One of the benefits that is fairly new is for Blu-Ray discs to have the ability to let you watch in 3D if you have a 3D TV and glasses. A DVD won't do that.
If you're getting a Blu-Ray player I would suggest going with the one that is easiest to update the firmware and has multiple functions. That is the PS3. You can play both DVD and Blu-Ray discs where as a standard player will only usually allow Blu-Ray. You can also play thousands of video games on it too. It's the best deal.
Also lets say you have a copy of Rise of the Planet of The Apes for example. Because the Blu-Ray player is connected to the Internet it can read what movie you have an added any new content or special features to it that were not out when you bought it.
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