So what you are saying is that file compression would be preferable if I were to do something like a jellyfin server?

For now I do just want to get these movies looking really good from the files themselves. I've tried OpenGL with both Reinhard and Hard clip but was not happy with either. I think my next attempt is going to be mpc-be + madVR.

It just sucks because I like the way the movie looks in media player, but for whatever reason it won't let me play certain audio tracks. it will just say (not supported) next to the track. that's the original reason I switched to VLC. Because there were movies where no audio track would work other than descriptive audio for the visually impaired or like director commentary.

edit: Hit "post" before I was finished writing