ComradeVark

Perhaps my wording is not quite right in my post: I'm not arguing that all BD releases include special features, but that it isn't a fault of the format. BDs absolutely have other perks. Most BDs, even TV shows, have the DVD special features copied over. If the BD release doesn't have them, then yes, imo it's probably not worth it.

This has been done to streaming versions, but thankfully it's generally not possible with discs. The blu-rays you buy are pressed, not burned. They are read-only. Changes are only possible with re-releases, and this has happened. For example, the Criterion edition of Miller's Crossing is a different cut from what you would have seen in the theater, though they don't make that very clear.

I'm not sure what you mean about producing blu-ray discs - do you mean pressing the same kinds of discs movies come on? Sony isn't the only one, there are many, though the number is constantly shrinking. Blu-ray IS digital storage. It's easy to back up discs to hard disks. Going the other way, anyone can burn a BD-R, but of course that isn't quite the same as replication. But I don't think it really matters. In most cases keeping copies on hard disks and doing digital distribution is the better solution.

Encoding has improved massively, but just because it's possible to compress a movie to shit so that it's a 3GB file doesn't mean you should. Film is an art form, after all. Maybe a film is better on VHS, maybe it's better in 80GB 4K so you can still see the film grain - either way the presentation quality matters.

You're right. It could be much better, but I also think you've got some confusion/lack of information on some of these issues. If for nothing else than to alleviate some of your suffering, let me explain.

• ads: these are exceptions, not the rule. most discs do not have ads, fortunately. I'm curious what Blu-Ray you've seen ads on (Disney again?) - I don't think I've ever encountered a BD with ads.
• players: Improvements in disc technology meant improvements to the players were also needed. Not much that could have been done there. Blu-Ray players are backwards compatible with DVD. Any thrift shop in a moderately sized city is going to have a whole shelf of players. There's no reason not to buy a BD player over DVD at the prices they go for. 4K players are a little more difficult, but once in a while refurb/used models can be had for good prices. It should last - it's unlikely we're going to see another new physical format. It's surprising that we even got triple-layer BD-100 discs for 4K.
• region-locking: Yeah this sucks, but it can be bypassed. It's possible to buy region-free DVD/BD/4K players. Some labels have region-free discs, but they are an exception. ALL 4K DISCS should be region-free, it's one of the licensing requirements.
• special features: You're wrong. Blu-Rays have lots of special features. If the DVD had them, the Blu-Ray version certainly does. Most of the ones that don't are not worth caring for. Streaming services sometimes have behind-the-scenes documentaries, but not the same extras discs have.

Torrenting is a great way to go, but as you seem to know, the physical copies are where most digital copies come from. Physical copies are better source material than anything streaming, and BD are better sources than almost any other (sometimes color timing or other nit-picky things can be better on DVD/VHS/LaserDisc editions). BD has support for higher video resolutions, lossless audio, more subtitle formats, more and multiple aspect ratios, and other smaller features. Some of these might not matter to you, some should. If you've only seen a pan&scan copy of your favorite movie and not the original aspect ratio, you're missing out.

I’ve tried a few different scripts and manual installation, and imo the best solution for modding is to use mo2 through steamtinkerlaunch

It's possible you could find and buy the same one. Don't they export a lot of clothing through China? I suppose it could imported, in which case it's still possible.

They make great zomboid mods but mostly I just have fun whispering "filibuster rhymes" to myself in various silly voices

I knew that I had seen one of these before, but I couldn't find it! Decided just to whip up my own. This one is obviously way more detailed than I could do with 10 minutes of The GIMP.

Will it run doom? We don't care. Will it run hexbear?

As others have said, you're not the first to feel this way. I logged on yesterday for the first time in several months after thinking the same and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of activity. I've had mixed feelings about federation but feel like it paid off, though I mostly keep my feed to 'local'. Hell, 2024 might even be the year I finally make a post.

i am about to gain 27 pounds