If you're looking at BlueRay I suggest getting a Sony PS3. Up until a week ago they were the same price as a stand alone player, plus you get a gaming machine and you can stream media from your networked PC's.
Stand alone players just had a price drop, but I think the PS3 still is rated as one of the best, partly because it's firmware upgradeable. Meaning it can get updates to play any new spec that my come out.

I have one and would recommend to anybody considering a player near the same price. It also upscales most standard DVD's very well.

Side note, I've burned many DVD's and the player that has been the most compatible is my $25 player I bought almost 4yrs. ago and still working great. You can find them at all you local big box electronic stores.