD. The day it is released, a trip to Target or Best Buy is inevitable while the sight of the flick on a display near the door is welcome. Only one problem now: Blu-ray or DVD?

Since their official launch in 2006, Blu-ray discs have been vying to take the place of the standard DVD. Though still behind in the number of titles released, Blu-ray discs and players have become increasingly more common in homes across the country. Experts compare this showdown to the VHS vs. DVD debacle that consumed the early 2000s.

Supporters of Blu-ray cite the superior image resolution, high definition audio quality, and increased bonus features as reasons to buy the discs, but critics emphasize the increased cost, the slower loading times, the limited title selection, and the inability to play Blu-ray discs on anything other than a Blu-ray player as reasons to purchase DVDS. Blu-ray/DVD combo packs are an easy middle ground, but there is still an increased cost from a regular DVD.

Sophomore Katherine Bresson’s family has a Blu-ray player and buy Blu-ray/DVD combo packs, but she doesn’t see much of a difference in quality.

“People think, ‘Oh my gosh this is going to have surround sound or amazing deleted scenes that other DVDs don’t have.’ Not really,” Bresson said.

Though advances in technology may allow for a decrease in the costs of Blu-ray and an increase in availability, some still remain skeptical about the supposed improvement of the Blu-ray disc.

“Advertisements just tell you to buy Blu-ray to make more money,” junior Miranda Barkho said. “It’s just another way to sell stuff.”