I’ve bought movies years ago that say they’re in HD or 4K but because I purchased them so long ago they’re not available as HD or 4K when I try to stream them. I don’t see an option to go from the standard version to the HD version anywhere on my Apple TV. Am I missing something? I thought maybe I only purchased the standard versions but I don’t see an option to upgrade any of them either.
I thought maybe I only purchased the standard versions but I don’t see an option to upgrade any of them either.
If you purchased the SD version, then you wouldn’t have access to the HD or 4K version. The SD version was probably differently priced way back when (now not always).
As purchased titles can’t normally be purchased again, you would need assistance from Apple Support to re-buy a title in a different resolution.
Possibly “SD” is listed for SD movie purchases in your purchase history?
View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support
Else the Apple Support staff should be able to verify that for you.
If you did purchase the HD version, and you are not getting (at least) that now, then also please contact the Apple Support staff about that.
I thought maybe I only purchased the standard versions but I don’t see an option to upgrade any of them either.
If you purchased the SD version, then you wouldn’t have access to the HD or 4K version. The SD version was probably differently priced way back when (now not always).
As purchased titles can’t normally be purchased again, you would need assistance from Apple Support to re-buy a title in a different resolution.
Possibly “SD” is listed for SD movie purchases in your purchase history?
View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support
Else the Apple Support staff should be able to verify that for you.
If you did purchase the HD version, and you are not getting (at least) that now, then also please contact the Apple Support staff about that.
It will have the badge if it is in HD or 4K, if there is nothing listed it's usually indicative of SD.
From what I remember early Blu-Rays, that had digital copies, would be in SD, and I have come across some digital codes that have only redeemed an SD version. As above, you would need to contact Apple support so you can get assistance to repurchase the titles in HD or 4K as available, any HD title purchased that later transitions into 4K will be upgraded automatically.
The movie itself would be available in 4K, but the version you redeemed was in SD and that is the version that will reside in your library. Only titles that are redeemed in HD are eligible for the upgrade.
From my experience many digital codes from that time period were only for the SD version.
I know Apple reps have done it for users, if the rep you spoke to said no I would escalate it.
When I go to the details of the movie on my Apple TV it says 4K. But I just got off the phone with Apple Support and I was told that they have no control over how it was redeemed. They can’t take it off my account so I could repurchase them and they’re only available on my account as standard versions. So if I wanted to stream them I’ll have to find them on a different streaming app. I actually redeemed them on VUDU years ago also and they’re at least a little more clear on there. I just wanted them from the Apple Store because movies from there seem to stream the clearest. Either that or I can go back to the original blu rays. Some of these movies have the dvd, blu rays, and 3D blu rays. These are from around 2010 to around 2013 I believe.
From what I have seen, redeemed disc codes for a streaming copy would most often match resolution for the physical product: SD for DVD, HD for Blu-ray, 4K for Blu-ray 4K.
Redeem digital copies of DVDs or Blu-rays in the Apple TV app - Apple Support
Thank you for the reply. From the look of it I’m not seeing anything saying that it’s standard or HD. I’m thinking these might have been the videos that came free with the blu rays I bought years ago. I’m not sure if they’ll let me get the HD version of them or not in this case.
These were all blu rays that had digital versions. I just assumed that they’d be updated over the years since when I go to the movie details it says 4K. But when I hit play they go straight to the standard editions. These are movies such as Despicable Me, Brave, Rango, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, etc.
Older Movies I Bought Aren’t HD
