Entertainment

Blu-Ray was the refuge of collectors for a while, but what does the future hold for it?

Published

6 months ago

September 23, 2025

Anyone who happens to be a HD video enthusiast is likely aware of the impact that the Blu-Ray has had upon the digital community. Introduced to the public in 2006, and representing the purported successor of the DVD franchise, Blu-Ray soon took the digital community by storm.

However, this short-lived glory was not to last. Several issues began to emerge; notably high costs, and questionable definition improvements when compared to HD-DVD formats. The good news is that Blu-Ray discs still enjoy a fair amount of popularity among enthusiasts, and the future is far from certain. Let’s see what the coming years may have in store.

Hurdles to overcome

Technology has come a long way since 2006, and a quick analogy can help to provide this point. Imagine that you are hoping to play the latest online slingo games. You will likely search for qualities such as high-definition graphics, software compatibility with all major operating systems, and a variety of customisation options. In terms of entertainment, these same parameters equally apply to Blu-Ray.

The problem is that while developers initially claimed that the Blu-Ray system vastly outperformed DVDs in terms of UHD images, most users saw only a negligible difference. This is why it was also difficult to justify a relatively high price tag.

Competition also played a pivotal role. Any new type of technology introduced to the public tends to face a fair amount of blowback from existing corporations. This was particularly the case with Blu-Ray, as DVD manufacturers began to wonder if their livelihoods would soon be placed in jeopardy. The end result was a price war, and one that did not favour Blu-Ray. Due to issues such as a limited customer base, and relatively meagre initial interest, competing against the major players was hardly a realistic prospect. In other words, the cards seemed to be stacked against Blu-Ray at an early stage.

While these are important observations, another significant “nail in the coffin” involves a migration away from physical media. Consumers are increasingly turning to downloadable files, streaming video formats, and cloud-based storage solutions. This has left many wondering if Blu-Ray is destined for the rubbish heap. Thankfully, a light may still exist at the end of the (digital) tunnel.

All about the niche audience

There are several reasons why Blu-Ray technology is predicted to remain popular in certain demographics. For example, many articles note the benefits of owning physical media; particularly in relation to fluid issues such as the changing end-user licence agreements often associated with streaming content. Others feel that Blu-Ray hardware will appeal to those who find it difficult to keep up with the latest online trends. Simply place the disc in the reader, close the aperture, and press play.

Furthermore, cinephiles still claim that Blu-Ray offers distinct advantages (such as the ability to seamlessly view 3D content). Considering the fact that a significant number of devices continue to support the Blu-Ray format, it is clear that these laser-powered discs will not simply disappear overnight. If anything, they are likely to become even more sought after by niche audiences who have grown accustomed to their functionality.

A sign of the times

Although Blu-Ray may have fallen short of the mark from a long-term perspective, this should not be equated to an outright failure. Similar to other past technologies such as records, and 8-track cassette tapes, video aficionados will continue to have a soft place in their hearts for the Blu-Ray system. Might we ever witness a full-blown comeback? Only time will tell.

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

Published

1 hour ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

***Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story***

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

Published

3 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

5 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.