Formats and region codes
What are the differences between DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K formats?
- DVDs offer standard definition (SD) quality and work in any DVD or Blu-ray player.
- Blu-rays provide high definition (HD) quality, giving sharper images and better audio, and require a Blu-ray player, but they can't be played on a standard DVD player.
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays deliver ultra-high definition (UHD) with enhanced colours and sound. To fully enjoy these features, you'll need a 4K Blu-ray player and a compatible 4K TV. These discs cannot be played on regular Blu-ray players.
What are region codes?
Region codes are used to control the distribution and playback of DVDs and Blu-rays across different areas. A disc from one region may not play on a player from another region, so it’s important to verify compatibility. You can find this information in the product details on our website.
DVD Region Codes:
- Region 1: United States, Canada, Bermuda, U.S. territories
- Region 2: Europe, Japan, Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, Greenland
- Region 3: Southeast Asia, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau
- Region 4: Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
- Region 5: Russia, Eastern Europe, India, most of Africa, North Korea, Mongolia
- Region 6: China
- Region 0 or All: Region-free, can be played worldwide
Blu-ray Region Codes:
- Region A: The Americas (North, Central, and South America), Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia
- Region B: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand
- Region C: Asia (except for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia)
Region codes are used to control the distribution and playback of DVDs and Blu-rays in different areas. Discs with a specific region code are generally compatible only with players set to that region or with region-free players. The BFI Shop sells DVDs and Blu-rays that are compatible with players in the UK and Europe (Region 2 for DVDs and Region B for Blu-rays). Be sure to check your player’s compatibility before purchasing.