I’m in a very similar boat. I’ve been telling my husband gently that almost nobody in my family makes it to 70…

I’ve had no problems compressing Blu Ray MKVs into MP4s with handbrake (using MX Linux). My drive is a branded, internal one (I want to say LG or Asus.) I am at work right now, by I can look at the model number when I get home if you want. Interestingly, I have actually used it on both German Blu Rays and North American ones.

What it would do in case of an accident? May I refer you to the documentary, Final Destination 2?

They’re free, you know? I have 6. Well, one of those is actually paid.