Entertainment

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

Published

2 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

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.