I remember a time, not too long ago, when Friday night meant a trip to the video store, the thrill of browsing aisles of physical media, and bringing home a movie. In today’s world of instant streaming, that ritual has faded, but the desire for a high-quality, tangible movie collection has not. We’ve all felt the sting of a favorite show or movie disappearing from a streaming service without warning, or suffered through buffering and compression artifacts during a critical scene. This is where the humble Blu-ray player makes its triumphant stand. It’s a bastion of stability and quality in a fickle digital landscape. The problem is finding a player that masters the essentials—playing discs flawlessly—without unnecessary complexity or a hefty price tag. We were searching for a workhorse, a device dedicated to bringing our physical media library to life on our 1080p screen, which led us directly to the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player, a popular model from 2015 that still finds its way into many home theater setups today.
- 2 Channel Dolby/DTS Decoding
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
What to Consider Before Buying a Blu-ray Player
A Blu-ray player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full, uncompressed audio-visual potential of your film collection. Unlike streaming, which relies on variable internet speeds and data compression, a Blu-ray disc delivers a consistent, high-bitrate stream directly to your television. This means sharper details, richer colors, and lossless audio tracks like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD that simply can’t be replicated over a typical internet connection. It’s about owning your media, creating a permanent library that no company can alter or remove, and experiencing films exactly as the director intended. For cinephiles and collectors, a dedicated player is not an accessory; it’s the heart of the home theater experience.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values physical media, whether they have a sprawling collection of Blu-rays and DVDs or are just starting one. It’s for the person with a 1080p television who wants the best possible picture from their discs without needing to invest in a 4K ecosystem. However, this type of player might not be suitable for those who have fully embraced 4K Ultra HD, as a 1080p-native player cannot reproduce the HDR and wider color gamut of 4K discs. Likewise, if your primary goal is streaming, a dedicated streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or modern smart TV will offer a vastly superior experience with up-to-date apps and faster performance. The Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player carves its niche for the disc-first enthusiast on a budget.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical footprint of any component is critical. Measure your entertainment center shelf space—width, depth, and height—to ensure a proper fit with adequate ventilation. The BD-J5700’s compact, lightweight design (11.4″ x 8.7″ x 1.6″) makes it a versatile fit for tight spaces, a significant advantage over bulkier, older models.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance in a Blu-ray player is defined by video resolution, audio format support, and disc loading speed. This player is locked at a maximum of 1080p, perfect for Full HD TVs. Its support for Dolby Digital and DTS ensures compatibility with most standard surround sound setups, though it lacks support for newer object-based formats like Dolby Atmos.
- Materials & Durability: Build quality often correlates with price. The BD-J5700 features an all-plastic chassis, which keeps it lightweight and affordable. While functional, it lacks the premium feel and rigidity of more expensive players with metal casings. As some users have noted, the disc tray can feel a bit flimsy, so gentle handling is recommended.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good player should be straightforward to operate. This involves an intuitive remote control and a simple on-screen menu. Critically, for “smart” players, long-term viability depends on firmware and app updates. As we discovered, this is a major weak point for older models like this one, impacting any functionality beyond disc playback.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player stands out in several areas, particularly for its core playback mission. You can explore its detailed specifications and see if it fits your setup.
While the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player is an excellent choice for its intended purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimensions: Approx. 9 5/8" W x 1...
- See the unrivalled visual clarity of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
First Impressions of the Samsung BD-J5700: A Compact and Familiar Design
Unboxing the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player feels like a trip back to 2015. The unit is incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 2.4 pounds. Its defining physical characteristic is the subtle curve on the front panel, a design choice meant to complement Samsung’s popular curved televisions from that era. While it looks sleek, the entire chassis is constructed from black plastic with a brushed texture on top. It doesn’t feel premium, but it’s functional and unassuming, easily blending into most media consoles.
Setting it up was a breeze. It’s a simple matter of plugging in the power cord and connecting an HDMI cable (not included) to the TV. The box also contains a compact remote control and batteries. Upon powering it on for the first time, we were greeted by Samsung’s classic, tile-based user interface. It’s clean and easy to navigate for basic functions like playing a disc or accessing settings. Compared to modern, ad-filled smart TV interfaces, its simplicity is almost refreshing. However, its age becomes immediately apparent when you venture into the “smart” features, a topic we’ll explore in depth.
