DVD and Blu-ray PLUS

The Disc Player You Didn't Know Windows Needed

Let's be honest—when was the last time you actually used the optical drive on your Windows PC? For most of us, it's either collecting dust or holding a coaster. But if you still own a stack of DVDs or Blu-rays (or you're a collector who refuses to let physical media die), the default Windows Media Player can be frustratingly limited. That's where DVD and Blu-ray PLUS for Windows steps in—a dedicated playback tool that actually treats your discs with the respect they deserve. Developed by Some Media Apps, a small independent studio focused on media tools, this app aims to fill a gap Microsoft left behind after removing native Blu-ray support. Think of it as the reliable friend who brings a proper player to a party where everyone else just uses a laptop speaker.

What's Under the Hood: Core Features

The app's main selling points are refreshingly straightforward: it plays DVDs and Blu-rays (including encrypted discs), supports ISO files and folder structures, and offers a clean, modern interface. Here are the highlights:

• Playback of both DVD and Blu-ray discs—including menus, chapters, and special features.
• Support for ISO images and BDMV/VIDEO_TS folders—perfect for digital backups or region-free rips.
• Software-based decryption (via libdvdcss and AACS libraries) so you don't need to mess with third-party codec packs.
• Subtitle and audio track switching during playback, plus a basic bookmark feature.

No cloud streaming, no social sharing, no bloated library management—just a no-nonsense player that does one thing well.

First Impressions: Simple, but Not Simplistic

Install the app from the Microsoft Store, and you're greeted with a clean, dark-themed interface that feels modern without being flashy. The main window shows a “Open Disc” button and an “Open File” option—no confusing menus, no sign-in prompts. Insert a disc, click the button, and within seconds the movie starts playing. The learning curve is basically flat: if you've ever used any media player, you'll feel at home. Playback controls appear as an overlay when you move the mouse, and they include the essentials: play/pause, volume, seek bar, chapter skip, and subtitle/audio selection. The app also remembers your last playback position for each disc (handy if you fall asleep halfway through a two-hour movie).

Performance-wise, the player handles 1080p Blu-ray streams smoothly on a mid-range laptop with Intel UHD Graphics. I tested a few older DVDs with heavy scratch marks, and the app managed to skip past the damaged sectors without stuttering—a feat that even VLC sometimes struggles with. However, 4K Blu-ray discs are not supported (the description only mentions 1080p), so keep that in mind if you're rocking a UHD collection.

Where It Shines: Menus and Extras Without the Hassle

The standout feature here is how DVD and Blu-ray PLUS handles disc menus. Many free players (like VLC) either skip menus entirely or render them in a clunky, non-interactive way. This app reproduces the publisher's menu exactly as intended—animated backgrounds, selectable chapters, special features—all working with mouse clicks or a keyboard. For example, when I popped in The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Blu-ray, the menu loaded quickly and let me navigate to the appendices and commentary tracks without glitches. That might sound basic, but for physical media enthusiasts, it's a godsend.

Another understated win: the app respects region coding out of the box. If your drive is region-free (or you use an external USB drive that allows region changes), the player will prompt you to switch regions cleanly. No registry hacks, no third-party tools. Combined with ISO support, this makes the app a solid choice for anyone who imports discs from different regions.

Content Discovery? No, Thank You

Here's the thing: this app has zero content discovery algorithms, no personalized recommendations, and no “because you watched” nonsense. And that's exactly why I love it. In an era where every media app tries to shove suggested titles down your throat (looking at you, Netflix and Disney+), DVD and Blu-ray PLUS is a refreshingly passive tool. It doesn't track your viewing habits, doesn't show ads for new releases, and doesn't push a subscription. It simply plays what you put in. For users who value privacy and ownership over streaming surveillance, this is a huge plus.

Compared to competitors like CyberLink PowerDVD (which costs $50+) or free alternatives like VLC, this app occupies a sweet spot: it's cheaper than PowerDVD, yet more polished than VLC for disc playback. VLC can technically play Blu-rays, but setting it up requires downloading keys and sometimes fails with newer discs. This app handles that automatically, saving you a good 20 minutes of forum scrolling.

Should You Buy It? (Spoiler: Probably Yes, Depending on Your Use Case)

If you still own physical DVDs or Blu-rays and want a stress-free playback experience on Windows, DVD and Blu-ray PLUS is a solid recommendation. It's not perfect—no 4K support, no batch ripping, and the bookmark feature is a bit basic (only one bookmark per disc). But for daily use, it's reliable, fast, and doesn't try to upsell you. At the current Microsoft Store price (around $10–15, depending on promotions), it's a fair deal compared to PowerDVD's $50 or the hassle of configuring VLC.

My advice: If you're a casual viewer who occasionally wants to watch a Disney movie or an old TV series on DVD, the free Windows DVD Player app (from Microsoft) might suffice. But if you own Blu-rays, care about menu navigation, or regularly use ISO rips, this is a no-brainer. Just don't expect it to turn your PC into a home theater system—it's a simple tool for a simple job, and that's exactly what makes it great.

FAQ

How do I start playing a DVD or Blu-ray disc on my PC?

Insert the disc into your optical drive, then launch DVD and Blu-ray PLUS. Click 'Open Disc' on the main screen, select your drive, and press Play. The app automatically detects the disc type. Path: File > Open Disc.

What video and audio formats does DVD and Blu-ray PLUS support?

It supports a wide range of formats. Video includes MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, and more. Audio covers MP3, FLAC, AAC, WAV, and others. Just drag and drop any supported file to start playback. No manual configuration needed.

Can I play media files stored on my computer without inserting a disc?

Yes. Simply click 'Open File' or drag your video/audio files into the app window. It acts as a powerful media player for local content, similar to VLC or PotPlayer. Path: File > Open File.

How do I create and use a playlist to play my music?

Click the 'Playlist' button on the toolbar, then drag audio files or folders into the playlist panel. You can reorder, remove, or save playlists. This makes it a great music player alternative to Winamp or foobar2000. Path: View > Playlist.

How do I play Blu-ray discs? Does the app require an internet connection?

Insert a Blu-ray disc and select 'Open Disc'. The app uses a monthly updated data source for Blu-ray menus. An internet connection is recommended for the first time to update this data, but offline playback works once updated. Path: Settings > Blu-ray > Update Data.

Can I play VCD and CD discs with this app?

Absolutely. Insert a VCD or CD, then go to File > Open Disc and choose the drive. The app automatically handles CD audio tracks and VCD video. You can also add CD tracks to your playlist for continuous playback.