The only reason this is possible is that we’re using a super great codec called H.265. This uses 50-60% less bitrate compared to the H264 format. If you’re a technical person, you’ll notice the files use a lower bitrate than H264. This is totally normal. We use a CRF of 20-23 (Constant Rate Format) and “slow” settings.
This all means that we’re able to offer 1080P files in much smaller file sizes. Without this codec it just would not be possible.
This codec is supported by nearly every current video player. I suggest VLC Player (it’s free).
For those with older computers that are made before 2010, we don’t suggest H265 files. In our Digital FAQ there is a test clip you can download. Even an Intel Core I3 “budget” CPU has no problems playing them. Even a computer made before 2010 might be able to play them. It’s worth testing it! If the test clip is laggy, slow or “studders” for you, it would be a bad idea perhaps to buy a 1080P video. Sometimes those issues are actually due to an outdated video player though. That once happened when I played 4K videos in Media Player Classic Home Cinema and then switched to VLC Player. Problem solved!
The chance of anyone having issues with them is very low. If there is any problems you can also encode them to another format easily.
1080P files in H264 would be 6-8GB and that’s WAY WAY too huge.
With H.265 it may be possible to even offer 4K resolution videos some day! Most Japanese releases don’t get a 4K release though.