Key Benefits
- Excellent 1080p Blu-ray and DVD playback quality
- Extremely quiet disc drive operation
- Compact, lightweight, and space-saving design
- Seamless integration with Samsung TVs via Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)
Potential Drawbacks
- “Smart” features are obsolete; most streaming apps do not work
- Build quality feels flimsy and plastic-like
- Lacks a front-panel power indicator light
A Deep Dive into the Samsung BD-J5700’s Real-World Performance
A spec sheet only tells half the story. To truly understand a device, you have to live with it. We spent weeks putting the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player through its paces, using it as our primary disc player for movie nights, binge-watching TV show box sets, and testing its peripheral features. We evaluated it not just on what it promised in 2015, but on how it performs in today’s home entertainment environment. Our findings reveal a device that excels at its core mission but falters significantly in its secondary role as a smart media hub.
Blu-ray and DVD Playback: The Core Mission Executed Flawlessly
Let’s be perfectly clear: if you are buying this device to play 1080p Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs, you will be delighted. In its primary role, the BD-J5700 is a star performer. We tested it with a range of Blu-rays, from action-packed blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road to visually stunning animations like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The player delivered a crisp, vibrant, and stable 1080p image every single time. Colors were accurate, motion was smooth, and there was no discernible noise or artifacting introduced by the player’s processing. It simply passed the pristine signal from the disc to our Samsung 1080p TV, which is exactly what a good player should do.
Its DVD upscaling is equally impressive for a player in this class. We watched several standard-definition DVDs, and the BD-J5700 did a commendable job of upconverting the 480p image to 1080p. While it can’t perform miracles—a DVD will never look like a Blu-ray—it produced a cleaner, less blocky image than many older DVD players or even some game consoles. The picture was perfectly watchable and made our older DVD collection feel relevant again. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise, echoed by numerous user testimonials, was the whisper-quiet operation. During playback, the disc drive is virtually silent. We had to put our ear right up to the unit to hear the faintest whirring, a stark contrast to older, louder players that can be distracting during quiet movie scenes. This is a massive quality-of-life feature that can’t be overstated.
The “Smart” Hub: A Glimpse into the Past
Here is where our praise must come to a screeching halt. The “Smart Wi-Fi” branding on the box is, in today’s terms, deeply misleading. While the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player does connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, its smart platform is a relic of a bygone era. The pre-installed apps are from 2015, and for the most part, they have not been updated. This is the single biggest complaint we found among user reviews, and our testing confirmed it entirely.
We attempted to launch major services. Netflix and YouTube, two of the originals, did load, but the interfaces were slow and clunky versions from years ago. More importantly, other key apps that users expect, like Amazon Prime Video, simply do not work. Launching the app resulted in an error message, rendering it useless. This isn’t a defect; it’s a consequence of the product’s age. Samsung and app developers have long since ceased supporting this platform, focusing their resources on newer Tizen OS-based smart TVs and players. To be blunt: do not buy this player for its streaming capabilities. You will be sorely disappointed. It should be treated as a non-smart, “dumb” Blu-ray player. If you need streaming, your smart TV’s built-in apps or an inexpensive, modern streaming stick will provide a vastly superior experience.
Design, Build Quality, and Connectivity
The physical unit is a mixed bag. The curved design is subjective; it looks great next to a matching curved TV but can look slightly out of place in a stack of flat components. Its compact size and light weight are objective positives, making it easy to place anywhere. However, the trade-off is the build quality. The plastic construction feels thin, and the disc tray mechanism, as one user described it, is “plastic-like.” It opens and closes with a slightly noisy, unrefined action that doesn’t inspire confidence in its long-term durability. We also immediately noticed the omission of a power indicator light on the front panel, a curious design choice. It’s impossible to tell if the unit is on or off without looking at the TV screen, which can be a minor but persistent annoyance.
Connectivity is basic but sufficient for its purpose. On the back, you’ll find one HDMI output, one coaxial digital audio output (useful for connecting to older AV receivers that lack HDMI), and an Ethernet port. A single USB 2.0 port is located on the front, which we found quite capable of playing various media files (MKV, AVI, MP4) from a flash drive, a great feature for those with digital movie files. The built-in Wi-Fi connected to our network without issue, though its primary use—powering the defunct smart hub—is now moot. For those seeking a reliable device for physical and local digital media, the connectivity options on the BD-J5700 get the job done.
