When testing TVs, soundbars and projectors, my favorite source is 4K Blu-ray. Because while 4K streaming can offer good picture and sound quality, 4K Blu-ray offers even better quality thanks to the higher bit rate (128 Mbps compared to the streaming average of 20 Mbps) and uncompressed audio tracks.
During my time at TechRadar testing the best TVs, I had a few regular 4K units that I still use as a reference. Earlier this year I wrote about four excellent devices I’d recommend for judging your TV’s picture, and while I’d still recommend them (and still use some), it’s good to brush things up every now and then.
In November 2024 we launched a monthly column called Blu-ray Bounty, where we look at the latest 4K discs of the month (based on their UK release date) and how they can be used to test your home theater system. During this time, I discovered new devices that were perfect for different test areas, such as: Inaccurate.
A year is a long time and since then I’ve tested many more devices, some of which are included in my test series, not only for TVs, but also for the best soundbars and the best projectors. Here are five of my top tips.
1. The sound of music
An iconic musical starring Julie Andrews, The sound of music Amazing look and sound on 4K Blu-ray. I first tested this disc on the October 2025 Bounty Blu-ray and found it to be a great disc for audio testing thanks to its Dolby Atmos soundtrack with classical tracks like… my favorite things AND make me again showcases Andrew’s crystal clear voice.
But it’s not just the sound that makes this 4K Blu-ray shine. The level of detail is dramatically improved with 4K restoration and textures look sharper than ever. The colors are also vibrant and extremely powerful: in a market scene where Maria and the children are standing in front of a fruit stand, the yellow and red colors of the fruit seem to explode off the screen. The sound of music It has now become one of my favorite discs to test the color reproduction of a TV.
2. Edward Schaarhands
One of the many collaborations between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, Edward Schaarhands was first released on 4K Blu-ray in 2025 and I reviewed it for the November 2025 Bounty Blu-ray. Although the film contains some very dark scenes with a gothic feel, it’s the colors that make this 4K disc stand out.
The suburb where Edward’s family lives is a mix of vibrant, even garish colors. The houses are yellow, orange, green, pink – all incredibly bright, just as Burton intended. This 4K restoration is perfect for showing how a screen can handle an extreme color palette. On some of the best OLED TVs I tested this year, like the LG C5, the colors on this unit were amazing. Otherwise, blacks are rich and contrast is strong in night scenes, and details are refined.
3. The mask
One of the films that made Jim Carrey a superstar in the mid-1990s: the mask is a fast-paced comedy that not only looks great, but sounds great on 4K Blu-ray. I first reviewed it for the November 2025 Bounty Blu-ray and it was one of the standout releases that month.
As expected, given the cartoon character of the protagonist, this is another film with excellent colors. The bright yellow suit and green mask draw attention throughout the film without being overpowering. The night scenes also provide a good balance between the dark backgrounds and the mask’s bright costume.
Mask’s cartoonish antics often create chaotic sound effects, like a tornado or a ticking bomb, and with the right system he can sound incredible. This is a great CD to demonstrate Atmos, which I discovered while playing with our Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar, which accurately reproduces room sound.
4. Masters and Commanders: The Other Side of the World
Peter Weir’s ocean epic starring Russell Crowe was first released on 4K Blu-ray this year and I reviewed it for Bounty Blu-ray in September 2025. Masters and Commanders: The Other Side of the World It’s a visual and sonic delight and an excellent CD to get you started with home theater systems.
The disc’s stunning Dolby Atmos soundtrack accurately recreates the film’s naval battles, adding authenticity to sounds like the sound of a cannonball piercing the ship’s hull. The many explosions have a powerful bass and even in the quietest moments the creaking of the deck floorboards gives a real sense of height. It’s a truly immersive experience and a perfect demonstration of the capabilities of Atmos.
Master and Commander It is also a beautiful film. There are many high-contrast night shots, such as the dark surroundings of the ship’s hull contrasting with the individual lights. The textures are refined and the colors appear strong despite being used sparingly.
5. The Rocky horror movie show
A cult musical comedy starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, The Rocky Horror Picture Show First debuted on 4K Blu-ray in 2025. I talked about it in the October 2025 Bounty Blu-ray and it’s another film that benefited from the 4K treatment.
Naturally, the newly mastered Dolby Atmos soundtrack is included. horror rock is displayed. The instruments sound powerful, the bass is powerful and the vocals are clear and precise. In titles such as cute shemaleYou can hear every labored breath of Frank-N-Furter, even amidst the noisy glam rock background. While bits like jumped through timeYou can even feel the subtle movements of the dancers as their shoes scrape the floor.
horror rock gets a major visual upgrade on this CD. The colors are vibrant, the red of Furter’s lipstick and the velvet drapery in the lab add a royal touch. The dazzling clothes of characters like Colombia are bright and rich, and the textures are clear. As for the film’s grain, viewers needn’t worry: even though the film’s original elements have been cleaned up, there’s still enough grain left to make the film seem authentic. When I open a disc to judge its color or sound, horror rock is at the top.