Rakuten TV to upgrade Full HD films to 4K HDR for free

Rakuten TV has announced it will upgrade already-purchased Full HD films to the superior 4K HDR version for free – a policy also adopted by iTunes.

The Rakuten TV app is available on most smart TVs from the major manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and LG. Having launched its 4K HDR service in December, owners of a 4K HDR TV should be able to take advantage of the free upgrade from next month, as well as the rest of the service’s 4K HDR library.

Alongside Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Q and iTunes, Rakuten is one of the most widely available platforms to offer movies in 4K and HDR.

Latest titles include The Florida Project, Despicable Me 2, Life, Jurassic World and Blade Runner 2049, with Ridley Scott’s All The Money In The World coming to the service on 30th April. These titles cost up to £3.50 to rent or £10 to buy.

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Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.