User Experience and Remote Control
Navigating the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player‘s interface for disc-related tasks is a smooth experience. The main menu is logically laid out, and settings are easy to find and adjust. Disc loading times are respectable for its era; Blu-rays typically loaded to their main menu in under 30 seconds. The included remote control, however, is less impressive. It’s a small, non-backlit remote with buttons that are somewhat cramped and, as one user noted, “not particularly intuitive.” It’s functional, but far from ergonomic.
The saving grace for the user experience, especially for those within the Samsung ecosystem, is Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC). When connected to a compatible TV, this feature allows the TV remote to control the Blu-ray player’s essential functions—power, playback, and menu navigation. In our tests with a Samsung TV, it worked perfectly, allowing us to put the player’s subpar remote back in the box and use one remote for everything. This seamless integration is a significant benefit that simplifies the entire home theater experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broader consensus from long-term users. The feedback is distinctly polarized based on what the buyer expected from the device. Those who purchased it purely for disc playback are generally very happy. One user summed it up perfectly: “I love this blu ray player. It’s very lightweight but it works wonderfully. Very quiet too, does not make a sound when running, which I like.” This sentiment reflects its core strength as an excellent, no-fuss disc spinner.
Conversely, the negative feedback almost universally centers on the failed promise of its “smart” features. A frustrated owner stated, “Plays DVDs just fine, but when you try and connect to Amazon Prime to stream videos it doesn’t work. Evidently Samsung does not keep the software updated.” Another user reported complete hardware failure, noting it “only boots up to the Samsung logo,” a reminder that budget electronics can have a shorter lifespan. A few others mentioned concerns like the lack of a power light and the Prop 65 chemical warning included in the box, which can be alarming for some consumers.
How Does the Samsung BD-J5700 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player exists in a market with compelling alternatives, especially for those willing to spend a bit more for future-proof features or specialized capabilities. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. Samsung UBD-M8500/ZA 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player
This is the logical next step up within the Samsung family. The UBD-M8500 is a full-fledged 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, designed for modern 4K HDR televisions. It not only plays 4K discs but also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR), offering dramatically better contrast and a wider range of colors than the 1080p-only BD-J5700. It also features a much more modern and functional smart hub with updated, working apps. For anyone with a 4K TV, the UBD-M8500 is unequivocally the better choice, providing a significant leap in visual fidelity that makes the extra investment worthwhile.
2. OREI BP350 Region Free Blu Ray Player
The OREI BP350 targets a very specific and passionate user: the international film collector. Its standout feature is its region-free capability, allowing it to play Blu-ray discs from any region (A, B, or C) and DVDs from any region (0-8) worldwide. The Samsung BD-J5700 is region-locked (typically to Region A for North America). If your collection includes discs imported from the UK, Japan, or Australia, the OREI BP350 is an essential tool that the Samsung simply cannot replace. It prioritizes global disc compatibility over smart features or brand ecosystem integration.
3. LG UBK80 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player
The LG UBK80 is another excellent entry-level 4K player and a direct competitor to Samsung’s 4K offerings. Like the UBD-M8500, it supports 4K resolution and HDR (specifically HDR10), providing a massive picture quality upgrade over the BD-J5700. The UBK80 is often lauded for its simplicity; it’s a bare-bones 4K player that foregoes built-in Wi-Fi and smart apps, focusing solely on being a high-quality disc player. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who already have a great smart TV or streaming device and just need a reliable machine to play their 4K and standard Blu-ray discs.
Our Final Verdict on the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player
After extensive testing, the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player reveals itself to be a product of its time—with all the good and bad that entails. As a dedicated, no-frills machine for playing Blu-ray discs and DVDs on a 1080p TV, it is an outstanding value. It delivers a superb picture, operates in near silence, and offers a simple, clean user experience for its primary task. Its compact size and HDMI-CEC functionality are welcome modern conveniences.
However, you must completely disregard its “smart” capabilities. They are obsolete and non-functional for most key services. Buying this player for streaming would be a mistake. If you approach it as a “dumb” player that happens to have a vestigial Wi-Fi chip, you’ll be judging it on its true merits. We recommend it for users with a 1080p TV who have an existing disc library and need a simple, affordable, and quiet player to enjoy it. It’s a perfect secondary player for a bedroom or for someone who prioritizes physical media over streaming.
If you’ve decided the Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player is the right fit for your disc-playing needs, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API